NOESI TURNS IN FLAWLESS CACTUS LEAGUE DEBUT By Scott Merkin / MLB.com

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- If White Sox right-hander Hector Noesi pitched as well for the Mariners as he has against the Mariners over the past year, then the right-hander might still be pitching for the Mariners.

Over two starts with the White Sox in 2014 against one of his former teams, Noesi allowed one unearned run during 14 innings. Noesi picked up right where he left off in Saturday's Cactus League debut by retiring all six Seattle hitters faced at Camelback Ranch, throwing 18 strikes among his 28 pitches.

But Noesi doesn't consider it extra motivation when facing the Mariners.

"It's not motivated. I was telling some friends in the training room that I should pitch to every team like I pitch to them," said a smiling Noesi. "I'm gonna take that for this year because it's not that I have a feeling for them, but I always try to go there for them because I don't want them to say, 'Oh, that's why we put him on waivers,' you know.

"I want everybody to see that it's not. You have to learn and get better and better every time. It's not going to be that easy."

Those past struggles with the Mariners and briefly with the Rangers seem to have helped Noesi develop with the White Sox. The team's fourth or fifth starter recorded three outs by ground ball and three by fly ball Saturday, while working on getting the inside to both right-handed and left-handed hitters as stressed during recent side sessions by pitching coach .

That relationship with Cooper has been career-changing for Noesi, who deserves credit for putting in the work to get better.

"Like I always say, he's always there working on something, no matter what," said Noesi of Cooper. "And not just with me, with everybody. It's not like, 'Oh, let me work with [Jeff] Samardzija because Samardzija is a big guy.'

"You know, he's been good. But with everybody it's the same, working hard. I give him a lot of credit."

A spot at the back of the rotation seems to be secure for Noesi, who posted a 4.43 ERA over 27 starts with the White Sox in '14. Yet, Noesi takes nothing for granted.

"I never feel secure. I always try to do my work and feel like I'm competing to be better," Noesi said. "That's mental stuff, because sometimes if you feel too comfortable, things change." "You see a little life on his ball. He had the ball down. He added a little sink to it today," White Sox said. "He looked good. That's what you want in your guy coming out."

SOUTH SIDERS' RODON: 'I FEEL LIKE I'M READY' By Scott Merkin / MLB.com

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Carlos Rodon looked Major League ready during his two innings of work on Friday against the Padres. His mindset and confidence reside on that same exact big league level.

"If it's up to me, I feel like I'm ready," Rodon, 22, told MLB.com. "It's a decision they have to make. It doesn't matter what I think sometimes."

Rodon struck out four among his 31 pitches but didn't get a chance to really review his start until Saturday. He liked almost all of the sliders thrown, but missed on a couple of .

"A couple I wish I had back, but it's still early," said Rodon, the third overall selection in the 2014 Draft. "I'm still working on things. I can get better at next time out." Rodon threw only one on Friday, but he expects to mix in a few more when starting for the White Sox against the Rangers on Wednesday at Camelback Ranch. One thing to remember is that this strong effort represents just one start among what figures to be five or six for Rodon this spring, and even if he's as impressive as he was Friday while replacing the injured , there's still a chance Rodon begins the season with Triple-A Charlotte.

General manager Rick Hahn told MLB.com earlier this week that service time is not an issue in comparison to Rodon's 24 2/3 innings total of previous Minor League experience. They may want to ensure that when Rodon comes to the White Sox, he's prepared to stay with the White Sox.

But if Rodon proves to give the White Sox their best chance to win among the options, he may be tough to overlook. Rodon truly has benefited from his three collegiate years at North Carolina St. in terms of having a step up on being ready.

"I've talked about this with a lot of people," Rodon said. "A guy is coming out of high school, he needs three to five years to develop. College guys have more makeup, understand what he needs to do himself, how to keep his composure. We are going to be more ready, that's a good way to put that, than a high school guy."

CAMP NOTES: WHITE SOX OFF AND RUNNING By Scott Merkin / MLB.com GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The White Sox have picked up five stolen bases over their past two games, showing signs of the aggressiveness stressed by new baserunning instructor Vince Coleman.

"We are working on stuff," said White Sox leadoff man Adam Eaton, who was out of Saturday's lineup against the Mariners but picked up a stolen base Friday. "He's there in our ear, making sure we know the correct way to do things. His insight, his experience, they are well known. We are taking everything he says and trying to put it on the ground." Eaton was joined in the stolen-base column by Avisail Garcia and J.B. Shuckon Friday and Emilio Bonifacio and Alexei Ramirez on Saturday, giving the White Sox five players with swipes in two games. Having Coleman on board helps, but so does having a roster with excellent speed and athleticism.

Other notes from White Sox camp: • Dayan Viciedo, the one-time White Sox outfielder who was designated for assignment to make room for on Jan. 28, spoke to The in about his time with the White Sox. Viciedo agreed upon a Minor League deal to join the Blue Jays.

"I was slightly surprised because I thought I had an agreement in place to stay there, but I understand it's a business," Viciedo said through an interpreter of his departure from Chicago. "You have good days, you have bad days. I took it in stride. I'm not upset. It kind of surprised me at first but everything had worked out and is OK.

"I've thought about it twice and it's an opportunity for me to start anew. It did catch me by surprise but I'm happy [with Toronto] and am going to move forward." As for keeping in contact with Ramirez and Jose Abreu, his native Cuban former teammates who remain part of the White Sox, Viciedo said he talks to both but has more contact with Ramirez.

"We're like brothers, real close," Viciedo said. "We're in constant contact." • Erik Johnson threw two scoreless innings during the White Sox 8-2 loss to the Rockies in Saturday's "B" game at Camelback Ranch. Johnson, who has a chance to start one of the split-squad Cactus League games on Thursday, struck out three and walked one. Raul Fernandez fanned two in one scoreless frame. • Don't look solely at the four runs on three hits allowed by Zach Putnam in judging his two-thirds of an inning worked in Saturday's Cactus League 11-7 loss to the Mariners.

"Aside from giving up a few knocks, I felt pretty good about the way I threw the ball," said Putnam of his 2015 Cactus League debut. "My splitter, I'm trying to sharpen that pitch.

"I've been working that in live BP and during sides, and it hasn't had the nastiness I guess that I want to see. Today I made some strides into getting midseason with that. There's obviously a lot of work to still be done, But from a standpoint of just what I wanted to accomplish, I felt pretty good about the way that went." • Tyler Danish, the White Sox seventh-ranked prospect per MLB.com, will start Tuesday in Surprise against the Royals. , the regular starter on that day, will throw a simulated game instead.

"There are going to be some spots when we play that we're going to give some guys who are pretty young some opportunities here until we get later in the spring," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. "Then we'll start locking down where we're going to be."

MINOSO EULOGIZED BY FAMILY, FRIENDS AT FUNERAL By Cash Kruth / MLB.com

CHICAGO -- Stories and remembrances of Minnie Minoso, the legendary ballplayer and all of Chicago's friend, brought much laughter and some tears to those who gathered to celebrate his life Saturday afternoon at Chicago's Holy Family Church.

Minoso, dubbed "Mr. White Sox" for his standout skills and outgoing personality, died Sunday. His birthday was listed on baseball-reference.com as Nov. 29, 1925, but some believed he was between 89 and 92 years old.

Hundreds gathered at Saturday's memorial service, where Minoso's family, teammates and White Sox personnel spoke. A procession immediately followed, passing by U.S. Cellular Field and the site of Comiskey Park, where Minoso starred and became one of the game's elite.

"We miss him now, we will miss him on , and we will miss him throughout the seasons," White Sox senior executive president Howard Pizer said. "We will think of our friend Minnie often, and we will smile. Because that sense of share and love for baseball, for one another and for the White Sox, is what he taught and shared with all of us throughout his magnificent life. God bless you, my friend."

Minoso was a nine-time All-Star and three-time winner, flashing speed that made him one of the game's top players during his heyday in the 1950s. He was also the game's first black Cuban player, a trailblazer who forever changed baseball.

"What people did not realize then, and I would say still don't realize today, is that Minnie was the future of baseball," historian and author Dr. Adrian Burgos said. "Of an integrated and international game where everyone can come and play America's game." The White Sox have featured numerous Latino players over the years, including two key members of this year's team, Jose Abreu and Alexei Ramirez. Neither were in attendance Saturday because of , but they both shared statements that were read by students from nearby St. Ignatius College Prep. "Without Minnie, without his courage to leave Cuba for the Major Leagues, without his willingness to accept taunts and slights, none of us would be Major Leaguers," Ramirez's message read. "We offer him our thanks, our appreciation, and our eternal respect."

Minoso, the White Sox first black player, earned fans' respect almost instantly -- homering on the first pitch he saw after being acquired from the Indians. Before that, there were questions surrounding Minoso.

"After that, there weren't many more questions. Minnie had answered them," Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said. "He did it the best way he knew, with his bat, his glove, his speed and his smile. And as he rounded the bases, he made his way home into history and into our hearts. And that is where he will forever stay."

SALE PROGRESSING, BUT NOT THERE YET By Scott Merkin / MLB.com GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Chris Sale opened his injury update with the media Saturday by making a joke centered on his five- year plan, adding he doesn't know how to answer that question because he doesn't have "20-20 vision."

But there was no pun intended by the White Sox ace southpaw when stating that he's making a step in the right direction regarding the avulsion fracture in his right foot and the sprained right ankle he sustained last Friday during an accident at his Arizona home.

"It's progressing. Most of the swelling is out of there. The bruising is coming up to the surface, but we're right on track, I guess," said Sale, standing outside the White Sox trainer's room at Camelback Ranch. "I'm just doing what I'm told, and they keep saying it's getting better and looking better."

Sale was given a three-week timetable away from baseball activities following the problem that came as he was unloading his truck. He has been able to maintain arm and shoulder work during the rehab process, doing as much as he possibly can without jeopardizing the recovery.

"I've been running through a shoulder program," Sale said. "Standing table stuff, wall throws, throwing against a wall to keep my arm loose. Working on upper body. I'm doing some underwater treadmill stuff, bike, like an arm bike."

Throwing for Sale involves keeping his left foot down and his right foot out in front. He essentially goes through a mini wind-up but from the kneecap down instead of at the legs.

As far as projections for a return, Sale is staying with what he was originally told. He's doing everything possible not to miss any regular-season time, with his third straight Opening Day start scheduled for April 6 in Kansas City. "I'm doing everything I can. It's gonna react how its gonna react, and we're gonna plan accordingly," Sale said. "My arm is fine. I can get my arm ready in a week or two. I don't think that's an issue. It's mainly the body.

"I feel like I have a pretty good feel for my mechanics and things like that, so it shouldn't take too long. I've been throwing every day on my knee, so I'm keeping it loose. I can't play long toss or throw bullpens or anything, but we'll figure that out along the way."

A normal day for Sale consists of extensive time spent with White Sox head athletic trainer Herm Schneider, so Sale joked that he had to reintroduce himself to teammates when he stepped foot in the clubhouse Saturday. His attitude remains upbeat, even if that three-week absence extends into the regular season.

"We're treating it as best as we can and doing everything we can to get ready. I just know it's sore when I put pressure on it," Sale said. "I mean, my biggest worry is a bum foot. It is what it is. I'm not gonna lose any sleep over it.

"Like I said, it's still here. It's not cut off. We're not dealing with any major issues. It's a minor foot injury. We're gonna deal with it and it will be better eventually. When that is, I don't know. But we're doing everything we can to make that as soon as possible."

WHITE SOX BULLPEN CAN'T FOLLOW NOESI'S LEAD VS. MARINERS

By Scott Merkin / MLB.com GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Mariners sent only six men to the plate over the first two innings of Saturday's contest with the White Sox at Camelback Ranch. But once starter Hector Noesi left the mound, Seattle's bats came to life and handed the South Siders an 11-7 Cactus League loss. Seattle scored four runs in the third and six in the fourth, with a combined 17 hitters facing relievers Zach Putnam, Eric Surkamp and Scott Carroll. Justin Ruggiano, who could share right-field duties with Seth Smith in Seattle, broke a 1-1 tie in the third when launching a two-out, three-run homer off of Putnam, who was making his first Cactus League appearance. The blast came on a 2-2 offering. Six straight Mariners hitters reached base to start the fourth inning, with five reaching base off of Surkamp. Even with all of this action, Ketel Marte andBrad Miller were the only Mariners starters to finish with multi-hit performances. Noesi did not record a or walk a hitter in facing his former team.Jordan Pries started for the Mariners and allowed one run on one hit over two innings with two . Emilio Bonifacio manufactured that run off of Pries in the first, drawing a walk, moving to second on a hit-and-run groundout from Melky Cabrera, stealing third and then scoring on a ground out to Marte at second with the infield in. Bonifacio held briefly before racing home and beating the throw fromLogan Morrison.

Putnam missed his first scheduled appearance earlier in the week due to a bout with stomach flu. "As we all say, getting that first one out of the way is important even for guys in the game a long time," Putnam said. "Getting out there after being away from competitive stuff for four or five months. It can bring a little anxiety."

"It wasn't good, so you just kind of put it behind you, let these guys get their feet wet and see where they're at," said White Sox manager Robin Ventura of Putnam. "It needs to be better. He knows that. We're just going to chalk it up to the first outing, and it's going to get better from there." Avisail Garcia went 2-for-3, giving him two hits in each of the three games he has played this spring. Seattle's Jordy Lara added a to right in the seventh. Down by an 11-3 margin, the White Sox scored four in the eighth with two outs. Micah Johnson's stand-up triple to left, Leury Garcia's single and Dan Black's single drove in runs. Up next for White Sox: completes one turn through the White Sox Cactus League rotation by taking the mound against the A's on Sunday at HoHoKam Park, where Samardzija once pitched for the Cubs. Javy Guerra, Chris Beck, Dan Jennings, Daniel Webb and Jake Petricka also are set to throw in the 3:05 p.m. CT matchup, which will be available live on MLB.TV.

HECTOR NOESI NOT TAKING WHITE SOX ROTATION SPOT FOR GRANTED J.J. Stankevitz | CSNChicago.com

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Hector Noesi likely has a spot locked up in the White Sox rotation, but the right-hander isn’t approaching spring training with that mindset.

Noesi made his first Cactus League start Saturday at Camelback Ranch, retiring all six Mariners batters he faced over two innings of work. His low-to-mid-90’s fastball with life, sharp , curveball and developing changeup have the White Sox encouraged — even if Noesi isn’t ready to entertain the thought of having a stable spot with the club that plucked him off waivers last April.

“I never feel secure,” Noesi said. “I always try to do my work and feel like I’m competing to be better. I think that’s mental stuff, because sometimes if you feel too comfortable, things change.”

Noesi is working on spotting his fastball inside to righties and lefties and keeping it down in the zone when he falls behind in the count. A year ago, Noesi allowed 27 home runs and had just a 38 percent ground ball rate, though if anything was encouraging from his start Saturday it was that four of his six outs were on grounders.

Pitching coach Don Cooper dismissed the idea of Noesi making significant strides based on working with him in the low- pressure environment of a full spring training — the White Sox had about five months with him during the 2014 season after claiming him off waivers from Texas.

“I think more with Hector is trying to pick up where we left off and trying to continue to work on the areas that we’ve designated as areas that we need to improve in,” Cooper said. “Certainly it’s trying to get more ground balls. We’re trying to work on his slider as well as we’re always looking, first and foremost, at the fastball.” Catcher Tyler Flowers said Noesi impressed him during a live batting practice session earlier this spring with his velocity, command and action on his pitches. Manager Robin Ventura said the key for Noesi will be if he can turn his solid repertoire into consistent strikes and outs.

“A lot of people probably shortchange the kind of stuff he has, and he has come in and really he’s trying to win a job,” Ventura said. “He’s got some life to it, and he’s working hard and doing all the right things and preparing his mind for the same thing. It’s not easy being him when you hear about the three guys who are up front (Chris Sale, Jeff Samardzija and Jose Quintana), but I think people are selling him short.”

Noesi posted a 4.37 ERA over 166 innings with the White Sox last year, but two of his best starts came against his former club — the same one he faced Saturday. He threw 6 2/3 scoreless innings against Seattle July 6, allowing five hits and two walks with five strikeouts, then on Aug. 9 allowed one unearned run over 7 1/3 scoreless frames on five hits, one walk and four strikeouts.

Noesi is cognizant of his prior success against Seattle, and hopes to find a way to carry that into games against other clubs. If he’s able to do that, the White Sox may have more than a back-of-the-rotation starter on their hands.

“I always try to go there for them because I don’t want them to say Oh, that’s why we put him on waivers, you know,” Noesi said.

White Sox notes: Putnam, Surkamp struggle in loss

J.J. Stankevitz | CSNChicago.com

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Zach Putnam and Eric Surkamp combined to allow nine runs over an inning of work in the White Sox 11-7 loss to Seattle Saturday at Camelback Ranch.

Putnam, who was held out of work earlier this spring with a stomach issue, was tagged for four runs on three hits with one walk and one strikeout over two-thirds of an inning. Surkamp entered in relief and allowed five runs on five hits in one-third of an inning — and the left-hander allowed hits to four of the five left-handed batters he faced.

Manager Robin Ventura, though, wasn’t concerned about either ’s performance, particularly Putnam’s, this early into spring training.

“It wasn’t good, so you just kind of put it behind you, let these guys get their feet wet and see where they’re at,” Ventura said. “It needs to be better. He knows that. We’re just going to chalk it up to the first outing, and it’s going to get better from there.”

Other notes from Saturday:

— Erik Johnson threw two scoreless innings in a B game against Colorado. The right-hander didn’t allow a hit and walked one against three strikeouts.

— Carlos Rodon will start for the White Sox March 11 at Camelback Ranch against Texas. Prospect Tyler Danish will start March 10 in place of John Danks, who will throw a simulated game that day. — Avisail Garcia had two hits in three at-bats, and now has six hits in eight at-bats this spring. Geovany Soto doubled twice and Micah Johnson tripled in Saturday’s game as well.

— Former White Sox outfielder Dayan Viciedo, who signed a minor league deal with Toronto after being designated for assignment by the White Sox in February, spoke in Florida to the Associated Press about his exit from the club.

“I was slightly surprised because I thought I had an agreement in place to stay there, but I understand it’s a business,” Viciedo said through a translator. “You have good days, you have bad days. I took it in stride. I’m not upset. It kind of surprised me at first but everything had worked out and is OK.”

WHITE SOX, CHICAGO ICONS REMEMBER MINNIE MINOSO

CSNChicago.com

White Sox Hall of Famer Frank Thomas (video above): "It's a really sad day. I've known Minnie for 25 years, basically my entire time in the White Sox organization. And he was such a positive influence for everybody, always had a great thing to say, always energetic. But truly loved the , truly ups and downs. It was like he played forever. Because when we lost, he lost. He was a special person. We're all going to miss him."

Cubs Hall of Famer Billy Williams: "Two great people, two great players who loved Chicago and I think that one of the things that Minnie loved so well, to be here in Chicago and play with the White Sox and loved the game of baseball. Great player.

Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel: Whether he was breaking records on the field or breaking barriers off the field, Minnie never lost that signature smile or the quality of character that made him a true Hall of Famer in the only record book that mattered: the game of life.

White Sox owner : "His legacy is treat everybody with respect, be nice to everybody. And as a ballplayer it was play hard; he played with reckless abandon trying to win. The only other player that I can remember that played with the enthusiasm Minnie had was ."

White Sox executive VP Kenny Williams, on his first reaction: "When it first happened, I couldn't get the sadness to come out because every time I think of him I think of the laughter and the happy person that he was, and that's just how he was every day."

Blackhawks president and CEO John McDonough, on Minoso's message: "Enjoy the game. This is a great opportunity for everybody. But I think he's really a tremendous icon for the Chicago White Sox and really a symbol for their franchise."

CHICAGOANS MOURN MINNIE MINOSO

Associated Press

CHICAGO -- Friends and family paid tribute Saturday to White Sox star Minnie Minoso at a funeral in Chicago, recalling the strength that enabled baseball's first black Latino player to smile through the hurt of racial taunts as well as his genuine love for his fans.

In a message read out to the crowd, fellow Cuban and White Sox star Alexei Ramirez, who was away for a game, said Minoso's courage paved the way for him and the younger generation of Latino ballplayers.

"Without Minnie, without his courage to leave Cuba for the major leagues, without his willingness to accept taunts and slights, none of us would be major leaguers," he said. "... As I take the field today, a Cuban proudly wearing a White Sox jersey, I will do so thinking of Minnie. Thank you, my friend."

Minoso died March 1. He was believed to be 90.

Known as the "Cuban Comet," Minoso was part of a wave of black players who integrated the sport. In segregated America, he often couldn't stay in the same hotels or eat in the same restaurants as white teammates. And he had to put up with taunts like the time an opposing team released a black cat in front of him and called it Minnie.

"When he first arrived on the South Side in 1951 all the naysayers said he had two strikes against him: He was black and he was Latino," Mayor Rahm Emanuel told the crowd. "... He stepped up to the plate in his first game, in his first time at bat ... and he went ahead and hit a two-run homer."

Minoso also took care to acknowledge fans, never refusing an autograph.

"He not only signed the autographs, but he was very careful so that people could read his name. He was proud of the name," said former White Sox pitcher .

Fighting back tears, Charlie Rice-Minoso, 26, recalled his father's less widely known side: his love of dominoes, cooking enough food for an army, watching black and white cowboy movies until dawn and his tremendous superstitions.

If the Sox were on a winning streak, Minoso would insist on sticking to the same routines, right down to wearing the exact same clothes day after day, convinced that if he altered anything the team would lose, his son said.

And then, he said, there was that smile.

"He was the most generous man with the most infectious smile that ignited a chain reaction of positive energy and joy that made you feel so special," Rice-Minoso said.

As the service concluded, an audio recording of Minoso's voice was played into a microphone. His thoughts were with his fans.

"Since I came over here in 1951, you gave me your love, your respect. ... My family and myself again thank you," he said. "I love you and God bless you"

A youth choir sang "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," as pall bearers carried Minoso's casket out of the church, before a procession that would wind past U.S. Cellular Field and old Comiskey Park's home plate.

WHITE SOX CLOSER DAVID ROBERTSON KEEPS CALM, MOVES ON FROM YANKEES DAYS

By Colleen Kane

ENDALE, Ariz. — For the first six years of his major-league career, new White Soxpitcher David Robertson grew accustomed to two ways of life. 1. Pitching under "the microscope" of New York media and fans.

2. Pitching under the tutelage of one of the greatest closers in the game.

Then, over the course of about a year, Robertson first replaced his mentor, Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, and then left

New York for his Second City.

If change can result in stress, this must have been one of the most pressure-packed years in his 29-year-old life, right?

"I don't feel any added pressure," Robertson said in a casual manner that befits a pitcher now entrusted to mop up the mess that was the Sox's ninth inning in 2014.

When the Sox bet four years and $46 million on that demeanor in December, they held up those New York experiences

— along with a career consistency that has produced a 2.81 ERA — as evidence that Robertson can be the man for the job.

"He's a competitor and has closed in the toughest place there is to close in and done it very well," Sox manager Robin

Ventura said at the time.

Drafted by the Yankees in 2006, Robertson joined the big-league club in 2008, late in Rivera's 19-year, 652-save career.

But it was long enough for Robertson to consider him a close friend and a mentor. There was always some New York legend around the Yankees clubhouse offering advice, but this relationship was a little deeper. They were catch partners in Rivera's final season in 2013, and Robertson moved his locker next to Rivera to glean all he could before retirement arrived.

"He really was just a genuine, nice human being who played the game of baseball the right way," Robertson said. "So for me, I tried to be a lot like him, both on and off the field."

Even-keeled is often a lofty compliment in baseball circles, and it's a trait Robertson said he tried to take from Rivera, first while serving as the Yankees' setup man and then as the post-Rivera closer who converted 39 of 44 save opportunities in 2014.

"He was always consistent," Robertson said. "Even after blowing two or three in a row, or after he finished six or seven in a row, he was the same guy. He always showed up to the field with a smile on his face and forgot about the previous day." The other lesson from Rivera surely helped the Alabama-bred Robertson deal with being a big-market, big-name player.

Going to New York as a rookie at age 23 took some getting used to, with the no-nonsense fans and the throngs of media members in the clubhouse. Robertson said Rivera handled that aspect of being a star well.

"He was always nice to media, always nice to other players on the team," Robertson said. "He loved the city of New

York, and he loved the fans, and those were the biggest things I take away from him."

Robertson now faces the task of winning over the South Side faction.

In the clubhouse, he will let that happen naturally and isn't going to declare himself a mentor to some of the younger relievers like Rivera was to him.

"I'm not going to force things on them," he said. "If they ask me for any advice, I'm going to give it to them. I want advice too. If I'm doing something wrong and they see something they did that works for them and might help me, I want to hear it."

On the field, Robertson is still settling in. He prefers a minimalist approach to spring training — six or seven game appearances with a back-to-back outing is enough — and the Sox are letting him chart his own spring course. But the early reviews are good.

Ventura praised his temperament and his ability to avoid panic after an early bullpen session. Sox catcher Tyler

Flowers said his command during a live batting practice session was great and thinks he is going to have fun catching him.

"I'm glad I don't have to face him anymore," Flowers said. "I'm looking forward to being on the other end. … You see just the way he works, the attitude and the body language he had out there yesterday even facing our own guys. He seems to be very competitive."

Of course, Robertson knows that the quickest way to win over Chicagoans is to alleviate the stress they felt in the ninth inning last year. For that, the plan is easy.

"I just have to do the same thing I did in New York here in Chicago," he said.

WHITE SOX PITCHER HECTOR NOESI: 'I NEVER FEEL SECURE'

Colleen Kane | Chicago Tribune GLENDALE, Ariz. – Hector Noesi doesn’t believe in feeling secure about his place in the White Sox rotation this season.

The right-hander may be the likely fifth starter to start the season following his progression from a waivers claim reliever last year, but he said he feels he needs to fight to hold on to that spot.

“I never feel secure. I always try to do my work and feel like I’m competing to be better,” Noesi said. “I think that mentally is tough, because sometimes if you feel too comfortable, things change.”

Noesi looked very comfortable while pitching two perfect innings against theMariners in his first Cactus League start of the spring Saturday at Camelback Ranch. He threw 28 pitches, 18 for strikes, and said his main focus was working on his inside fastball to lefties and righties.

Sox manager Robin Ventura said it was what he wanted to see out of Noesi.

“He’s got some stuff to him,” Ventura said. “A lot of people probably shortchange the kind of stuff he has. He has come in, and really he’s trying to win a job. … It’s not easy being him when you hear about the three guys who are up front

(Chris Sale, Jeff Samardzija and Jose Quintana), but I think people are selling him short.”

Noesi said he had joked with a friend that he should pitch to every team like he does to the Mariners, who designated

Noesi for assignment in early April last year before trading him to the Rangers, who then placed him on waivers. Noesi threw 18 1/3 innings without giving up an earned run against the Mariners over four games in 2014.

“I always try to go there for (the Mariners) because I don’t want them to say, ‘Oh, that’s why we put him on waivers,’”

Noesi said. “…You have to learn, and getting better and better every time is not going to be that easy.”

After posting a 14.21 ERA with Seattle and Texas last year, he improved enough to earn an 8-11 record and 4.39 ERA over 166 innings with the Sox.

Noesi has often credited pitching coach Don Cooper for the positive approach he has taken to his turnaround, and he did so again Saturday, saying he appreciates the work Cooper puts in with the who aren’t the team’s biggest stars.

“I give him a lot of credit because, like I always say, he’s always there working on something no matter what,” Noesi said. “And not just with me, with everybody. It’s not like, ‘Oh, let me work with (Jeff) Samardzija because Samardzija is a big guy.' But with everybody it’s the same, working hard.”

Sox catcher Tyler Flowers said he was “extremely impressed” with Noesi when he caught his live batting practice earlier in camp. “I thought his velocity was pretty strong,” Flowers said. “His command was extremely strong. His changeup was probably a little bit better than it was toward the end of the season last year. I saw good improvement in his breaking ball. … I think the last step is being able to control everything once you get in a game, the ability to drop in breaking balls early. Especially left-handed hitters, give them another element instead of just a fast-change.”

WHITE SOX PITCHER CHRIS SALE SAYS FOOT/ANKLE RECOVERY 'RIGHT ON TRACK

Colleen Kane | Chicago Tribune

ENDALE, Ariz. — Chris Sale says he’s “right on track” in his recovery from a foot and ankle injury that has sidelined him in spring training, and the White Sox left-hander maintains hope he won’t have to miss any regular-season starts.

The Sox announced a week ago that Sale suffered an avulsion fracture on the outside of his right foot while unloading his truck at home. Sale said Saturday that he also is recovering from a sprained ankle, which the Sox confirmed was a part of the original injury.

Sale said the swelling in his foot has subsided, but it is still bruised and sore. He was walking around Camelback Ranch in sneakers and remained in high spirits.

“I’m not going to lose any sleep over it,” Sale said. “It’s still here. It’s not cut off. We’re not dealing with any major issues. It’s a minor foot injury. We’re going to deal with it and it will be better eventually. When that is, I don’t know.

But we’re doing everything we can to make that as soon as possible.”

He is working through a shoulder program to keep his arm as ready as possible. He said he has been throwing from his knees, doing upper-body work and exercising on a bike and an underwater treadmill.

He thinks he will only need a week or two get his arm in game shape when he is cleared to resume baseball activities, which the Sox have projected to be around March 21. ManagerRobin Ventura has said the chances are slim that Sale will be ready for opening day, but there’s a possibility he could recover in time for the Sox to not have to replace him in the rotation.

“I don’t think (getting my arm ready) is an issue,” Sale said. “It’s mainly the body. I feel like I have a pretty good feel for my mechanics and things like that, so it shouldn’t take too long. I’ve been throwing every day on my knee, so I’m keeping it loose. I can’t play long toss or throw bullpens or anything, but we’ll figure that out along the way.”

Extra innings: Prospect Frank Montas was scheduled to pitch Saturday but missed the game because he has a baby on the way, according to pitching coach Don Cooper. … Prospect Tyler Danish, the youngest player in major league camp at

20, is slated to pitch Tuesday against the Royals. John Danks will pitch a simulated game. Minnie Minoso remembered as pioneer, loving family man Tina Sfondeles | Chicago Sun-Times

Orestes “Minnie” Minoso — the “Cuban Comet” who broke barriers for Latin baseball players in America — was remembered Saturday as a pioneer for Chicago’s immigrants, a loving family man and a true baseball fan long past his playing days.

At Minoso’s funeral Saturday, family members, friends and former teammates offered tales of the man who loved the Chicago White Sox so much he refused to change his clothes when the team had a winning streak.

His family had to deal with his superstitions, his son Charlie Rice-Minoso told mourners at Holy Family Church — like taking the same route to the baseball park, eating the same food and talking to the same people “in the exact order.”

Minoso, Chicago’s first black major leaguer, died March 1 at 90.

Billy Pierce, who pitched for the White Sox, called Minoso a “complete ballplayer” and described his old teammate as having been as genuine on the field as off.

“One time, he missed the ball,” Pierce said. “About two days later, he comes up to me and says, ‘Bill, I’m sorry.’ I say ‘Why?’ [He says] ‘I should have caught that ball.’”

Born in Cuba, Minoso played 17 seasons in the big leagues and was a seven-time All-Star. He batted .298 with 186 career homers. But he didn’t make the Baseball Hall of Fame in his lifetime, being denied entry in December.

“When the man upstairs calls him, he will be calling a true Hall of Famer in every sense of the word,” Pierce said, to applause.

Howard Pizer, senior executive vice president of the White Sox, spoke of Minoso’s humility and empathy even in the face of discrimination.

Pizer talked about how Minoso made sure a little boy, stricken by polio and using crutches, got a baseball during an exhibition game in Memphis in 1955. Minoso saw the boy, who was white, and had the pitcher call him over to hand him the ball. The boy thanked the pitcher, but then he pointed to Minnie and told him to thank him — “the only black player in a field of white,” Pizer said.

“In [the] segregated South in the 1950s, a black player could never be so bold as to give a white child a baseball,” Pizer said. “Minnie had noticed this boy on crutches and cared, so he sent the boy a gift indirectly because societal norms demanded separation. That was our Minnie in a nutshell, caring…always looking to make someone else feel better.”

That little boy was U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, a Democrat from Tennessee who shared the tale and his personal homage to Minoso on the House floor last week. Zach Strauss, a longtime family friend, talked aboutf the many hours Minoso spent at his father’s Wrigleyville bar, Sluggers, even though he didn’t come there to drink.

“He went there to talk to everyone about anything and everything, and everybody loved him,” Strauss said. “Especially the guys in the kitchen.”

That’s where Minoso would whip up Cuban favorites like oxtail soup, okra and arroz con pollo.

“He would sit outside on the patio at Sluggers, watching the people walk by, and he loved to stop and talk to them about life and baseball. It would be the UPS guy, the mailman — even the Cubs fans,” Strauss said, to laughs.

Minoso was a pioneer for Chicago’s immigrants, historian Adrian Burgos said.

“Minnie was the future of baseball,” Burgos said.

Statements also were read from current Sox players Alexei Ramirez and Jose Abreu, two of the many Latin players Minoso mentored over decades.

“We will miss his knowledge, his insights, his passion for the game and of course his smile,” Ramirez said. “Just as he paved the way for Latino ballplayers, he has left us with the responsibility to carry on his legacy.”

Mayor Rahm Emanuel spoke of Minoso’s place as the first Latin superstar in baseball and the obstacles he overcame.

“Minnie’s passing is heartbreaking, but Minnie’s life was a lesson in overcoming heartbreak with a smile,” Emanuel said.

Others in attendance included White Sox Hall of Famer Frank Thomas and former player Ron Kittle, White Sox executive vice president Kenny Williams and former Cubs Hall of Famer Billy Williams, as well as mayoral challenger Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez and former Mayor Richard M. Daley.

Outside the church, Williams called Minoso a “ballpayer that left nothing on the field.”

Thomas said he’ll miss seeing his friend at the ballpark: “He was there every night. He’s a fixture at the stadium. He’s going to be missed.”

Minoso’s own words were played over the church’s loudspeakers at the end of his funeral, as a recording was played in which he said, “Brothers and sisters, I love you, and God bless you.”

Afterward, the funeral procession carried him past his favorite playground at 35th and Shields one last time.

Chris Sale says foot is 'progressing,' hopes not to miss any regular season David Just | Chicago Sun-Times

Injured White Sox pitcher Chris Sale said Saturday that his injured right foot is progressing on schedule and he hopes not to miss any regular season action. The left-hander said he’s hopeful the injury will not keep him out beyond the initial three-week timetable.

“I’m just doing what I’m told and they keep saying it’s getting better and looking better,” Sale said. “So, no pun intended, a step in the right direction.”

Sale said he’s been throwing from his knees and running through a shoulder program to keep his upper body and arm in shape. He said his arm is “fine” and it can be ready in “a week or two.”

“I feel like I have a pretty good feel for my mechanics and things like that, so it shouldn’t take too long,” Sale said. “I’ve been throwing every day on my knee so I’m keeping it loose. I can’t play long toss or throw bullpens or anything, but we’ll figure that out along the way.”

Carlos Rodon started in Sale’s place in a Cactus League game Friday.