WHITE SOX HEADLINES OF FEBRUARY 13, 2017 “Prospect development most important for White Sox” … Scott Merkin, MLB.com “Roster battles abound for rebuilding White Sox” … Scott Merkin, MLB.com “Youth movement to highlight White Sox spring” … Scott Merkin, MLB.com “Davidson, Tilson Set for After Unlucky White Sox Debuts” … JJ Stankevitz, CSN Chicago “Five Storylines to Watch as Whites Sox Begin Spring Training” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “White Sox spring training preview” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times “Spring-training storylines: Nats need a closer — and Sox have one” … USA Today “Rozner: Back to the future for Renteria, White Sox” … Barry Rozner, Daily Herald “White Sox camp: Out with the old, in with the new” … Scot Gregor, Daily Herald “White Sox camp: Out with the old, in with the new” … Andrew Seligman, Associated Press “Visiting Sox at spring training? Here's some travel tips” … Scot Gregor, Daily Herald “MLB Rumor Central: Nats' trade talks for David Robertson snag?” … Doug Mittler, ESPN.com “Chicago sports world reacts to Chance the Rapper's Grammy wins” … Nick Ostiller, ESPN.com

Prospect development most important for White Sox Perfect season for rebuilding club would be young players improving together By Scott Merkin / MLB.com | February 10th, 2017

CHICAGO -- For the first time in many a year, the White Sox potentially perfect season will not consist of 80 or 90 victories and a chance for playoff contention.

Where 2017 is concerned, think more about the development of elite prospects such as , , , Reynaldo Lopez, , and Carson Fulmer, not to mention another step forward taken by somewhat established young talents such as shortstop and southpaw Carlos Rodon. That work beings Tuesday, when and will have their first workout at Camelback Ranch.

This team underwent a modified rebuild during the 2013 season and into '14, but it did not feature the broad scope of this current rebuild undertaken by general and the organization. The '17 version of this squad certainly is more about the longer-term picture than a one-year fix.

"The focus of our scouting department, of our player-development people, of the Major League staff is on building something that's sustainable," Hahn said. "In the short term, we might have to pay some price at the big league level.

"Everyone here understands what we're trying to accomplish for the long term. Stranger things have happened in baseball where teams that weren't expected to contend come together and are able to succeed. If that happens, fantastic, and we'll help facilitate it as much as we can. But in reality, we're closer to the start than we are the finish of this process of rebuilding this club."

The team won 78 games last season and already has traded one of the game's best pitchers in and a strong contributor both offensively and defensively in . The perfect season might also include a couple of more trades to net yet more top-level prospects. Pitchers Jose Quintana and David Robertson are still drawing interest from teams hoping to contend, and slugger Todd Frazier might as well.

So the focus turns to those players acquired or those players already in the system via the Draft. Players such as Moncada, Giolito, Lopez and Burdi figure to get a big league chance at some point in '17. But the perfect scenario would be for this group to continue to learn and improve, developing a cohesive feel.

Much like the Astros and Cubs before them, a White Sox core that plays together, develops together and even loses together some day can win consistently together. That hope becomes the White Sox mantra for '17 regardless of the big league win total.

"I don't see any difference in how I take my job in terms of how we try to prepare players on a daily basis," White Sox manager said. "These guys are trying to compete to show you what they're capable of doing, and taking care of moments that are presented to them. When we get a whole lot of good moments, we start winning a lot of ballgames."

"As a veteran guy, just teach them the ropes," said Frazier of his role with the young players. "Adversity is a big thing in this game and causes a lot of people to break down. Show them what you got. Bulldog mentality."

Roster battles abound for rebuilding White Sox By Scott Merkin / MLB.com | February 11th, 2017

CHICAGO -- Take a look at this educated guess for what the White Sox roster could look like. But don't commit it to memory, and don't necessarily pick out your favorite player to follow for the season to come.

In the midst of a rebuild, pretty much anyone is fair game in terms of trade material.

Jose Quintana is under team control for the next four years due to two team options, and stands as one of the steadiest starting pitchers in the . But the left-hander also might be able to secure a prospect return along the lines of what the team received for Chris Sale or Adam Eaton.

Quintana remains more focused on the Spring Training work ahead, including a stint with Colombia at the , than any rumors.

Spring preview: What's the difference? | Who might surprise? | How's your star? | What's the vision? | The perfect season

"I heard a lot about trades this year, but I don't have control of that," Quintana said. "I'm happy to be here, and I have new teammates this year. We have some good talent this year, and I'm here. I have all of my focus on the White Sox."

Here is a breakdown of other players focused on the White Sox and roster battles for Opening Day:

Catchers: Omar Narvaez,

There is no clear-cut starter between Narvaez and Soto, a non-roster invite who has past history with the White Sox. Look for Narvaez to work with Carlos Rodon and Quintana, at the minimum, with Narvaez impressing during his 34-game stint last season. Zack Collins is deemed the team's of the future but almost certainly won't be ready in '17.

First base: Jose Abreu

Abreu will be working toward his fourth consecutive season of hitting at least .290, with 25 homers and 100 RBIs. He played 152 games at first base last season, compared to 109 and 115 the first two years, respectively, and should be rotated into the designated hitter spot this season a bit more frequently despite not being particularly fond of it. Abreu also will be called upon to take on more of a leadership role with this younger crew.

Second base:

Back on a 1-year, $3.5 million deal, the 27-year-old veteran certainly isn't a slam-dunk to win this job after his 2016 season with the White Sox ended July 21 due to various left leg injuries. Tyler Saladino's is to be an everyday player at one position, and he certainly proved worthy of a chance during the final two months of last year. The organization also remains high on switch-hitting Carlos Sanchez, but a healthy Lawrie, who also can play third base, should have the edge.

Shortstop: Tim Anderson

Any questions about Anderson belonging at shortstop certainly were answered in the short term during his rookie year, when he finished with six Defensive Runs Saved per Baseball Reference. He stands as one of the very few untouchables on this team and only figures to become a more potent offensive force as he gains a greater grasp of the strike zone. Saladino stands as his main backup.

Third base: Todd Frazier

Frazier wants to stay with the White Sox through the rebuild, and he wants to be one of the veteran voices in his last season before free agency. He's a true power-hitter as shown by his 40 home runs and 98 RBIs but has talked about working more to the opposite field to help improve his batting average and average with runners in scoring position. Matt Davidson also could get some looks at third.

Starting outfield: Melky Cabrera, Charlie Tilson, Avisail Garcia

Tilson hit a target of being without restrictions at the January hitters' mini-camp, but the center fielder is recovering from a torn left hamstring so his speed work during Spring Training will be something to keep an eye on. White Sox fans are not exactly enamored with Garcia defensively in right, but he will get another opportunity along with time at designated hitter.

Designated Hitter: Davidson

Davidson has rebuilt his swing over the past year and feels confident entering this season. The White Sox probably won't have a primary designated hitter, so Davidson could move to third, Frazier could move to first and Abreu to DH as a game-to-game example.

Bench: Saladino, Soto, , Willy Garcia

Having Saladino's versatility across the infield makes Sanchez almost a redundancy as the 25th man. Having Avisail Garcia in right field would seem to indicate the potential need for a fifth outfielder in Willy Garcia or possibly Rymer Liriano. Bourjos is on a Minor League deal with a big league camp invite, but has a chance to split time with Tilson in center field. Leury Garcia plays the infield and outfield, while Everth Cabrera and Cody Asche remain interesting non-roster options, although 40-man room would be needed with the roster currently at 39.

Rotation: Quintana, Rodon, Miguel Gonzalez, Derek Holland, James Shields

The rotation looks set if the players remain the same. Quintana falls in line for his first career Opening Day start, with Sale having moved on to Boston, and Rodon is coming off an 8-3 showing and 3.11 ERA over his final 66 2/3 innings during his first full season in the rotation. Holland came in via a 1-year, $6 million deal, while Shields, who had a 6.77 ERA and yielded 31 homers, 139 hits and 55 walks over 114 1/3 innings with the White Sox, almost has to be better in '17.

Bullpen: David Robertson, Nate Jones, Zach Putnam, Jake Petricka, Dan Jennings, Tommy Kahnle, Giovanni Soto.

The first five on this list are veritable locks: Robertson standing as closer, followed by Jones as setup man and Putnam, Petricka and Jennings working across the late innings. Giovanni Soto might rate a slight edge as the second lefty in the bullpen behind Jennings, and Kahnle's strong finish to '16 could push him into the last spot. Also in consideration would be non-roster invites Anthony Swarzak and Cory Luebke, addition Dylan Covey and returnees from '16 in Juan Minaya, Chris Beck and Michael Ynoa.

Youth movement to highlight White Sox spring With trades of Sale and Eaton, South Siders feature a plethora of prospects By Scott Merkin / MLB.com | February 12th, 2017

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- All offseason, the focus on the White Sox has been about the plethora of prospects acquired by general manager Rick Hahn. On Tuesday, we'll get our first look at them. New prospects, new manager, new plan, new season.

"We are kind of in the rebuilding stage, I guess you could say," said catcher Zack Collins, who is the White Sox No. 6 prospect according to MLBPipeline.com and No. 81 overall. "It worked for the Cubs, getting a lot of big prospects and building.

"I feel like it's what we needed to do. I mean, it's always good to have Chris Sale starting, but I don't know, it's just trying to do something different now. I feel like baseball is kind of evolving to start getting younger guys and stuff like that."

Whereas the focus of recent White Sox Spring Trainings was Sale, one of the game's best pitchers, or what veteran additions they hoped would push them into contention, youth will be the watchword this year. Youth, and the trade rumors surrounding Jose Quintana.

Every move made by infielder Yoan Moncada or right-handed-hurler Michael Kopech, acquired from Boston as part of the Sale deal, as well as right-handers Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez, picked up from Washington in the Adam Eaton deal, will be studied carefully. Similar attention will be paid to Collins, Carson Fulmer and Zack Burdi, to name a few homegrown elite prospects. It's a change in times for the White Sox.

"Hopefully it works," Collins said. "We have a lot of great guys now in the Minor Leagues and a lot of big prospects."

This year's Spring Training work and daily routine for White Sox players won't change much from years past. New manager Rick Renteria wants things done the right way and with fun and energy, just as his predecessors believed. But there's a decided difference within this year's camp.

"If you look at the progression of the clubs that have in the last five or six years been able to impact their existence into the postseason and then deep into postseason, most of those organizations have kind of gone the route we are starting to go at this particular time," Renteria said. "It's probably the best opportunity we've had to be able to move in this actual direction."

Pitchers and catchers report: Tuesday

Position players report: Saturday

First Cactus League game: Away vs. the Dodgers at 2:05 p.m. CT on Feb. 25

Prospects to watch: Moncada, who is built like a linebacker, will get a chance to show his power and speed, while Kopech, who readily talks about his respect for and comparison to the Mets' , can flash his 100-mph fastball. Everyone mentions these two along with Giolito, Burdi, Lopez, Collins and Fulmer, but let's not forget Spencer Adams, Courtney Hawkins, Jacob May, Charlie Tilson, Tyler Danish and , all of whom will be working hard in big league camp.

New faces: Take away the top prospects acquired in the two trades and there really aren't that many new players dotting this opening rebuilding phase. Free agent Derek Holland was signed to a one-year deal worth $6 million, and many believe the left-hander will fit well with pitching Don Cooper in getting the southpaw back to his standout form shown with Texas from 2011-13. Holland could be dealt at the non-waiver Trade Deadline or become a steadying force in the rotation. Right-hander Dylan Covey is an interesting addition via the Rule 5 Draft, while outfielder Rymer Liriano enters camp having missed all of last season with the Brewers after being hit in the face with a pitch during Spring Training. Catcher Geovany Soto and outfielder Peter Bourjos are non-roster invitees who have strong chances of breaking camp with the team.

Interesting non-roster invitees: Soto, who played the 2015 season with the White Sox, sits as the early favorite to split time behind the plate with Omar Narvaez. Bourjos could do the same with Tilson in center, while Everth Cabrera and Cody Asche should battle for the final position player spot. The same holds true for Cory Luebke and Anthony Swarzak for the final two bullpen spots. The problem for these non-roster invitees is that the White Sox 40-man presently sits at 39, so there's not a great deal of room to maneuver.

Davidson, Tilson Set for Spring Training After Unlucky White Sox Debuts By JJ Stankevitz / CSN Chicago | February 10th, 2017

Two of the White Sox players hit by some of the worst luck imaginable have made good progress this winter and should be ready to compete for spots in Rick Renteria's starting lineup when pitchers and catchers report to Camelback Ranch next week.

Infielder/designated hitter Matt Davidson, who broke a bone in his foot in his White Sox debut last June, and outfielder Charlie Tilson, who tore his hamstring in his major league debut last August, both offered optimistic assessments of their respective recovery processes at SoxFest last month.

Davidson delivered an RBI single in his second at-bat with the White Sox June 30, which was his first major league appearance since 2013. But at some point while running the bases after that hit, he fractured a bone in his foot, which required surgery and sidelined him for the rest of 2016.

The White Sox acquired the 25-year-old Davidson from the in December of 2013 for right-hander Addison Reed, but the former top 100 prospect struggled in his first two years in the White Sox system. Davidson improved during his third season with Triple-A Charlotte last year, hitting .268/.349/.444 and earning his first promotion to Chicago after 75 games.

Davidson will be in White Sox mix at designated hitter in 2017. He had an X-Ray on his foot in late January and said he's been feeling 100 percent since the middle of December.

Tilson will enter spring training as the favorite to start in center field on Opening Day despite getting just two major league at-bats before suffering that season-ending injury in Detroit. Tilson, who the White Sox acquired for left-hander last July, singled in his first career at-bat and hit .293 with a .346 on- base percentage and 89 stolen bases in five minor league seasons spent in the St. Louis Cardinals' farm system.

"I like to think a setback is a setup for a comeback," Tilson said. "I tried to harness all that energy and move it toward rehab. I've been progressing really well."

Five Storylines to Watch as Whites Sox Begin Spring Training By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago | February 12th, 2017

The White Sox open spring training on Tuesday and they’ll do so with a new manager, a slew of fresh acquisitions and headed in a considerably different direction than they were a year ago. As they begin camp ahead of the 117th season in franchise history, manager Rick Renteria and the White Sox are in the midst of their first rebuild since 1997. Despite describing the ensuing process as painful and deliberate while trading away stars Chris Sale and Adam Eaton, general manager Rick Hahn has re- energized the fan base by acquiring seven highly-touted prospects.

Here’s a look at what’s in store over the next 6 1/2 weeks.

1. How will the veterans handle the situation?

Hahn has laid it all out for the fans -- while the next few seasons may be fruitful for the long-term view, there’s sure to be trying times ahead in the interim. One area that could very well surface is in how players who aren’t part of the big picture handle their time in limbo. Though there’s the possibility for some awkward moments, Renteria, Hahn and a number of veterans said they don’t expect anything less than to handle the situation professionally.

2. Prospect push

White Sox officials have only had a glimpse of many of their new prized possessions and thus far they’ve been ecstatic. How couldn’t they be as they get their first extended look at a farm system revamped by a pair of franchise-altering trades? Each of the team’s top eight prospects, according to MLB.com, will spend part of the spring in big league camp, which will give the staff and front office a good idea how far along are their prospects.

Renteria and his player-development friendly staff get an early chance to mold the team’s future before they arrive in the majors. He looks forward to familiarizing himself with the team’s newest players.

“We are going to have a vigilant eye for what we recognize in terms of where we believe they are in the process,” Renteria said. “But we have to trust each other.

“We have many voices that can chime in to give us each their individual opinion so we can assess and draw best conclusion at the end.”

3. The World Baseball Classic effect

There aren’t any position players competing in next month’s exhibition, but the White Sox pitching staff features four participants, including Jose Quintana, Miguel Gonzalez, Nate Jones and David Robertson. Pitching coach Don Cooper spoke to all four players in advance of their official selections to have them prepared for the event, which runs March 6-22. Cooper also has a plan in place how to have his pitchers ready for the regular season once they return to camp.

4. What’s next for the young guys?

During a Winter Meetings press conference, Hahn implied that the only Carlos Rodon and Tim Anderson had no chance of being traded. Both men have had success at the major league level, but both are still developing. Anderson is looking to improve upon a very good start in the field and at the plate while Rodon continues to look for consistency with his strike throwing.

5. Filling the vacancies

Though there don’t appear to be many openings on the pitching staff, the everyday lineup has several starting jobs to be determined. Catcher, center field and designated hitter are the spots in question with plenty of potential candidates for playing time.

White Sox spring training preview By Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago-Sun Times | February 10th, 2017

White Sox pitchers and catchers report to spring training Tuesday at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona. It will be a group that includes the most closely watched trade candidate in baseball, left-hander Jose Quintana.

Steady, focused and resolute, Quintana calmly answered questions about his precarious position as the Sox’ most valuable trade chip during SoxFest, saying he not only hopes to remain but expects to stay on the South Side.

It seems more a matter of when, not if, Quintana is politely shown the door.

While deals are indeed made during spring training, the big ones involving players of Quintana’s stature are not commonplace. If he stays, look for him to start Opening Day (April 3 against the Tigers), then go through the trade-rumor mill again as the non-waiver Aug. 1 deadline approaches. Barring injury or a first- time sag in performance, the 2016 All-Star figures to bring the return general manager Rick Hahn is fixed on securing.

Hahn’s objective? Get a similar package of prospects to what Chris Sale and Adam Eaton yielded to check off the goal of trading the Sox’ top three players according to WAR (wins above replacement) as the first phase of the rebuilding plan.

Whether the trade noise affects Quintana during the spring and/or during the first few months of the season bears watching.

When he was hours away from signing a five-year, $26.5 million extension in the spring of 2014 (which includes club options in 2019 and 2020), Quintana had the roughest outing of his life, failing to retire all nine batters he faced in the first inning of a Cactus League outing against the Athletics.

Then 25, Quintana would admit to a rare case of nerves. Hahn would say that “it played very much on his mind during spring training.”

Aside from that hiccup, Quintana has been unaffected by everything else, most notably a slew of no- decisions and losses attributable to poor run support.

When the time comes, Quintana will be missed. In the meantime, with Sale gone, he’ll be the leader and ace of the pitching staff starting Tuesday. Barring a trade, that is.

What’s new?

Besides a new plan, new manager (Rick Renteria) and new ballpark name (Guaranteed Rate Field), these staffers have new positions: Joe McEwing, bench coach; , third base coach; Curt Hasler, bullpen coach. Former Sox infielder Chris Getz, hired out of the Royals organization, takes Capra’s place as director of player development.

He gone

Sale, Eaton, Justin Morneau, J.B. Shuck, Alex Avila, Dioner Navarro, Matt Albers.

They’re here

New guys on 40-man roster: left-handers Derek Holland and Giovanni Soto, right-handers Lucas Giolito, Dylan Covey, Brad Goldberg and Reynaldo Lopez, Yoan Moncada and outfielders Willy Garcia and Rymer Liriano. Holland, signed for one year and $6 million, will offset a good portion of the innings left by Chris Sale.

They’re invited

Free agents who signed minor-league contracts with invitations to spring training: catchers Geovany Soto and Roberto Pena, outfielder Peter Bourjos, /outfielder Cody Asche, infielder Everth Cabrera, left-handers Cory Luebke and David Holmberg and right-handers Anthony Swarzak and Blake Smith. Soto, if healthy, figures to share catching duties with Omar Narvaez. Bourjos also stands a very good chance of making the Opening Day roster.

They are, too

Also invited to big-league camp, from within the farm system: right-handers Zack Burdi, Michael Kopech and Spencer Adams, left-handers , Matt Purke, Brian Clark and , catcher Zack Collins, outfielder Courtney Hawkins and infielders Danny Hayes and Nicky Delmonico.

Top ten list

With two December deals, the Sox completely remodeled their farm system. The Chris Sale and Adam Eaton trades alone converted the Sox’ top-prospect list into something worth posting and will make minor- league camp more interesting this year. Here is the top 10, according to MLB.com (with rankings in baseball’s top 100 in parentheses). lists the same 10 but in a different order.

*IF Yoan Moncada (No. 2) **RHP Lucas Giolito (No. 12) *RHP Michael Kopech (No. 16) **RHP Reynaldo Lopez (No. 46) RHP Carson Fulmer (No. 71) C Zack Collins (No. 81) RHP Spencer Adams RHP Zack Burdi *CF Luis Alexander Basabe **RHP Dane Dunning *Acquired in Sale trade.

**Acquired in Eaton trade.

We have a date

Tuesday: First workout for pitchers and catchers.

Saturday: First full-squad workout.

Feb. 25: Cactus League opener vs. Dodgers.

April 3: Season opener vs. Tigers at Guaranteed Rate Field.

April 11: First road game at Indians.

July 24-27: Cubs, at Wrigley Field 24-25; at GRF 26-27.

By the numbers

76-86

Won-lost record projected by ’ PECOTA system. This isn’t all that bad, considering the Sox haven’t had a winning record since 2012 and are rebuilding now, but it should have an asterisk, with a potentially fluid roster in flux, especially near the trade deadline. Barring an unexpected flirtation with being in contention, closer David Robertson, third baseman Todd Frazier, Melky Cabrera and starting pitchers Miguel Gonzalez and Derek Holland — to name a handful — could be gone by the trade deadline.

9

Number of seasons Sox have trained in Glendale, Arizona (including 2017), as well as the number of consecutive years they’ve missed the postseason. Only the Mariners (15 years), Marlins (13) and Padres (10) have longer droughts.

7

Shortstop Tim Anderson’s new jersey number (it was 12). Other switches: Tyler Saladino, 20 (was 18); Matt Davidson, 24 (was 22), Charlie Tilson, 22 (was 24).

Spring-training storylines: Nats need a closer — and Sox have one By USA Today | February 12th, 2017

Just 101 days ago, the Cubs rewrote history. Does it seem longer since the night a smiling, stumbling Kris Bryant tossed the ball across the diamond to Anthony Rizzo to cap a wild Game 7 that clinched the Cubs’ first World Series championship since 1908?

Well, next year is here. Pitchers and catchers report to most camps beginning Monday, with first workouts a day later. USA Today breaks down the most important storylines to play out under the skies in Arizona and Florida.

Ready for a baseball fix? Well, pace yourself. Opening Day remains 50 days away.

Can the Nationals close it down?

They tried to re-sign free-agent closer Mark Melancon and came away empty-handed, watching him leave for the Giants.

They tried to lure free-agent closer Aroldis Chapman, only to see him return to the Yankees.

They went after free-agent closer Kenley Jansen, only to watch him stay with the Dodgers.

Now they plan to go with, well, Blake Treinen? Treinen, who throws 95 to 97 mph, has terrific stuff but only one career save.

Shawn Kelley? The same guy who has had two Tommy John surgeries and gave up a crushing two-run triple to Justin Turner in the Nationals’ Game 5 loss to the Dodgers in the Division Series?

Koda Glover? The 23-year-old was drafted only two years ago, has 19 games of big-league experience and is recovering from a torn labrum in a hip.

Bring back Jonathan Papelbon? Next.

The Nationals say they are willing to go into the spring with an open mind, but there’s one man who makes all the sense in the world. His name is David Robertson, and he’s the White Sox’ closer.

The Nationals tried to include him in their trade for Sox outfielder Adam Eaton this winter and looked as though they were close to sealing the deal last week, but there’s still no trade.

The Sox remain optimistic a trade will be consummated, but a high-ranking Nationals official said the sides have hit a stalemate and no trade is imminent. It just might be a matter of who blinks first.

Of course, the Nationals could take the gamble of going into the season with one of their own and reassess at the trade deadline July 31. They have traded for a closer at the deadline the last two summers, acquiring Melancon last season and Papelbon in 2015.

It certainly worked for the Cubs when they acquired Chapman at the deadline last season. He helped them win the World Series. In fact, if you look at the last four World Series champions, all had different closers in October than who started the season in the role.

The Nationals might take the gamble, too, but all signs point to a trade for Robertson before the start of the season.

Rozner: Back to the future for Renteria, White Sox By Barry Rozner / Daily Herald | February 12th, 2017

Rick Renteria had every right to be bitter.

Who would have blamed him, right? Who among us wouldn't have been disheartened by the unfairness of it all?

In his first major-league managing job, Renteria did nothing wrong during his 2014 season with the , a 4-A team that lost 89 games and was on the verge of turning the corner.

But Joe Maddon became available, the Cubs fired Renteria and the team made the playoffs in 2015 with a 97-win team.

Fresh off watching the Cubs win the 2016 World Series, and now the manager of the , Renteria insists there are no hard feelings.

"I think you learn really early in your career that certain things happen in the game that are out of your control, and you can only worry about the things you can control," said Renteria, who was a first-round pick of the Pirates at age 18 and played parts of five years in the big leagues. "So you look in the mirror. If you can say you did everything you could to enhance the organization during the time you were there, that's where you leave it.

"You reflect on it and you try to figure out if there was something you fell short on. I'm not perfect. No one is.

"But I don't think about it too much. I don't think about how that could have been my team. I just take it as an experience, a great opportunity. Try to take advantage of it from a learning standpoint and move on."

That makes Renteria a better man than most, and a class act, but it's also a life lesson that can translate to young players in any language.

"It's like Rocky Balboa," Renteria said. "How hard can you get hit and get up again and keep moving?

"That's what you're supposed to do. That's what life is about. I'm an optimistic person by nature."

So after signing on with the Cubs in the middle of a total rebuild, Renteria is back at the starting line with the White Sox having just begun the process, with many more veterans to be dealt.

But when he took the job at the beginning of October, he says the Sox had not yet pulled the trigger on a teardown.

"I wasn't necessarily expecting it," Renteria said. "But I know that some of the conversations we had were having to do with what kind of club would I be willing to work with. My answer was, 'I can work with either side of the coin.'

"The moves we're making are best suited for long-term success. It takes a lot of studying by the scouts and front office to pull off the deals that we made, and I'm really happy with the talent I see coming through.

"There have been five or six clubs over the last five or six years that have gone this route, so it's not unheard of for this model to work."

No one goes to big-league camp expecting to lose. At least, no one accepts it. Everyone at this level has won a lot in their lives and wants to win again.

But given what Renteria has been through, he knows he will have to balance patience with the inevitable desire to win.

"It would be foolish of me to say I didn't learn from my experience on the other side of town," Renteria said. "It's really easy for me because I look at it from a different perspective.

"After a tough loss, you deal with it. If there are more positives than negatives in that specific game, those players need to know that they're on the right track and in a position in the long run to have success.

"Most of my messages are through encouragement. There's a lot of different ways to motivate. It can be a pat on the back or something firmer if needed.

"Maybe it's the experience I have from working in development. Every business is resulted oriented. But all of us have to understand that there's a process to the ultimate goal that you're seeking.

"There's always something to be learned, and we should always be doing that whether you're winning or losing. That applies to all of us."

That certainly applies to the 2017 White Sox -- and Rick Renteria sure seems like the right guy for the job.

White Sox camp: Out with the old, in with the new By Scot Gregor / Daily Herald | February 11th, 2017

The Chicago White Sox open spring training on Tuesday, with pitchers and catchers reporting to Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ariz. Position players are due in Saturday, when the first full-squad workout takes place.

The White Sox enter camp as a team in transition, without a doubt.

No. 1 starting Chris Sale was traded to the on Dec. 6 for four prospects. The next day, outfielder Adam Eaton went to the in a deal for three prospects.

General manager Rick Hahn started a much-needed rebuilding project over two months ago, and the roster makeover is still in the early stages. As Hahn patiently awaits to move more veteran players, here are five things to look for this spring:

Trade chips:

No. 2 starter Jose Quintana, closer David Robertson and third baseman Todd Frazier are all likely to be traded at some point this season, but Hahn is holding out for maximum return value in any and all deals.

At SoxFest in late January, Quintana and Frazier both answered multiple questions about their uncertain futures with the club, but neither player appeared to be distracted by all of the trade talk.

"It's not hanging over my head," said Frazier, who joined the White Sox in a deal from the Reds prior to the 2016 season. "Once you've been traded, you don't worry about it too much. They said I was supposed to go to the Dodgers and (Justin) Turner signed (back with Los Angeles), so it was on to the next team. When my agent hits me up, I will either worry or get excited."

Renteria returns:

It was a matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Rick Renteria got a shot to manage the Chicago Cubs in 2014, and he posted a 73-89 record with a very young team.

It was obvious the Cubs were headed for much better things, but Renteria was fired at the end of the season after Joe Maddon became available. He spent the 2015 season back home in California.

"After I left the North Side, you get a chance to take a step back and see what's going on," Renteria said. "I think the biggest thing is obviously, change many times is inevitable. Things happen. It's nobody's fault. Things occur. I think that you always must be prepared on a daily basis to not take anything for granted."

Renteria was back in baseball last year as the Sox's bench coach, and he replaced manager the day after the season ended.

Renteria looks like a good fit for the rebuilding White Sox.

"The one thing that I think the game, the industry, has shown is that younger players are filtering in a lot sooner than they used to in the past," Renteria said. "You still have to continue to teach at the major- league level. You have to have a vision and an idea of how you want to move forward with them. But the one thing that you have to have is belief and trust."

New arms:

The White Sox acquired seven prospects for Chris Sale and Adam Eaton, and five are pitchers.

Two of them -- Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez -- could help the Sox this season, and rocket-armed Michael Kopech should be in the major leagues at some point in 2018.

"We've got a lot of new guys, a lot of young guys that are chomping at the bit to get to the major-league level, and a few that have been up and down already," Kopech said. "We're all ready to be there and give our team a chance and I think that's realistic sooner than later."

Homegrown talent:

Newcomers Yoan Moncada, Giolito, Lopez and Kopech instantly became the Top 4 prospects in the White Sox's once barren farm system, but there is some notable talent acquired through the draft.

Catcher Zack Collins, the No. 10 overall pick in last year's draft, has a promising bat and is making needed progress with his defense. Carson Fulmer, the Sox's No. 8 overall pick in 2015, was rushed to the majors last season and took some expected lumps he vows to learn from. Zack Burdi was the No. 26 overall pick last year and the hard-throwing closer is expected to eventually replace Robertson.

Center stage:

Austin Jackson was the White Sox's starting center fielder in 2016 until he went down with a knee injury in early June and never returned. Eaton moved from right field to center and was traded to the Nationals in December.

The job now belongs to Charlie Tilson, assuming he can stay healthy. Acquired from the Cardinals in a trade for Zach Duke last July, Tilson debuted with the Sox on Aug. 2 and tore his left hamstring.

After missing the rest of the season, the New Trier High School product said he's close to 100 percent heading into spring training. If Tilson has a setback, the White Sox signed Peter Bourjos to a minor- league contract.

White Sox camp: Out with the old, in with the new By Andrew Seligman / Associated Press | February 10th, 2017

CHICAGO -- No more quick fixes for the White Sox: The overhaul is underway.

The White Sox made their intentions clear with two huge moves at the winter meetings, and they come to spring training stocked with new young players and a huge task still in front of them.

"We know we're closer to the beginning of this process than we are to the end," general manager Rick Hahn said. "And we know there's going to be some difficult days ahead in the short term. Virtually every Sox fan I've had a conversation with understands that and is eagerly embracing this and looking forward to when we start to see the fruits of this labor. And they know there's going to be hardship in the short term."

While the crosstown Cubs attempt to defend their first World Series championship in 108 years, a rebuild is in full swing on the South Side after four straight losing seasons.

The White Sox traded ace Chris Sale to Boston and outfielder Adam Eaton to Washington at the winter meetings. They acquired two of baseball's top prospects in return, getting second baseman Yoan Moncada from the Red Sox and right-hander Lucas Giolito from the Nationals.

The White Sox also have a new manager in Rick Renteria after going 78-84. He got promoted from bench coach to replace Robin Ventura.

Here are some things to look for, starting with the first workout for pitchers and catchers on Tuesday:

NEW LOOK

New faces aside, the biggest change for the White Sox is their approach. They tried to compete in recent years by bringing in high-profile players such as Adam Dunn and Jeff Samardzija. But no more. With one playoff appearance since the 2005 championship season, they're going in a different direction. Jose Quintana could join Sale and Eaton on the other side of the exit door. He made his first All-Star team while setting career-bests in wins (13) and ERA (3.20) last season. Third baseman Todd Frazier and closer David Robertson might not be around much longer, either.

ROOKIES TO WATCH

All eyes this spring will be on Moncada and Giolito, not to mention hard-throwing right-hander Reynaldo Lopez. Acquired in the Eaton deal, he pitched in 11 games for Washington last season and made the playoff roster.

THEY'RE SET

One of the few positives for the White Sox last season was the emergence of shortstop Tim Anderson. A top prospect, he hit .283 and showed range in the field. If the plan unfolds the way the White Sox hope, he will form a dynamic tandem with Moncada. The White Sox also have a powerful presence at first base assuming they keep Jose Abreu . The Cuban slugger hit .293 with 25 homers and 100 RBIs after a slow start last season. While his numbers have declined a bit since his 2014 AL Rookie of the Year season, that's not a bad line. Abreu could also mentor Moncada, his countryman.

THEY'RE NOT

The White Sox are rebuilding for a reason. The Sale and Eaton trades were just the start for a team that has no shortage of holes. If Quintana is next in line to be dealt, Frazier might not be far behind him. Coming off a 40-homer season, he has an expiring contract. Moving Frazier could create room at third base for young and unproven players such as Matt Davidson, Trey Michalczewski, Nick Delmonico and Zach Remillard.

ON DECK

While the young players figure to get plenty of attention, keep an eye on the dugout, too. After all, Renteria will be an important component in their development. Known for his positive approach, Renteria drew praise for his work with the Cubs' young core in 2014 and would have been back for a second season as their manager had Joe Maddon not become available. Renteria now gets another opportunity to manage in Chicago, albeit on the South Side.

Visiting Sox at spring training? Here's some travel tips By Scot Gregor / Daily Herald | February 12th, 2017

Heading out to Arizona this spring to catch some sun and Chicago White Sox baseball?

Here is a guide to help make the trip as enjoyable as possible:

Book now:

The White Sox share a facility with the in Glendale, and the , , , , and all train nearby, in Peoria, Surprise and Goodyear.

With so many major-league and minor-league players and coaches needing housing on the western side of Phoenix, hotel rooms in the area are difficult to find. And available rooms come at a high price.

The sooner you can find a hotel, the better.

Autograph heaven:

Want Yoan Moncada to sign his rookie card? Hoping to get Jose Quintana's autograph before he's traded?

Spring training is the place to be.

All through camp -- including the Cactus League season -- the Sox will be working out on the back fields at Camelback Ranch and fans are welcome to watch.

When practice ends, most players are happy to stop and sign autographs and pose for pictures. You can also get autographs in the stadium once exhibition games begin.

Head indoors:

Glendale doesn't offer the entertainment options like, say, Scottsdale, but Gila River Arena is a short drive from Camelback Ranch and is worth checking out.

If you like hockey, the St. Louis Blues and are among the teams playing the host in March.

If you're a music buff, the Red Hot Chili Peppers play at Gila River on March 4.

Day trip:

Need a baseball break in Arizona?

Make the two-hour drive north to Sedona, you won't regret it.

The red sandstone buttes and canyons are breathtaking, and the 1.8 million surrounding acres of national forest are perfect for hiking and becoming one with nature.

Chow time:

There's not a "restaurant row" in Glendale, but there are quite a few options in the Westgate Entertainment District, which surrounds Gila River Arena.

Calico Jack's, Hells' Half Acre, Kabuki and Yard House are among the many establishments that are all within walking distance from each other.

Looking for authentic Mexican food? El Charrito is located in downtown Glendale and doesn't look like much from the outside. Inside is a different story, and the food and margaritas are muy bueno.

If you're in the mood for steak, head up to Jake Peavy's favorite spot, Arrowhead Grill.

If you're looking for something fast -- and great -- hit In-N-Out Burger. It's located about a mile east of Camelback Ranch and there's always a wait. Spare the extra time, it's well worth it.

MLB Rumor Central: Nats' trade talks for David Robertson hit snag? By Doug Mittler / ESPN.com | February 13th, 2017

Has the Washington Nationals' on-again, off-again pursuit of closer David Robertson hit a snag?

Bob Nightengale and Jorge L. Ortiz of USA Today cite a Nationals official who says the talks between Washington and the Chicago White Sox are ongoing, but the two sides “have hit a stalemate" and "no trade is imminent.”

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported last week that the Nationals were zeroing in on Roberston as a replacement for Mark Melancon, who signed as a free agent with the .

The Nats tried to include Robertson in the December deal that sent outfielder Adam Eaton to Washington, but the rebuilding White Sox declined.

Robertson, who turns 32 in April, converted 37 of 44 save opportunities for Chicago last season while posting a 3.47 ERA and 75/32 K/BB ratio across 62 1/3 innings. The right-hander is owed $12 million in 2017 and $13 million in 2018.

Blake Treinen and Shawn Kelley are among the internal candidates the Nats are considering for closer's job if a trade is not completed.

Chicago sports world reacts to Chance the Rapper's Grammy wins By Nick Ostiller / ESPN.com | February 12th, 2017

The Chicago sports world reacted favorably on Sunday to news that the city's own Chance the Rapper won three Grammy awards at the 59th annual celebration of popular music.

Chance, who grew up a White Sox fan in the West Chatham neighborhood on Chicago's south side, took home the awards for Best New Artist, Best Rap Album ("Coloring Book") and Best Rap Performance ("No Problem" with 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne).

The White Sox were among the first to congratulate the 23-year-old recording artist, who designed three limited-edition caps for the team last year and also threw out the first pitch at their home opener. White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson posted a photo of Chance atop the dugout at Guaranteed Rate Field, which is seven miles from West Chatham.

The Chicago Bulls also acknowledged Chance's acclaim. First-year Bulls guard and Chicago native Dwyane Wade referred to Chance as a brother, writing "Way to rep the city fam!" The rapper's connection to the Bulls runs even deeper as he recently appeared on the cover of ESPN The Magazine with the team's lone All-Star, Jimmy Butler, who offered an accurate prediction of Chance's performance at the Grammys.

Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery of the Chicago Bears gave nod to Chance as well. The 2013 Pro Bowl selection called the rapper's Grammys "well-deserved."

Chance, who has built his career on releasing music for free, garnered seven total Grammy nominations after The Recording Academy eased its eligibility requirements last year. Prior to the rule change, recordings that were not commercially sold were banned from consideration.