The White Sox manager mentioned numerous times during Spring Training how he didn't necessarily want a speed guy at the top of his order, but instead desired any sort of leadoff hitter who consistently could get on base. So, the fact that the White Sox had an American League-low one stolen base entering Wednesday's road contest against the Orioles didn't fly in the face of Guillen's aggressive style.

"We don't have the type of ballclub that's going to steal 100 bases," Guillen said. "As long as we run the bases well, as long as we stay aggressive on the basepaths ...

"I'd rather have people on base, have 100 people on base than have 100 guys stealing bases. I think the on-base percentage is pretty important."

Orlando Cabrera had the first stolen base for the White Sox, coming in the first inning of the season opener in Cleveland. Both Jermaine Dye and Nick Swisher were picked off, which technically count as caught stealing, by Oakland starter Greg Smith on Monday.

Yet, Guillen's desire for better on-base percentage as a team has manifested itself in a .345 total, which ranks them fourth in the AL. It's a far cry from last year's dismal .318 showing, leaving them as the worst in the game.

Jerry Owens' right adductor tear took away the White Sox primary speed threat to begin the 2008 campaign. The addition of players such as Cabrera and Nick Swisher didn't exactly do much to help that team speed, but they certainly have been on base numerous times for the potent middle hitters.

A stolen base isn't needed when a double or home run scores two or three runs at a time.

"You have to adjust with what you have," Guillen said. "If you don't have that speed, make sure you run the bases right. In the American League, it's hard to have a team that can run.

"Maybe there are two teams that really push it, the Minnesota Twins and Tampa Bay Rays, and a little bit the California Angels. I think it's more important to have people on base when the big guys come up."