CHICAGO -- In each of the first four games of the 2007 season, Ozzie Guillen has employed his starting pitcher and four pitchers out of the bullpen.

During those same four games, Brian Anderson had knocked out one double in his lone at-bat and made one additional appearance as a pinch-runner. With those two scenarios converging, it would seem to make sense for the White Sox to eventually go with an extra reliever as opposed to a young, seldom-used position player who could start every day for Triple-A Charlotte.

But Ozzie Guillen told MLB.com on Sunday the plan remains to stick with Anderson at the Major League level and give him a start in the upcoming Oakland series, possibly Wednesday -- a day game after a night game -- against left-handed starter Joe Kennedy. Guillen does not want Anderson playing out his job security on a day-to-day basis.

"I was in that situation he's in right now," said Guillen of Anderson on Sunday. "Like yesterday, if Javy [Vazquez doesn't] pitch good, he might be thinking, 'They have to bring another guy to the bullpen.' I don't want this kid living that life because I did, and that's not a good feeling.

"It really depends on what I need. Right now, it is what it is. With the more games we play, the more opportunities he will have. We have so many days off early in the season, every backup player, it's hard to get them in the lineup."

When Guillen announced that Anderson had made the team during the last week of Spring Training, he pointed out a personal desire to have Anderson playing on a more regular basis in the Minors. But Anderson remains the best pure defensive outfielder on the White Sox roster and does provide an option to give starting center fielder Darin Erstad a break from time to time.

Anderson also is a realist. He watched Erstad reach base eight times in the first four games and understands that there's no reason to sit down the most consistent hitter in the White Sox lineup. Then again, in Anderson's mind, the only battle to be fought is against the opposing pitcher.

"I just have to show patience, because I'm not competing with anyone on the team," Anderson said. "I have to go out and play and take advantage of any opportunity. Don't stress out and try to do too much when I get my chance.

"Obviously, [Erstad] is healthy and swinging it good. I would almost be surprised with him not being in the lineup, and I don't see why they would make immediate changes. I'm just going with the flow right now, and hopefully I'll get a lot more at-bats and get on a roll by midseason."

Opening Day 2007 was a vastly different experience from Anderson's season opener as a rookie in 2006. Anderson stood out as a prodigy last year, a first-round pick who had been successful offensively and defensively at every previous Minor League stop. He supported that lofty reputation with two hits against the Indians in the season's first game.

As far as the game with Cleveland from this past Monday, Anderson was a bit of an after-thought. He doubled off Joe Borowski as a pinch-hitter in the ninth and pinch-ran for Paul Konerko in Game 2. To Anderson's credit, he recognized this limited role coming into the season and has continued to work hard with hitting coach Greg Walker prior to each game.

"The thing that encourages me about Brian is, first of all, he's very confident and comfortable with himself right now, and his swing has turned into a pretty simple swing," said Walker of Anderson. "With that said, it's hard for anyone, no matter how good you are or how solid your swing is, to sit for long, especially in this weather.

"That's the job he won, so let's see how he does. I'm not going to say he can't do it because I haven't seen him yet. His pregame work is really good, so we'll wait and see how it plays out."

Guillen mentioned a plan to find starts for bench players such as Rob Mackowiak and Alex Cintron during the six-game trip to Oakland and Cleveland, as well as for Anderson. But it would be Anderson who is the prime candidate to be moved from the active roster if relievers such as Charlie Haeger or Boone Logan become a better option.

For now, Guillen seems satisfied to stay with the 25 players he has. Anderson, meanwhile, remains ready for the day when his role might increase.

"This is all just a learning experience," Anderson added. "I'm more relaxed, more prepared and have a better feel for the game this year.

"Actually, I feel great right now. It's weird because I've only had one at-bat, but even before, I felt awesome at the plate."