White Sox Headlines of February 13, 2017
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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 Spring Training 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 hit 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 Yoan Moncada, Lucas Giolito, Michael Kopech, Reynaldo Lopez, Zack Burdi, Zack Collins and Carson Fulmer, not to mention another step forward taken by somewhat established young talents such as shortstop Tim Anderson and southpaw Carlos Rodon. That work beings Tuesday, when pitchers and catchers 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 manager Rick Hahn 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 Chris Sale and a strong contributor both offensively and defensively in Adam Eaton. 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 Rick Renteria 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 Opening Day 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 American League. 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 World Baseball Classic, 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, Geovany Soto 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 catcher 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: Brett Lawrie 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 goal 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, Peter Bourjos, 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.