WHITE SOX HEADLINES OF MARCH 6, 2017 “White Sox expect Anderson's star turn soon” … Scott Merkin, MLB.com “Giolito, HRs power White Sox past Halos” … Maria Guardado & Scott Merkin, MLB.com “Back-to-back inside-the-park HRs? Almost” … Scott Merkin, MLB.com “Renteria opts to have Kopech work with Cooper” …Barry M. Bloom, MLB.com “Lopez eyes White Sox fifth rotation spot” …Barry M. Bloom, MLB.com “Lopez goes 3 strong; Saladino homers vs. D-backs” … Barry M. Bloom, MLB.com “Quintana excited for Classic with Colombia” … Barry M. Bloom, MLB.com “When it comes to White Sox rebuild, everyone seems to have an opinion” …Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune “Veteran Geovany Soto taking pride in guiding young White Sox catchers” … Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune “White Sox farm system rankings skyrocket, but Rick Hahn says more work to do” … Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune “Sunday's recap: Diamondbacks 4, White Sox 1” … Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune “White Sox starters Jose Quintana, Miguel Gonzalez ready to represent in WBC” …Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune “Carlos Rodon: White Sox going about spring 'the right way' “ … Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune “Saturday's recap: White Sox 10, Angels 2” … Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune” “Lopez much better in second outing for White Sox” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times “Capra promises aggressive style from third-base box” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times “Quintana, White Sox pitchers off to WBC this week” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times “Giolito sharp in second outing for White Sox” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times “Olympic speed skater Alvarez gets closer to baseball dream” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun Times “Rodon: Good to ‘finally be back’ on mound again” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun Times “White Sox prefer 'controlled environment' for Michael Kopech’s next turn” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “White Sox prospect Reynaldo Lopez looks sharp in loss to Diamondbacks” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “Elder statesman Nate Jones likes look of White Sox future” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “Rule 5 pick Dylan Covey part of 'interesting mix’ of players vying for spot with White Sox” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “Lucas Giolito delivers three scoreless innings in White Sox victory” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “Plaudits continue to pour in for revamped White Sox farm system” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “Carlos Rodon likes White Sox plan to help deal with fatigue” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “Jose Abreu happy to be back in White Sox camp after federal testimony” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “Brett Lawrie’s departure from White Sox paves way for prospect Yoan Moncada” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “Out of action since last July, Brett Lawrie released by White Sox” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “White Sox request waivers on veteran infielder Brett Lawrie” … Associated Press “Renteria enlists veterans to guide White Sox through rebuild” … Scot Gregor, Daily Herald “Chicago White Sox release infielder Brett Lawrie” … Scot Gregor, Daily Herald “White Sox release infielder Brett Lawrie” … USA TODAY Sports

White Sox expect Anderson's star turn soon Coaches, teammates see big things in young shortstop's future By Scott Merkin / MLB.com | @scottmerkin | March 4th, 2017 GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Ask Todd Steverson to name White Sox players who have impressed him through the early part of Spring Training, and the hitting coach mentions prospects such as Nicky Delmonico and Danny Hayes for taking advantage of the opportunity presented. But when Steverson begins to talk about Tim Anderson in that same circle of standouts, he gets a different sort of look on his face. "That man can hit," said Steverson with a broad smile. "In my opinion, an up-and-coming star at some point. If not this year, it's coming, in terms of hanging that star behind his name." Anderson, 23, burst on to the scene during the 2016 season by hitting .283 over 99 games and 410 at-bats. His offensive prowess included nine home runs, 22 doubles, six triples and 10 stolen bases.

It also featured a 117-13 strikeout-to-walk ratio, with a .306 on-base percentage. Anderson doesn't concern himself with those numbers, nor does he pay too much attention to the positive statistics. He's dialed in trying to refine his approach at the plate. "[I'm focused on] just really driving the ball middle away, and I feel like that when I do that I stay through the ball a lot better," Anderson said. "You know just really getting in and doing my work and locking in at every at-bat, and really using every resource that I have, even last year's at-bats, watching those. "I'm focusing on getting the ball closer to me. Or even [if] it's just middle away, try not to chase the ball that's too far away. Just really seeing the ball closer to me. Not expanding [the zone]. More so with two strikes, just really scooting up and choking up in the box. I choke up and scoot up and really try to catch that ball before it breaks." Steverson doesn't want to see Anderson change his aggressive approach because of the strikeout/walk disparity. The hitting coach's advice seems fairly straightforward: Take a walk if they don't throw him strikes. That comment supports the work put in by Anderson since the offseason began. "He's dangerous," Steverson said. "I'd prefer him to get on base too, especially at the top of the lineup, via a hit or a walk. But he's dangerous. He's not just somebody you are going to flip a burger into and think you are going to get a free out because he doesn't walk." "I go out day by day and compete and put myself in the best position to help the team win," Anderson said. "[I] try not to think too much in the box and just let it go off reactions and have fun with it." As a top of the order hitter in 2017, Anderson will be an important presence in the White Sox lineup. As a young shortstop with his high level skill set, Anderson should be an important presence in the organization for years to come. "If I was the White Sox, I'd sign him longterm right now," said White Sox third baseman Todd Frazier, an Anderson infield mate and mentor. "He's going to be a star." "At the moment I'm really enjoying baseball," Anderson said. "I'm 23, so I'm just having fun with it."

Giolito, HRs power White Sox past Halos By Maria Guardado and Scott Merkin / MLB.com | March 4th, 2017 GLENDALE, Ariz. --Tyler Skaggs' first 2017 Cactus League appearance was a bit erratic during the White Sox 10-2 victory over the Angels on Saturday afternoon at Camelback Ranch. The southpaw started and lasted only two-thirds of an inning, allowing three runs while walking four. He walked Jose Abreu, Cody Asche and Yolmer Sanchez consecutively to force in a run with two outs in the first, and Kevan Smith followed with a two-run single to left. In fairness to Skaggs, the inning should have been over without a run scoring, but Yunel Escobar's two-out throwing error on Melky Cabrera's grounder extended the frame. "You can't let that throw you off," Skaggs said of the defensive miscue. "I'm not going to make an excuse for myself, but definitely the wheels fell off after that for me, personally." A second Angels error contributed to another big inning for Chicago in the eighth, when Peter Bourjos tripled home a run then scored on an errant throw by center fielder Michael Hermosillo. Eddy Alvarez followed Bourjos with an inside-the-park home run of his own off the left-field fence for the ninth White Sox run. Lucas Giolito's second start for the White Sox had a little bit more rhythm and flow than the first against the Cubs on Monday. The big right-hander struck out three and yielded one hit over three innings. "You get more into a groove of the speed of the game pitching," said Giolito of his second start. "First time out is like getting on a bike after not riding one for a while. You can still do it, but you have to get back in the rhythm. "Just going out there and competing, trusting my stuff, throwing the two-seamer down and mixing changeups and curveballs. I would have liked to throw the curveball more for a strike, but that's why it's Spring Training. A lot more to work on. Everything felt really good." White Sox relievers Nate Jones and David Robertson made their last appearance before joining Team USA for the World Baseball Classic, pitching a scoreless frame each. Jacob May had three hits, including a triple and a run scored for the White Sox, while Smith and Leury Garcia had two hits. Danny Hayes added a two-run home run in the seventh. The Angels lost for the first time in Cactus League play after seven straight wins. The White Sox have won five straight. Up Next

Angels: Right-hander Garrett Richards, who is coming off stem-cell therapy to treat a damaged ulnar collateral ligament, will make his spring debut Sunday when the Angels host the Reds at Tempe Diablo Stadium. First pitch is at 12:10 p.m. PT, and game will air on MLB.TV and Gameday Audio. White Sox: White Sox fans will get a double dose of prospects on Sunday in Scottsdale, Ariz., when Reynaldo Lopez and Michael Kopech face the D-backs on the road. Lopez gets the start at 2:05 p.m. CT, with Kopech set to follow him him to the mound. Lopez and Kopech both started this past Tuesday during split-squad action. The game will be broadcast on Gameday Audio.

Back-to-back inside-the-park HRs? Almost Bourjos scores on error after triple, followed by Alvarez's inside-the-park HR By Scott Merkin / MLB.com | @scottmerkin | March 4th, 2017 GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The White Sox almost hit back-to-back inside-the-park home runs in the four-run eighth inning of their 10-2 victory over the Angels Saturday afternoon at Camelback Ranch. Peter Bourjos' blast was ruled an RBI triple, but he scored from third on an error by center fielder Michael Hermosillo. Eddy Alvarez followed with a true inside-the-parker on a fly ball to left field. "That's not bad, not bad all," Alvarez said. "I was just trying to stay alive as much as I can, but I got enough barrel on the ball. I didn't expect it to go as far as it did, but sometimes you have to be thankful." Alvarez won an Olympic silver medal in the 5000-meter speed skating relay with Team USA during the Sochi Olympics in 2014. But the consummate athlete almost ran out of gas on Saturday. "I just know I had to put my head down and run," Alvarez said. "That's it. Rounding third was not easy, let me tell you. I was tired. I hit the gas way too soon." Angels hurler Justin Miller actually allowed the White Sox to hit for the cycle that inning, with Nicky Delmonico doubling and Adam Engel, Omar Narvaez and Danny Hayes singling.

Renteria opts to have Kopech work with Cooper Right-hander was pulled from appearance against D-backs on Sunday By Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com | March 5th, 2017 SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The White Sox decided to scrap right-hander Michael Kopech's appearance on Sunday against the D-backs. The plan now is for him to throw three innings in a simulated game on Tuesday at Camelback Ranch along with veteran left-hander Derek Holland. White Sox manager Rick Renteria said the club simply wants to take pressure off Kopech, the No. 16 prospect in baseball and No. 3 for the White Sox according to MLBPipeline.com, with the idea of getting him back into a Cactus League game again soon. Kopech struggled in his Cactus League debut, allowing four runs on three hits and a walk in an inning on Feb. 28 against the Mariners. Rather than have him come in behind starter Reynaldo Lopez on Sunday, Renteria said he'd rather have Kopech work in a more controlled environment under the tutelage of pitching coach Don Cooper. "As Coop says, its 'a working day,'" Renteria said. "Hopefully that goes well and he gets prepared as the spring continues to evolve and we get ready for the season." Asked if this decision was based on Kopech's last outing, Renteria added: "We just want to see if he can hammer out some things. He didn't throw that bad. The numbers were worse than the showing. We want him to keep his breaking ball down. I know he was trying to bury his breaking balls, trying to finish off hitters. "Coop's idea is to get him and Holland working together. It gets him into a situation in which Coop can talk to him after every pitch if he wants to." Worth noting Carlos Rodon threw another 35-pitch bullpen session on Sunday, and he will throw his third bullpen of the spring on Tuesday, which is an off-day for the White Sox. Because of left-arm fatigue last season, the White Sox have carefully been building up Rondon for game action this spring.

"Right now, we have two scheduled BPs," Renteria said when asked about Rondon's projected progression. "He'll have two days off, throw his BP, have another two days off and throw another BP, and then get him ready to take the mound [in a game]." Rodon, 24, was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2014 Draft and made 28 starts for the White Sox last season.

Lopez eyes White Sox fifth rotation spot Right-hander allows one run over three innings on Sunday vs. the D-backs By Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com | March 5th, 2017 SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- If White Sox right-hander Reynaldo Lopez expects to make the Opening Day roster as the club's fifth starter, he's going to need more performances like he had on Sunday. Lopez, the White Sox No. 4 prospect and No. 46 in baseball, allowed one run on three hits with three strikeouts over three innings during a 4-1 loss to the D-backs at Salt River Fields. The results were much better than his first Cactus League start, when he allowed five runs over 1 1/3 innings against the Reds on Feb. 28. On Sunday against the D-backs, Lopez even struck out D-backs slugger Paul Goldschmidt twice. "When I faced him I thought, 'This is a moment when I must challenge myself and see if I'm able to handle being in the Majors,'" the 23-year-old Dominican pitcher said through club translator Billy Russo. "And I did it. Every time you face one of those guys, you want to do your best. And I did it today." When it was pointed out that he did it twice, Lopez broke into a big grin. "Yes," he said. Lopez came to the White Sox in the Dec. 7 trade that sent Adam Eaton to the Nationals. Lucas Giolito, who was also acquired in that deal, is also in the rotation mix this spring. The White Sox have Jose Quintana, James Shields, Derek Holland and Carlos Rodon all but locked into the rotation, assuming everyone remains healthy. The race is on for the final spot. The White Sox like that Lopez made 11 appearances -- six starts -- last season for the Nationals. He also threw two innings in the National League Division Series against the Dodgers. Before Sunday's game, White Sox manager Rick Renteria anticipated a better outing from Lopez than his Cactus League debut. Since then, he had been working with veteran pitcher coach Don Cooper on locating his pitches. "We want him to keep the ball down," Renteria said. Lopez did that, throwing 52 pitches, 33 for strikes. The White Sox said that he had touched 100 mph on their radar gun, and he also mixed in his secondary pitches well. "They were good today," Lopez said. "Curveball was good, was low into some. Changeup, too. I tried some sliders." Obviously, he added, he expects to make the team. Given more results like those against Goldschmidt and the D-backs, the possibility increases.

Lopez goes 3 strong; Saladino homers vs. D-backs By Chris Gabel and Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com | March 5th, 2017 SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Taijuan Walker made another strong impression on his new team Sunday, outdueling White Sox starter Reynaldo Lopez as the D-backs beat the White Sox, 4-1, at Salt River Fields. Walker, acquired from the Mariners in the offseason, struck out a pair and gave up one hit in three scoreless innings. He threw just 26 pitches. "It was quick. That's what I wanted. Get there, throw a lot of strikes and get quick outs," said Walker, who threw 20 additional pitches in the bullpen after he left the game. Lopez made his second Cactus League start for the White Sox, his first since allowing five runs and four hits in 1 1/3 innings on Feb. 28 against the Reds. He was one of three players acquired from the Nationals in the trade for Adam Eaton on Dec. 7. "I felt good. I improved, pitched a lot better than the last time," said Lopez, who threw three innings, allowing a run on three hits with three strikeouts, two of which came against D-backs slugger Paul Goldschmidt. "I had much better focus than the last time. I kept my pitches down, which was good."

Oswaldo Arcia, the former top prospect signed by the D-backs to a Minor League contract in December, took an Aaron Bummer fastball to the opposite field, landing on the right-field berm in the fifth. Jake Lamb had an RBI double in the first for the D-backs, and Ildemaro Vargas added a solo home run in the seventh. The White Sox only run came on a Tyler Saladino homer against Tom Wilhelmsen in the fifth that briefly tied the game before Arcia's long ball. White Sox Up Next: The South Siders have a Cactus League game against the Padres on Monday at Camelback Ranch before Tuesday's off-day. In the 2:05 p.m. CT clash, veteran James Shields will make his second start of the spring. He allowed a run on two hits and struck out two against the D-backs on Wednesday. D-backs Up Next: Left-hander Robbie Ray will make his second start this spring when he faces the Royals at 1:05 MT Monday in Surprise, Ariz. Ray walked three in 1 1/3 innings in his first start but did not give up a hit or run. Right-hander Matt Koch is scheduled to make his first appearance this spring.

Quintana excited for Classic with Colombia White Sox left-hander is expected to start Pool C opener vs. Team USA By Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com | @boomskie | March 5th, 2017 GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The World Baseball Classic is upon us, and no one is more excited about it than White Sox left-hander Jose Quintana, who is targeted to start for his native Colombia against Team USA in the Pool C opener at Marlins Park on Friday at 6 p.m. ET. "I'm ready, I'm ready," Quintana said this weekend in the White Sox clubhouse at Camelback Ranch after throwing 45 pitches in a simulated game. "I'm ready to go Friday. It's a pleasure to be there for my country, and I can't wait." Colombia is one of two countries making its first Classic appearance, along with Israel. As well as starting the opener against Team USA, White Sox manager Rick Renteria said the left-hander is a leading candidate to start on Opening Day. "It'll be a great experience for him," said Renteria, who managed Team Mexico in the 2013 Classic. "The tournament has a lot of energy. I know it was designed originally to show that baseball extends beyond all lines, but when the players are there performing, they're intent on success. It'll be exciting for him. I think he's excited about representing his country." For the Colombians, Quintana and Braves starter Julio Teheran are the only members of the team with extensive Major League experience. The pressure is certainly not on the upstart Colombians. Alongside Teheran in the rotation, Quintana believes Columbia has a chance to make an impact in Miami, where at least one very good team will not advance. "We have a good chance," Quintana said. "We just have to do the small things in the games: pitch well and play good defense. I think those are the points for us to hit to make it to the second round." Their tough pool also includes Canada and the defending champion Dominican Republic. Colombia faces Canada on Saturday and the Dominican Republic on Sunday. The top two teams will move on to Pool F at San Diego's Petco Park from March 14-19. The championship round is at Dodger Stadium from March 20-22. Colombia qualified for the tournament by winning the qualifier over Panama last March 20 on an eighth-inning homer by Dilson Herrera, who is on the Colombian roster. Quintana is one of four White Sox pitchers headed to the Classic. Miguel Gonzalez is off to Team Mexico, which is training this week in Peoria, Ariz., and relievers David Robertson and Nate Jones are leaving on Monday for Team USA's camp in Fort Myers, Fla. Quintana made one Cactus League start on Feb. 26 against the Rockies, allowing one run and one hit while striking out two and hitting a batter in two innings. He said he felt sharp, as he did during his three innings during Friday's simulated game. "It was a good way to practice," Quintana said. "You could control your stuff and throw any pitch you want to throw. That's the reason why I liked it. I threw three innings and felt pretty good." Quintana, 28, is coming off the best season of his five-year Major League career with a career-low 3.20 ERA and a career-high 13 wins. He is now ready to move onto pitching for his country. "I think it'll be a different feeling," he said. "I'll be doing this for the first time. That in itself is a little different. It's the same game as when you pitch for the White Sox, but in this, there's a lot of pride. "It's an honor for me and I'm really excited to pitch in this huge tournament."

When it comes to White Sox rebuild, everyone seems to have an opinion Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune | March 5

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After hearing White Sox general manager Rick Hahn joke about a "fake rebuild" Sunday on WSCR-AM 670, it seemed like a good time for a trip to Salt River Fields to check out the real deal. The Sox were taking on the Diamondbacks, and Michael Kopech, the phenom with the triple-digit fastball, was scheduled to make his second Cactus League appearance after a disappointing debut. But the Sox decided to throw Kopech in a simulated game Tuesday instead of facing major-league hitters in a packed ballpark. "I think Coopy just wanted to have a more controlled environment and see if he can hammer things out a little," manager Rick Renteria said. "Coopy" apparently is the new nickname for pitching coach Don Cooper, who was known as "Coop" under the previous three managerial regimes. It makes him sound more cuddly than crusty, so it may take some getting used to. Prospect Reynaldo Lopez, acquired in the Adam Eaton deal, got the start and pitched well over three innings, allowing one run on three hits, including a double down the line that first baseman Jose Abreu could have gloved. The Sox Twitter account claimed Lopez "reached 100 mph," but three scouts told me he topped out at 95. "Fake news," one scout said. "That's how rumors get started." Misleading tweets or not, Lopez looked good and the rebuild is off to a rousing start. The decision last week to waive second baseman Brett Lawrie, the so-called high-energy guy whose batteries were usually dead, was a good sign things have changed. The Sox could have non-tendered Lawrie in December and saved the estimated $600,000 termination fee on his $3.5 million salary, but at least the move opened the door for Yoan Moncada, the No. 2 prospect in the majors, according to Baseball America. Well, not yet, of course. Moncada has to start out in Triple A whether he's ready or not. Ditto for Lucas Giolito, the key to the Eaton deal, who tossed three shutout innings Saturday with five strikeouts. Renteria said Sunday the plan for Giolito hasn't changed. Too bad. Remember it was only two springs ago that the Cubs sent Kris Bryant back to Triple A despite proving he was ready. He spent a few weeks at Iowa until the Cubs were assured he would have to wait seven years for free agency, then began his Rookie of the Year season. No two rebuilds are alike, except when it comes to service-time issues. Like many Chicagoans, Bryant is watching the Sox rebuild with great interest. "Theirs may be a little different compared to ours," he said. "We got to where we are through the draft more so. They're making a lot of trades, getting some really good players and some really good pitchers. "It's going to be fun to play them for the next however many years. They've obviously had a really good offseason." Giants pitcher Jeff Samardzija, who never saw eye to eye with "Coopy" and bolted the Sox for a $90 million deal after the 2015 season, also is paying close attention. He believes the Sox might have made a mistake by trading his friend Chris Sale. "I'd assume after they saw what happened with the Cubs, they might give (rebuilding) a shot," Samardzija said. "They still need to draft their Kris Bryant for it to work. We'll see if that happens. I know they got some good arms for Eaton, but when you get rid of a guy like Sale, it's hard to replace him. … He's an untouchable player on my team. I'd go build around him. "Obviously they have different plans. They went for it there for two, three years, trading for me, trading for (Todd) Frazier and a few other guys, signing Melky (Cabrera). So maybe they want to take a little different approach, knowing Detroit is probably getting a little older and Cleveland is hot right now, so maybe let that train die down a little bit and then come in (and contend) in a couple years.

"It's tough losing Sale, though. ... When you have that guy that gets you a win no matter what, anytime you need it, that's an important card to have." Sale's harsh criticism of executive vice president Ken Williams during the Drake LaRoche saga and his uniform-slicing incident last summer may have factored into the decision. Samardzija believes the latter simply showed Sale was frustrated with the Sox's losing ways. "The reason Sale is as great as he is is because of that mentality and that attitude he has," Samardzija said. "He wants to win, and he was fed up with the way things were going. "By trading him they (showed) who's making the decisions. So instead of finding guys that maybe you can mold around Chris and build off what he has, they took a different direction, went a little younger and are trying to get a different crowd in there. "Obviously it worked with the Cubbies, so maybe they're trying to do the same thing." Different strategies, perhaps, but the Sox are hoping for the same results.

Veteran Geovany Soto taking pride in guiding young White Sox catchers Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune | March 5

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Rejoining the White Sox on a minor-league deal was a fairly easy decision for catcher Geovany Soto. The 12-year major-league veteran said he enjoyed his 2015 season with the Sox, and their uncertainty at catcher gave him a good shot at playing time. "It was a great opportunity for me to come back and really show them what I can do," Soto said. Soto, 34, didn't get much of a chance at that last season with the Angels. He had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee in May and battled swelling in the knee throughout the season. He played in just 26 games, hitting .269 with five doubles and four homers. "It was just fluid in the knee, which was normal after surgery," Soto said. "It was just getting over that. That's not a concern anymore." Beyond Soto, who debuted in 2005 with the Cubs and was the 2008 National League rookie of the year, the Sox catchers have limited major-league experience, and he recognizes an opportunity to help the young group. Manager Rick Renteria said Soto has shown "great communication skills" over the first three weeks of camp. "I take pride in what I do," Soto said. "Being a catcher, you have to establish that focus and leadership in guiding the pitchers. That's what you do guiding the young guys too." On the side: The Sox decided to have No. 3 prospect Michael Kopech throw in a three-inning simulated game Tuesday rather than pitch Sunday against the Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields. Pitching coach Don Cooper said he moved Kopech to the simulated game with veteran Derek Holland so he can do more focused work. Kopech allowed four earned runs on three hits with a walk and two strikeouts in one inning in his first Cactus League start against the Mariners. "We've got to get him stretched out," Cooper said. "In a controlled setting like that, we can get specific work. Let's go out for this inning and work on fastballs arm-side or work on changeups this inning." Renteria said the side work will allow Cooper to talk with Kopech between pitches to make adjustments. Renteria wouldn't commit to Kopech throwing again in a Cactus League game but made it sound likely. Left-hander Carlos Rodon threw his second bullpen session Sunday. He will take two days off and throw live batting practice Wednesday. Injury updates: Renteria said center fielder Charlie Tilson began light jogging Saturday in his recovery from a stress reaction in his right foot. ... Third baseman Todd Frazier, recovering from an oblique strain, could play in his first game Wednesday.

White Sox farm system rankings skyrocket, but Rick Hahn says more work to do Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune | March 4

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White Sox general manager Rick Hahn acknowledged it was nice to hear that prospect-focused publications have as high an opinion as he does about the farm system he’s trying to restock. The combination of the club’s last two drafts and the offseason trades of Chris Sale and Adam Eaton have vaulted the Sox as high as No. 3 in the MLB.com farm system rankings that were unveiled this week. The Braves and Yankees were given the top two spots. That’s a huge jump from pre-2016 rankings, when the Sox ranked in the bottom third of teams. “Perhaps a ranking coming out like that does reinforce to the people we’re on the right track in terms of what we’re trying to accomplish,” Hahn said. “It’s nice to have the outside opinion, but our focus is to continue to build and add to what we’ve done. “Ultimately we know having a good farm system is great, but what we need is wins at the big-league level. Hopefully that’s the next step in this process after we build up that system.” Baseball America has the Sox ranked No. 5. It’s the fourth time since 1984 that the Sox have made Baseball America’s top five. They were ranked first in 2001 and fourth in 1984 and 1985. Among MLB.com’s top 10 Sox prospects, only right-hander Carson Fulmer was with the organization before last June’s draft. Infielder Yoan Moncada, right-handers Lucas Giolito, Michael Kopech, Reynaldo Lopez and Fulmer, catcher Zack Collins, right-hander Zack Burdi, outfielder Luis Alexander Basabe and right-handers Alec Hansen and Dane Dunning make up the MLB.com top 10, in that order. The Sox have the capability of adding even more important prospects if they were to trade veterans such as Jose Quintana, David Robertson, Todd Frazier or Melky Cabrera. Hahn said “you never know” when asked if the Sox could still make a deal before the season starts. “We’re not going to cut off any conversations until the time comes to leave camp, and then we’ll probably revisit conversations a week, 10 days into the season once things get going,” Hahn said. “Certainly we haven’t closed off any opportunities or possibilities of making changes.”

Sunday's recap: Diamondbacks 4, White Sox 1 Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune | March 5

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Reynaldo Lopez, the White Sox's fourth-ranked prospect, broke out in a big smile when asked about striking out Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt twice Sunday at Salt River Fields. Lopez made strides in his second Cactus League start, allowing one earned run on three hits with a walk and three strikeouts in a 4-1 Sox loss. At the plate: Tyler Saladino hit his first homer in the fifth against Tom Wilhelmsen. On the mound: Aaron Bummer and David Holmberg gave up solo homers to Oswaldo Arcia and Ildemaro Vargas, respectively. Key number: 4 — Extra-base hits in 19 at-bats for third-base prospect Nicky Delmonico. He tripled Sunday. The quote: "It was a good sign for me because he is one of the best in the league. When I faced him, I thought this was a moment I could challenge myself and see if I'm able to be in the majors. And I did." — Lopez, through an interpreter, on striking out Goldschmidt. Up next: vs. Padres, 2:05 p.m. Monday at Camelback Ranch. RH James Shields vs. RH Jered Weaver.

White Sox starters Jose Quintana, Miguel Gonzalez ready to represent in WBC Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune | March 6

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Miguel Gonzalez expects more than 100 friends and relatives to attend when he pitches for Team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic this month.

Jose Quintana has family members ask him every day how he's feeling in preparation for his start Friday for Team Colombia. The starting pitchers have spent the last three weeks at Camelback Ranch preparing for the White Sox season, but they feel quite a bit of pride about temporarily exchanging their jerseys for those of their home countries starting this week. Gonzalez and Quintana each threw simulated games Friday as their last Sox sessions before heading out to the WBC in Mexico and Miami, respectively. Relievers Nate Jones and David Robertson threw a pair of scoreless innings Saturday before leaving to join Team USA in Miami. "It's a different feeling because you have your whole country behind you," Quintana said. "It's an honor for me, and I'm really excited for this huge tournament. It's my pleasure to be there for my country. I can't wait." Quintana acknowledged soccer is the sport of choice in his country, but he grew up watching countrymen Orlando Cabrera and Edgar Renteria and chose baseball. He wonders if Colombia's first trip to the WBC might inspire others down that path. "With this opportunity to play in this tournament, more kids might want to play this game and pay attention to this sport," Quintana said. Gonzalez was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and his family resides about an hour from where his pool of games will be played at Estadio de Beisbol Charros de Jalisco. His father has 15 brothers and sisters, while his mother has six siblings, so he expects a big following. "They will be there for support," Gonzalez said. "I have to do the best I can, so they can be happy while I'm there." As the Sox head into their second week of Cactus League games, they will be without 40 percent of their rotation, their closer and their setup man because of the WBC. But manager Rick Renteria managed Team Mexico in 2013, and he's confident the players will be able to stay on track for the season. He said the national teams' coaching staffs have been in contact with pitching coach Don Cooper to set a plan, and starters are limited to 65 pitches in the first round. "Players know their regime," Renteria said. "Coop will have a conversation with them to make sure they stay on track. When I managed it, we tried to do everything that needed to be done for them so they couldn't lose any footing as they moved forward." Gonzalez, who said he could pitch in Mexico's second game Saturday, isn't worried about staying on track for the season. "I'm sure they're going to manage that very well out there," Gonzalez said. "They know what we need to be ready for the Classic and the season as well."

Carlos Rodon: White Sox going about spring 'the right way' Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune | March 4

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Carlos Rodon probably would have been better suited for sleeping than throwing a bullpen session Friday as he fought a stomach bug. But the White Sox left-hander said it was important to throw off the mound for the first time so he could stay on schedule to start the first week of the season. The Sox have set out such a slow schedule for Rodon this spring that any issue that sidetracks him could throw him off his first start of the year. “We had to stay on track,” Rodon said. “We didn’t want to miss yesterday, so we had to grind it out.” On Friday, Sox general manager Rick Hahn pointed to arm fatigue last season as one reason for the Sox’s deliberate approach this spring. Rodon said he didn’t find the fatigue very worrisome, understanding it can happen to pitchers who are increasing their workload. Hahn said the Sox addressed it by altering Rodon’s between-starts routine, which they call “prehab.” “It happens to most young pitchers, I would believe, getting used to preparing every five days, 32 starts and 200 innings,” Rodon said. “It’s not an easy job, so it’s something you need to get acclimated to.”

After two seasons in the majors, Rodon said he better understands the need to slowly build up to more innings – and so he accepts the Sox approach to his camp. “You kind of want to go do it right away, but that’s not the smartest thing to do physically,” Rodon said. “Mentally, it’s tough too, just to be able to go every five days, make 32 starts against hitters this good, teams this good. It’s not easy. So it takes time, but right now, I think we’re going about it the right way.”

Saturday's recap: White Sox 10, Angels 2 Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune | March 4th, 2017 White Sox No. 2 prospect Lucas Giolito improved over his first spring start, pitching three scoreless innings with one hit and three strikeouts in a 10-2 victory over the Angels. The Sox extended an early lead Saturday at Camelback Ranch with back-to-back trips around the bases in the eighth. Peter Bourjos tripled to center and scored on a throwing error and Eddy Alvarez followed with an inside-the-park home run. The Sox hit for the cycle in the inning against Justin Miller. At the plate: Catcher Kevan Smith hit a two-run single in the first inning, and first baseman Danny Hayes hit a two-run homer in the seventh. On the mound: Nate Jones returned from a knee bruise to pitch a scoreless inning, his last with the Sox before leaving for the World Baseball Classic. David Robertson also tuned up for the WBC with a scoreless inning. Key number: 4 — Strikeouts for prospect Zack Burdi over three scoreless innings in three outings this spring. The quote: "I would have liked to have thrown the curveball more for a strike, but that's why it's spring training. There's a lot more to work on. … I'd say that the velocity will continue to rise as everything feels good and I get more comfortable, get more reps under my belt. That's definitely a big point. I want to throw hard and overpower guys when I can." — Giolito Up next: At Diamondbacks, 2:10 p.m. Sunday at Salt River Fields. RH Reynaldo Lopez vs. RH Taijuan Walker.

Lopez much better in second outing for White Sox Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun Times | March 5

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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Right-hander Reynaldo Lopez, clipped for five runs in 1 1/3 innings against the Reds in his first start, was much better in his second. He pitched three innings and held the Diamondbacks to a run, three hits and a walk and struck out three, including four-time All-Star Paul Goldschmidt twice, in the Sox’ 4-1 loss Sunday. “It was a good sign for me because he is one of the best in the league,’’ Lopez, 23, said through a translator. “When I faced him, I thought this was a moment I could challenge myself and see if I’m able to be in the majors. And I did that.’’ Lopez, one of the prospects acquired in the Adam Eaton deal with the Nationals, made six starts last season for the Nats and had a 4.91 ERA. Sox personnel had Lopez at 100 mph on their radar gun. Guns vary, though, and MLB Gameday and scouts had him topping out at 96. In any event, Lopez looked good. “I took a good step,’’ Lopez said. “I had better focus today than I did last time, and I was able to keep my pitches low in the zone.’’ One crack of the bat In an otherwise quiet day for Sox hitters, Tyler Saladino homered to deep left-center against Tom Wilhelmsen, and Nicky Delmonico continued to make hard contact with a triple off the center-field wall. Put me in, Coach Peter Bourjos and Jacob May played center field, a wide-open position in camp. Manager Rick Renteria said Leury Garcia and Adam Engel, who played left, are all in the mix.

On deck Padres at Sox, Glendale, 2:05 p.m., whitesox.com, Jered Weaver vs. James Shields.

Capra promises aggressive style from third-base box Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun times | March 5

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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — It’s spring training for the third-base coach, too. That’s especially true for Nick Capra, who hasn’t been on the field since 2005 and takes over an in-the-trenches role for the White Sox this season. Capra needs these games to get ready for the season arguably more than any other third-base coach in Arizona and Florida. “No doubt; it’s been awhile since I’ve been out there,’’ Capra said. “There are a lot of things I have to relearn and program my mind to do. The process shouldn’t be a tough transition, but there are a lot of things to think through before I get in that box.’’ Playing it safe won’t be Capra’s style. He promises to challenge opposing outfielders with an aggressive style of waving guys home. “They understand we’re going to be aggressive,’’ Capra said. Capra, who turns 59 this week, spent parts of five years in the majors with the Royals and Rangers. He has been in the Sox’ organization for 22 years, including 10 as a minor-league manager, a job that usually includes third-base coaching duties. When Rick Renteria was hired as manager, third-base coach Joe McEwing became his bench coach, and Capra, the Sox’ director of player development the last five years, came on board in uniform. Having experience in that box near the hot corner is a plus, but Capra is the first to tell you it’s different with major-leaguers. “Absolutely,’’ he said. “The game is quicker, and major-league players are a little more polished.’’ It’s also the hotter corner for split-second decisions, where a right or wrong wave or hold can be the difference in a run or a big out. And Capra will get some runners thrown out because of his aggressive style. “That’s the way I’ve done things my whole career,’’ Capra said. “Be aggressive and make good decisions. I have to train [players] to make good decisions, and I have to train myself to make good decisions.’’ And he has to be ready for the blowback when a runner is waved home and thrown out in a key situation. Capra knows it comes with the territory. “You need thick skin,’’ he said. “It’s going to happen; hopefully it doesn’t happen a lot. That’s the nature of the beast. I’ll have to deal with a lot of second-guessing. But I’m going to be aggressive and help us win ballgames, not lose them.’’ To keep criticism to a minimum, Capra has begun studying players’ assets and weaknesses. He’s watching outfielders’ arms, infielders’ cutoff and relay quirks, all that stuff. With a background in player development, Capra’s move to Renteria’s staff made sense as the Sox rebuild, general manager Rick Hahn said, and he is also watching the Sox as a baserunners coach and helping McEwing work with infielders. Meanwhile, McEwing transitions into his role as bench coach next to Renteria, a guy he seemed attached to at the hip last season. “His experience as a [minor-league] manager and as a player gives him a lot of good insight,’’ Renteria said. Renteria and the coaches have conversations that cross all lines of the game, not just exclusive to a coach’s area of expertise. McEwing and Capra have been hitting instructors.

Hitting coach Todd Steverson has managed in the minors, so he knows the challenges of coaching third that Capra is relearning. “We’ve all played this game; we know how difficult this game is,’’ Steverson said. “We all give feedback to each other. It’s a good thing all the way around.’’

Quintana, White Sox pitchers off to WBC this week Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun Times | March 5

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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Jose Quintana is leaving the White Sox on Monday. Not for another major-league team, but for the World Baseball Classic to pitch for Colombia. For Quintana, his wife, who’s also from Colombia, and their families, this is a pretty big deal. “They’re excited for this tournament,’’ Quintana said. “They ask me every day how I feel. ‘How was your day?’ We have a lot of friends going to Miami to watch the games. It will be a good time.’’ Quintana, who has assumed the role of staff ace with Chris Sale gone, has worked ahead of schedule to be ready to face Team USA on Friday. How he feels is important to the Sox, who are trusting he doesn’t get overworked or pushes too hard this early. A 65-pitch limit in accordance with WBC first-round rules comes as some comfort to Sox management, who view Quintana as their most valuable trade chip. “The WBC has a lot of energy,’’ said Sox manager Rick Renteria, who in 2013 managed Mexico, which was involved in a brawl with Canada. “When they’re in there competing, they’re intent on having success.’’ Starter Miguel Gonzalez, who’s from Guadalajara, will pitch for Mexico in the WBC. Gonzalez expects a friends-and-family cheering section of more than 100 to watch him pitch, most likely in Mexico’s second game, he said. “On my dad’s side of the family, there’s 16 brothers and sisters, and on my mom’s side, there’s seven,” Gonzalez said. “There’s definitely going to be cousins, friends and family there.’’ Gonzalez and Quintana pitched simulated games Friday. David Robertson and Nate Jones, who are pitching for the U.S. team, each worked a scoreless inning Saturday against the Angels. Kopech scratched Prospect Michael Kopech, who gave up a home run and allowed four runs in his spring debut Tuesday, was slated to pitch in relief Sunday but will instead throw in a simulated game Tuesday along with veteran Derek Holland. Kopech, who touched 101 mph in his outing, wasn’t sharp with command and will focus on specifics with pitching coach Don Cooper. “We have to get him stretched out in a controlled setting and get him specific work, like, say, ‘Let’s work on fastball arm side or changeups this inning,’ ’’ Cooper said. Renteria said he expected Kopech to get another start this spring. “He didn’t throw bad,’’ Renteria said. “Actually the numbers, I thought, were worse than the showing. We can get his breaking ball down. He was wanting to bury breaking balls to finish the hitters in that particular outing. That’s the one that led to a three-run homer [by Mitch Haniger].’’ This and that Carlos Rodon threw his second bullpen session in three days and will throw live batting practice Wednesday. • Charlie Tilson (foot) is jogging but still hasn’t begun high-intensity work.

Giolito sharp in second outing for White Sox Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun Times | March 4

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GLENDALE, Ariz. — Lucas Giolito was better in his second outing, pitching three scoreless innings of one-hit ball while striking out three and walking none in a 10-2 victory over the Angels. “Just competing, trusting my stuff, throwing the two-seamer down and mixing changeups and curveballs,’’ Giolito said. “I would have liked to throw the curveball more for a strike, but that’s why it’s spring training. Everything felt really good.’’ At 93-94 mph with his fastball, Giolito was a tick or two above his first outing. “I’d say that the velocity will continue to rise as everything feels good, I get more comfortable and get more reps under my belt,” he said. “I want to throw hard and overpower guys when I can.’’ Running around Fleet outfielder Peter Bourjos tripled in his second consecutive game, but this time he scored on a throwing error. Minor-league shortstop Eddy Alvarez followed with an inside-the-park home run. First baseman Danny Hayes trotted home with a conventional homer to right. The Sox ran into outs on four of their first 10. Shortstop Everth Cabrera was picked off first. What a relief Nate Jones was fine after getting hit near the knee in his last outing, notching a scoreless inning. Zack Burdi (two strikeouts), David Robertson and Jake Petricka also had a scoreless inning. On deck Sox at D-backs, Scottsdale, 2:05 p.m., 890-AM. Reynaldo Lopez vs. Taijuan Walker. Also slated to pitch are Michael Kopech, Chris Beck, Tyler Danish, Aaron Bummer, Brad Goldberg and Juan Minaya.

Olympic speed skater Alvarez gets closer to baseball dream Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun Times | March 4

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GLENDALE, Ariz. — Eddy Alvarez won an Olympic silver medal in short-track speedskating at the 2014 Sochi Games and a world-junior gold in 2009. But getting a call from the White Sox with an invitation to start a professional baseball career topped both of those thrills. “I broke down,’’ said Alvarez, a 5-9 switch-hitting shortstop. “I cried — I did. “In all honesty, I felt happier getting that call than standing on that podium for that [Olympic] medal.’’ The son of Cuban immigrants whose brother Nick played seven years in the minor leagues, Alvarez grew up in Miami playing baseball and roller skating, performing jumping tricks on weekends at South Beach. He poured himself into skating but never lost his desire to play pro baseball. After winning a relay gold in 2009, he played shortstop at Salt Lake Community College in 2011 and made all-conference. He returned to skating, won the silver with the U.S. 5000-meter relay team, then got that call from the Sox. Alvarez picked up a bat for the first time in more than three years, reported for extended spring training and was assigned to rookie ball in 2014. He has steadily climbed the farm-system ranks with rather surprising speed, finding himself but a step away from realizing his major-league dream. In all likelihood, Alvarez will open the 2017 season at Class AAA Charlotte, where he was promoted for 12 games last year after a strong second half lifted his slash line to .263/.339/.367 with six home runs and a team-high 62 RBI at Class AA Birmingham.

“He’s a very athletic kid who can do a lot of things on the baseball field,’’ said third-base coach Nick Capra, the Sox’ director of player development the last five years. “He can play shortstop, second, and we can throw him in the outfield if we need to. He’s good on the bases [53 stolen bases in Class A in 2015]. He’s a baseball rat.’’ Alvarez is not in major-league camp, but he has appeared in three Cactus League games. In his first at-bat against the Rockies last Sunday, the Sox’ dugout came alive with chants of “Eddy!’’ — a tip of the cap to his likability and popularity. Alvarez doubled. In his second at-bat against the Angels’ Justin Miller on Saturday, Alvarez hit an opposite-field inside-the-park homer, finishing with a headfirst slide. This guy has flair and more “celebrity” swag than most minor-leaguers. But Alvarez is well-liked around camp because he resists VIP status. As he stood near the Sox’ clubhouse giving an interview, almost every coach and player who passed by acknowledged him. “He’s loose around the clubhouse; he seems like he’s been around the game a long time,” Birmingham teammate Nicky Delmonico said. At 27, Alvarez knows he’s on the clock. “I’m going to push till I can’t anymore,’’ he said. “I love baseball.’’ Overcoming double knee surgery as a skater and competing at a world-class level have toughened and honed him for this. “The advantage I have over other minor-leaguers is I understand what it took to reach the highest levels in a sport,’’ Alvarez said. “In big situations, bases loaded two outs, it doesn’t matter, I’m capable of controlling my heart rate, controlling the situation because I understand what failure is. That’s my slight edge.’’ He also knows there’s another at-bat and another game the next day if he fails. “You have to play for today, but in skating, you may have four years for your opportunity,’’ he said. Alvarez’s opportunity is now. Perhaps not as an every-day player but as a utility guy. But he has a shot, and that’s all he ever dreamed of. “It’s more than a nice story,’’ Capra said. “He’s a competitor with a high baseball IQ. We’ve got small sample sizes of him coming up here, but you can see he’s a baseball player.’’

Rodon: Good to ‘finally be back’ on mound again Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun Times | March 4

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GLENDALE, Ariz. — Carlos Rodon was feeling better Saturday, a day after pitching through his first bullpen session despite an upset stomach. “It was good to finally be back up there again,’’ Rodon said. “It’s been a while, but it felt good to get back up there. It’s tough with a little stomach thing, but we still got it done. “Coop [pitching coach Don Cooper] told me [to] ‘stay on track so you can make a start when the season starts,’ and I said ‘Yeah, let’s do it. I’m all for it.’ ” The Sox are easing Rodon in after he experienced some fatigue last season. In his last outing Sept. 30, he tied an American League record by striking out the first seven Twins he faced. ) Rodon, 24, said he’s not worried. “No, I guess that’s part of it,’’ the 2014 third overall draft pick said. “It happens to most young pitchers, I would believe , getting used to preparing every five days, 32 starts and 200 innings.’’ Taking things slowly is not easy, Rodon said. The competitor in him wants to get after it, “but right now, I think we’re going about it the right way.’’

“I think it’s been real helpful considering the workload I’m going to take on this year. I think it’s a great idea, and I’m going to stick to it.’’ Rodon will throw another bullpen session Sunday. “I’m not sure when I’ll get in a game,’’ he said. “We’ll see.’’ Renteria holding off on starter Jose Quintana is the obvious choice to start Opening Day now that Chris Sale is gone. But manager Rick Renteria stopped short of naming him, perhaps because it’s not out of the question the left-hander gets traded. “Not yet,’’ Renteria said. “I think we are still looking at a lot of different things. But for me, he’s just an excellent pitcher across the board. No matter what staff you put him on, he could be a 1, 2 or a 3. He could be anything he wants to be.’’ Asked if the chances of any trade during camp are unlikely, general manager Rick Hahn said, “You never know.” “We’re not going to cut off any conversations until the time comes to leave camp, and then we’ll probably revisit conversations a week, 10 days into the season once things get going,’’ Hahn said. “We haven’t closed off any opportunities or possibilities of making changes.’’ Covey likes it here Renteria liked seeing Dylan Covey, plucked from the Athletics in the Rule 5 draft, get four ground-ball outs in his two-inning start Friday against the Padres. Covey said he likes the vibe at his first major-league camp. The Sox, who are in rebuilding mode, are enjoying a 6-2-1 start in Cactus League games. “Their organization is a lot different than the A’s; I like it a lot,’’ Covey said. “They work hard. They try to put you in a winning environment.’’ This and that Todd Frazier (oblique) hopes to play in his first game Wednesday the Brewers. • Peter Bourjos is 6-for-13 with a double, two triples and five runs scored.

White Sox prefer 'controlled environment' for Michael Kopech’s next turn By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago | March 05, 2017 6:05 PM SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Michael Kopech's next outing has been rescheduled for a "more controlled environment," manager Rick Renteria said Sunday. The hard-throwing right-hander's second outing was moved from Sunday's exhibition game to a backfield on Tuesday morning in order to allow Kopech an opportunity to work closely with pitching coach Don Cooper, Renteria said. The White Sox are off Tuesday, which offers Cooper a chance to work closely with Kopech. "We're just trying to get him in a situation where Coop can talk to him after every pitch if he needs to or in between pitches, ask him how they feel in particular, release point or if he felt like they did what they needed to do," Renteria said. "He might talk to him about corrections or any number of things from a mechanical standpoint." Veteran Derek Holland's next throw day also falls on Tuesday, Renteria said. Kopech allowed four earned runs in an inning on Tuesday in his first start. The White Sox thought the righty looked much better when they reviewed footage of the outing on Wednesday. Kopech said he thought he only missed four spots in roughly 30 pitches against the Seattle Mariners. "I think Coopy wanted to have a more controlled environment and see if they can hammer out some things," Renteria said. "He didn't throw bad. Actually the numbers I thought were worse than the showing. We can get his breaking ball

down. I know he was wanting to bury breaking balls to finish the hitters in that particular outing. That's the one that led to a three-run homer. Coopy's idea is just to get him and Holland working together and get a good working day." Though Renteria wouldn't commit to another start for Kopech, the No. 3 prospect in the organization, he thinks there's a possibility. Pitcher Carlos Rodon threw again on Sunday, his second bullpen of the spring. He's scheduled for two days off before returning to action in a live batting practice on Wednesday. Rodon would then throw another live BP on Saturday and soon thereafter could appear in a game.

White Sox prospect Reynaldo Lopez looks sharp in loss to Diamondbacks By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago | March 5, 2017 SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Reynaldo Lopez followed Lucas Giolito's lead and put together an outstanding performance Sunday in his second start of the spring. Working with an outstanding fastball, the young White Sox pitcher struck out three batters in three innings, including two-time National League MVP runner-up Paul Goldschmidt. Lopez allowed only one run as he bounced back from a rough start on Tuesday. Tyler Saladino homered but the White Sox lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-1 at Salt River Fields. "It was a good sign for me because (Goldschmidt) is one of the best in the league," Lopez said through an interpreter. "When I faced him, I thought this was a moment I could challenge myself and see if I'm able to be in the majors. And I did. Every time I do face one of those guys, I want to do my best, and I could do it today." Lopez — who allowed five earned runs and four hits in 1 1/3 innings the previous — could have escaped his 52-pitch effort (33 strikes) unscathed had his defense helped him out. Jose Abreu couldn't wrangle in a hot shot in the first inning that went for a two-out RBI double for Jake Lamb. But aside from that, Lopez was outstanding. His four-seam fastball was 94-96 mph and Lopez, the No. 4 prospect in the organization, was pleased with his curveball and changeup. Lopez said he felt much better on Wednesday when he reviewed game footage from a day earlier because he didn't miss as many spots as he thought. The confidence carried over into Sunday's effort. "I improved this time from the last time, and I felt good," Lopez said. "It was a good jump today. "I had better focus today than I did last time, and I was able to keep my pitches low in the zone. "The curveball was good, changeup too. And I tried some sliders too." The performance came a day after Giolito looked extremely sharp in a win over the Los Angeles Angels. Giolito rebounded from his own struggles in his first showing to post three scoreless frames. The effort impressed manager Rick Renteria. "He felt really good about his outing," Renteria said. "I know we did. He made some adjustments and we'll continue to roll him forward. "You could see it during the ballgame. He threw a lot strikes, kept the ball down. Executed a lot of pitches … it's a good start for him on the road to have a consistent, repeatable delivery and be able to command the zone." Saladino provided the White Sox with their only run with a solo shot off Tom Wilhelmsen in the fifth inning.

Elder statesman Nate Jones likes look of White Sox future By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago | March 05, 2017 Nate Jones let out a hearty laugh when reminded that he's the most tenured member of the White Sox. Having seen what in's store for the future, Jones hopes his run with the White Sox extends through 2021. Jones, 31, is about to enter his sixth full season with the White Sox. His current deal guarantees two more seasons and includes club options for three more years. Though it has been difficult to see several clubhouse staples exit the past few years, Jones is enthusiastic about the wave of talent expected to arrive soon -- even if makes him the elder statesman. "It definitely makes you feel old quick," Jones said. "To get this influx of younger guys who are going to eventually come up and do awesome is exciting. It makes you want to be a part of it. It makes you want to be here and last those five years

I've got left. I want to be part of this retool or rebuild or whatever they're calling it, to be able to sustain that success as an organization." Chris Sale had the most tenure in the clubhouse before he was traded to the Boston Red Sox in December. He had taken over the honor with the May release of John Danks, who inherited the status when Paul Konerko retired at the end of the 2014 season. Now that Sale is gone, the club doesn't have many players who have stayed around for a long time. Jones -- who went 5-3 with three saves, a 2.29 ERA and 80 strikeouts in 70 2/3 innings last season -- holds a slight edge in tenure over Jose Quintana, who debuted May 7, 2012 and has been with the team for good since he returned later that month. Outfielder Avisail Garcia, who debuted with the team on Aug. 9, 2013, is the longest-standing position player. Jake Petricka (Aug. 22, 2013) and Leury Garcia (Aug. 23, 2013) are the next in line. Jones doesn't feel too old, however, as the White Sox roster still boasts plenty of experience. Whether it's David Robertson, Derek Holland, James Shields, Melky Cabrera, Todd Frazier, Geovany Soto or Peter Bourjos, the club is loaded with veterans. But it's still a strange thought to Jones that he has been around longer than anyone else. "Obviously it's not something I was thinking of coming into this offseason," Jones said. "It's definitely different. I still look at those (veterans), looking for advice from them. "Time flies when you're having fun. That's what the game's about, having fun and winning. It doesn't seem like it has been that long of a time, but that's part of the business I guess." Jones -- who leaves this week to join Team USA for the World Baseball Classic -- also knows moving on is also part of the game. When he sees the boatload of talented prospects on the way, Jones likes where the White Sox are headed. He also likes the idea of helping those players find success on their path to the majors. "It's good stuff," Jones said. "We've got a good mix here between the veterans and the young guys. We're always here for those guys if they want to ask questions or how we do things, we're an open book. We're here to talk about it, here to come together as a team and work together."

Rule 5 pick Dylan Covey part of 'interesting mix’ of players vying for spot with White Sox By Dan Hayes March 04, 2017 6:19 PM GLENDALE, Ariz. — Dylan Covey is one of several players vying for a roster spot to make a good impression early on the White Sox. The Rule 5 draft pick pitched two scoreless innings in Friday night's White Sox win over the San Diego Padres. Covey, who was selected out of the Oakland A's farm system in December, allowed a hit in his first start of the spring. After he allowed three runs (two earned) in 1 1/3 innings over two relief appearances, Covey settled in after returning to the rotation. Covey and non-roster invitees Geovany Soto and Peter Bourjos are all in the mix to make the club. Reliever Cory Luebke also has pitched well. "It's an interesting mix and I think for the most part when you talk to all of them, even in the meetings, they just want to play," manager Rick Renteria said. "One of the things we told them at the beginning of camp was make our job difficult by doing what they do. To this point, everybody is making our life a little difficult." Covey said the transition to his new club has been easier. Rule 5 draft picks must remain in the big leagues with the selecting club for the entire season. If the White Sox choose not to keep Covey, he would be placed on waivers. If he cleared waivers, Covey would then be offered back to Oakland. The two teams could then also work out a trade. While he'd like to stick with the White Sox, Covey said he's not putting too much pressure on himself.

"Obviously I'm here to try to make the team," Covey said. "If I don't make the team I go back to the situation I was in before. Just gotta go out and do my best every time and hopefully my actions prove to them that I'm worth the pick they used to get me. "There's a little bit of pressure but there's pressure out there any time you go to pitch. So nothing different."

Lucas Giolito delivers three scoreless innings in White Sox victory By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago | March 04, 2017 GLENDALE, Ariz. — Lucas Giolito had a little more velocity in his second time on the mound and a ton more confidence. The top pitching prospect in the farm system struck out three over three scoreless innings as the White Sox routed the Los Angeles Angels 10-2 on Saturday afternoon at Camelback Ranch. Giolito allowed a single after he retired the first six batters he faced and didn't walk anyone. The tall right-hander looked much sharper than he did five days earlier against the Cubs at Sloan Park in Mesa, Ariz. "You get more into a groove of the speed of the game pitching," Giolito said. "First time out is like getting on a bike after not riding one for a while. You can still do it, but you have to get back in the rhythm. Giolito's fastball was 93-94 mph in the first of three innings pitched. In his previous start, when Giolito allowed a run and three hits with a walk, the fastball sat between 90-93 on the radar gun. Giolito said he's still looking for better curveball location but feels good about the progress he's made so far. "I'd say that the velocity will continue to rise as everything feels good, get more comfortable, get more reps under my belt," Giolito said. "That's definitely a big point. I want to throw hard and overpower guys when I can." First baseman Danny Hayes powered the White Sox offense with a three-run homer to right field. Hayes finished 2-for-3. Jacob May singled twice and tripled while Kevan Smith and Leury Garcia each finished with two hits. Eddie Alvarez had an inside-the-park homer for the White Sox. Jake Petricka, David Robertson, Nate Jones and Zack Burdi all pitched a scoreless inning in relief for the White Sox. Burdi struck out two. Prior to the game, manager Rick Renteria said Todd Frazier continues to progress and is closer to ready for game action. Frazier could return to the lineup on Wednesday. "We've got a couple of more days before the day off and I'm hoping that when we come off that day off that he will be able to go a couple of innings, maybe," Renteria said. "Maybe a couple of at-bats. We'll see where he's at. He's feeling good and we'll go from there."

Plaudits continue to pour in for revamped White Sox farm system Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago | March 4

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GLENDALE, Ariz. — Six months of sterling additions has catapulted the White Sox farm system to near the top of the rankings. Previously graded in the lower third of all franchises, the White Sox have been ranked between third and sixth in three separate farm system rankings recently released. Bolstered by 12 new prospects, the White Sox were named the third-best farm in baseball by MLBPipeline.com on Friday. The team has six prospects ranked among MLB's top 100. "We don't spend a ton of time focused on prospect ratings," general manager Rick Hahn said. "At the same time, it's nice that outside analysts who are perhaps more objective than we are seeing the same things our scouts initially saw and our player development people are seeing ever since we got down here." It has been a long time since the White Sox have possessed a highly-regarded farm system. But they followed up what is considered to be a strong showing in the amateur draft by acquiring seven highly-touted prospects in the trades for Chris Sale and Adam Eaton. The series of additions has resulted in plenty of acclaim for the White Sox, who also have been ranked fifth overall by Baseball America and sixth by Baseball Prospectus.

There's no telling how high the White Sox can go. Of MLB.com's top 15 White Sox prospects, 11 have been added since last June with many more likely on the way. With Jose Quintana, David Robertson, Todd Frazier, Jose Abreu, Melky Cabrera and more still on the roster, the White Sox could give themselves an absurd amount of depth in the near future. "We've made it clear we're still early in this process, so having a well-regarded farm system is nice," Hahn said. "We hope that's something we're going to be able to continue here over the coming months and years as we continue this process. Ultimately we know having a good farm system is great, but what we need is wins at the big-league level. And hopefully that's the next step in this process after we build up that system."

Carlos Rodon likes White Sox plan to help deal with fatigue By Dan Hayes March 04, 2017 2:03 PM GLENDALE, Ariz. — The fatigue he experienced last season wasn't a big concern, but Carlos Rodon likes how the White Sox have proactively tried to solve the issue. The team is hopeful that the methodical approach it has applied to the Rodon's spring schedule allows him to continue building arm strength while avoiding some of the growing pains that occur in the process. The goal is for Rodon — who went 9-10 with a 4.04 ERA in 168 strikeouts in a career-high 165 innings last season — to reach the 200-inning mark this season and make 32 starts. But it's also to eliminate some of the periods of dead arm that occur within the buildup process, hence the extremely slow start to this spring. "I guess (fatigue is) part of it," Rodon said. "It happens to most young pitchers, I would believe, getting used to preparing every five days, 32 starts and 200 innings. It's not an easy job, so it's something you need to get acclimated to, and I think we're doing a good job of it right now." Rodon felt better on Saturday after he gutted through a 35-pitch bullpen session on Friday in spite of a stomach bug. Whereas the organization's other starting pitchers are close to making their second starts of the spring, Rodon is set to throw only his second bullpen of the spring on Sunday. It's all part of the process of developing Rodon into a workhorse whose capable of delivering 200-inning seasons every year. Rodon had never thrown more than 132 1/3 innings in a season when he was drafted in 2014. He increased to 149 1/3 innings in 2015 and last season combined for 168 2/3 frames, including an outing at Triple-A Charlotte. "You kind of want to go do (200 innings) right away, but that's not the smartest thing to do physically," Rodon said. "Mentally, it's tough too, just to be able to go every five days, make 32 starts against hitters this good, teams this good. It's not easy. So it takes time. But right now, I think we're going about it the right way." While the idea is to ease Rodon into spring, the process has reached the point where he's ramping up. To be ready for the regular season, Rodon has to hit each and every mark along the way to be ready for the first week of the regular season. The minimal margin for error forced Rodon into action even though he was sick and headed straight to the training room afterward to lie down. "We had to stay on track," Rodon said. "We didn't want to miss (Friday), so we had to grind it out. Coop told me stay on track, so you can make a start when the season starts, and I said yeah, let's do it. I'm all for it. "We grinded through and got it done, so it's good."

Jose Abreu happy to be back in White Sox camp after federal testimony By Dan Hayes / CSN Chiago | March 03, 2017 PEORIA, Ariz. — Jose Abreu was back in the White Sox lineup Friday night and glad to have the weight of testifying in a federal trial off of his shoulders. Abreu returned to the White Sox on Friday morning after he spent two of three days in Miami on the witness stand in an alien smuggling trial for his former agent, Bartolo Hernandez, and athletic trainer, Julio Estrada. Among many details offered about his 2013 defection from Cuba, Abreu testified under oath that he ate a portion of a fraudulent passport while flying to the United States.

The slugger — who went 1-for-3 with an RBI in a 3-1 White Sox win over the San Diego Padres at Peoria Stadium — has long known he'd have to testify after charges were brought against Hernandez and Estrada last April. Needless to say, Abreu, who testified under a grant of limited immunity for his illegal travels, is glad the experience is over. "It was very difficult to see what happened last season," Abreu said through an interpreter. "But I'm just glad that all that is behind me. I'm glad to be here. Glad to be with the White Sox. This is a great organization to be in. They've helped me a lot and all the guys, I have all my family here. The only member of my family that is not here is my son. But I hope that I can be with him soon again. I'm just glad to be back and for all the things that are happening in my life." Abreu was all smiles upon returning to the clubhouse. After he missed three straight contests, Abreu informed manager Rick Renteria he wants to play straight through Monday. "He's very excited," Renteria said. "He came in and said he wants to play every single day until the day off, so he's in there tonight, tomorrow and the next day probably." It's hard not to think the case had an impact on Abreu during the 2016 season. Estrada was the best man at his 2015 wedding and helped Abreu's parents travel to Minneapolis in July 2014 to attend the All-Star Game. Abreu spent the first four months of last season in a prolonged slump. General manager Rick Hahn thinks some of the external events in Abreu's life may have been difficult for the slugger to handle. "There was a little disruption in his life because of the situation," Hahn said. "I know in talking to his representatives last week, Jose was looking forward to having this behind him and sort of turning the page. Once the testimony is done, perhaps now he can just close the book on that whole period of time in his life and focus on a lot of the good things that are going on right now for him." Abreu addressed several questions in a press conference on Friday. But it was clear he's ready to move on and focus on the 2017 season. On the stand, Abreu recounted nearly every detail about his escape from Cuba with his family, his stopovers in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and how he chugged a Heineken to help swallow the pieces of his passport. Before reiterating how happy he is to be back with the team, the 2014 American League Rookie of the Year said he hopes that future Cuban athletes can avoid what he had to endure to live out his dream. "I just hope the new kids who have this dream to play in the majors, they don't have to pass through the whole journey that I had to pass," Abreu said. "I'm just glad to be here. I'm very thankful for the way that this country has welcomed me. The people who live in this country have been very good with and I'm thankful for all the support and help." Also notable against the Padres was Yoan Moncada, who went 2-for-4 with a triple, an RBI and a run scored.

Brett Lawrie’s departure from White Sox paves way for prospect Yoan Moncada By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago | March 03, 2017 GLENDALE, Ariz. — Yoan Moncada's path to the big leagues has one less obstacle after the White Sox waived Brett Lawrie on Friday morning. Wanting to create opportunity for younger players, general manager Rick Hahn said the club requested waivers on Lawrie for the purpose of granting him his unconditional release. Lawrie hit .248/.310/.413 with 12 home runs and 36 RBIs in 384 plate appearances last season but hasn't played since he sustained a leg injury last July. By releasing him now, the White Sox saved roughly $2.9 million of the $3.5 million Lawrie was set to earn. Hahn said the White Sox would give the playing time to Tyler Saladino, Carlos Sanchez and several others in the interim. Ultimately, Moncada, who went 2-for-4 with an RBI triple and a run in a 3-1 White Sox win over the San Diego Padres on Friday night, is expected to take over as the everyday second baseman. "Part of this process of building something sustainable for the future involves making some difficult decisions," Hahn said. "Today was a difficult decision. Brett is a talented player who no doubt in any of our minds will help a club this season. At the same time, we are committed to giving an opportunity several of our young players, players who are going to be here for an extended period of time and we want to find out about it." "This was a baseball decision about the long term interest of the club."

Acquired from Oakland when the team was in win-now mode, Lawrie's usefulness to the rebuilding White Sox had its limits. The White Sox want to create space for their younger guys now that they've headed in the opposite direction. Though Moncada is expected to start the season at Triple-A Charlotte, the hope is he'd arrive in Chicago at some point in 2017. Saladino should get the first look after he put together a strong sophomore campaign in 2016. Slowed by a back injury late in the year, Saladino hit .282/.315/.409 with eight homers and 38 RBIs in 319 plate appearances and was even better as a starter, hitting .301/.332/.409 from July 20 to September 21. "When Saladino was participating, he made things happen," White Sox manager Rick Renteria said. "He could steal a base. Defensively he made the plays. On the offensive side he put together really good at-bats. He just has all the energy and all the things you want a big league player to have." Lawrie hadn't participated in a game this spring despite feeling like he'd made good progress in a frustrating rehab. He had been a full participant through the first handful of full-squad workouts but informed Renteria last Friday he didn't feel as if he was at 100 percent, which prompted the team to keep him out of the lineup. "I haven't really gone backwards and that's been key for me," Lawrie said on Saturday. "I guess the biggest thing is being able to trust myself when I get out on the field and not have to worry about my body and just worry about the game." Lawrie last played for the White Sox on July 21 when he sustained a left leg injury. Neither Lawrie or the team could find the cause of the malady for the remainder of the season, which left him frustrated. Lawrie tweeted in the offseason that he believed an injury Robin Ventura accurately described as "tricky" was caused by the use of orthotics. A highly energetic player, Lawrie never proved to be a handful in the White Sox clubhouse despite his reputation as one. While he bounced off the walls, the team seemed to thrive off his energy early and fans appreciated Lawrie's all-out effort. "We got along real well," third baseman Todd Frazier said. "It's a crazy business. We talk about it all the time. But like I said, he's a good friend of mine. I'll keep in touch with him forever. Class act. He was a gamer. When he was out there battled his butt off and one of those guys you always want on your side." Oddly enough, it's likeky that Frazier's presence perhaps expedited Lawrie's exit. Hahn said the White Sox signed Lawrie to a one-year, $3.5-million deal on Dec. 2 because they thought another spot might soon be open. "We certainly envisioned various transactions that would have opened up more play time for him," Hahn said. At that point, the Los Angeles Dodgers had yet to re-sign Justin Turner and appeared to be a good fit for Frazier. The Dodgers had at least considered trading for Frazier on their own the previous offseason before they helped facilitate a three-team deal with the Cincinnati Reds that brought him to the White Sox. But Turner returned to LA on a four-year deal on Dec. 13 and the White Sox found no takers for Frazier the rest of the offseason. Lawrie could have provided an expensive block for Moncada, who isn't too far from the majors even though he's only played 53 contests above Single-A. "Obviously Moncada is going to be a factor at some point here in the future," Hahn said. "As I've said from the time we acquired him, very likely not to start the season, but certainly you can envision over the course of the 2017 season, wanting to have second base open for Moncada.

Out of action since last July, Brett Lawrie released by White Sox By Dan Hayes/ CSN Chicago | March 03, 2017 GLENDALE, Ariz. — Brett Lawrie is no longer a member of the White Sox. The team requested waivers on the second baseman Friday morning for the purpose of granting him his unconditional release. Lawrie, who signed a one-year deal for $3.5 million in December, hasn't played this spring as he continues to deal with a series of health issues that dates back to last season. Acquired from the Oakland A's the previous offseason, Lawrie last played for the White Sox on July 21 when he sustained a left leg injury. Neither Lawrie or the team could find the cause of the malady for the remainder of the season, which left him frustrated. Lawrie — who hit .248/.310/.413 with 12 home runs and 36 RBIs in 384 plate appearances last season — tweeted in the

offseason that he believed an injury Robin Ventura accurately described as "tricky" was caused by the use of orthotics. Until he informed the team last Friday that he didn't feel quite right, Lawrie believed he was on the mend and had been happy with the progress he's made this spring. Both he and manager Rick Renteria said that Lawrie had participated at full speed in all of the team's workouts. "I haven't really gone backwards, and that's been key for me," Lawrie said on Saturday. "I guess the biggest thing is being able to trust myself when I get out on the field and not have to worry about my body and just worry about the game. If I can't do that then I'm not going to go out there and do that. So once I can clear that stuff up, and it's in the near future. "I just need to keep being positive and keep putting the work in every single day and I'll be OK." The move eventually opens the door for top prospect Yoan Moncada, who is expected to start the season at Triple-A Charlotte. In the interim, the White Sox are likely to give the bulk of time to Tyler Saladino and Yolmer Sanchez. Saladino hit .282/.315/.409 with eight homers and 38 RBIs in 319 plate appearances. He was even better when he played in the everyday starting lineup, hitting .301/.332/.409 from July 20 to September 21. "I'm not too concerned about it, to be honest," Renteria said Thursday when asked about Lawrie's injury. "It's a situation where we do have coverage."

White Sox request waivers on veteran infielder Brett Lawrie Associated Press via ESPN.com / Mar 3, 2017 GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Brett Lawrie has been put on waivers by the Chicago White Sox, who plan to release the infielder. Unless Lawrie is claimed, which is unlikely, he would receive $573,770 in termination pay rather than the $3.5 million salary in the non-guaranteed contract he agreed to in December. Chicago announced the move Friday. The 27-year-old was acquired in a December 2015 trade with Oakland. He hit .248 with 12 homers and 36 RBI in 94 games in his only season with the White Sox.

Renteria enlists veterans to guide White Sox through rebuild Scot Gregor / Daily Herald | March 4

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Rick Renteria saw it all in 2016. As the Chicago White Sox's first-year bench coach, Renteria was on the scene in spring training when Adam LaRoche clashed with vice president Kenny Williams and retired after being asked to scale back son Drake's unlimited clubhouse access. Renteria was there in spring when Chris Sale and Adam Eaton stood up for LaRoche and dressed down Williams. Renteria was there when the Sox roared out to a 23-10 start under former manager Robin Ventura, and he was there for the collapse that followed. He was also there when Sale destroyed throwback uniforms he didn't care for, and Renteria was there when Ventura had Eaton relocate his home clubhouse locker away from Todd Frazier for his own physical safety. Renteria learned a lot during a chaotic season the South Side, and he's enlisted some help this year -- his first as White Sox manager. The absence of Sale and Eaton, who were traded on consecutive days in December, can only improve the clubhouse chemistry, but Renteria talked to a group of veterans in the early days of spring training and asked players like Frazier, Jose Abreu, Derek Holland and Melky Cabrera to provide leadership. "Hopefully, put a little group of players together to let them be voices and conduits in the clubhouse," Renteria said. "And let them get back to me so I can communicate with them and so I can get a feel for where everybody is at and use their experience and use their particular talents to take advantage of their time and ability to be leaders. "Some of it is just leading through example. A lot of it is their own conversations with each other. I think once they come together as a whole, we'll have a nice little core of leaders in that room that will help us navigate through the season."

With the Sox transitioning to a younger roster, having strong veteran leadership is more important than usual. Frazier, who could very well be traded at some point this season, is a natural leader and willing to take on the role. "Even though it's my second year (with the White Sox), I know the guys well," Frazier said. "There are a lot of leaders. You have to have a lot of guys to have your back when you are leading. You can't be by yourself. We have that. We have Geovany Soto back. He's been a leader here for a little while. Dave Robertson. It depends on who we have, but at the same time, I think I can be a leader and I think we are starting to see that now." Frazier's name came up in trade rumors throughout the off-season and that's continued into spring training. Shortstop Tim Anderson plays alongside Frazier, and he hopes the 31-year-old third baseman stays put this season and beyond. "I'd say Frazier, a lot," Anderson said when asked who helped him the most as a rookie in 2016. "It's unreal. Whatever's on his mind, he's going to say it. You never know what you might hear. He keeps you on your toes and he made me feel very comfortable last year." Entering his fourth season with the Sox, Abreu is another veteran Renteria asked to take a bigger leadership role. The first baseman is already a helpful influence on fellow Cuban Yoan Moncada, the White Sox's top prospect. "I feel very good to be known as a veteran on this team," Abreu said through an interpreter, "I think that's a role I'm very suited to take. I'm very motivated to take the role." James Shields is entering his 12th season as a major-league starting pitcher. While he tries to show he is much better than last year's numbers (6-19, 5.85 ERA), Shields is helping young Sox starters like Lucas Giolito, Carson Fulmer and Michael Kopech. "I've been a part of rebuilds quite a bit," Shields said. "For me, I absolutely love it. I love having the young kids, being a veteran, being a leader on the team and showing these guys what professional baseball is all about. I've been very successful with the teams I've been on with the rebuilds. We've got a good group of guys. A lot of young talent, a lot of good talent."

Chicago White Sox release infielder Brett Lawrie Scot Gregor / Daily Herald | March 3, 2017 The Chicago White Sox issued a very short news release on Brett Lawrie Friday. Considering the second baseman's abbreviated stay, it was fitting. Lawrie, who played in only 94 games with the White Sox in 2016 before being sidelined for the season with unusual physical ailments, was placed on waivers for the purpose of granting his unconditional release. The 27-year-old Lawrie batted .248 with 22 doubles, 12 home runs and 36 RBI in his short stay with the White Sox. Signed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract on Dec. 2, Lawrie will receive a portion of that salary, believed to be in the $500,000 range. Last season, Lawrie landed on the disabled list in late July with a strained left hamstring. He never returned to action, and still wasn't 100 percent when reporting to training camp last month. Lawrie blamed his health issues on wearing orthotics in his shoes. "I was put into orthotics for the first time in 26 years, and it definitely threw me through a loop," he said. "It was the worst time of my life to be honest with you. Moving forward from here, it's about getting back to my flat feet and stabilizing that. I know that sounds funky enough, but unfortunately when you build stability for a long time you need to stay with that." With Lawrie off the roster, the White Sox play Tyler Saladino or Yolmer (formerly Carlos) Sanchez at second base until No. 1 prospect Yoan Moncada is ready.

White Sox release infielder Brett Lawrie USA TODAY Sports | March 3, 2017

In an unexpected move, the Chicago White Sox announced Friday they are releasing infielder Brett Lawrie. The White Sox have requested waivers on Lawrie for the purpose of granting him his unconditional release. If he clears waivers, which is likely, he becomes a free agent. Lawrie, who has yet to play a spring game, has been sidelined since July 21 due to a series of injuries. He was close to participating in drills, but suffered a setback when he felt discomfort in his lower body. What will it take to win the AL pennant? Last season Lawrie was the primary second baseman before he was injured. In December, he agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million deal, avoiding arbitration, to return as the projected starter if healthy. That job will likely be given to Tyler Saladino, or possibly Yoan Moncada, the team’s top prospect. Lawrie, 27, put up decent numbers last season, his first with the club after being acquired from the Oakland Athletics in a trade in December, 2015. He batted .248 with 12 home runs and 36 RBI in 94 games. However, he has yet to live up to his potential. In 2015, the Toronto Blue Jays used him as the centerpiece in a package deal to acquire Josh Donaldson, who was named the AL MVP in 2015.