WHITE SOX HEADLINES of JUNE 12, 2017 “Pelfrey

WHITE SOX HEADLINES OF JUNE 12, 2017 “Pelfrey tabbed to open 4-game set with O's” … Matthew Martell, MLB.com “Skill unquestioned, Quintana aims to improve” … Scott Merkin, MLB.com “White Sox manage mini-rally, fall flat in finale” … Jordan Bastian and Scott Merkin, MLB.com “In My Words: Father's Day special to Jones” … Nate Jones, Special to MLB.com “Why White Sox Starting Rotation Could Soon Get Huge Boost” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “Back in the Big Leagues: Emergency Bullpen Catcher Chris O'dowd's 2nd MLB Experience is More Authentic” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “Jose Quintana, White Sox Lose to Indians, Drop Fourth Straight Series” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “Big rehab start today for Carlos Rodon” … Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune “White Sox looking to continue recent draft success” … Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune “White Sox fall 4-2 to Indians to end brutal road trip” … Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune “White Sox hope to wash 2-7 trip out of system during cameo homestand” … Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune “White Sox scouting director 'living a dream' working with his idol as draft day arrives” … David Haugh, Chicago Tribune “Avisail Garcia on his breakout season: Ask me in October” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times “Quintana, White Sox end rough road trip on losing note” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times “Quintana continues to be off his game” … Steve Herrick, Associated Press “White Sox fall 4-2 in Cleveland” … Associated Press “MLB Mock Draft 2.0: Twins have tough choice at No. 1; full first round projection” … Jay Jaffe, Sports Illustrated “Levine: White Sox’s Focus In Draft Is On Best Available Player” … Bruce Levine, CBS Chicago “Memorial Service For Jimmy Piersall Set For June 23” … CBS Chicago

Pelfrey tabbed to open 4-game set with O's By Matthew Martell / MLB.com | June 11, 2017

Despite coming off his shortest start of the season, left-hander Wade Miley has been the Orioles' second-most reliable starter this season behind Dylan Bundy. In that outing, Miley allowed four runs on eight hits in 2 2/3 innings in a no- decision against the Pirates.

Miley (2-3, 3.27 ERA) will take the mound against Mike Pelfrey (2-5, 3.80 ERA) and the White Sox on Monday in the opener of a four-game series in Chicago.

The Orioles' starting pitching has been the team's weakness for most of the season, with an especially rough patch in the final two games against the Yankees. Chris Tillman allowed nine runs in 1 1/3 innings on Saturday and Kevin Gausman allowed seven runs in 3 1/3 innings Sunday.

Miley will have to silence the White Sox offense, which has done some damage against left-handed pitching this season, if he hopes to reverse the O's recent trend of poor starting pitching. Prior to Sunday, the White Sox had a .290/.359/.447 slash line against lefties, compared to a .244/.297/.393 mark against righties.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter noted the lack of left-handed hitters in the White Sox lineup, which could be the reason why the South Siders hit lefty pitching so well. Catcher Omar Narvaez is the only lefty hitter on the active roster, but they do have four switch-hitters.

Pelfrey has been solid over his past four starts, going 2-1 with a 1.69 ERA while striking out 19 over 21 1/3 innings. Orioles third baseman Manny Machado's status remains uncertain for the first game of the series after he hurt his left wrist when Andrew McCutchen slid into him last week. Ruben Tejada has filled in at third base so far, and likely would continue to do so if Machado doesn't play.

Things to know about this game

• Pelfrey has a .325 batting average against in five games vs. the Orioles.

• This season, the White Sox have played 38 road games and just 23 home games.

• The White Sox have the fourth-highest team slugging percentage (.523) against Miley in his seven-year career. Skill unquestioned, Quintana aims to improve Rodon makes rehab start; White Sox prospects Kopech, Dunning also take hill By Scott Merkin / MLB.com | June 11, 2017

CLEVELAND -- Todd Frazier had a message for Jose Quintana following Chicago's 4-2 loss to Cleveland on Sunday at Progressive Field, dropping the team's ace to 2-8 with a 5.30 ERA this season.

It's the same message Frazier delivers to Quintana every time he takes the mound.

"He's an awesome pitcher. I don't have one worry in my bones that he's not going to be a stellar pitcher still in this league," Frazier said. "I have all the confidence in the world in him. He's a No. 1 pitcher for a reason. He's earned that spot."

Quintana didn't pitch poorly on Sunday, giving up three runs on five hits over five innings, while striking out three and walking two. Edwin Encarnacion's one-out double in the second was the hardest contact Quintana allowed.

But 10 three-ball counts drove up Quintana's pitch total to 95 and caused the early exit. It's more of the same in terms of 2017 fastball command for the '16 All-Star, who has six quality starts, but none over the last four times he has taken the mound.

"I'm close. I feel pretty good. I fight every start. I want to be better, I want to get better for my team, better outings," Quintana said. "It doesn't happen often for me in the past, but I keep fighting, I keep going.

"Just try to get every hitter on three pitches. Try to make contact, and get outs on three pitches. Today I felt off with my delivery, especially fastball in, and missed a couple spots, 3-2 counts. They have a pretty good lineup too, but I missed my spot a couple times and too many high counts."

Sunday stood as a future look at the White Sox starting rotation throughout the Minor Leagues.

Carlos Rodon, who has been on the disabled list since the end of Spring Training due to left biceps bursitis, allowed four runs on five hits over 3 2/3 innings in his first injury rehab start for Triple-A Charlotte and his second injury rehab start overall. The southpaw threw 44 of his 84 pitches for strikes, striking out three and walking four.

Michael Kopech, the White Sox No. 2 prospect per MLBPipeline.com, threw 91 pitches over 3 2/3 innings with three strikeouts and four walks for Double-A Birmingham. Dane Dunning, the No. 11 prospect, fanned five in 5 2/3 innings for Class A Advanced Winston-Salem.

A White Sox fit exists for all of these young hurlers moving forward. Quintana, meanwhile, resides in a state of limbo. He certainly could help the team with three more years of control after 2017, but he also could bring back a solid prospect haul via trade.

For now, Quintana focuses only on his next start -- not past missteps this season or what his future holds.

"This game is in the past for me, so focus on next, on tomorrow and start my preparation for the next start," Quintana said. "I want to do better. I know I'm a better pitcher."

"We have his back," Frazier said. "I hope he understands that because I tell him that every day."

White Sox manage mini-rally, fall flat in finale By Jordan Bastian and Scott Merkin / MLB.com | June 11, 2017

CLEVELAND -- Carlos Carrasco was effective into the sixth and the Indians' late-inning bullpen trio handled the rest, helping the Tribe to a 4-2 victory over the White Sox on Sunday afternoon at Progressive Field. Cleveland took two out of three to win the series.

Carrasco (6-3) limited Chicago to two runs on seven hits over 5 1/3 innings, striking out four and walking one in the win. After his exit, Andrew Miller, Bryan Shaw and Cody Allen combined for 3 2/3 scoreless innings to lock down a lead that was provided via offensive contributions from a handful of hitters.

Miller took over for Carrasco in the sixth and struck out two to strand a runner at second.

"It was great. We have an unbelievable bullpen," Carrasco said. "As soon as I saw Miller, I said, 'This inning is over.' I just left the man on second base right there. Shaw, Cody Allen, it was amazing."

"We got the tying run to the plate and we had the potential winning run in the on-deck circle," said White Sox manager Rick Renteria of the ninth inning against Allen. "We just weren't able to get there."

Lefty Jose Quintana lasted five innings, allowing run-scoring singles to Roberto Perez (second inning) and Erik Gonzalez (fourth). Quintana dropped to 2-8 on the year after being charged with three runs on five hits. Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor added an RBI double in the seventh against reliever Tommy Kahnle to give Allen a little more cushion for his 15th save of the year.

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED

Miller Time: Carrasco ran into trouble with one out in the sixth, hitting Jose Abreu with a pitch (the second bruising in the past three games for the first baseman) to open the door for the White Sox. After back-to-back doubles by Avisail Garcia and Todd Frazier trimmed the Tribe's lead to one run, the Indians handed the ball to Miller. The relief ace struck out the next two batters to end the rally and logged 1 2/3 scoreless innings, lowering his ERA to 0.29 on the season.

"He's just really good," Indians manager Terry Francona said of Miller. "And to boot, he's really competitive. He's not the loudest guy, but when he's on, everyone sees. When it's not perfect, he has that ability to really compete. That's a nice combination."

Gonzalez's milestone: With two outs, runners on the corners and Gonzalez batting in the fourth, Quintana uncorked a wild pitch that allowed Jose Ramirez to score from third. Austin Jackson also moved up to second on the miscue, making it easier to score when Gonzalez shot a pitch back up the middle for a single. The infielder's first career RBI put Cleveland ahead, 3-0, serving as the game's decisive run.

"To his credit, you can see that he's staying sharp," Francona said of Gonzalez, who was playing in place of second baseman Jason Kipnis. "He's not losing a step defensively for sure and he's been hitting in the cage with [the hitting coaches]. It's just nice to see him have some success in a game. One, it helps us win. But two, you just feel better that he's OK."

QUOTABLE

"I try to do my routine every day like I'm going to play. I'm not in the lineup every day, but I think in my mind that I'm in the lineup every day. I prepare every day the same in the cage, and I try to take ground balls at different positions in BP, and being focused like I'm in the lineup." -- Gonzalez, on staying sharp while in a utility role

"That's why they made it to the World Series last year. They are really good." -- Frazier, on facing the Cleveland bullpen

LEURY LEAVES EARLY

Willy Garcia replaced Leury Garcia in center field in the bottom of the fifth after Leury was caught stealing to end the top of the frame. The word from the White Sox was that Leury left with soreness in his left hand and is day to day.

"He jammed it. He initially jammed his middle finger in the slide to first base," Renteria said of the injury happening on the first play of the game at the end of an 11-pitch at-bat against Carrasco. "That's when he first did it.

"On the throw to second, I think it was Lindor [who] took him up the line. He ended up hitting his hand on his ankle or something again. That's what precipitated us taking him out. It was a little tender. We'll know more tomorrow."

UPON FURTHER REVIEW

In the sixth inning, Indians designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion came close to belting his third homer in as many days with a towering blast that struck the pedestrian bridge beyond the Home Run Porch in left field. The shot carried over the left-field pole and was called foul. Encarnacion threw his arms in the air in disbelief, but the ruling stood after a crew-chief review lasting one minute and 51 seconds. Per Statcast™, Encarnacion's foul had a 111-mph exit velocity and traveled a projected 443 feet.

"My guess is that it probably could have been called fair," Francona said. "But because of the camera angle, it's not going to get overturned. That's what I was talking to [home plate umpire] Mike Everitt about. If they call it fair off the bat, they're [probably] not going to overturn it either."

WHAT'S NEXT

White Sox: Mike Pelfrey (2-5, 3.80 ERA) makes his 10th start of the season in the opener of an abbreviated four-game homestand against the Orioles, with a first pitch of 7:10 p.m. CT on Monday night at Guaranteed Rate Field. Pelfrey, who reached 10 years of big league service time on Saturday, is 2-1 with a 1.69 ERA over his past four starts.

Indians:Trevor Bauer (5-5, 6.10 ERA) is scheduled to start Tuesday's series opener against the Dodgers at 7:10 p.m. ET at Progressive Field. The right-hander is coming off a rough outing in which he allowed four runs on five hits and five walks in 3 1/3 innings against the Rockies on Wednesday.

Watch every out-of-market regular-season game live on MLB.TV.

In My Words: Father's Day special to Jones By Nate Jones / Special to MLB.com | June 12, 2017

Father's Day is Sunday, and it always gives me a chance to reflect on all my father did in helping me reach the big leagues.

My dad, Bill Jones, was a construction laborer for 32 years. Even though we lived in Kentucky, he worked in Ohio, meaning he had to drive more than an hour to work. It made for a long, hard day.

When we came home, my two brothers, my sister and I always were going, "Hey Dad, let's go out and play." I know there must have been days when he was dead tired, but he would be out there for us, hitting grounders and fly balls, throwing us pitches. Looking back now, you realize all he and my mother did, and sacrificed for us, to have a better life.

My father was a pretty well-known local softball player, but he and my mother never pushed us in regards to sports. They never said, "Hey, you've got to go out there and practice." I'm grateful for that. That enabled me to develop my own relationship with baseball, develop that love of the game.

When I made the White Sox in 2012, the first person I called was my father. He was beyond excited. You never really know if the goal of reaching the big leagues is attainable. When I did, you realize all those days of him playing catch with me, spending the time with me, paid off. Even if I hadn't made the big leagues, the memories of those days still would have been just as special.

Father's Day now has another meaning ever since the birth of our children; Lilly is 4 and Archer is 2. Baseball is a big part of our lives, and we want them to be a part of it. My wife, Lacy, and I take them on two or three road trips a year. But we don't call them road trips. We say, "Hey, let's see what we can explore today." I remember taking them to the zoo in Detroit. It was neat to see their eyes when they were looking at the animals.

Archer got a glove for his birthday. He loves it so much he won't play catch unless you're wearing a glove, too. It's cool to see something you love, playing baseball, get transferred to your children.

The kids, though, aren't old enough to understand if I have a good night or a bad night. My oldest will say, "Hey Dad, I saw you on TV." She doesn't know the results.

It's a good reality check. My boy doesn't sit still to watch cartoons, but he'll watch me pitch on TV. My wife has taken video of him watching. That's pretty awesome.

Once we leave the stadium, we're not baseball players anymore. We're just regular people who want to go home and spend time with the family. The toughest thing is the road trips. To be gone for 10 days isn't easy. You do Facetime and stuff like that, but it's not the same. When you come home, they come running at you, arms wide open, and give you a big hug. For a dad, it doesn't get better than that.

Why White Sox Starting Rotation Could Soon Get Huge Boost By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago | June 11, 2017

CLEVELAND -- Rick Renteria’s rotation could get a boost soon as Carlos Rodon got another step closer to the majors on Sunday afternoon.

Rodon threw 84 pitches at Triple-A Charlotte, the second outing the White Sox pitcher has made since he began his rehab assignment last week. While Rodon got his pitch count up, he issued four walks and allowed four runs and five hits in 3 2/3 innings. Rodon struck out three. Earlier this week, Rodon pitched 3 1/3 innings at Single-A Winston-Salem before he moved to the bullpen for extra work.

“He's been down a long time so these starts we really need to accumulate some pitches, get up and down, also have him continue to find the zone, command the strike zone,” Renteria said. “He's well on his way to obviously being here with us somewhere down the road, obviously. The health is the primary focus. Also him just getting the feel again for pitching and commanding the zone. Hopefully he'll be here soon.”

Rodon went on the 10-day disabled list with left shoulder bursitis to start the season and was later transferred to the 60- day DL. Though initially slow to get off the mound, Rodon has made considerable progress since he threw a bullpen session in early May. He and veteran James Shields have both trended upward recently, though Shields is probably closer to returning. Shields has made two rehab starts at Charlotte (he allowed two runs in five innings on Thursday) and is set to make another this week.

The White Sox starting rotation could most decidedly use the boost. Heading into Sunday, White Sox starting pitchers had made two quality starts in their previous 18 efforts, accumulating a 6.43 ERA in 84 innings.

“It's a good thing,” Renteria said. “They're both progressing well. As long as they stay healthy and continue to get on the hill and bring their inning and pitch counts up, they're on the right track.”

Back in the Big Leagues: Emergency Bullpen Catcher Chris O'dowd's 2nd MLB Experience is More Authentic By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago | June 11, 2017

CLEVELAND — Chris O’Dowd is experiencing a major league clubhouse for the second time in his life. This round feels more authentic and makes him realize he’s not all that far away at Double-A Birmingham.

The White Sox minor leaguer joined the team on Tuesday to fill in as the big league club’s emergency bullpen catcher after Adam Ricks left the team to deal with a sore knee.

It’s the second time in O’Dowd’s life he’s had access to a major league clubhouse. He routinely visited the Colorado Rockies clubhouse from 1999-2014 when his father, Dan O’Dowd, was the team’s general manager. Whereas before he was a teen who tried to go unnoticed, this time O’Dowd, 26, is more at ease because of his playing experience.

“I tried to be a fly on the wall,” O’Dowd said. “Part of it as a kid too — everyone has grinded and done everything they can their whole life to be here today. I always wanted it to be that I attained it by me going through the same thing everyone else has to be in this situation. I was very cautious with how much time and how immersed I was into the clubhouse side of things growing up.”

O’Dowd has been heavily immersed in the White Sox since he joined the team in Tampa Bay to fill in for Ricks. He’s spent most of his pregame sessions in the bullpen, takes batting practice, sits in on advanced meetings and has been on the run all week, soaking up the major league atmosphere. And he isn’t asking any questions about how long he may stay with the White Sox (he’s currently on the seven-day DL at Double-A with a sore hamstring).

A 23rd-round pick of the San Diego Padres in 2012, O’Dowd has also played in the Atlanta Braves and Rockies organizations. A Dartmouth College grad who double majored in Economics and English with a Psychology minor, O’Dowd is grateful to be in the big leagues.

He’s been very impressed with how prepared the coaches are as well as the willingness of players to use the information provided. He also realizes that his level of preparation is similar to his peers.

“Being here on a daily basis puts me in the middle of the good, the bad, the grind of it and what it takes to come to the ballpark every day and piece together a good day to help the team win,” O’Dowd said. “It’s just good to see how everyone does it a little differently, but how everyone has the conviction and intent to show up every day and do what they need to do to be ready.

"When you take a guy like me that’s been in Double-A for four years now and Triple-A, you do feel like you’re far away from the big leagues and what’s it going to take to get over the hump? And you see guys attack each day the same way that we do and that there’s not really that much of a divide. So it’s more motivation than anything to know that you’re closer than you probably ever thought. The right circumstances, the right spot, it could happen and you could be here in the clubhouse.”

And if he never does make his way here as a player, O’Dowd knows how lucky he is to have this experience. O’Dowd said he’s grateful to everyone who has helped him reach this point — “so many people that have helped me, been a part of this journey and believed in me and continue to believe in me in the moments that you face a lot of adversity,” he said.

Given how much time he’s spent around baseball, his unique view into the front office and playing experience, it’s only natural to think O’Dowd has a future beyond baseball. O’Dowd isn’t yet ready to consider his next step. He’d still like to get here as a player. But if that doesn’t materialize, O’Dowd realizes this experience could be critical for his future.

“As a player you don’t want to have a Plan B and I’ve been all in trying to be the best I can at this,” O’Dowd said. “At some point in time you’ll have to think about that. But what I’m trying to do is continue to get the most out of my playing ability. If that leads to something else, this experience is invaluable and continues to shape my perspective, how I see the game and hopefully makes a transition easier.

“Any time you can be around a big league team and observe, I think there’s a value to it. It’s hard to quantify.”

Jose Quintana, White Sox Lose to Indians, Drop Fourth Straight Series By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago | June 11, 2017

CLEVELAND — Jose Quintana didn’t feel as if he was too far off with his command on Sunday afternoon.

But the tiniest misses led to too many pitches, particularly against the bottom of the Cleveland Indians lineup. The combination of those extra pitches and not enough run support led to another disappointing day for Quintana. The Indians’ 7-9 hitters reached base six times on and the White Sox didn’t get going until it was too late, falling 4-2 in front of 26,611 at Progressive Field.

Quintana dropped to 2-8 for the White Sox, who finished a nine-game trip with a 2-7 mark and lost all three series.

“I'm close,” Quintana said. “I feel pretty good. I fight every start. I want to be better, I want to get better for my team, better outings. It doesn't happen often for me in the past, but I keep fighting, I keep going.

“I fight with my command sometimes this year. Today was a little high with the pitches. I keep the ball down, but more missed in with fastballs. Sometimes I miss my spot, but that's all. Too many 3-2 counts.”

Eighth hitter Roberto Perez gave Cleveland a lead it wouldn’t relinquish in the second inning when he singled just under the glove of Yolmer Sanchez with two outs to put Quintana behind 1-0. Quintana liked the location of the 0-2 fastball pitch to Perez. But the result was frustrating as Perez’s grounder up the middle scooted under Yolmer Sanchez’s glove for a two-out RBI single.

Two innings later, Edwin Encarnacion drew a leadoff walk and the Indians would push ahead by three runs. Jose Ramirez reached on a fielder’s choice and Austin Jackson singled. Ramirez advanced on Perez’s fly to deep center and scored on the first of two Quintana wild pitches. No. 9 hitter Erik Gonzalez then singled in Jackson to make it 3-0.

Quintana only lasted through five innings. He allowed three runs and five hits and struck out three in a 95-pitch effort (54 strikes).

“He had a lot of 3-2 counts today,” manager Rick Renteria said. “It’s just a matter of commanding his fastball and seeing if we can get him to be able to get hitters a little more earlier obviously. That’s going to be the key for any of our guys. Be able to command strikes, good strikes, strikes that are not necessarily put in play with a whole lot of authority. And that will allow them to stretch their outings a little further.

“I thought he did a nice job of minimizing damage across the board for five innings.”

Todd Frazier expressed profound confidence in Quintana. He said he wants the left-hander, whose ERA stands at 5.30, to believe in himself, too. Frazier wants Quintana to think he’s the best pitcher in the American League.

The veteran third baseman put some of the onus for Sunday’s loss on a White Sox offense that didn’t wake up until the sixth inning and then couldn’t do anything against the Indians bullpen. The White Sox responded after Cleveland starter Carlos Carrasco struck Jose Abreu with a pitch just above the left elbow in the sixth. Avisail Garcia doubled Abreu to third and Todd Frazier doubled in both to make it a 3-2 game. Frazier finished 3-for-4 as he continued his hot June.

But that was it.

Terry Francona summoned Andrew Miller and the Indians’ bullpen took over. Miller struck out Yolmer Sanchez and Tim Anderson to strand Frazier at second and keep Cleveland ahead. Miller struck out another batter in a scoreless seventh. Bryan Shaw and Cody Allen each pitched a scoreless inning to close it out for Cleveland, who added an insurance run in the seventh when Francisco Lindor doubled in a run off Tommy Kahnle.

“He’s going through it right now,” Frazier said. “And guess what? We didn’t get him runs. At the very end of the day, we didn’t score runs for him. He held them to three runs. You know, we got to score more. But there’s not one ounce in my body that thinks he’s a bad pitcher or think he’s not a No. 1 pitcher for any team.

“We have his back and I hope he understands that because I tell him that every day.”

Big rehab start today for Carlos Rodon By Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune | June 11, 2017

Carlos Rodon makes a key rehab start this afternoon for Triple-A Charlotte in his comeback from a biceps injury that’s sidelined him since spring training.

Rodon allowed five earned runs in 3 1/3 innings in his first start, pitching for Class-A Winston-Salem, and needs to show some improvement to convince the Sox he’s almost ready to return.

“He's actually feeling very, very good,” manager Rick Renteria said. “He's been down a long time so these starts we really need to accumulate some pitches, get up and down, also have him continue to find the zone; command the strike zone.

“He's well on his way to obviously being here with us somewhere down the road, obviously. The health is the primary focus. Also him just getting the feel again for pitching and commanding the zone. Hopefully he'll be here soon."

How soon? No one can say. James Shields (lat strain) is also rehabbing at Charlotte and will make his third and perhaps final start on Tuesday.

The Sox rotation has a combined 6.43 ERA over their last 18 starts, so getting Rodon and Shields back should help give them an opportunity to stop the bleeding.

White Sox looking to continue recent draft success By Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune | June 11, 2017

Cubs' last five first-round draft picks are on their current roster, while the White Sox have only one in Tim Anderson.

Getting it right Monday with the No. 11 pick in the draft is essential for general manager Rick Hahn, whose first-round history since taking over for Ken Williams in 2013 consists of Anderson ('13), Carlos Rodon ('14), Carson Fulmer (15) and Zack Collins and Zack Burdi ('16).

Williams' first-rounders included one future superstar, Chris Sale, and an assortment of players who didn't pan out, including Kris Honel, Royce Ring, Lance Broadway, Gordon Beckham and Jared Mitchell.

Nick Hostetler, who replaced Doug Laumann as director of amateur scouting in 2015, is responsible for last year's drafting of Collins, a catcher, and Burdi, a reliever. On Sunday, Collins was hitting .219 with nine homers and 28 RBIs at Class A Winston-Salem, while Burdi was 0-4 with a 5.24 ERA at Triple-A Charlotte.

Draft expert Keith Law of ESPN has the Sox selecting North Carolina right-hander J.B Bukauskas, while Baseball America has them picking Vanderbilt outfielder Jeren Kendall.

Rack 'em up: No one could've predicted Tommy Kahnle would be in the mix for an American League All-Star spot, but he's proving he belongs. Kahnle is third among AL relievers with 15.59 strikeouts per nine innings, and sixth in ERA (1.52). Craig Kimbrel, Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances are shoo-ins for the AL squad, but Kahnle is making a name for himself.

"I don't think about that," he said. "It's something everyone wants, but I'm just worried about what I do here."

Kahnle's fastball command has improved drastically, and his confidence is soaring. When David Robertson gets dealt, he'll likely take over as closer.

"In the future that's what I want to do," he said. "If I ever get the chance, I'm going to try and seize it."

Rodon watch: Rodon made a key rehab start Sunday afternoon for Charlotte in his comeback from a biceps injury that has sidelined him since spring training. He allowed four runs on five hits and four walks in 3 2/3 innings, getting the loss. In his first start, pitching for Winston-Salem, he gave up five earned runs in 3 1/3 innings.

Rodon needs to show some improvement before the Sox bring him back.

"He's actually feeling very, very good," manager Rick Renteria said. "He's been down a long time so these starts we really need to accumulate some pitches, get up and down, also have him continue to find the zone; command the strike zone.

"He's well on his way to being here with us somewhere down the road, obviously. The health is the primary focus. Also him just getting the feel again for pitching and commanding the zone. Hopefully he'll be here soon."

How soon? Rentera couldn't say.

Piersall memorial: A memorial service for former Sox broadcaster Jimmy Piersall will be held on June 23 at 10 a.m. at the Wheaton Bible Church in Wheaton. The public is invited. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Rush University Medical Center.

Extra innings: Leury Garcia left the game with left hand soreness in the fifth after sliding headfirst into first and then having it hit Francisco Lindor's knee sliding into second. Renteria said it was "precautionary." … Jose Quintana is tied with Rick Porcello and Josh Tomlin for most losses (8) in the American League.

White Sox fall 4-2 to Indians to end brutal road trip By Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune | June 11, 2017

Jose Quintana got the ball in Sunday's finale in Cleveland, looking for his first win since May 2 in Kansas City.

But Quintana suffered his fourth straight loss, as the Sox fell 4-2 to the Indians to wind up 2-7 on the road trip.

At the plate: Todd Frazier's two-run double in the sixth, his third hit, pulled the Sox to within a run in the sixth. But Andres Miller struck out the next two hitters, and the Sox couldn't mount another threat.

On the mound: Quintana (2-8) allowed three runs on five hits over five innings before being replaced in the sixth. He threw two wild pitches, one which allowed a run to score in the two-run fourth.

In the field: The Sox committed two errors, including a wild throw by Avisail Garcia.

The quote: "All wins in the big leagues are big wins."-- Manager Rick Renteria before the game.

Up next: Orioles at White Sox. 7:10 p.m. Mondya. Wade Miley vs. Mike Pelfrey.

White Sox hope to wash 2-7 trip out of system during cameo homestand By Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune | June 11, 2017

The White Sox return to Guaranteed Rate Field on Monday, looking to escape the downward spiral that has consumed the team for over a month now.

But first things first.

"I have to do some kind of wash," manager Rick Renteria said Sunday morning before a 4-2 loss to the Indians.

The Sox would like to wash this 2-7 road trip out of their system after Jose Quintana put them in an early hole and the offense never clicked. They've lost nine of their last 11 and four straight series, looking a lot like the team many expected coming out of spring training.

But no one is getting too down, knowing this downturn can't last forever, right?

"How can you be down on yourself when you're battling every day?" third baseman Todd Frazier said. "Is it tough to lose? Of course. But we know eventually with the hard work we put in, we're going to go on a little run. Hopefully it's a lot longer than people expect. The losses, they're here, but we're still not 15 games out."

Quintana pitched only five innings, allowing three runs on five hits with a pair of walks and two wild pitches. He has lost four straight decisions since his last victory May 2 in Kansas City, back when the Sox were still considered spunky overachievers.

"I don't try to pay attention," Quintana said. "Every time I try to think 'next.' If I have a bad start, try to turn the page and focus on what I did bad, and try to make my adjustments. I never stayed in this moment before, but I learn (from) this moment."

Renteria said Quintana is "still the same guy" he was during his All-Star season in 2016, despite his 5.30 earned-run average and a 2-8 record.

"Listen, at some point it will click for 'Q,'" Renteria said. "I think his ability, his routines, his mindset, his demeanor keeps you from losing sight of the fact that you know he's going to come back and settle down. Maybe he's going to be the second-half guy we need. You never know."

Perhaps, but the plan was for Quintana to pitch well enough so that he'd be pitching elsewhere in the second half, and the Sox would then use the pieces acquired for his talents to invest in the future.

For now, their most prominent trade chip appears to be Frazier, who had three hits, including a two-run double, and is hitting .333 over the last 13 games with five home runs and 12 RBIs.

That's good news for the Sox, since theoretically they'll get something of value in return for Frazier, who was under .200 most of the season.

"I'm not playing for the organization to look for a trade," Frazier said. "I'm playing for the team to win, and they'll do what they want at the end of the day. Nothing I can really do about it."

It seems inevitable, of course, even though the Sox don't have a replacement for Frazier at third base. But Frazier said he won't really start thinking about the possibility of leaving until after the All-Star break.

"If you don't talk to the GM about it or the agent doesn't call you, why worry about something you can't control?"

Frazier, Quintana and the rest of the Sox know that the closer they get to July, the more they're going to hear their names mentioned in trade rumors. And the more the Sox lose, the greater the pressure on GM Rick Hahn to get as much as he can in a summer sell-off, or risk playing out the string with veterans.

So the season goes on, and now the Sox return home for a cameo performance — a four-game homestand against the Orioles — before departing once again. They're in a difficult stretch that has them playing 15 of 19 games on the road.

"Yeah, this is a short one, and we'll get back out there again," Renteria said.

The Sox have a lot of things to cram in during these next four days.

So if anyone would like to volunteer to do Renteria's wash, please contact the Sox at your earliest convenience.

White Sox scouting director 'living a dream' working with his idol as draft day arrives By David Haugh / Chicago Tribune | June 11, 2017

As a kid growing up in Sterling, Ohio, Nick Hostetler learned all about former Indians Gold Glove third baseman Buddy Bell, his father's favorite player.

When Nick became old enough to identify talent himself, he invested emotionally in the development of a hot-shot minor- leaguer named Jim Thome who shot quickly through the Indians system before hitting 612 home runs in the majors. Attending one of Thome's games for the Double-A Indians during the early 1990s in nearby Canton, Hostetler even met the slugger, who gave him his broken bat as a souvenir.

Fast-forward to last week: Hostetler, the White Sox director of scouting, and Thome, the team's special assistant, compared notes after watching the workout of a prospect eligible for baseball's amateur draft, which begins Monday. The 39-year-old executive, overseeing his second Sox draft, will collaborate on a course for the team's future with Bell, its vice president of player development.

"Can you believe I get to work with guys who were my heroes growing up?" Hostetler asked in an interview. "At times, I have to pinch myself. I'm living the dream."

Reality arrives about 7 p.m. Monday when Hostetler will help make the 11th overall selection for a Sox organization committed to a youth movement. According to Hostetler, what the 2017 draft class lacks in star power it compensates with depth, which the Sox crave — especially with young, offensive-minded position players.

Of the top six prospects Hostetler believes will be available at No. 11 for the pitching-rich Sox, five are hitters, but he cautioned how quickly things can change. Whichever player the Sox take among the 800 Hostetler has scouted, the opportunity to add to one of baseball's deepest minor-league systems only heightens the excitement he has felt since general manager Rick Hahn announced plans to rebuild.

"It also was a relief we had a definitive direction to go, but never did I feel pressure with that," Hostetler said.

Pressure never has driven Hostetler as much as a passion to work in baseball.

A standout infielder at Norwayne High School, Hostetler scrapped plans to play at Youngstown State after a rotator-cuff injury before his freshman year. That sent Hostetler toward scouting, where he made $5,000 his first summer as a bird dog for the Braves. The work ethic Hostetler adopted from watching his dad, Andy, who worked for a dry-cleaning company, and his mom, Kim, who worked at a bank, served him well beating baseball's bushes.

"I saw what my parents did to provide for my sister and I, put in the effort for something that wasn't necessarily their dream job so I could grow up and have mine," Hostetler said. "I've never looked at it as pressure because I've never looked at it as a job. When I'm sitting at a ballpark in North Carolina and a Wendy's and Shell station are the only spots to get food, I've never looked at it and said, 'This is miserable.' I love it."

A grinder as a player and scout, Hostetler admitted his own experiences overcoming adversity occasionally influence his opinion of a prospect. He favors guys with intestinal fortitude, as important as any analytical category. Hostetler's stint with the Braves included learning from Dayton Moore, now the general manager of the Royals, and once scouting a high school center fielder in Georgia named Calvin Johnson — the future Detroit Lions wide receiver who picked the right sport.

The charismatic Generation Xer excels in communication with a proven knack for evaluation like every good scout possesses. He embraces sabermetrics and stays active on social media, tweeting everything from his thoughts on coaching baseball to wearing rompers or listening to hip-hop music. His first Sox draft as scouting director last June — in which two potential core players, catcher Zack Collins and reliever Zack Burdi, were picked in the first round — provided a tough act to follow.

But an encore performance from Hostetler wouldn't surprise his boss.

"Several of Nick's strengths — his scouting acumen, tireless work ethic, progressive approach to player evaluation and interpersonal skills — make him a great fit for the director's role," said Hahn, who promoted Hostetler in August 2015 at the behest of Hostetler's predecessor, Doug Laumann. "We felt at the time we would likely soon lose him to another club since his abilities were becoming more widely known."

One day, Hostetler could receive another promotion that brings him to Chicago permanently instead of days at a time, such as the most recent stint preparing for his personal Super Bowl that will begin 5 a.m. Monday no matter how hard he tries to sleep in. With most of the research done, Hostetler gave his staff Saturday off to enjoy the city.

Hostletler's home base remains in Hebron, Ky., where he and his wife, Nicole, are raising daughters Kayla, 12, and Lacey, 10, and son Andrew, 6. Hostetler estimated he spends as many as 250 nights a year traveling but marveled at his wife's ability to keep family activities organized with a new app.

"I asked her the other day, 'How do you do that?' and she just said, 'Don't worry, just make sure you pick the right guy Monday,''' Hostetler said.

Now that's pressure.

Avisail Garcia on his breakout season: Ask me in October With a .332 average, 10 homers and 42 RBI, Avisail Garcia ranks fifth among AL outfielders in All-Star voting By Daryl Van Schouwen / Chcago Sun-Times | June 11, 2017

CLEVELAND — White Sox right fielder Avisail Garcia turns 26 on Monday, and he has much more to celebrate than a birthday that happens to match his jersey number.

Everything seems to be falling into place for Garcia, who is enjoying an All-Star-caliber start to this season after four years of performances that fell well below lofty expectations.

Garcia, who hit his 13th double and scored a run in the Sox’ 4-2 loss Sunday to the Indians, will take a .332 average, 10 home runs and 42 RBI into a four-game series against the Orioles that starts Monday at Guaranteed Rate Field. Fans who wanted him left out of the Sox’ future plans now are supporting him in All-Star balloting (fifth among American League outfielders).

To Garcia’s credit, he is taking this less-than-three-months body of work in stride. Not getting too high after a big game or too low after a bad one is serving him well.

‘‘It’s baseball,’’ he said. ‘‘You’re going to have good games and bad games. You have to forget what happened, even if you hit a home run or grand slam. And the game is not over if you strike out your first at-bat. You have to keep working. That’s hard to do sometimes, but you have to do it.’’

That’s not to say Garcia isn’t stepping back and enjoying what is happening.

‘‘Yes, 100 percent,’’ he said. ‘‘But there are a lot of games left.’’

For Garcia, who played in the World Series as a 21-year-old for the Tigers in 2012 — ‘‘That was amazing,’’ he said — an All-Star experience would be rewarding.

‘‘For sure,’’ he said. ‘‘But I want to have a good full season. I don’t want to think about the All-Star Game. If it’s going to come, it’s going to come. The season ends in October, not when the All-Star Game is played [July 11].’’

The Sox are starting to believe Garcia can be a piece of their rebuild, but they probably want to see him put together a good full season before entertaining thoughts of a contract extension before he hits free agency. Garcia, who avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $3 million deal before the season, isn’t eligible for free agency until 2020, and he said the Sox haven’t broached the subject of an extension.

‘‘No, no, no,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s not the time to think about that. Obviously, I want to stay here for my whole career and have success here because I like Chicago, the coaches, the team. But let’s see what happens. . . . I don’t want distractions, you know what I’m saying?’’

In the meantime, Garcia said he’ll keep doing what manager Rick Renteria sees him doing — a better job of putting a bad game and a bad at-bat behind him.

‘‘I’m hoping he continues to do that the rest of his career,’’ Renteria said.

‘‘This game is tough,’’ Garcia said. ‘‘You have to forget. Even the best hitters in the world strike out five times. Even the best hitters strike out with the bases loaded.’’

Renteria said he is enjoying watching Garcia come into his own.

‘‘I honestly wish I could analyze it from Step A, B and C that this is what has propelled him into [where he is],’’ Renteria said. ‘‘The truth is, maturity, the skill set he has, the work he has put together, all that has played a part in it.

‘‘But the only one who should take credit for his success is him.’’

Quintana, White Sox end rough road trip on losing note White Sox lefty Jose Quintana fell to 2-8 with a 5.30 ERA in the White Sox’ 4-2 loss to the Indians, which completed a 2-7 road trip By Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun-Times | June 11, 2017

CLEVELAND — White Sox left-hander Jose Quintana has sprinkled a few excellent starts in with more bad ones than he’s accustomed to this season.

Against a team he has pitched well against in his career, Quintana got into too many deep counts and lasted only five innings in a 4-2 loss Sunday to the Indians.

Quintana (2-8) allowed three runs and five hits, struck out three and walked two. He threw 95 pitches and left trailing 3-0, with his ERA (5.30) right where it was at the start of the game.

Quintana likely would have stayed in for another inning in the past, but not this season.

‘‘Q battled through five innings,’’ manager Rick Renteria said. ‘‘He had a lot of traffic. At that point, with the game the way it was, us scoring a couple of runs [in the top of the sixth], I thought it was best to try a fresh arm to keep it moving.’’

The loss meant the Sox (26-35) went 2-7 on their road trip. They were swept by the Tigers and lost two of three to the Rays and Indians.

Carlos Carrasco (6-3) allowed a two-run double to Todd Frazier in the sixth that cut the Indians’ lead to 3-2, but reliever Andrew Miller struck out Yolmer Sanchez and Tim Anderson to leave the tying run at second. Quintana said he ‘‘felt off with my delivery.’’

‘‘Too many 3-2 counts, and I paid for that,’’ he said. ‘‘Everything, it’s all bad. Too many pitches.’’

Draft day

Baseball America and MLB.com project the Sox to select Vanderbilt outfielder Jeren Kendall with the 11th pick on the first day of the draft Monday.

Kendall has ‘‘dynamic tools with strikeout concerns,’’ according to MLB.com draft expert Jim Callis.

High schoolers Royce Lewis, a shortstop/outfielder, and Austin Beck, an outfielder, also would appeal to the Sox, but they are projected to be gone before the 11th selection.

The same could be said of Florida right-hander Alex Faedo, Louisville outfielder Jordan Adell and North Carolina right- hander J.B. Bukauskas.

Rodon struggles

Left-hander Carlos Rodon’s second minor-league rehab start wasn’t much better than his first. He allowed four runs and five hits (all singles), struck out three and walked four in 3‰ innings for Class AAA Charlotte.

In his first rehab start, Rodon allowed five runs and four hits, struck out six and walked two in 3„ innings for Class A Winston-Salem.

The Sox haven’t set a timetable for Rodon, but they hope to have him back before the All-Star break. He has been on the disabled list all season with bursitis in his upper left biceps.

Leury leaves

Center fielder Leury Garcia left the game with soreness in his left hand after sliding headfirst into first base, then bumping it again while trying to steal in the fifth. He’s day-to-day.

Quintana continues to be off his game By Steve Herrick / Associated Press | June 11, 2017

CLEVELAND -- Carlos Carrasco got the Cleveland Indians to the sixth inning, and Andrew Miller and company took over from there.

Miller, Bryan Shaw and Cody Allen combined for 3 2/3 innings of one-hit relief, helping the Indians top the Chicago White Sox 4-2 on Sunday.

"We have an unbelievable bullpen," Carrasco said. "It was amazing."

Carrasco (6-3) was pulled after Todd Frazier's two-run double cut Cleveland's lead to one. The right-hander allowed seven hits, struck out four and walked one in 5 1/3 innings.

Miller retired all five batters he faced, striking out three. Shaw pitched a scoreless eighth and Allen finished for his 15th save, working around a one-out single.

The White Sox knew what they were getting into when the Indians went to their late-inning relievers.

"They're very good," Frazier said. "That's why they made it to the World Series last year. That's what they do best, all three of those guys."

Carrasco struck out Melky Cabrera to begin the sixth but then hit Jose Abreu on the left elbow. The big first baseman, who was hit on the left knee by Miller on Friday, crouched over at the plate and slowly walked to first.

Avisail Garcia's double put runners at second and third before Frazier's double made it 3-2. Miller struck out Yolmer Sanchez and Tim Anderson and retired the side in order in the seventh.

"As soon as I saw Miller, I said, 'This inning is over.' I just left the man on second base right there," Carrasco said.

Cleveland is off Monday, making 11 outs for its bullpen no big deal.

"That was one of those where we were able to win today, we can't do that - after this off day, we have 23 (games) in 21 days," manager Terry Francona said. "Today we could, knowing there was an off day."

Francisco Lindor, Roberto Perez and Erik Gonzalez each drove in a run for Cleveland.

The White Sox have dropped nine of 11. Jose Quintana (2-8) allowed three runs in five innings, dropping to 0-4 in his last seven starts.

Lindor, who was in a 6-for-44 slump, tacked on an RBI double in the seventh.

The Indians thought they had a run in the sixth, but third base umpire Bruce Dreckman ruled Edwin Encarnacion's towering fly ball down the line was foul. Encarnacion, who started his home run trot, immediately signaled the ball was fair and Francona came on the field.

A crew chief review ensued as Encarnacion impatiently stood at home plate and leaned on his bat. The call stood, drawing boos from the crowd. Encarnacion worked the count to 3-2 and fired his bat to the ground after hitting a tapper to pitcher Chris Beck.

Encarnacion's drive cleared the porch and landed on a walkway adjacent to the scoreboard in left field.

BAD LUCK

Chicago center fielder Leury Garcia exited after jamming his left middle finger twice on the bases. He was initially hurt leading off the game on a headfirst slide into first, and then was kicked on the hand by Lindor on an attempted steal in the fifth.

"We're hoping it's not a long-term thing," manager Rick Renteria said. "He's day to day for now."

GOOD GAME, KID

Gonzalez started at second base, giving Jason Kipnis a day off. The rookie went 2 for 3 with his first career RBI, and also made an outstanding play to start the game.

Leury Garcia hit a hard grounder that glanced off Carrasco's glove. Gonzalez made a backhand stab of the ball and made an off-balance throw to first for the out.

TRAINER'S ROOM

White Sox: RHP James Shields (strained right lat) has made two rehab starts for Triple-A Charlotte. He has been on the disabled list since April 21.

Indians: OF Abraham Almonte (strained right shoulder) had two hits for Triple-A Columbus on a rehab assignment Saturday.

UP NEXT

White Sox: RHP Mike Pelfrey will go in the opener of a four-game series against Baltimore on Monday.

Indians: RHP Trevor Bauer opens a three-game series against the Dodgers on Tuesday.

White Sox fall 4-2 in Cleveland By Associated Press | June 11, 2017

CLEVELAND -- Carlos Carrasco took a shutout into the sixth, three relievers combined for 3 2/3 scoreless innings, and the Cleveland Indians beat the White Sox 4-2 on Sunday.

Carrasco (6-3) was pulled after Todd Frazier's 2-run double cut Cleveland's lead to one. The right-hander allowed 7 hits, struck out 4 and walked 1 in 5 1/3 innings.

Andrew Miller retired all five batters he faced, striking out three. Bryan Shaw pitched a scoreless eighth and Cody Allen finished for his 15th save, working around a one-out single.

Francisco Lindor, Roberto Perez and Erik Gonzalez each drove in a run for Cleveland.

The White Sox have dropped nine of 11. Jose Quintana (2-8) allowed three runs in five innings, dropping to 0-4 in his last seven starts.

Avisail Garcia's double put runners at second and third before Frazier's double made it 3-2.

Miller struck out Yolmer Sanchez and Tim Anderson and retired the side in order in the seventh. Shaw walked the leadoff hitter in the eighth, but Abreu hit into a double play.

Lindor, who was in a 6-for-44 slump, tacked on an RBI double in the seventh.

Encarnacion's drive cleared the porch and landed on a walkway adjacent to the scoreboard in left field.

White Sox right-hander James Shields (strained right lat) has made two rehab starts for Triple-A Charlotte. He has been on the disabled list since April 21.

MLB Mock Draft 2.0: Twins have tough choice at No. 1; full first round projection By Jay Jaffe / Sports Illustrated | June 9, 2017

Tonight at 7 p.m. EST, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred will step to the microphone and announce whom the Twins, the owners of the number one pick of this year's amateur draft, will take. But with just hours to go, there's still suspense throughout the industry regarding the identity of that selection, with draft experts generally pointing either to Vanderbilt's Kyle Wright, a righthanded pitcher, or Louisville's Brendan McKay, a two-way player whose future path—whether as a lefty starter or first baseman—remains up in the air. Nonetheless, since publishing my first mock draft on May 16, the industry consensus regarding 1/1 has shifted from McKay to Wright, and so with that in mind, he leads off Mock 2.0.

By industry consensus, I refer to the smart, hard-working folks at Baseball America, ESPN, FanGraphs, Hero Sports, MLB Pipeline and Perfect Game, all of whom have released mock drafts that reflect years of knowledge in the field and myriad discussions with scouts and front office executives about the talent at hand as well as organizational philosophies. Those drafts are educated stabs at an inexact science. This mock draft is merely an attempt to summarize the consensus from those sources while fitting the pieces together, hopefully without making a mockery of the process.

NOTE: Three teams—the Blue Jays, Rangers and Cubs—have two picks in the first round because they lost premium free agents in Edwin Encarnacion, Ian Desmond and Dexter Fowler to the Indians, Rockies and Cardinals, respectively. Those latter three clubs have therefore forfeited their first-round selections.

11. Chicago White Sox: Jeren Kendall, OF, Vanderbilt

Kendall has been linked to the White Sox in the most recent iterations in all but one mock draft linked above. A compact 5'10" 180-pounder, he's said to have the best collection of tools of any 2017 draft-eligible collegiate player, headlined by plus-plus speed and the ability and instincts to play centerfield. Contact woes borne of pitch recognition shortcomings have caused his stock to drop, so this can be seen as a higher risk pick or a bet on upside.

Levine: White Sox’s Focus In Draft Is On Best Available Player By Bruce Levine / CBS Chicago | June 11, 2017

CHICAGO (CBS) — With the 11th pick in amateur draft come Monday, the White Sox will select … the best available player.

While the White Sox drafted for need in 2016 with the first-round selection of catcher Zack Collins, they’re looking for the best talent this season as they continue an organizational rebuild. The strengths of this draft are considers high school players and specifically pitchers.

“This is really such an important draft for us,” director of amateur scouting Nick Hostetler said. “I know where we are going as an organization, what these players mean. I know we say that every year. In our case, I really truly mean it for this draft. We have to continue to build. Once you get that momentum going, you are able to stock the system with players. That was a problem before this. We just did not have enough prospects in our system. We need to stick with that plan for the future.”

The White Sox will have several options with their No. 11 overall pick when the first round is conducted Monday evening. Vanderbilt outfielder Jeren Kendall has five-tool potential and will be on the team’s radar. North Davidson High (North Carolina) outfielder Austin Beck, North Carolina right-hander J.B. Bukauskas and North Carolina shortstop Logan Warmoth are other names to watch.

Hostetler loves the flexibility the draft can provide, even if it’s hard to project what’s going to happen. After the No. 11 pick, the White Sox next select at No. 49 overall.

“We are open in this draft to the best player but also a guy who fits in with what we are trying to do,” Hostetler said. “We do want to eliminate the swing-and-miss guys. We want guys who put the ball in play. We want pitchers who pound the zone. We may sound like a broken record, but we want to stay true to the philosophy. We will take our shots during the draft, for sure. There are certain times when you want to step outside the box. If not, you are going to end up with the same player throughout the system. You don’t want to have that.”

Memorial Service For Jimmy Piersall Set For June 23 By CBS Chicago | June 12, 2017

(CBS) The memorial service for the late Jimmy Piersall will be held June 23.

The service will start at 10 a.m. at Wheaton Bible Church at 27W500 North Avenue in West Chicago. The public is welcome to attend the memorial service. The interment will be private.

A 17-year MLB veteran who was also a broadcaster for the White Sox in the early 1980s, Piersall passed away on June 3 at 87.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Rush University Medical Center. Donations in Piersall’s memory should be designated for “Movement Disorders Research and Programs and the Marshall Goldin, MD — Abt Family Endowed Scholarship.” Those memorial gifts can be sent to Rush University Medical Center, 1700 West Van Buren, Suite 250, Chicago, Illinois 60612 or by visiting http://rush.convio.net/jpiersall.