Chipshots has learned that the entire Chicago White Sox team, including manager Ozzie Guillen, his coaches and all the players have been reassigned to AA Birmingham effective immediately.  White Sox General manager Kenny Williams made the announcement Friday Night following the Sox 4-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

"We and most of baseball view the Pirates as a solid AAA team" said Williams.  When our varsity can't beat an AAA team, it's time to bring up a new varsity."  Williams did not see the move as permanent, rather as a way to rebuild the confidence in the struggling former world champs. "There are some things we need to work out at the minor league level.  Obviously, tonight was a test and when I saw we couldn't complete at AAA, I felt Birmingham and the Southern League was the best option.  I think we can have a .500 team down there."

The White Sox players, although a bit stunned by the announcement, took it in stride.  "We understand completely" said Sox captain Paul Konerko.  "We didn't do our job and now we'll go down to AA ball and try to get a few wins down there."

Manager Ozzie Guillen also looked forward to the break from the major leagues saying "If this team has to ride a bus everyday for the rest of the year, then my coaches and I will make sure they do that."

Williams said a new team will be ready to go tomorrow night.  "I've got some of our former players on speed dial and I still can pick it in center, so we'll be ready."