Several times last night, I heard Hawk Harrelson go to the well for this phrase last night: "and we're catching the ball better."  With Omar Vizquel now manning third, the White Sox defense has been a lot better which has contributed mightily to their winning five of their last six and seven of their last nine.  All that may be about to change.

Last night, the White Sox, in what many would consider a surprising move,  designated infielder Jayson Nix for assignment and recalled Dayan Viciedo from Charlotte.  The Cuban Sandwich hit .288 with 13 home runs and 31 RBIs In 61 games in Charlotte this season.  On the down side, he strikes out more than a middle aged guy in a singles bar and he has a tendency to play third like his hands and feet are encased in cement. Nix, who shares a similar third base style with the Sandwich was hitting .162.  Nix on the other hand is a fairly good second baseman.

So, let's examine this move closely.  Kenny Williams is shaking up the roster in the middle of a winning streak.  That's odd.  Secondly, he's bringing up a player not "adding a piece" as he likes to say.  Surely, there is someone out there that Kenny could have brought in with some major league experience to help the Sox during this push.  And make no mistake, the Sox are in the middle of a push.  The Sox are currently three games below .500 and only 6½ games behind the Twinkies.

There is nothing simple with Kenny, so one has to wonder what the ulterior motive is.  Some theories:

1. He is showing the Sandwich off to future suitors as he has a deal in mind. (Not likely)
2. The Sandwich has been discussed as a possible first baseman of the future.  Does Kenny have a buyer for Paulie? (Not Likely)
3. The Sandwich has more offensive potential than Nix.  Given that third base defense between the two of them is a wash, why not have a little more pop around? (Highly Likely)
4. This sets up the Sandwich goes to third and Vizquel goes to second scenario while the Savior gets either more rest or a trip to Charlotte to regain his stroke.  Given that Beckham has hit a little better lately, this scenerio is unlikely as is any regarding the Cuban Missile at shortstop. 
5. Kenny is getting ready to unload a right handed bat (like Andruw Jones or dare I say Q.) (Somewhat Likely)
6. This is the big get even with Ozzie (Very Unlikely)

My personal opinion is that this move is coming a little too early for my comfort.  Then again, if Kenny's intent is to move Paulie in July, calling the sandwich up now will provide him with a much needed transition to the show.

I'm hoping that this push is the tip of the iceberg and the Sox will somehow crawl back into the race.  They have thirteen more meetings with the Twinkies left and with their starting pitching finally firing on four and a half cylinders, the Sox are making a definite statement.  And before you give me the "whoo hoo, they beat the freakin' Pirates" argument, ask the Cubs and Brewers how much fun they've had playing Pittsburgh this year.

I'm a little nervous about this move, but I trust Kenny to do the right thing.  Of course, that's all I can do.