Guillen responds to Jenks' remarks with a few verbal shots of his own

The wish for a "drama-free" year lasted all of nine days for Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen.

Guillen responded Saturday to comments by former closer Bobby Jenks, who wasn't tendered a contract with the White Sox last winter and signed a two-year, $12 million deal to be a setup reliever with the Boston Red Sox.

In an interview with the Chicago Tribune, Jenks was critical of the White Sox front office.

"A lot of the stuff with Ozzie and the front office gets old," Jenks said. "It has been a problem for a long time. It was a problem before last year. It's going to be nice for me to see how things are done here."

Initially attempting to hold back and take the high road, Guillen ended up talking about the situation for more than seven minutes.

"First of all, he can't make any comments about last year because he was never in the clubhouse. He spent more time in his house than he was in the clubhouse," Guillen jabbed. "The only thing I can say is I feel bad for him because I think the way we treated this kid, just the White Sox, myself, our front office people ... we helped him a lot, on the field and off the field."

But Guillen was just getting started.

"It's very sad because he should look at himself in the mirror and all the things he said in the paper to realize what he said. Like I said in January, if there was one player I ever managed, I do more stuff for him than anybody else on the field and off the field."

Guillen was more concerned about what the reaction would be from his Twitter-happy son, Oney.

"I just talked to Oney to make sure he lets that thing go. But if Oney said everything he knows about Bobby Jenks, it wouldn't be a pretty thing," he said. "I respect his wife, I respect his kid. I'm not even mad. I wish I was mad about it because I will rip his throat (out)."

Volquez will skip Reds' spring opener • Pitcher Edinson Volquez will miss the Cincinnati Reds' spring training opener because of visa problems.

Volquez was scheduled to start Sunday against the Cleveland Indians. He was scratched because he doesn't yet have his work visa. Volquez is in the United States on a travel visa.

Manager Dusty Baker has already picked Volquez as his opening-day starter. Volquez can continue to work out but can't pitch in a game until he gets his work visa.

Orioles' Roberts practices after 3-day hiatus • Baltimore Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts has returned to the practice field after missing three consecutive days with a stiff neck.

Roberts received an ultrasound treatment on his neck Saturday after participating in the team's annual photo day. He then suited up and practiced for the first time since Tuesday.

Roberts had to get the approval of the athletic training staff before returning to the field. He said Friday that it would require a "group effort" to determine whether he could work out.

Normally a stiff neck in February isn't a matter of concern, but Roberts played in only 59 games last season because of a variety of injuries, including a herniated disk in his back and a concussion.

Roberts probably won't play when Baltimore opens its exhibition schedule Monday against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Bradenton, Fla.

Wang to make spring debut for Nationals on Friday • Pitcher Chien-Ming Wang will make his spring training debut Friday at the Washington Nationals' minor-league complex.

He will throw one or two innings in a game at the team's accelerated minor-league camp.

Wang did not pitch in 2010 while he recovered from surgery in July 2009 that repaired a torn shoulder capsule.

He threw live batting practice Saturday and looked much stronger than when he first showed up for workouts. He even broke the bat of second baseman Danny Espinosa during the 10-minute throwing session.

"Today, I feel very good," Wang said. "Everything was smooth. Each time, (I feel) better and better."

Nationals manager Jim Riggleman said the team is being "ultra-conservative" with Wang's rehabilitation.

Cuddyer unsure of spring training debut • Minnesota Twins outfielder Michael Cuddyer says he is unsure of when he'll play in a spring training game because of a painful wart on his left foot.

Cuddyer says he was getting some cream on Saturday to treat the wart. He twice had it frozen off, but both times it was ineffective. Cutting it out is not an option because it would take at least two months to return to play.

In the meantime, Cuddyer will take batting practice and do some fielding work, but avoid running the bases.

The Twins open their spring training schedule Sunday night against Boston.

Royals' Barrera gets good news after MRI • Kansas City Royals righthander Henry Barrera received positive news after an MRI of his aching elbow and should be able to resume throwing in two to three weeks.

The hard-throwing rookie, who missed most of the past two seasons after having Tommy John surgery in 2009, walked off the mound Friday with pain in his elbow after facing only one batter in an intrasquad game.

Barrera said Saturday the MRI revealed a bruise on the back of his elbow and a strained right flexor tendon, but no structural damage.

Andrus, five others agree to contracts with Rangers • Shortstop Elvis Andrus is among six players who have agreed to terms on 2011 contracts with the Texas Rangers.

Andrus, an All-Star last season after being runner-up for AL rookie of the year in 2009, got a $452,180 contract for this season.

The Rangers also reached deals with utility infielder Andres Blanco ($520,000), outfielder Craig Gentry ($416,000) and righthanders Omar Beltre ($415,000), Eric Hurley ($415,000) and Alexi Ogando ($430,150).