WHITE SOX HEADLINES OF MARCH 20, 2017 “Getz getting comfortable in White Sox role” … Tyler Maun, MiLB.com “Hard work pays off for Rodon in spring debut” … Scott Merkin, MLB.com “Moncada, Cabrera back Rodon's 1-hit outing” …Maria Guardado & Scott Merkin, MLB.com “Asche's bat pressuring Sox to keep him around” … Scott Merkin, MLB.com “Slimmed-down Garcia's focus on consistency” …Scott Merkin, MLB.com “Jacob May making his presence known” …Scott Merkin, MLB.com “Quintana turns attention to regular season”…Scott Merkin, MLB.com “May goes 4-for-6 against Dodgers” … Scott Merkin, MLB.com “Hostetler on Seth Beer, Draft preparation” … Scott Merkin, MLB.com “Kopech sparkles on crosstown stage vs. Cubs” … Scott Merkin, MLB.com “Carlos Rodon turns in late, great spring debut for White Sox” …Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune “Cody Asche makes a play for White Sox roster spot” …Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune “White Sox may be rebuilding, but it's not always easy to tell” … Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune “Sunday's recap: White Sox 11, Angels 2” … Colleen Kane, Chricago Tribune “Joe Maddon calls White Sox prospect Michael Kopech 'very interesting'” …Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune “Rick Renteria ejected during White Sox spring training game” …Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune “Saturday's recap: Dodgers 13, White Sox 7” … Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune “Performance notwithstanding, James Shields is leader in clubhouse” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times “Yoan Moncada stays hot, belts homer and two doubles” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times “Rodon throws 4 scoreless innings, fans 5 in spring debut” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times “Looking good only half the battle for Avisail Garcia” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times “Jacob May inches closer to big league goal” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times “White Sox manager Rick Renteria ejected in 13-7 loss” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times “White Sox’ Juan Minaya out with abdominal tear” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times “Michael Kopech gave Cubs a fistful of strikeouts” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times “Carlos Rodon set for first Cactus League start” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times “Schwarber’s homer, 4 RBI power Cubs past White Sox” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times “Jake Petricka healthy again after season-ending surgery in 2016” … Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times “Carlos Rodon outstanding in 2017 debut as White Sox trounce Angels” …Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “Cody Asche has already settled in with White Sox” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “White Sox manager Rick Renteria ejected in loss to Dodgers ” …Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “Prospect Jacob May gives White Sox glimpse of skillset” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “Jose Quintana makes most of minor league appearance” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “Projected as a starter, White Sox pitcher Michael Kopech dominates Cubs in relief” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “White Sox to give Carlos Rodon first Cactus League start Sunday” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “For Omar Narvaez, knowledge is power at the major league level” … JJ Stankevitz, CSN Chicago “Carlos Rodon tosses 4 scoreless innings in first spring start” … Associated Press “Chicago White Sox can wait for next wave of quality starters” … Scot Gregor, Daily Herald “Schwarber welcomes White Sox lefty Holland to Cubs' rivalry” … Associated Press “Derek Holland butchers Kyle Schwarber’s name after Cubs slugger homers” … Chris Bahr, Fox Sports “White Sox 2017 preview: Future is bright for Chicago, but this season will be a struggle” … Joe Rodgers, Sporting News

Getz getting comfortable in White Sox role Former big league infielder takes over as head of player development By Tyler Maun / MiLB.com |Mar. 14 9:29 PM Chris Getz reached Double-A Birmingham in 2006, his first full season in the White Sox system. (Tony Farlow/MiLB.com) GLENDALE, Arizona -- As the rest of the Minor League world was shutting down for the holidays, Chris Getz was just getting started.

More than 11 years after he was taken by the White Sox in the fourth round of the 2005 Draft, Getz returned to the organization he long called home as Chicago's new director of player development. And accepting the position was just the start. "I took the job in November," Getz said Tuesday, looking over a back field at the White Sox facility in Glendale. "You're looking at reports. You're watching some video. You're obviously having conversations about the players, so all things considered, [the biggest challenge] really is getting to know these guys." After three seasons as a player in the White Sox system, Getz reached the Majors in 2008 and played 459 games over seven years with Chicago, the Royals and Blue Jays. Upon retiring in 2014, he returned to the Minors, joining the Royals front office in January 2015 as baseball operations assistant in player development. "The relationships I had with the Kansas City Royals, whether it's with [general manager] Dayton Moore, [assistant GM of player personnel] J.J. Picollo, [director of Minor League operations] Ronnie Richardson, [assistant GM of baseball operations] Scott Sharp, spending the time that I did with them has been very useful," Getz said. "I still call them and ask them questions because I consider those people all mentors. Now coming over here, I had some strong relationships already in place with people like Buddy Bell, Rick Hahn, guys who obviously are the leaders of the organization. Because I feel very comfortable with them, I'm not scared to ask them questions and things like that. "Going back to Ronnie, he and I went to the Royals at the same time. He was coming from a prior organization, how they did things with the Atlanta Braves. Just handling some of the newer things that come your way, I definitely leaned on him on how to handle some of those situations." In his time with the Royals, Getz made others around the game take notice. Following the 2016 season, the White Sox approached him about his interest in filling the role left open when former player development head Nick Capra took over as third base coach on the staff of new manager Rick Renteria. Getz jumped quickly into his new gig. "It certainly helped coming in November versus, you know, a month ago," Getz said. "We did organizational meetings right when I took the job, so that was another opportunity to spend time with staff. We went through the players, but literally, you're looking at scouting reports and talking about it. It can be a little bit overwhelming, but over time, just through the repeated conversations, it starts to click." Getz didn't just inherit a system new to him. The White Sox reshaped their Minor League landscape with a series of moves in December, adding four of MLB.com's Top 100 prospects -- second baseman Yoan Moncada (No. 2) and pitchers Lucas Giolito (No. 11), Michael Kopech (No. 16) and Reynaldo Lopez (No. 46) -- in a pair of trades. Getz's organization is now among baseball's best and deepest. "I feel very fortunate and lucky to come in, and then we made those moves in the Winter Meetings and all of a sudden, we have this increase in talent," he said. "It adds to the enjoyment of it, really. I think I have the best job in baseball and, all of a sudden, you're getting guys that you can really envision to become championship-type players. You can't ask for anything better than that." Much has remained the same since Getz climbed to the Majors, but the 33-year-old has noticed new elements in development for today's prospects. "I'd say the biggest difference - not that it was too long ago, my first Spring Training was 2006 - I think the technology," he said. "Players are always looking at their swings all the time. They've got their iPhones, iPads, their computer, whatever. They're watching videos, whether it's of themselves or other players. That stuff was around [back then] but not like it is now. You can access it so quickly. It's kind of a good and bad thing. You can make quick adjustments, but also it can take you to a place where you don't need to go either because at the end of the day, you've got to be able to break this stuff down, simplify it and know what you have to do." The learning curve has been steep. Getz has had to familiarize himself with roughly 180 players over five months and didn't get to see most of them on the field until the last couple of weeks. Now his crash course is paying its earliest dividends. "There's nothing better than being here in Spring Training to finally spend some time with the players, build the relationships and then on top of that build relationships with the staff who are going to help you in this whole development process," he said. "It's just getting to know these people, what makes them tick. The quicker you can start building those relationships, the faster you can get to where you want to be."

Fulmer's next steps: No. 5 White Sox prospect Carson Fulmer rocketed to the Majors last year in his first full pro season. After starting the campaign with Double-A Birmingham, he jumped directly to Chicago, where he posted an 8.49 ERA in eight relief outings, before moving down to Triple-A Charlotte. After making 29 appearances, including 21 Minor League starts, across three levels, Fulmer took the offseason to catch his breath and get ready for his final push to a full-time big league job. When he gets there, the Vanderbilt product knows what role he sees for himself.. "I want to start," Fulmer said in the clubhouse Tuesday in an interview for this week's episode of The Show Before The Show podcast. [His former Vanderbilt teammate Walker Buehler expressed a similar sentiment for his development in Dodgers camp on Tuesday.] "That's the challenge I was faced with in college, being stuck in the bullpen early and proving myself to be a starter, being drafted as a starter. Here, it's the same thing. I want to start. I want to take our team late into ballgames, and I feel like I'm working toward trying to get a spot. I feel great. Whatever the team needs me to do, as long as we win, that's the most important thing. But long-term, I definitely would like to start." Getz agreed with the right-hander's ultimate goal. "I think it's going to be great for him that he did [reach the big leagues] last year," Getz said. "He got exposed to the highest level. There's some great strides that he's made in his delivery, the tempo of his delivery. He's in a really good spot. "We view him as a starter. We're going to exhaust everything we can for him to become a starter. The easiest thing to do from an organization standpoint is just to put people in the bullpen and assume that their stuff's going to play up. That might be the case for Carson Fulmer; it might be. But we're not ready to do that. We don't want to do that. We want him to be in the rotation."

Hard work pays off for Rodon in spring debut By Scott Merkin / MLB.com | @scottmerkin | March 19th, 2017 TEMPE, Ariz. -- The first 2017 Cactus League appearance/start for Carlos Rodon during an 11-2 White Sox victory over the Angels on Sunday couldn't have gone much better. Here's a small example. In the first inning, Rodon struck out reigning American League Most Valuable Player Mike Trout with what was supposed to be a back-foot slider. "I threw it down the middle by accident," said Rodon with a sheepish grin. "It worked." Pretty much everything worked for Rodon over four scoreless innings, as he yielded just one hit, walked one and struck out five. Rodon threw 38 of his 65 pitches for strikes and then threw another 10 in the bullpen. Until Sunday, Rodon's Arizona workload had been limited to bullpens, batting practice sessions and simulated games. The 24-year-old grew a bit antsy as the White Sox gradually brought him along to maximize his regular-season innings, a similar plan helping Chris Sale last season. But the wait and work paid off on Sunday, when Rodon threw all of his pitches but was focused on his fastball/slider. "It was good to be out there and compete with my teammates again. That was fun," Rodon said. "I've been sitting here for a while watching everybody else do something. I finally got to get out there and compete. So it was fun." Next up for Rodon is a start Friday at the A's. If the White Sox keep him on a regular starter's schedule, Rodon would pitch the Cactus League finale at home on March 29 against the Padres. Jose Quintana is expected to be the White Sox Opening Day starter against the Tigers on April 3, but manager Rick Renteria has yet to announce the rotation alignment. Rodon figures to pitch in the fifth spot during the first time through, but he's not thinking that far ahead. "Just a plan in the making right now," Rodon said. "We are looking forward to the next Spring Training start." "We want him to become more efficient, trust his stuff a bit more," said Renteria of the goals for Rodon, who is entering his third season, the second full season as a starter. "His ball has explosive life that moves on both sides of the plate. We want him to attack the strike zone, let it do its stuff and maybe we can use him deeper in the ballgame. He's starting to show signs of who he is."

Angels' hitters worked five three-ball counts against Rodon. But the only walk he issued came to Trout leading off the fourth. One of the best at-bats took place in the first when Albert Pujols fouled off three 1-2 pitches before cueing a grounder into the vacated area between first and second for a base hit. As Rodon and Pujols ran toward first, the two exchanged a few words in jest. "Yeah, it was a sinker in," Rodon said. "I told him to save his hits and he thought so too. "[I want to] build from that. Just try to build that pitch count up and then try to get up and down five or six times next time and then just more command, better changeups."

Moncada, Cabrera back Rodon's 1-hit outing By Maria Guardado and Scott Merkin / MLB.com | @mi_guardado | March 19th, 2017 TEMPE, Ariz. -- Carlos Rodon pitched four scoreless innings in his Cactus League debut and Yoan Moncada drove in four runs to help the White Sox roll to an 11-2 win over the Angels on Sunday at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Chicago erupted for five runs in the fifth, capped by Moncada's two-run home run off Angels reliever Kirby Yates. The 21-year-old prospect also added a two-run double in the ninth. Matt Davidson homered, while Melky Cabrera notched a pair of RBI singles and Cody Asche contributed an RBI double in the third. Mike Trout singled, walked and stole a base, but the Angels were kept scoreless until Sherman Johnson knocked in a run with an RBI double in the eighth. Minor League outfielder Torii Hunter Jr., the son of former Angel Torii Hunter, made his Cactus League debut by pinch-running for Trout in the sixth and remained in the game at center field. The younger Hunter was a 23rd-round Draft pick of the Angels last year out of the University of Notre Dame. Rodon, who had only thrown batting practice and simulated games this spring as he gradually ramps up for the regular season, allowed just one hit -- a single to Albert Pujols in the first -- with one walk and five strikeouts. Angels right-hander Matt Shoemaker allowed four runs (two earned) on six hits while walking one and striking out eight over four-plus innings in his fourth Cactus League start. Shoemaker, who now has a 4.85 ERA this spring, had been scheduled to throw five innings, but he reached his pitch limit. "Definitely wanted to go the full five," Shoemaker said. "Even those first four innings, I liked what we did, liked the execution. Just threw a few too many pitches." Bud Norris, a bullpen hopeful, struck out three over two hitless innings for the Angels. White Sox up next: Reynaldo Lopez gets another Cactus League start for the White Sox in Monday's contest against the Giants at Camelback Ranch. The game is set for a 3:05 p.m. CT first pitch and will be broadcast live on MLB.TV. Jake Petricka and Michael Ynoa also are scheduled to pitch, while Zach Putnam and Dan Jennings throw on the Minor League side. Angels up next: The Angels enjoy an off-day on Monday before resuming Cactus League play against the Reds at 1:05 p.m. PDT Tuesday at Goodyear Ballpark. Right-hander JC Ramirez, a contender for a rotation or bullpen spot, will make his fifth spring appearance and third start for the Halos.

Asche's bat pressuring Sox to keep him around By Scott Merkin / MLB.com | @scottmerkin | March 19th, 2017 TEMPE, Ariz. -- Cody Asche has made life difficult for the White Sox… but in a good way. Asche, a 26-year-old, non-roster invite who was designated for assignment by the Phillies in December, stands in the midst of a strong Spring Training battle for one of the last position player spots on the active roster. The left-handed hitter played left field Saturday for the White Sox and doubled to lead off the fifth. He served as designated hitter Sunday in an 11-2 victory over the Angels and doubled home a run in the third. His ability to play all four corners -- as manager Rick Renteria stated -- makes Asche an even more enticing roster choice. After 1,287 plate appearances during four seasons with the Phillies, Asche seems happy to have fit in so quickly with his new team. "I would be lying if I didn't say I was trying to make the team. That's my No. 1 goal," Asche said. "That's everybody's goal in this room, is to make the team. In what capacity, who knows? All you can really ask is go out there and play hard, be a good teammate and really buy into what Ricky is trying to get across and buy into being a White Sox."

The Phillies surprised Asche with their decision. But he had a good talk with Renteria upon arrival to set the tone about expectations. "He laid it on the line and told me what was going to be expected of me. It's been real easy to play for these guys and around this group of teammates," said Asche, who is hitting .346 with eight RBIs this spring. "You lay awake at night before you come to Spring Training with a new club wondering how it's going to be and how scary it could be, being it's your first time. "It's nothing like I would have imagined. I felt like I fit in right away, and I'm really taken aback by the humbleness of the superstars: [Jose] Abreu, [Todd] Frazier, [Jose] Quintana. Those guys, they're really great teammates. The White Sox are real lucky to have them." White Sox make a Minor move The White Sox acquired Minor League first baseman Brandon Dulin from Kansas City in return for either a player to be named or cash considerations. Dulin, 24, was a 12th round selection in the 2013 Draft. He is a career .255 hitter over 877 Minor League at-bats, but has no at-bats above the Class A level. Third to first • Rymer Liriano tried to throw out Cliff Pennington on a single to right in the fifth inning Sunday. Pennington's hustle bare ly beat the strong throw. • Yoan Moncada's 13 spring RBIs lead the White Sox. His four on Sunday broke a three-way tie with Leury Garcia and Danny Hayes. • Adam Engel made a pair of diving catches in center; one to his left, and one to his right.

Slimmed-down Garcia's focus on consistency By Scott Merkin / MLB.com | @scottmerkin | March 19th, 2017 TEMPE, Ariz. -- For Avisail Garcia to become a consistent Major League hitter, he might want to take his recent approach with runners in scoring position and carry it out for a full season. Garcia hit .245 in 2016 with 12 homers and 51 RBIs. But with runners in scoring position, Garcia hit .355 with 41 RBIs. He also hit .415 with two outs and runners in scoring position. The focus in those sorts of situations for Garcia becomes as simple as not trying to do too much. "Sometimes I try to do too much, and strike out or hit a ground ball," Garcia said. "When you don't try to do too much and forget about that runner and keep yourself, you keep the same, everything works. "That's what I do. Try to forget about the runners. Sometimes you have a man on third and nobody out and we are like [pretends to hyperventilate]. No, no forget about that. Get a pitch and drive him in. It's as simple as that. Just relax." There's an extra bounce in Garcia's step this camp partially because he's down a few pounds. Garcia's weight checked in Sunday at 250, per the right fielder, and he hopes to get down to 247 before the team breaks camp. As for keeping that weight down during the season, Garcia believes the challenge will be answered. He laughed when saying that not eating sweets for a week helps him drop pounds quickly. "Yes, I will do it. I'm doing it right now and sacrificing right now," Garcia said. "So, I'm not going to be eating like crazy in the season. I want to have a good season." Moving back to right field on a semi-regular basis has Garcia "100 percent happy." Garcia talked about feeling stronger throwing the ball this spring and reiterated his belief in handling the position. It's the same sort of confidence Garcia has in his bat -- success shown in a smaller sample size by the 25-year-old last season. "I know I can hit. I've just been swinging at too many balls," Garcia said. "I know I can hit if I swing at strikes. That's what I [did] last year with runners in scoring position. Forget about that runner and make [the pitcher] throw strikes. "Everything is good. I feel comfortable. I'm seeing the ball good. Keep working hard and be ready for the season."

Jacob May making his presence known By Scott Merkin / MLB.com | @scottmerkin | March 18th, 2017 GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Jacob May has a great understanding of his role offensively if he was able to break camp as the White Sox center fielder.

"Get on base, anyway possible," May said. "Walk, getting on with an error, anything I can do to get on base, cause a little havoc and I can get in scoring position for the big guys like Jose Abreu and Todd Frazier. "My bat is ready. It's getting better day by day. With anything, you have to prove you are going to stay consistent throughout the full season. Stay consistent day-in and day-out. I've put in a lot of work this offseason and am just honing in my craft. I can hold my own up there in the Major Leagues hitting-wise." May, 25, begins his fifth season in the White Sox organization. He's considered to have Major League defensive skills and the same on the basepaths, with his hitting the lone thing in question. As he mentioned above, the switch-hitting May focused on that aspect this past offseason by working on getting in a strong base with his legs, his bat path and staying short and consistent to the ball. It's about repetition and working daily to develop muscle memory needed throughout the season, staying in a strong position to hit. That work seems to be paying off, as May knocked out four hits during Saturday's 13-7 loss to the Dodgers, falling a home run short of the cycle. This roster chance for May has arisen due to Charlie Tilson's setback in relation to a right foot stress reaction he suffered during Spring Training rehab work from tearing his left hamstring last season. May knows about injuries, having been sidelined by a bruised right pinky finger in 2014, a concussion in 2015 after colliding with shortstop Tim Anderson and a pair of abdominal strains in '16. "I don't wish that on anyone," said May of Tilson. "So, I wish him the best and I hope he gets healthy soon. But yeah, that's the name of the game. It's a business and unfortunately that's how it is -- a lot of opportunities due to someone's downfall or injury. "You want to come into every season as strong and healthy as you can. Injuries are something that are a part of the game. You do your best to try to avoid those and you take care of yourself in the weight and training room. But sometimes it's something that's inevitable. Everything is meant for a reason. You have to bear with them and continue to push forward." Giving May a chance at the season's outset would allow the White Sox to see how he fits into their young core as part of the rebuild. "So much talent in this locker room, it's unbelievable," May said. "Anderson, Yoan Moncada, Michael Kopech, Zack Burdi, Adam Engel, Charlie. It's fun to be a part of it and hopefully for a long time. You can feel the atmosphere is a little different in this camp than last. It's an exciting, bright future."

Quintana turns attention to regular season By Scott Merkin / MLB.com | @scottmerkin | March 18th, 2017 GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Saturday's return to the mound for Jose Quintana didn't have quite the fanfare of his 5 2/3 no-hit innings thrown for Colombia against Team USA in the World Baseball Classic last Friday. In fact, the action took place during a Minor League contest on the back fields of Camelback Ranch. "It's a different feeling, especially when you throw a Minor League game," a smiling Quintana said. "But it's a good time to work on something, when you want to work on it. "I had a good time last week with my country and now I have my focus on the season. We have two more weeks and ready to go." Quintana, who figures to earn his first Opening Day start, threw six innings and 81 pitches on the Minor League side. He pitched a couple of innings out of the stretch to work on his changeup and quick step and even got into the excitement of his team scoring a few runs in the dugout. Alfonso Soriano, Phil Hughes and Ivan Nova were a few of the veterans Quintana remembers interacting with him back when the southpaw was on the Minor League side and they took part in a Spring Training contest. "Now I try to be fun with them, too," Quintana said. "I keep doing that because they don't have too much opportunity to talk with us. And when I go there, I try to spend good time with them and talk to somebody. It was good. It was fun and I enjoy this time with the Minor Leaguers." Minaya heading to disabled list Juan Minaya suffered an abdominal tear when he last pitched March 15 against the Royals. He left that game due to the injury and according to White Sox manager Rick Renteria, the right-hander will have two weeks of rest. "We'll try and treat it," Renteria said. "Hopefully it responds and we get him back on the field moving forward and progressing back to pitching."

Minaya, 26, fanned nine over 5 2/3 innings of Cactus League work. He had a shot at one of the final two bullpen openings, but will start the season on the disabled list. Kopech earns high praise The five strikeouts recorded by Michael Kopech over two innings Friday against the World Series champion Cubs earned high praise from manager Joe Maddon. "That's a really good arm. It was kind of like watching Aroldis Chapman the way the ball reacts at home plate," Maddon told reporters Saturday. "I talked about that with Chapman last year. "When you're in the dugout, the last 15, 20 feet, it's just different the way the ball arrives in the catcher's mitt. Really good delivery, nice breaking ball, really interesting."

May goes 4-for-6 against Dodgers By Scott Merkin and Ken Gurnick / MLB.com | March 18th, 2017 GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Dodgers slugged four homers and claimed a 13-7 victory over the White Sox Saturday at Camelback Ranch, and they did so with White Sox manager Rick Renteria absent for most of the contest. Renteria earned the rare Cactus League ejection after the top of the third from home-plate umpire Quinn Wolcott. White Sox starting pitcher Carson Fulmer appeared to take umbrage with the strike zone as he left the mound, just as Avisail Garcia had on a called third strike in the second. Those disagreements turned into a heated exchange and Renteria being tossed. "I wasn't happy. I think that's just because of me being a competitor and wanting to push us in the direction of winning," Fulmer said. "I definitely have a manager who respects us all and has our backs and it just tells you a lot about who we have pushing us in the direction we want to be going." "We just had a couple of words," Renteria said. "Just wanted to make sure he was OK with Fulmer. It got a little out of hand, probably on my part. I wanted to make sure that Fulmer was able to continue to pitch. I didn't want that escalate into anything. It happens." Fulmer allowed a single run in each of the first three innings. Trayce Thompson, who was traded from the White Sox to the Dodgers as part of a three-team deal sending Todd Frazier to the White Sox, singled home Chase Utley in the first. Rob Segedin, in his first at-bat since returning from the World Baseball Classic, launched his second home run in the second. Andre Ethier, in his first start since injuring a hip March 6, doubled home Utley in the third. Fulmer struck out two and walked one in four innings. White Sox outfielder Jacob May had a productive day at the plate, going 4-for-6 with a double and a triple from the leadoff spot. Kenta Maeda yielded one run on five hits over 4 1/3 innings, striking out one and walking one. The Dodgers padded their lead off of White Sox relievers Jace Fry and Jake Petricka by scoring four runs in the fifth. Bobby Wilson and Brett Eibner went deep off of Zach Putnam during a three-run sixth. O'Koyea Dickson added the other home run for Los Angeles. "Overall, I thought I was good," said Maeda. "I was able to execute my plan. I'm pretty happy with where I am. Next time I will throw the most innings and most pitches. I want to be able to go deeper into the game." Dodgers Up Next: Right-hander Trevor Oaks gets the unexpected start for the Dodgers at 3:05 p.m. CT against Team Japan at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Rich Hill instead will pitch in a morning Minor League game. White Sox Up Next: Carlos Rodon makes his first 2017 Cactus League start and first 2017 Cactus League appearance on Sunday (MLB.TV), after building up arm strength through live bullpens and simulated games as the White Sox took a gradual preparatory approach with the young hurler. Rodon will face the Angels in Tempe with a first pitch scheduled for 3:10 p.m. CT.

Hostetler on Seth Beer, Draft preparation By Scott Merkin / MLB.com | @scottmerkin | March 18th, 2017 GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Before amateur scouting director Nick Hostetler talks about the White Sox 2017 Draft preparation, here's a word about the 2018 Draft. Make that two words: Seth Beer.

"I can't lie and say I haven't seen all the stuff on Twitter," said Hostetler with a laugh, referring to the social media-driven 'Tank for Beer' slogan White Sox fans have developed, along with a few other variations. "Anointing him the second coming of Bryce Harper or Babe Ruth is a little bit premature," said Hostetler of the Clemson outfielder/first baseman from Maryville, Ill., who stands as a strong candidate for a high first round draft position. "At the same time, 2018 is an extremely deep draft. We are already seeing the guys for 2018 in our coverage this year. Whether it's Beer or anybody else in the draft in 2018, they are going to get a run for the money for the first pick." In two seasons at Clemson, Beer has a .345 average, a 1.199 OPS, 23 homers, 16 doubles and 84 walks against 35 strikeouts per The Baseball Cube. The left-handed hitter certainly would look good in the middle of the White Sox rebuild. But Hostetler and his scouts have '17 to worry about. The director of amateur scouting was in Arizona this week, scouting players from Arizona State and Oregon State Thursday night in Tempe. From Feb. 28 to April 15, Hostetler will be on the road for all but five or six days. He made stops in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas, went back to North Carolina, followed by Maryland, a return to Tennessee, Kentucky and then the Phoenix visit followed by California currently. It's all part of the preparatory process, as Hostetler follows up his first draft class that received high marks, with his people getting the right players in front of him. "We are starting to get that list smaller," said Hostetler, focusing on the selection pool for the team's No. 11 pick in the first round. "Coming into the year, we started with probably 30 potential candidates, knowing that a few could move in, knowing that a lot will drop out. "There have been cases where guys have jumped up into that mix. There also have been some guys that we've already ruled out that don't fit what we are looking for this year." Hostetler's list sits at 23 or 24 candidates. By April 15, a little less than two months before the Draft, that list will be down to five or six players to really focus upon. "Our guys realize that a prospect is not going to walk through your living room," Hostetler said. "You literally have to get out and go in a car and go in a plane and go see him. You have to get outside your own comfort zone and see them outside their own comfort zone and I think we did that [in '16]. "When you take these guys and look at one or two or three things they can do to maximize their ability but also benefit your organization, you have to make sure a piece of the puzzle fits. If you start taking pieces that don't fit with the others, it just won't work."

Kopech sparkles on crosstown stage vs. Cubs Michael Kopech strikes out five over two scoreless innings, allowing just one hit in a spring tuneup vs. the Cubs By Scott Merkin / MLB.com | @scottmerkin | March 17th, 2017 GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The first Spring Training relief appearance by Michael Kopech also represented his introduction to the Cubs-White Sox crosstown rivalry during a 7-3 Cubs victory Friday at Camelback Ranch. Based on Kopech's five strikeouts and one hit allowed over two innings, his performance piggybacking Derek Holland's 4-plus inning start would be considered a success. The organization's No. 3 overall prospect per MLBPipeline.com struck out Jason Heyward and Tommy La Stella in the sixth, and then fanned Jon Jay, Ian Happ and Jeimer Candelario in the seventh. Friday's crowd of 12,972 ranks as one of the biggest Kopech has worked in front of. He gave credit to veteran catcher Geovany Soto for an important assist. "It was the way that Soto took me under his wing today," Kopech said. "I came out there and the first thing he said was, 'Let's have fun. Let's get after it.' The way he was calling pitches and being aggressive with me behind the plate, that made me more aggressive toward hitters. We fell in line, and everything worked out the way it was supposed to work out." Kopech prefers to start and will open the season with his 100-plus mph fastball as part of the Class A Winston-Salem or Double-A Birmingham rotation. But he's willing do whatever it takes to help the team, including pitching out of the bullpen. At some point, the right-hander will get a chance to see the regular-season atmosphere when the Cubs play the White Sox. He received an early hint Friday. "All I heard was, 'Kopech,' a lot. It could have been good, it could have been bad," Kopech said. "I've always taken pride in being able to block out the outside noise.

"It was more difficult today than it usually is. It's pretty intense. It's a small sample but it's kind of hard to block out some of the fans. I did a decent job of it today. But it was a pretty cool environment. It's the first time I came out of the 'pen in Spring Training as well. So I had some jitters to work out after the first batter. It felt pretty good. It was exciting."

Delmonico, Soto bright spots against Cubs By Scott Merkin / MLB.com | @scottmerkin | March 17th, 2017 GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Opening Day-looking lineups for both the Cubs and White Sox were on display before a sold-out crowd at Camelback Ranch Friday in a 7-3 Cubs victory. Make that Kyle Schwarber 4, Kris Bryant 2, and the White Sox 3. After White Sox starter Derek Holland retired the first seven Cubs hitters in order, the southpaw walked eight-hitter Tommy La Stella and nine-hitter Jon Jay. Schwarber followed with a mammoth blast to right on a 1-1 pitch. Holland returned for a fifth inning but didn't retire a hitter. La Stella singled, Jay walked, Schwarber singled home a run and Bryant singled home two more. The runners moved up to second and third on Schwarber's single to right when Avisail Garcia overthrew the cutoff man. The White Sox No. 3 overall prospect Michael Kopech entered in the sixth inning was dominant for two frames, striking out five and allowing just one hit during his first relief appearance of the spring. Duane Underwood Jr. started for the Cubs and threw one scoreless frame. Rob Zastryzny worked three innings and held the White Sox from scoring on three hits. Peter Bourjos topped the White Sox offense with two hits, while Tyler Saladino tripled off of Koji Uehara and scored on Geovany Soto's single in the second. Nicky Delmonico took Cubs reliever Ryan Williams deep in the eighth inning. It was his second home run of the spring. Prior to the game, the Cubs announced they had made seven roster cuts: Among them was Eloy Jimenez, the organization's No. 1 overall prospect according to MLBPipeline.com. White Sox up next: Carson Fulmer takes the mound for the White Sox in a contest against the Dodgers on Saturday at Camelback Ranch, where the White Sox will be the home team. First pitch is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. CT and can be watched live via MLB.TV. Zach Putnam and Jake Petricka are among the relievers scheduled to throw. Cubs up next: The Cubs will play two on Saturday, sending half the squad to Maryvale to face the Brewers while the other half will play host to Team Japan in an exhibition game at Sloan Park. First pitch for both games is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. CT, and the Brewers game will be broadcast live on MLB.TV. Jake Buchanan will start against the Brewers, and John Lackey will face Japan. In Buchanan's last outing, he took a ball off his right shoulder, and has a nice bruise still but has been able to do his work between starts.

Carlos Rodon turns in late, great spring debut for White Sox Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune | March 19

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White Sox left-hander Carlos Rodon had a few playful words for Albert Pujols after the Angels veteran cued a sinker into short right field in the first inning Sunday at Tempe Diablo Stadium. "I told him to save his hits, and he thought so too," Rodon said with a laugh. Sunday was the first time Rodon had faced an opponent in another uniform this spring, so it was understandable if the usually stoic third-year starter displayed a little joy on a blazing afternoon. Patience has been as much a part of Rodon's spring as preparation. The Sox have deliberately paced him for a long season, delaying his work and using him in live batting practice and simulated games before an actual game. But he finally was able to test himself in the 11-2 victory over the Angels. Pujols' single was the only hit he allowed in four scoreless innings, to go with one walk and five strikeouts. He threw 38 of his 65 pitches for strikes and then strode to the bullpen to throw 10 more pitches. "I've been sitting here for a while watching everybody else do something," Rodon said. "I finally get to get out there and compete, so it was fun. … It's nice to get a sense of where I'm at and just be able to compete out there." Rodon said he threw mostly fastballs and sliders but also mixed in some changeups and cutters.

His first strikeout was called against reigning American League MVP Mike Trout in the first, and he ended the inning by striking out Luis Valbuena. He was a little erratic to start the fourth and walked Trout, but he recovered to strike out Valbuena and Cameron Maybin to end his day. "It was supposed to be back-foot (slider against Trout), and I threw it down the middle by accident," Rodon said of his first strikeout. "It worked." With just 10 days left in Cactus League play, Rodon said his next goal is to go five or six innings. At most, Rodon will make three Cactus League starts, if the Sox have him throw Friday and the final game in Arizona on March 29. Renteria has yet to announce the order of his regular-season rotation, though he has said Rodon is likely to be slotted in fifth. That's when the Sox will look for him to build on a sophomore season in which he posted a 4.04 ERA with 168 strikeouts in 165 innings. Renteria said one of the keys for Rodon will be to avoid elevated pitch counts early in the game and believes Rodon was starting to reach a better place late last season. "We want him to become more efficient, trust his stuff a bit more," Renteria said. "His ball has explosive life that moves on both sides of the plate. We want him to attack the strike zone, let it do its stuff and maybe we can use him deeper in the ballgame. He's starting to show signs of who he is."

Cody Asche makes a play for White Sox roster spot Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune | March 19

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Cody Asche thought he would be fighting for a roster spot with the Phillies this spring training, so he was "very surprised" when the team that drafted him and developed him since 2011 designated him for assignment in December. Instead, the infielder/outfielder has welcomed a new challenge this spring — making a case for a place with the White Sox. "Over the last couple of years, I've matured a lot as a person and as a player," Asche said Saturday. "Obviously things didn't work out on the field out there. Things could have bounced my way a little differently, and we wouldn't be standing here today, but they didn't. The biggest thing you learn in this game is you can't ever look back. … Once your at-bat is over, once the day is over, once I was done with them, you have to keep your eyes forward." A career .240 hitter in four major-league seasons, Asche hit .213 with 15 doubles, four homers, 18 RBIs and a .635 OPS over 71 games with the Phillies in 2016. After the Phillies broke ties, Asche joined the Sox on a minor-league deal in the offseason, and he's hitting .346 with four doubles, three homers and eight RBIs. That included an RBI double against the Angels on Sunday. The Sox like his ability to play the corner positions in the outfield and infield, and they could also use him at designated hitter. Asche came up through the minors as an infielder before working in the outfield with the Phillies in 2015. The Sox have a couple of roster spots up in the air, and that versatility could help. "You lay awake at night before you come to spring training with a new club wondering how it's going to be and how scary it could be, being it's your first time," Asche said. "It's nothing like I would have imagined. I felt like I fit in right away, and I'm really taken aback by the humbleness of the superstars in this room, (Jose) Abreu, (Todd) Frazier, (Jose) Quintana. Those guys, they're really great teammates. The White Sox are real lucky to have them." Asche said manager Rick Renteria laid out what they needed from him at the beginning, and Renteria said the 26-year-old has been "making it tough" on the decision-makers as they try to whittle down the roster. "He is doing things he's capable of, not trying to do too much," Renteria said. "He has shown well. He's a pro and a person that kind of grows on you. He's pretty witty and very professional going about his business." Minor trade: The Sox acquired 24-year-old first baseman Brandon Dulin from the Royals for a player to be named later or cash.

Dulin, a 12th-round draft pick in 2013, is a career .255 hitter in 232 minor-league games. B side: Sox prospect Lucas Giolito pitched in a minor-league game Sunday while Carlos Rodon started against the Angels.

White Sox may be rebuilding, but it's not always easy to tell Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune | March 19

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If you didn't know any better, you might not have known which team was rebuilding and which team was already built Friday afternoon at Camelback Ranch. Both the visiting Cubs and the White Sox used reasonable facsimiles of their opening-day lineups in their St. Patrick's Day showdown, and the Sox were older than the Cubs. Other than Ben Zobrist, 35, and Jon Jay, 32, none of the Cubs was older than 28. The Sox countered with six players over 30, including starting pitcher Derek Holland. Like snowflakes, no two rebuilds are exactly alike, and the Sox appear intent on starting theirs with most of the same position players who ended the Robin Ventura era in 2016. Because we're viewing the Sox through the prism of a rebuild, we're supposed to expect them to struggle and judge the progress accordingly. But there are too many quality hitters in this lineup to really tank a season, as the Cubs memorably did in the first year of their rebuild in 2012, when they put players such as first baseman Bryan LaHair, third baseman Joe Mather and starting pitcher Chris Volstad in key roles. Sox brass is downplaying expectations for 2017, of course, after season after season of never meeting them. But manager Rick Renteria can't help but be optimistic because, well, he's Rick Renteria, a genuinely positive fellow. Cubs 7, White Sox 3 Photos from the Cubs-White Sox exhibition game on Friday, March 17, 2017. Asked if his team could surprise, Renteria replied, "I've been saying since the beginning, high bar, high bar." Renteria raised his hand over his head to show just how high. It was high enough to suggest a winning team is possible. "I don't fear these guys setting a high bar for themselves and then possibly not attaining it," he continued. "I think they're seeking to reach their goals, and time will tell whether they're going to be able to do it. I believe in them. ... Our charge will be to maneuver through those moments when you have the little dips, to keep them going and keep 'em playing. "They'll be fine. They're going to be OK." The Sox wound up losing 7-3 to their crosstown rivals on a day so sweltering, hundreds of fans in the sellout crowd of 12,972 opted to stand 10 deep in the shade of the concourse rather than bake in the shade-free seating bowl. Despite the loss, it was a virtual win for the Sox because the ballpark was finally full and noisy, just in time to show on TV back home. The Sox had been averaging 3,782 at Camelback Ranch before Friday's game, so whether people were standing, sitting or lying on their backs on the berm, Sox accountants didn't mind seeing thousands of Cubs fans take over their park. Putting a ballpark in Glendale hasn't exactly helped make the Sox a spring attraction to South Siders looking to escape the cold. The Cubs, meanwhile, hit the jackpot by having a new park built for them in Mesa on the other side of the valley, much closer to restaurants, nightlife and downtown Scottsdale. They're averaging 14,959 at Sloan Park, threatening to break their spring training record set last year. The Cubs took control in the third when Holland walked Tommy La Stella and Jay before serving up a prodigious three-run homer to leadoff man Kyle Schwarber. It was Schwarber's second home run of the spring but his first "Schwarbomb," or tape-measure shot.

"What I pretty much want to do at the plate is when I get my pitch, don't miss it," Schwarber said of his simple approach to leading off. "Luckily I got that one." White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu Photos of White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu. Many green-attired Cubs fans greeted the home run as if the Cactus League game actually mattered, leading one press-box wag to ask if Schwarber would have to come out of the dugout for a curtain call. The answer was no, though Schwarber said the Cubs did take notice of their fans' non-hostile takeover of the Ranch. "It's cool," he said. "We're a really lucky ballclub to have really good fans that travel like they do and care about us. We have full appreciation for them." Sox fans, also wearing plenty of green, had to wait until the sixth to get a glimpse of what many had come for: an up-close look at 20-year-old Michael Kopech and his triple-digit fastball. He struck out five in two innings, and his fastball averaged around 100 to 101 mph, according to scouts. There were no "oohs" or "aahs" in the stands because there are no radar-gun readings on the ballpark's tiny video board. But all the scouts and everyone in the Cubs dugout were watching intently to see if Kopech's arm was as good as hyped. "It looked pretty firm," Schwarber confirmed. Like Renteria, Schwarber is impressed by this Sox team, and he's not even paid to be optimistic about its future. Rebuild or not, the Sox can play. "They made some solid plays out there defensively, have some good arms out there and some really good hitters too," he said. "I guess it's a process, but I wouldn't be surprised if those guys didn't turn out to be pretty solid this year."

Sunday's recap: White Sox 11, Angels 2 Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune | March, 19

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White Sox top prospect Yoan Moncada hit his third homer of the spring to help fuel an 11-2 victory over the Angels on Sunday at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Moncada's two-run shot in the fifth inning off Angels reliever Kirby Yates was the switch hitter's third batting left-handed. He also hit a two-run double. At the plate Melky Cabrera had RBI singles in the third and fifth innings, and Matt Davidson tripled and homered. On the mound Carlos Rodon's spring debut featured four scoreless innings with five strikeouts, and Matt Purke and Zack Burdi followed with a combined three scoreless innings. Key number .317 — Moncada's batting average this spring after his 3-for-5 day. The quote "The first couple of hitters I faced every inning, it seemed to be 3-1. I got to the point where I just let the defense behind me pick me up. I go at the zone and attack the hitters." — Rodon. Up next Vs. Giants, 3:05 p.m. Monday at Camelback Ranch. RH Reynaldo Lopez vs. RH Johnny Cueto.

Joe Maddon calls White Sox prospect Michael Kopech 'very interesting' Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune | March 18, 2017 Rick Renteria understands fans who saw White Sox prospect Michael Kopech strike out five Cubs batters in two innings Friday might already be itching to see him at Guaranteed Rate Field this season.

But the Sox manager also knows it's his duty this spring to put the brakes on such accelerated dreams for a pitcher who's headed to High A or Double A when the club breaks camp. "My desire is for people to not grow too impatient because they see the stuff we see over the spring," Renteria said Saturday. "That's normal. That's OK. Hopefully we make decisions that are sound for the long run." In his last two outings since a rocky opener, Kopech has allowed one earned run on four hits with a walk and nine strikeouts in five innings. He averaged 100-101 mph with his fastball Friday. Cubs manager Joe Maddon said watching Kopech was "kind of like watching Aroldis (Chapman), the way the ball reacts at home plate." "When you're in the dugout, the last 15 to 20 feet is just different the way the ball rises into the catcher's mitt," Maddon said. "A good delivery also. Nice breaking ball. Very interesting. Obviously young. … I don't know what their plans are, but keeping that kid well for many years to come will be very successful to them." Renteria stressed there are boxes Kopech needs to check off before he can continue his climb toward the big leagues. "He has to continue to command the zone," Renteria said. "He was throwing his fastball and it was like, 'You're going to have to hurt me with that,' and he threw strikes, which is nice to see. But he has to develop his secondary pitches. … He's an individual who needs experience." Still pumped: Sox left-hander Jose Quintana emerged from his spot in the shaded dugout Saturday morning to exchange high-fives with his minor-league teammates on a back field at Camelback Ranch. Quintana pitched against minor-leaguers in his first extended outing since pitching for Colombia in the World Baseball Classic, and while he was focused on his work, he also consciously was involved with the younger players. Quintana said he remembers Yankees players such as Phil Hughes and Ivan Nova doing that for him when he was a minor-league player. "I keep doing that because they don't have too much opportunity to talk with us," Quintana said. "When I go there I try to spend good time with them and talk to somebody." Quintana had many executives, coaches and scouts watch as he threw six innings, but the atmosphere was still a long way from when he gave up one hit over 5 2/3 innings against Team USA in the WBC. "It's a different feeling especially when you throw a minor-league game, but it's a good time to work on something," Quintana said. "I had a good time last week with my country and now I have my focus on the season." Injury report: Reliever Juan Minaya has a torn abdominal muscle and will be held out from activity for two weeks, Renteria said. Minaya, who was competing for one of two final bullpen spots, gave up two earned runs on five hits with two walks and nine strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings this spring.

Rick Renteria ejected during White Sox spring training game Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune | March 18

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Fans at Camelback Ranch for the White Sox game against the Dodgers on Saturday witnessed a rare sight – a spring training managerial ejection. On a steamy afternoon, home-plate umpire Quinn Wolcott ejected Sox manager Rick Renteria after the two argued at the plate, and Renteria had to make the walk off the field to watch the 13-7 loss to the Dodgers in the team’s offices. Renteria said he went out to the field to make sure starting pitcher Carson Fulmer didn’t start talking to Wolcott about the strike zone and said he and Wolcott “just had a couple of words.” “It got a little out of hand, probably on my part,” Renteria said. “I wanted to make sure that Fulmer got off and was continue to pitch. I didn’t want that escalate into anything. It happens.

Fulmer said he had a hard time figuring out Wolcott’s strike zone and added Renteria’s trip to the plate demonstrated why players have “a sense of security” with him as manager. “I wasn’t happy,” Fulmer said. “That’s just because of me being a competitor and wanting to push us in the direction of winning. “I definitely have a manager who respects us all and has our backs, and it just tells you a lot about who we have pushing us in the direction we want to be going.” Fulmer was upbeat about his four-inning outing even though he gave up three earned runs on five hits with a walk and two strikeouts, saying he felt he had solid command. “There were a couple of situations where the game could have gotten out of hand,” Fulmer said. “I’ve done a really good job this spring of cutting down those innings and keeping the game close.”

Saturday's recap: Dodgers 13, White Sox 7 Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune | March 18, 2017 White Sox manager Rick Renteria was ejected by plate umpire Quinn Wolcott in the third inning, so he watched the rest of a 13-7 loss to the Dodgers on Saturday from the team's offices at Camelback Ranch. Renteria said he stepped in to make sure starting pitcher Carson Fulmer left the field and didn't speak with Wolcott over the strike zone, and it "got a little out of hand, probably on my part." At the plate: Jacob May was 4-for-6 with a double, a triple and two runs. Rymer Liriano had two RBIs. On the mound: Each of the first six Sox pitchers gave up at least one run, and five allowed more than one. Fulmer allowed three earned runs in four innings, and Jake Petricka (two runs, two-thirds of an inning), Zach Putnam (three runs, one inning) and Michael Ynoa (two runs, 11/3 inning) had rough outings. Key number: 17 — Hits apiece for the Sox and Dodgers. The quote: "We just had a couple of words. … I wanted to make sure that Fulmer got off and was continuing to pitch. I didn't want that to escalate into anything. It happens." — Renteria Up next: At Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium, 3:10 p.m. Sunday. LH Carlos Rodon vs. RH Matt Shoemaker.

Performance notwithstanding, James Shields is leader in clubhouse Daryl Van Schouwen / Chciago Sun Times | March 20

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GLENDALE, Ariz. – James Shields is far from No. 1 in the hearts of White Sox fans. That’s how it’s going to be when you arrive on the scene at a considerable cost and flop to the tune of a 6.77 ERA and 31 home runs allowed over the last four months of the season. Shields, who was booed at U.S. Cellular Field when the Nationals raked him for seven runs on eight hits including three homers over two innings in his first start there after the Sox traded for him last season, totally gets his place among the fan base — and he really does want to win them over in 2017. But when it comes to where he stands in the Sox clubhouse, it’s a different story. Shields is the alpha dog, manager Rick Renteria says. That just comes with 11 years of experience, nine straight seasons of pitching 200 innings or more and 11 postseason appearances, including two in the World Series with the Rays and Royals. Whereas fans view him through the lens of what have you done for us lately, teammates see the entire career. His place in the clubhouse also comes from being old enough at 35 to be the father of a teenage daughter. James Shields against the Red Sox during the first inning at Fenway Park on June 23. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) “I’m the oldest guy in the camp,’’ he said, laughing at the sound of that. “It’s OK to say that. I take that as a compliment. “They were calling me elder statesman when I was in Tampa so I’m kind of used to it. But I still feel young, and age is a number. I still feel great.’’ Shields says he “wouldn’t go that far” to say it’s his clubhouse. That’s part humility and perhaps part knowing his performance with the Sox, aside from a stretch of five starts in July in which he pitched to a 1.78 ERA, was bad.

“I’m just one of the teammates, man,” he said. “But I hope people see me as a leader. More than anything it’s experience. You just let these guys know how the game is played and how we want the game to be played in this clubhouse. But as a veteran here you don’t have to do too much because these guys work hard and go about their business the right way, so it makes my job a little easier.’’ Shields is scheduled to make his second start of the spring Tuesday night when the Sox play the Rangers in Surprise. “I’m looking forward to the season,” he said. “The ball is coming out of my hand pretty decent right now, which, here in spring training is all that matters. “I definitely think I was trying to do too much [after the June 4 trade with the Padres]. My ball was really flat last year. I didn’t have a very good angle on my ball last year. But sometimes you get in ruts like that.” Shields signed a $75 million, four-year deal with the Padres before the 2015 season. Under the terms of the trade with the Padres, for right-hander Erik Johnson and prospect Fernando Tatis Jr., the Sox are on the hook to play Shields $10 million in each of the next two seasons. The Sox host the Giants Monday in Glendale. Right-hander Reynaldo Lopez, one of the prospects acquired in the Adam Eaton trade with the Nationals, gets the start.

Yoan Moncada stays hot, belts homer and two doubles Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun Times | March 19

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TEMPE, Ariz. — Top infield prospect Yoan Moncada homered and hit two doubles in the White Sox’ 11-2 Cactus League victory over the Angels Sunday. It was the third homer of the spring for the MLBpipeline.com No. 2-ranked prospect, who also hit two doubles, one off the wall and another that bounced over the center field fence. His homer came against right-hander Kirby Yates. Moncada homered twice against the Royals Wednesday. Moncada was all over the wall at Diablo Stadium, homering to right, bouncing a ground-rule double over the center field wall and banging another double off the right-center field wall. Moncada’s hits all came from the left side and raised his spring slash line to .317/.391/.683. He drove in four runs. Yoan Moncada. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) No matter how well Moncada performs this spring, he is destined to begin the season at AAA Charlotte but could be up before long. In 46 plate appearances, Moncada has posted a .317/.391/.683 slash line with 13 RBI and is tied for the team lead in homers with Cody Asche and Tyler Saladino. He is 10-for-22 with three homers, four doubles and 11 RBI in his last seven games after a slow start. Rising from the Asches Designated for assignment by the team that drafted him, left fielder and corner infielder Cody Asche would like to prove the Phillies wrong. It’s early but Asche is building a bit of a case, hitting .346 with with three homers and nine walks this spring. The left-handed hitter lined a double and drove in a run Sunday but also struck out three times. He can play left field, both corner infield spots and could be used as a DH, manager Rick Renteria said. “He’s making it tough on everybody,’’ Renteria said of the Sox’ upcoming roster decisions. Catching on Adam Engel made two diving catches in center field and Peter Bourjos made one. On deck White Sox at Giants, 3:05 (CSN), Reynaldo Lopez vs. Johnny Cueto

Rodon throws 4 scoreless innings, fans 5 in spring debut Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun Times | March 19

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TEMPE, Ariz. — Manager Rick Renteria and pitching coach Don Cooper want to see Carlos Rodon take the next step. That would mean more efficient outings that involve fewer pitches and more innings. “He tends to get a very elevated pitch count early,’’ Renteria said. “Five innings, he’s already at 100 pitches sometimes. At six innings, he’s at 110 or 115. We want him to become more efficient, trust his stuff a bit more.’’ Rodon took a needed step Sunday by appearing in a game against the Angels, his first of the spring after pitching simulated games and working on the back fields. He struck out five, including Mike Trout looking, and walked one over four scoreless innings. He allowed only one hit, a cue-shot single through the right side of the infield by Albert Pujols. Carlos Rodon struck out Mike Trout looking in the first inning Sunday. Rodon, who threw 65 pitches (38 for strikes), missed his location, but got a called third strike to Trout. He also had more 3-1 counts than he wanted, but was pleased with his first outing. “We mixed in a little bit of everything,’’ Rodon said. “Mostly fastball-slider but we threw some changeups and some cutters.’’ The plan is for Rodon to get another start Friday against the A’s and then March 29, the Sox’ last day in Arizona. The hope is to lower pitch counts when the season begins. “His ball has explosive life that moves on both sides of the plate,’’ Renteria said. “We want him to attack the strike zone, let it do its stuff and maybe we can use him deeper in the ball game.” “Nine innings, 90 pitches would be awesome,’’ Rodon said last week. “Everyone wants to do that. But that doesn’t happen all the time. I think of it in innings. Get six, seven innings under the belt, preferably leave with the lead and let the bullpen take over.’’ Minor trade Minor league first baseman Brandon Dulin was acquired from the Royals for cash or a player to be named. A 12th-round Royals draft pick in 2013, Dulin, 24, posted a .254/.312/.391 slash line in 269 plate appearances in Class A last season.

Looking good only half the battle for Avisail Garcia Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun Times | March 19

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GLENDALE, Ariz. — No more sweets for White Sox outfielder Avisail Garcia. OK, maybe a little every now and then. But Garcia, looking fit with his weight down to 250 pounds, is determined to reach his goal of 247 by the end of spring training. ‘‘I’m close; I will do it,’’ Garcia said. ‘‘When I eat sweets, like candy, that’s when I have trouble.’’ It’s an important season for the 25-year-old Garcia, whose .245/.307/.385 slash line with 12 homers and 51 RBI in 2016 fell below the high ceiling once projected for him. The Sox traded right-hander Jake Peavy in a three-team deal that reeled in Garcia from the Detroit Tigers in 2013. Sox management hasn’t given up on Garcia, and the plan this season is to play him in right field, where he hasn’t excelled. Garcia is aware of the expectations and, while he remains confident in his ability, senses the urgency to turn a corner. ‘‘I’m taking every fly ball that I can,’’ Garcia said. ‘‘Just working hard.’’ Fitness is only part of it, of course. Manager Rick Renteria is all for looking good, but he is looking for results, not good looks. ‘‘[Garcia] has huge strength,’’ Renteria said Sunday. ‘‘If he drops weight, the only concern is, are you weakening yourself? But he’s not. He’s eating well. He’s sustaining what he needs to perform. But I want him to become a hitter, so he can take advantage of his power.’’ Garcia said he feels great, is throwing well (thanks to a long-toss program) and is happy with how he’s swinging the bat. He is 14-for-39

(.359) with two home runs, two doubles, two walks and 10 strikeouts this spring. ‘‘I feel better and am throwing and hitting better,’’ he said. ‘‘Just have to keep working and be better this year.’’ While Garcia’s numbers were uninspiring in 2016, he led the majors with a .415 batting average with runners in scoring position and two outs and was fourth in the majors with a .355 average with runners in scoring position overall. ‘‘When we have men in scoring position . . . it’s like I like to compete,’’ Garcia said. ‘‘If we score, we have a chance to win. Don’t try to do too much. Sometimes if I do too much, I strike out. Just get a pitch and drive him in with a man on third and no out. Relax. Forget about that runner. Make [the pitcher] throw a strike because I know I can hit. I just have been swinging at too many balls. If I swing at strikes, I can hit.’’ For someone who has the ability to hit tape-measure-length homers, Garcia hits too many ground balls. He led the Sox in that category (55 percent) last season. ‘‘A lot of those ground balls come from pitches he’s reaching for,’’ Renteria said. ‘‘If he catches them deeper in the zone, he’ll still be able to elevate and drive them. So it’s just about contact point. ‘‘And a lot of [ground balls] come on breaking balls, sliders, even changeups. He’s just getting out in front of them a little bit. But his swing path still generates loft.’’ Garcia feels good about his weight loss and said it isn’t just for now. He’s determined to keep it off during the season. ‘‘I will do it because I’m doing it right now; I’m sacrificing,’’ he said. ‘‘I’m not going to be eating like crazy this season because I want to have a good season.’’

Jacob May inches closer to big league goal Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun Times | March 18

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GLENDALE, Ariz. — Charlie Tilson’s injury bumped Jacob May up the depth chart a notch, perhaps closer to the major leagues than he’s ever been. May, a leadoff-type switch-hitter who can play all three outfield positions, played the entire 2016 season at AAA Charlotte but was limited to 83 games because of abdominal injuries. He batted .266 with a homer, 19 doubles and two triples. A third-round Sox draft pick in 2013, May is the son of former major leaguer Lee May Jr. and the grandson of Lee May, who hit 354 major league homers. His uncle Carlos played 10 seasons for the Sox. Tilson was viewed as the top contender to play center field but a stress reaction in his foot has knocked him out of the picture for now. Veteran Peter Bourjos, 2015 Arizona Fall League MVP Adam Engel — ranked as the best defensive outfielder in the Sox organization who showed why with two diving catches against the Angels Sunday — and May are now in the mix. Jacob May connects for a triple during the second inning of a spring training baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Saturday, March 4, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) May seems to be warming up to the opportunity to show what he can do. He went 4-for-6 leading off in the Sox Cactus League loss to the Dodgers Saturday, hiking his average to .354. Bourjos is batting .387, Engel — who was in the lineup leading off against the Angels Sunday — was at .167 with nine strikeouts. May doesn’t project to hit with as much oomph as his grandfather and uncle did, but he brings more speed and better defense to the table. He’s more like his father, who played eight years in the Mets organization after getting drafted 21st overall in 1986. “They were bigger guys had some thunder,’’ May says, and his dad had more speed. “I’m a little hybrid of those guys.” Going to both sides of the infield, May has bunted his way on base this spring, doing whatever it takes. “That’s a part of my game I’m going to need throughout the season regardless of where I’m at,” May said. “Spring training is the time to experiment, try things out and get into the groove of things. “Like hitting, bunting is something you have to get in a rhythm with so I try to utilize it as much as I can.”

May would only make the Opening Day roster if the Sox believe he is ready to play on an everyday basis. They wouldn’t have him up to play part-time. “He’s an excellent defender and he can swing from both sides of the plate,” manager Rick Renteria said. “He’s been trying to get on base by bunting to both sides. He’s trying to see the landscape of how they try to play him. “He can do a lot of things. We can move him around from center to left to right, and he has shown the ability to get on base. He’s hitting the ball pretty well to center field.” In any event, May knows he’s getting closer. A bruised right pinky cut his 2014 season short at Class A Winston-Salem and the 2015 season at Birmingham was interrupted when he suffered a concussion after colliding with Tim Anderson. Even if he opens the season at Charlotte, he knows a good camp in 2017 will put him closer than ever to the majors. “I can sense it a little bit but I try not to think about it or harp on it too much,” he said. “That can add pressure. That time will come when it comes, it’s not something I can control.” “It’s been a good [camp]. Every year is a learning experience, trying to get better every day and that’s where I am this year. Get better every day and let the cards fall where they fall.” Here is the Sox lineup for Sunday, with left-hander Carlos Rodon making his first start: Adam Engel CF, Tim Anderson SS, Melky Cabrera LF, Cody Asche DH, Tyler Saladino 3B, Matt Davidson 1B, Joan Moncada 2B, Omar Narvaez C, Rymer Liriano RF, Rodon P

White Sox manager Rick Renteria ejected in 13-7 loss Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun Times | March 18

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GLENDALE, Ariz. — It’s not every day a manager gets ejected from a Cactus League game, but Rick Renteria did just that after Carson Fulmer’s verbal exchange with Quinn Wolcott riled up the umpire during the White Sox’ 13-7 loss to the Dodgers on Saturday at Camelback Ranch. Fulmer, who allowed three runs in four innings, and the Dodgers’ Kenta Maeda were not pleased with Wolcott’s zone. Fulmer let Wolcott know he was unhappy with a two-strike ball call on a cutter to Chase Utley that led to a walk and a run in the third. Renteria went nose-to-nose with Wolcott and got tossed. “Our manager is here for us,” Fulmer said. “There’s a sense of security here having a manager who will do that for you.’’ Chicago White Sox manager Rick Renteria, left, argues with umpire Quinn Wolcott just before being ejected during the third inning of the team's spring training baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday, March 18, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. The Dodgers defeated the White Sox 13-7. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) “We just had a couple of words,” Renteria said. “Just wanted to make sure he was OK with Fulmer. It got a little out of hand, probably, on my part.’’ Quintana’s back-field joy Jose Quintana, back from the WBC, threw six innings on a back field against minor-leaguers. Quintana was pleased with how he threw and got into playing the prospects, stepping out of the dugout to high-five teammates after his team scored. “They don’t have too many opportunities to talk with us,’’ Quintana said. “I try to spend good times with them and talk to somebody. I enjoyed this time with the minor-leaguers.’’ More important, Quintana said he “threw the ball well to both sides of the plate. I feel really good.’’ Pitchers pummeled After Fulmer, relievers Jace Fry, Jake Petricka, Zach Putnam (two homers) and Michael Ynoa each allowed multiple runs. On deck

Sox at Angels, Tempe, 3:10 p.m., 890-AM, Carlos Rodon vs. Matt Shoemaker.

White Sox’ Juan Minaya out with abdominal tear Daryl Van Schouwen/ Chicago Sun Times | March 18

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GLENDALE, Ariz. — Right-hander Juan Minaya, who was was in the picture for one of two spots that appear to be open with the White Sox, has been sidelined by an abdominal tear. In 5 2/3 innings this spring, Minaya struck out nine, walked two and gave up two runs for a 3.18 ERA. The Sox claimed the 26-year-old off waivers from the Astros on June 22. He appeared in 11 games for the Sox, posting a 4.35 ERA over 10 1/3 innings. He struck out six and walked five. Minaya was injured during the Sox game against the Royals Wednesday. David Robertson, Nate Jones, Jake Petricka, Zach Putnam and left-hander Dan Jennings appear to have spots nailed down in the Sox bullpen. Michael Ynoa (who is out of options), Rule 5 pick Dylan Covey, Anthony Swarzak and lefties Cory Leubke and Matt Purke are among the options available to fill out the staff. The starting rotation will consist of Jose Quintana, Carlos Rodon, Miguel Gonzalez, Derek Holland and James Shields.

Michael Kopech gave Cubs a fistful of strikeouts Daryl Van Schouwen/ Chicago Sun Times | March 18

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GLENDALE, Ariz. — Michael Kopech won’t soon forget that five-strikeout performance — in two innings — against the Cubs on Friday. Cubs manager Joe Maddon won’t, either. He talked about it the day after. “It was kind of like watching Aroldis [Chapman],’’ Maddon said, “the way the ball reacts at home plate.’’ Pitching before a rare sellout crowd at Camelback Ranch, Kopech touched 102 mph. In his first inning, the sixth, he struck out Jason Heyward and Tommy La Stella and retired Willson Contreras on a fly ball. In the seventh, he fanned Jon Jay, Ian Happ and Jeimer Candelario. That’s three major-leaguers and two of the Cubs’ top prospects. “He was throwing his fastball, and it was like, ‘You’re going to have to hurt me with that,’ ’’ Sox manager Rick Renteria said. Michael Kopech struck out five Cubs in two innings Friday. It was a good couple of days for general manager Rick Hahn, who pulled the trigger on the trade of Chris Sale that netted two of the Red Sox’ top prospects — infielder Yoan Moncada and Kopech — as well as center fielder Luis Basabe and right-hander Victor Diaz. On Wednesday, Moncada homered against Jason Hammel and Kelvin Herrera of the Royals in consecutive at-bats. Kopech, 20, wants to pitch in the majors soon, but the Sox won’t rush him. High Class A Winston-Salem is his likely starting point, with a promotion to Class AA Birmingham not far off. As Renteria said, Kopech needs more innings, must command the strike zone more consistently and — this is true of more advanced prospects such as Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez, as well — “develop his secondary pitches because there will be times he may not have command of all his pitches but may have a few to survive a ballgame.’’ There’s no doubt about that stuff, though. Maddon called Kopech “really interesting.’’ “I talked about that [late life on the fastball] with Chapman last year,’’ Maddon said. “When you’re in the dugout, that last 15 or 20 feet, it’s just different the way the ball rides to the catcher’s mitt. Good delivery. Nice breaking ball. Really good.’’ Minaya out with abdominal tear Right-hander Juan Minaya, who was in the picture for one of two open spots in the Sox’ bullpen, has been sidelined with an abdominal tear. Minaya was having a good spring with nine strikeouts and two walks in 5‰ innings. He allowed two runs. The Sox claimed the 26-year-old off waivers from the Astros on June 22. He appeared in 11 games last season, posting a 4.35 ERA in 10⅓ innings. He struck out six and walked five.

Minaya was injured during the game against the Royals on Wednesday. David Robertson, Nate Jones, Jake Petricka, Zach Putnam and left-hander Dan Jennings are set in the bullpen. Michael Ynoa (who is out of options), Rule 5 pick Dylan Covey (who must be offered back to the A’s if he doesn’t make the team), Anthony Swarzak and lefties Cory Leubke and Matt Purke are among the options to fill out the staff.

Carlos Rodon set for first Cactus League start Daryl Van Schouwen / March 17

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GLENDALE, Ariz. — The first start of the spring has been set for left-hander Carlos Rodon, who seems eager to get started with the business of winning baseball games and proving people wrong. Nobody expects the White Sox to do much this season, and it’s not hard to understand why. They finished 78-84 last season and lost left-hander Chris Sale and outfielder Adam Eaton in trades that signified the beginning of a rebuild. Rodon said his goal this season, aside from pitching 200 innings, is to keep things simple. ‘‘If everyone on the team does that, we’re going to be a lot better than you guys think,’’ he said. Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Carlos Rodon departs the game during the first inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Monday, April 18, 2016, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) ‘‘You guys’’ are the media, but Baseball Prospectus, which projects 76 victories, and gambling books — Atlantis has the over/under at 73.5 victories — also see no reason to think the Sox will win. Some of those embracing the Sox’ rebuild are OK with that because it will bring the team a higher draft pick, but players such as Rodon don’t want to hear it. ‘‘You can say we’re under the radar; I don’t mind that,’’ he said. ‘‘We’ll just make our way to the top.’’ That is exactly what manager Rick Renteria wants to hear. ‘‘I’ve been saying it since the beginning: high bar,’’ Renteria said, raising his right hand as far as he could reach. ‘‘I don’t fear these guys setting a high bar for themselves and possibly not attaining it. I think they’re seeking to attain and reach their goals. ‘‘I know I’m very happy with them; I believe in them. Our charge will be to maneuver through those moments when you have the little dips. . . . They’ll be fine.’’ Rodon threw a side session Friday in advance of his first Cactus League start Sunday. He is taking a slower approach to the season than most but said he expects to be ready to start the fifth game of the regular season. He threw 63 pitches in his last simulated game, so he’s stretched out for Sunday. ‘‘I still had that ‘geek’ when I faced the guys on the back field,’’ Rodon said. ‘‘It will be a little different this time. Get to face a different team.’’ ‘‘We’re just looking for him to be in control and command, poised and do what he does,’’ Renteria said. NOTES: Manager Rick Renteria said he plans to use the designated-hitter spot as a rotating position in the batting order. ‘‘They’re all going to DH,’’ Renteria said. ‘‘I’m going to use that slot to use more guys in the field and give them a breather. But I’m not going to want to use that slot in particular for one guy.’’ • Cody Asche, who didn’t play Friday, was tied for the Cactus League lead with three home runs and eight walks. Asche isn’t on the Sox’ 40-man roster but is bidding to earn an Opening Day roster spot.

Schwarber’s homer, 4 RBI power Cubs past White Sox Daryl Van Schouwen/ Chicago Sun Times | March 17

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GLENDALE, Ariz. — Cubs leadoff man Kyle Schwarber belted a three-run homer in the third inning and added an RBI single in a three-run sixth in the Cubs’ 7-3 victory over the White Sox Friday at Camelback Ranch.

The towering shot not far from the right-field foul pole was the left-handed hitting Schwarber’s second homer of the spring, this one coming against lefty starter Derek Holland, who breezed through the first seven batters of the Cubs’ regular lineup before walking Tommy La Stella and Jon Jay. That’s when Schwarber connected. “I was upset with the lefties, two walks,” said Holland, who was charged with six runs on four hits and three walks. “Hats off to [Schwarber].” Michael Kopech struck out five Cubs in two innings. After Schwarber’s RBI single in the sixth, Kris Bryant drove in two more to make it 6-1 Cubs. Tyler Saladino tripled and scored on a single by former Cub Geovany Soto, and Nicky Delmonico homered for the Sox. White Sox prospect Michael Kopech struck out five in two scoreless innings. Kopech, one of the prospects acquired in the Chris Sale trade, struck out Jason Heyward, La Stella, Jay Ian Happ and Jeimer Candelario. The Cubs brought the first sellout crowd for the Sox at Camelback and Kopech fed off the energy. “It was the way that [catcher Geovany] Soto took me under his wing today,’’ Kopech said. “I came out there and the first thing he said was ‘Let’s have fun. Let’s get after it.” The way he was calling pitches and aggressive with me behind the plate, that made me more aggressive toward hitters.’’ Kopech, 20, will likely start the season at Class A Winston-Salem. He has 11 strikeouts in six innings this spring. The Cubs are 8-9-4 this spring while the Sox are 11-9-1. The crosstown rivals will play each other in four interleague games this season.

Jake Petricka healthy again after season-ending surgery in 2016 Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun Times / March 17

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GLENDALE, Ariz. — Right-hander Jake Petricka is 10 months removed from hip surgery, “feeling great” and throwing the ball with some life. “Just happy to be getting everything back in time,” the 28-year-old reliever said. “We’ve come a long way since the start of camp already.” The 6-5 Petricka went on the DL in early May last season with a hip impingement, calling the injury minor and expecting to recover with treatment. But a month later he had season-ending surgery to repair it. By September, he was back to feeling normal, he said. “Getting a full offseason to attack [his preparation for spring training] was awesome,” he said. Petricka, who posted 14 saves in 2014, is expected to be an important late-inning piece in the Sox bullpen. In Cactus Games this spring, he has touched 96 mph with his hard stuff, and he’s also experimenting with a new grip on a pitch that will move away from right-handed hitters so he has more than a good sinker and a changeup with armside fade. Petricka has featured a slider and cutter in the past but with mixed results. “Cutter, slider, anything that will move to the other side of the plate that will go with the two-seam and changeup,” he said. “It’s come a long way. We’re happy with it right now, just have to get more consistent as always.” In four Cactus League games, Petricka has struck out five while walked no one over five innings, allowing two runs. He and Zach Putnam pitched in simulated games Wednesday, and Petricka is slated to pitch Saturday against the Dodgers. Petricka’s career began when he pitched in 16 games out of the bullpen for the Sox in 2013, posting a 3.26 ERA. In 2014, he converted 14 saves and a 2.96 ERA pitching 73 innings, but the following spring he experienced forearm soreness and opened the season on the DL. He would pitch to a 3.62 ERA over 52 innings in 2015. The Sox enjoyed an off day Thursday. They host the Cubs in Glendale on Friday (12:05 Central, CSN). Derek Holland is scheduled to start with prospects Michael Kopech and Zack Burdi among those scheduled in relief.

Carlos Rodon outstanding in 2017 debut as White Sox trounce Angels By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago| March 19, 2017

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Carlos Rodon didn’t look like a guy who pitched in his first game of the entire spring on Sunday afternoon. Rodon allowed a hit and walked one while striking out five batters in four scoreless innings in his 2017 Cactus League debut. Yoan Moncada also homered and doubled twice for the White Sox, who pounded the Los Angeles Angels 11-2 at Tempe Diablo Stadium. After working on a deliberately slow program, Rodon admitted he’s been antsy to appear in an exhibition game. “I’ve been sitting here for a while watching everybody else do something,” Rodon said. “I finally get to get out there and compete. So it was fun. “Just normal. Getting back out there on the mound and facing those guys. Just had a fun time out there and we had some good defense playing behind me today. Hats off to those guys.” Rodon had some good movement working. He dropped in a pair of offspeed pitches for called third strikes, two of three punch outs. The left-hander’s fastball sat between 90-91 mph in a scoreless first inning. Rodon -- who threw strikes on 38 of 65 pitches before throwing 10 more in the bullpen -- struck out Mike Trout, Luis Valbuena (twice), Cameron Maybin and Cliff Pennington. He said he used all four of his pitches in the outing. “It’s nice to get a sense of where I’m at and just be able to compete out there like I said,” Rodon said. “Build from that. Just try to build that pitch count up and then try to get up and down five or six times next time and then just more command better changeups.” The White Sox wanted for Rodon to take the slow route this spring. Not only do they want to help him reach the 200-inning mark, they hope he could avoid some of the fatigue Rodon experienced last summer. Despite that fatigue, Rodon returned to action after he sprained his wrist and excelled, posting a 3.11 ERA with 70 strikeouts in 66 2/3 innings. “We’re glad he’s out there,” manager Rick Renteria said before the game. “He’s on track and falling into the schedule we had set up at the end.” Of late, Moncada has been on an impressive pace. Most of his damage Sunday came against the Angels bullpen as he homered off Kirby Yates and hit the first of his doubles against Austin Adams. Through 46 plate appearances, Moncada is slashing .317/.391/.683 with three homers and 13 RBIs. Fellow prospect Zack Burdi struck out one in 1 2/3 scoreless innings. He hasn’t allowed a run in eight of nine appearances and has a 2.70 ERA with 12 strikeouts in 10 innings this spring. Matt Davidson homered and tripled in four at-bats. Adam Engel went 2-for-5 with two runs scored. Melky Cabrera went 2-for-4 with two RBIs for the White Sox, who finished with 14 hits.

Cody Asche has already settled in with White Sox By Dan Hayes/ CSN Chicago| March 19, 2017 GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Joining a new team after six pro seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies didn't exactly put Cody Asche's mind at ease last month. Then he set foot into the White Sox clubhouse. A non-roster invitee to camp, Asche has since found a comfort zone and it has translated to the field. With 11 days left in camp, Asche -- hitting .364/.563/.909 with six extra-base hits in 32 plate appearances -- is firmly in the mix for the Opening Day roster. "You lay awake at night before you come to spring training with a new club wondering how it's going to be and how scary it could be, being it's your first time," Asche said. "It's nothing like I would have imagined. I felt like I fit in right away, and I'm really taken aback by the humbleness of the superstars in this room, (Jose) Abreu, (Todd) Frazier, (Jose) Quintana. Those guys, they're really great teammates." A fourth-round draft pick in 2011, Asche was "very surprised" when the Phillies decided to designate him for assignment on Dec. 2. The University of Nebraska-product quickly rose through Philadelphia's farm system and was promoted to the majors late in the 2013 season. Asche -- who hit 31 homers and has a .684 career OPS in 1,287 PAs -- struggled

defensively at third base in 2013 and 2014, which prompted the Phillies to switch him to the outfield the past two seasons. Arbitration eligible this offseason for the first time and due a raise, Philadelphia opted to move on. "I didn't see that coming at all," Asche said. "I thought at least I would be back in camp and fighting for a job again. That's baseball. That's how it goes. I wasn't the first, and I won't be the last. "I don't want to prove to them anything. A lot of people have to make tough decisions in this game. Sometimes they're right and sometimes they're wrong." The White Sox are hopeful the Phillies were incorrect in their evaluation of Asche, who signed a minor-league deal with an invite to camp on Dec. 22. Though he faces longer odds as a non-roster invitee, Asche's chances are helped because he's one of the few left-handed sticks in camp. The White Sox have added some flexibility to Asche's game by trying him out at first base this spring. They've been pleased with how he's handled his chances there as well as his offensive performance, which includes three doubles, three homers and nine walks in 32 trips. "He's making it tough on everybody," manager Rick Renteria said. "Done a nice job preparing, executing and the things he is capable of doing. He's a pro and is doing things he's capable of, not trying to do too much. He's shown well. He's a pro and a person that kind of grows on you. He's pretty witty and very professional going about your business." Asche said it didn't take long to feel comfortable in his new digs. He and Renteria had a chat at the start of camp where the manager "laid it on the line and told me what was going to be expected of me," Asche said. He has since found plenty of friendly faces, whether it's a quick word with Abreu or joking with Frazier. Asche thinks he's matured as a person over the last few years. Though it has been tough to move on from old friends in Philly, Asche said he's only looking forward. "No one wants to be DFAed from their parent club that drafted them and brought them up, but I always welcome new challenges," Asche said. "It's been real easy to play for these guys and around this group of teammates. "I want to be a part of this culture. I want to be a part of this team. I want to play hard for Ricky. "I want to play hard for the guys in this room, and that's really all I'm focused on."

White Sox manager Rick Renteria ejected in loss to Dodgers By Dan Hayes/ CSN Chicago| March 18, 2017 GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Carson Fulmer liked how Rick Renteria came to his defense on Saturday with a verbal spat that led to an ejection for the White Sox manager. The White Sox pitching prospect was one of several players on both sides to express their dismay with the strike zone of plate ump Quinn Wolcott. Fulmer appeared to signal his irritation as he walked off the mound at the end of the third inning, which quickly brought Renteria from the dugout. A heated exchange between Wolcott and Renteria ensued and the manger was ejected soon thereafter. The White Sox lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers 13-7 at Camelback Ranch. “I mean, I definitely, I wasn’t happy,” Fulmer said. “I think that’s just because of me being a competitor and wanting to push us in the direction of winning. “I definitely have a manager who respects us all and has our backs and it just tells you a lot about who we have pushing us in the direction we want to be going. “Our manager is here for us. He’s a great guy that, like I said, respects all of us and you know we play for him as well. That definitely, there’s a sense of security there having a manager that will do that for you. We all respect him for what he does on a daily basis.” Renteria watched the rest of the game from the coaches’ office inside the White Sox complex. He downplayed the incident afterward. Given it was early in the contest, Renteria said he wanted to ensure Fulmer hadn’t done anything to get himself removed from the game. “We just had a couple of words,” Renteria said. “Just wanted to make sure he was OK with Fulmer. It got a little out of hand, probably on my part.

“I wanted to make sure that Fulmer got off and was continue to pitch. I didn’t want that escalate into anything. It happens.”

Prospect Jacob May gives White Sox glimpse of skillset By Dan Hayes/ CSN Chicago| March18, 2017 GLENDALE, Ariz. – Several past injuries have helped Jacob May avoid speculating on a big picture that became much more interesting with the December trade of Adam Eaton. Limited to 83 games in 2016 after suffering abdomen strains on the left and right sides, May wants to show the White Sox he’s able to bring his highly-energetic approach to the field every day. Of course he heard about it when Eaton was shipped to the Washington Nationals for three minor-league pitchers. The trade opened a starting spot in the White Sox outfield. But May – who went 4-for-5 with two runs scored in a 13-7 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers at Camelback Ranch on Saturday – doesn’t want to let a distraction prevent him from accomplishing his goals. “I go out there every day and try to play hard and show off my athleticism,” May said. “I think that’s what I kind of bring to the table, a little bit of speed and I feel like that can help any team. Any time I can go out there and make a big play on defense or steal a base, that’s ultimately my goal to be that guy in the major leagues. So I feel like that and still obviously have a lot more to show. I have to show them I can stay consistent.” A third-round draftee in 2013, May is hitting .357/.386/.548 in 44 plate appearances and four steals in his second big league camp. He produced an .882 OPS with four stolen bases in 44 plate appearances last spring and looked as if he’d given the White Sox something to ponder when it was time for September promotions. Then the two disabled list trips happened. A season earlier, May was limited to 101 games after a concussion sidelined him for seven weeks. May’s 2014 campaign also ended a few weeks early because of a bruised right pinky. “He’s missed some time because of it,” said former player development director and current third-base coach Nick Capra. “But we’ve seen small sample sizes of what he can do along the way. He’s got tools and he knows how to play the game.” May is currently ranked the No. 18 prospect in the farm system, according to MLB.com. Scouting analysts project May to be more of a fourth outfielder than a starter. But with Charlie Tilson set to begin this season on the DL, May has put himself in the mix of players who potentially could travel north with the White Sox when they head to Chicago in 11 days. Peter Bourjos is thought to be the front-runner for center field with May and Adam Engel in the mix. “(May is) an excellent defender, can swing from both sides of the plate,” said manager Rick Renteria, who was ejected in the third inning for arguing balls and strikes. “He’s been trying to get on base by bunting to both sides. He’s trying to see the landscape of how they try to play him. “He can do a lot of things. We can move him around from center to left to right. Just his ability to try to get on base. Him just being himself is what I’m looking for him to do.” May believes he’s displaying his skillset by focusing on himself and not focusing on any decisions he doesn’t have a say in. Even though the Eaton trade caught his eye, May knew not to pay too much attention after a series of “frustrating” injuries. “I definitely got text messages with people letting me know that,” May said. “But it still didn’t change anything whether I make the club or not. If the Chicago White Sox want me in the big leagues than ultimately they’ll bring me up there. Eaton is an amazing player and he’s really good and it’s tough to lose somebody like that on the club. But it’s part of the business. It’s not going to change my mindset. I came in here last year with the same mentality, determined to make an impression on the coaching staff. When my time comes it comes.” Starting pitcher Carson Fulmer had a tough time Saturday against the Dodgers. He allowed three runs and five hits in four innings. Jake Petricka also allowed two runs while Zach Putnam gave up three. The White Sox also said that relief pitcher Juan Minaya is out indefinitely with an abdominal tear. Renteria said Minaya would rest for the next few weeks, which would hurt his chances of breaking with the club.

Jose Quintana makes most of minor league appearance

By Dan Hayes/ CSN Chicago| March 18, 2017 GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Jose Quintana couldn’t replicate the atmosphere of the World Baseball Classic on a back field at Camelback Ranch on Saturday morning. But the White Sox All-Star pitcher did his best to enhance a normally drab environment, especially when compared with a packed stadium and an energetic WBC crowd. In the midst of a work day against minor leaguers, Quintana emerged from the dugout to greet one of his young teammates with a high-five after he scored on a two-run hit. Quintana, who threw 81 pitches over six innings, said he always tries to connect with the minor leaguers in the White Sox farm system on similar work days. “I keep doing that because they don’t have too much opportunity to talk with us,” Quintana said. “And when I go there I try to spend good time with them and talk to somebody. It was good. It was fun and I enjoy this time with the minor leaguers.” Eight days after he dominated Team USA for Colombia, Quintana did his most extensive work since returning to the White Sox. He worked out of the stretch for several innings to get a better feel for his changeup and focus on his quickstep delivery. But Quintana also spent time with young teammates and tried to any questions they might have. Quintana had a similar experience with several teammates when he was a farmhand in the New York Yankees system. “I remember a couple of guys,” Quintana said. “Phil Hughes was one and (Alfonso) Soriano, (Ivan) Nova. A couple of guys I watched before when I was in minor leagues. Now, I try to be fun with them too.” As for the work itself, Quintana is pleased. He’s currently in line to pitch again on Thursday, followed by March 28 and April 2. The final assignment falls the day before the regular season starts, which makes it all but certain the White Sox will give Quintana an additional day to rest before he starts on Opening Day (April 3). “I felt really good,” Quintana said. “Threw the ball well to both sides so. I feel really good. “All my stuff worked good.”

Projected as a starter, White Sox pitcher Michael Kopech dominates Cubs in relief By Dan Hayes/ CSN Chicago| March 17, 2017 GLENDALE, Ariz. — While he prefers to be a starting pitcher and profiles as one, the White Sox potentially have another dominant reliever in Michael Kopech. The team's third-ranked prospect pitched in relief on Friday afternoon and came out blazing, touching 102 mph in a dominant performance against the Cubs. Kopech struck out five batters and only allowed a hit over two scoreless innings. The Cubs beat the White Sox 7-3 in front of 12,792 at Camelback Ranch. An outing in which he struck out three major leaguers and two top prospects is the type that makes Kopech feel as if it the opposition doesn't matter when he throws like he did. "In my opinion, no," Kopech said. "Obviously I know that there are going to be big league hitters with a big league approach and I'm going to have to make adjustments to those approaches. There's a guy who put a great at-bat up on me today and I threw a lot of pitches. I probably should have put him away earlier and done something different." One of two centerpieces in the Chris Sale trade, Kopech needed few pitches to complete his first inning. He struck out Jason Heyward and Tommy La Stella with a Willson Contreras fly out in between. He returned in the seventh to strike out Jon Jay and Ian Happ and Jeimer Candelario, two of the Cubs' top prospects. During his outing, Kopech's four-seam fastball ranged from 99-102 mph and was overpowering when mixed in with a good slider. One of his and the team's top goals — aside from improved fastball command — is to further develop Kopech's changeup. MLB.com rates Kopech's changeup as 50 on the 20-80 scouting scale, which means it can be an effective pitch at the big league level. His fastball grades at an 80 and Kopech's slider is at 60, which has many thinking he could be a dominant, late-inning reliever immediately.

Development of the changeup as well as building the arm strength necessary to eventually complete 200 innings will take time. But all the White Sox have plenty of time as they're in the early stages of a rebuild and want to see if Kopech can stick as a starter. "That's a tough call," said one National League scout. "(Kopech) has a reasonable chance to remain a starter but there are definitely some indicators that point to success in the 'pen sooner." Kopech wouldn't rule out pitching out of the bullpen. There's no doubt he prefers to pitch as a starting pitcher. But if it gets him to the majors, relief is fine, Kopech said. "I'll do whatever I can to contribute to the team," Kopech said. "I'd rather start, but it's not up to me. It's up to the team. If I can help the team in the bullpen, that's what I will do." Derek Holland started for the White Sox and retired the first seven batters he faced. But Holland struggled in the third inning against three fellow left-handers as he walked La Stella and Jay before he surrendered a three-run homer to Kyle Schwarber. The veteran southpaw allowed six earned runs and four hits with three walks in four-plus innings. "I have to work on a few things," Holland said. "I was upset with the lefties, two walks. Hats off to (Schwarber). "Good pitch. He turned on it. He was probably looking for it so hats off to him. "Thought I attacked the zone but the frustrating thing was two walks to lefties. That's supposed to be a strength." "I feel pretty good. This is spring. This is where we work on stuff." Zack Burdi struck out one in a scoreless inning for the White Sox. Peter Bourjos went 2-for-3 while Todd Frazier doubled and walked in three trips to the plate. Tyler Saladino tripled and scored and Nick Delmonico homered for the White Sox.

White Sox to give Carlos Rodon first Cactus League start sunday By Dan Hayes/ CSN Chicago| March 17, 2017 GLENDALE, Ariz. — Carlos Rodon is finally set to pitch in an exhibition game. The White Sox announced on Friday that their third-year pitcher would make his Cactus League debut Sunday at the Los Angeles Angels in Tempe, Ariz. So far Rodon has been limited to pitching in simulated games or against teammates in live batting practice. While he's managed to find motivation in those less-stimulating atmospheres, Rodon looks forward to facing a living, breathing opponent instead of a teammate. "It's been a little while since I've been in a game," Rodon said. "I'm looking forward to it. "I still had that geek when I faced the guys on the backfield, just live BP. It will be a little different this time. Get to face a different team." Rodon threw 63 pitches in a simulated game the last time out and could be stretched even further on Sunday. The outing is the first of two planned starts for the left-hander. He's also potentially in line to pitch the club's final exhibition game here on March 29. But the White Sox aren't looking past Sunday. "We're just looking for him to be in control and command, poised and do what he does," manager Rick Renteria said. "It's not about a whole lot of pressure, it's about being happy to have him out there on the mound and get him going." The White Sox have taken a measured approach with Rodon all spring. They started him slowly in order to save him for what is expected to be a lengthy 2017 campaign as well as to help him avoid fatigue that surfaced in the middle of last season. But Rodon is now in a position where he must hit every mark to start by either the fifth or sixth game of the regular season. Despite a schedule with little margin for error, Rodon currently remains on the schedule. "From all indications he has thrown very well and feels very good," Renteria said.

For Omar Narvaez, knowledge is power at the major league level By JJ STANKEVITZ / CSN Chicago| March 17, 2017

GLENDALE, Ariz. — One of the challenges for a hitting coach is funneling the right information to a young position player, with the goal to not allow him to be overwhelmed by the reams of scouting reports and hours of video suddenly available to them at the major league level. And sometimes that information isn't always a good thing, as White Sox hitting coach Todd Steverson explained. "As it relates to all the statistics I get, I cannot inundate them with all of those," Steverson said. "I have to personally decipher what's relevant to each different guy. It's not all the same for everybody. … Hypothetically speaking, I could tell a guy every 2-1 count (the pitcher throws) 73 percent fastballs, and that guy gets a curveball. Well, right then and there, he's like ‘Gee, what happened?' Well, 73 percent ain't 100 percent. There's always some gray area there." Shortstop Tim Anderson described himself as "old school," and said he will only turn to scouting reports and videos when he needs it. Anderson specifically mentioned using video to look at a pitcher's pickoff move. For catcher Omar Narvaez, though, the information has been a boon to his burgeoning major league career. He hit .267/.350/.337 in 2016, and with the 25-year-old in line to be the White Sox No. 1 catcher this year, he'll have the opportunity to use video and scouting reports over the course of a full season. "I kind of know what the zone is and I try to bring it with me," Narvaez said. "Every time I go to the plate, I'm like okay, this is my zone so I'm going to establish everything that's in my zone so I can hit it." Narvaez displayed an excellent feel for the major league strike zone last year, drawing the same number of walks as strikeouts (14) in 117 plate appearances last year. He said he looks at scouting reports the night before every game and can adjust his "zone" to a specific area based on where the opposing pitcher frequently works. The detailed information Narvaez can look at in the majors wasn't available at the minor league level, which could explain why his on-base percentage was 59 points higher with the White Sox than it was in 205 plate appearances at the Double-A and Triple-A levels. Narvaez, though, does have a .353 on-base percentage across all minor league levels. "We know what the pitcher has and how they move the ball," Narvaez said. "We don't have that in the minor leagues." There's no "right" approach to utilizing all the information and statistics available at the major league level. Plenty of players will succeed without diving deep into scouting reports, and plenty of players will stick in the major leagues by pouring over that stuff. Count Narvaez in the latter group of players. "We can go with a plan into an at-bat," Narvaez said. "That's a huge thing I'm looking for when I see the videos."

Carlos Rodon tosses 4 scoreless innings in first spring start Associated Press | March19th, 2017 TEMPE, Ariz. -- Carlos Rodon finally got on the field Sunday, and the Chicago White Sox left-hander already seems in solid form. Rodon tossed four scoreless innings in his first Cactus League start, striking out five while the White Sox beat the Los Angeles Angels 11-2. Chicago held Rodon out of its first 21 spring training games, bringing him along slowly to keep him fresh for the long season. The Sox used a similar plan last season with ace Chris Sale, and he pitched a career-high 226 2/3 innings. Sale was traded in the offseason to the Boston Red Sox. Rodon allowed a hit and walked just one. He said he was getting antsy to appear in a game. "I've been sitting for a while watching everyone else do something," Rodon said. "It was good to get out there with my teammates again and compete." He threw 38 strikes in 65 pitches. After coming out, he threw another 10 pitches in the bullpen. Albert Pujols knocked a slow roller into right field in the first inning for the only hit off Rodon. "It was a sinker in," Rodon said. "I told him to save his hits, and he thought so, too."

He struck out Mike Trout looking before Pujols' single. "On a slider," Rodon said. "It was supposed to be back foot, but I threw it down the middle. It worked." Rodon was pleased with his first outing after being limited to simulated games. He said he is on board with this spring training plan. "It's nice to get a sense of where I'm at and just be able to compete," he said. "We mixed in a little bit of everything. Mostly fastball and sliders, but we threw some changeups and some cutters. So I've got some stuff to work on. "The defense picked me up. I attacked the zone and attacked the hitters." Rodon, the third overall pick in the 2014 draft out of North Carolina State, went 9-10 with a 4.04 ERA in 28 starts last season. In his final start, he struck out seven Minnesota Twins to begin the game, matching an American League record. He will probably start again Friday and plans to be ready for the start of the season. "Just try to build that pitch count up," Rodon said. "Try to get up and down five or six times this next time and throw better changeups." Top White Sox prospect Yoan Moncada was 3 for 5 with a homer, two doubles and four RBI. Moncada has three home runs and 11 RBI in his past seven games.

Chicago White Sox can wait for next wave of quality starters Scot Gregor / Daily Herald | March 19

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If there has been one constant with the Chicago White Sox over the past 20-25 years, it's been starting pitching. Solid starting pitching. Under pitching coach Don Cooper, the Sox lead the major leagues with 1,252 quality starts since 2003. Dating to the early 1990s, they've had a strong stable of starting pitchers: Jack McDowell, Alex Fernandez, Wilson Alvarez, Mark Buehrle, Jose Contreras, Freddy Garcia, Jon Garland, Esteban Loaiza, Chris Sale, Jose Quintana. A star-studded starting five paid off in 2005, when Buehrle, Contreras, Garcia and Garland led the White Sox to a World Series championship. The torch eventually was passed to Sale and Quintana, but the Sox posted losing records in each of the past four seasons. The run of futility has led to a rebuild, and Sale was the first to go. The ace left-hander was traded to Boston in December, and general manager Rick Hahn is still waiting for the right offer on Quintana. This season's rotation is nothing to get excited about outside of Carlos Rodon, who had some injury issues last year and didn't make his first Cactus League start until Sunday. Assuming Quintana is moved at some point before the July 31 nonwaiver trade deadline, Rodon will rise to the top of the rotation if he can stay healthy. The 24-year-old lefty pitched 4 scoreless innings in his exhibition debut against the Los Angeles Angels. Miguel Gonzalez, Derek Holland and James Shields fill out the current starting five, but they are just holding spots until Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez, Michael Kopech and Carson Fulmer are ready to contribute. Giolito and Lopez were acquired from the Washington Nationals in the Adam Eaton trade, and Kopech was one of four prospects acquired from the Boston Red Sox for Sale. Giolito is ranked No. 25 on Baseball America's top prospects list, Lopez is No. 31 and Kopech is No. 32, but the White Sox see no need to rush any of them to the major leagues.

"As we've talked about over the years, the good ones kind of have a way of forcing that timeline on you and a couple of them, Giolito and Lopez, have already made it to the big leagues," Hahn said. "With each of the players we acquired we still feel there's a fair amount of development left, which is going to happen in the minors. "You've seen a level of aggressiveness out of us in recent years in terms of our promotions. At this point going forward, we're really not going to have anyone in Chicago until they've answered any questions we've had for them at the minor-league level and we feel they're ready to succeed."

Schwarber welcomes White Sox lefty Holland to Cubs' rivalry Associated Press | March 17

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GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Derek Holland was warned about Friday's atmosphere. With 12,927 house-divided fans packed into Camelback Ranch, this spring contest between Holland's Chicago White Sox and the crosstown rival Cubs was rather anticipated, as exhibitions go. Kyle Schwarber tagged Holland for a three-run homer and drove in four runs, helping the Cubs beat the White Sox 7-3. "I found out," Holland said about the rivalry. "Coming into it, they told me what this is going to be like. I made sure to just continue to keep pitching how I am and not let that kind of thing get to you. I love the passion of the White Sox fans. I want to stay on the fans good side, not the bad side." The left-hander signed a $6 million, one-year deal with the White Sox in December after eight years with the Texas Rangers. He gave up six runs and four hits Friday, including the shot to Schwarber in the third inning. "Obviously, I just didn't do my job," Holland said. "But at the end of the day, it's spring training. When the season comes around, it's a different animal." Schwarber homered on a 1-1 slider, but what preceded the homer bothered Holland more. He had retired the first seven batters before walking the eighth and ninth hitters, Tommy La Stella and Jon Jay, both left-handed hitters. "I was just upset with the lefties with the two walks," Holland said. "Hats off to Schwarber, a good pitch, he turned on it. He's probably looking for it. The most frustrating thing was the two walks to lefties. That's supposed to be my strength." Holland gave up a single to La Stella to lead off the fifth and walked Jay again. Schwarber's RBI single then ended Holland's day. In three starts, Holland has allowed nine hits and eight earned runs in 9 2/3 innings. "I'm not going to sit here and beat myself up," Holland said. "I made the pitches that I needed to. I thought my offspeed was exactly where I wanted it. This is spring training. This is where you've got to keep working on things and get ready for the season. "Because once the games hit, it's a different animal. You come in and the preparation is different. We're not worried about working on things. It's go time. So right here, we're just trying to make sure to establish the fastball and work with the offspeed and just go from there." Holland had spent his entire career with the Rangers, where he won 16 games in 2011 and had three consecutive seasons of double-figure victories. He has a 3-1 record in 14 postseason games. The past three years, however, he is 13-12, spending more time on the disabled list than on the mound. "You've got to turn the page," Holland said of the injuries.

Derek Holland butchers Kyle Schwarber’s name after Cubs slugger homers Chris Bahr / Fox Sports | March 18

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Kyle Schwarber is on track to become a household name this season, but the 24-year-old hitting machine apparently still isn’t all that well-known in baseball circles. White Sox lefty Derek Holland served up a long ball to the Cubs’ slugger on Friday, but he was slightly confused when asked it about afterward.

“Hats off to ‘Schreiber;’ I think that’s how you say his name, right?” Holland said, via the Chicago Tribune. “Good pitch. He turned on it. He was probably looking for it.” If he was looking for it, “Schreiber” certainly found it: To be fair, Holland spent the first seven years of his major-league career with the Rangers and never had faced Schwarber. And Schwarber’s young MLB career consists of only 278 regular-season plate appearances. Still, Schwarber’s expedited return from a torn ACL in last season’s World Series was a major storyline, as was his five-homer performance in the 2015 postseason. One possible explanation: Holland, known for his humor, simply was goofing around. In any case, Holland probably will hear a lot about his gaffe in the coming days and even more about Schwarber in the coming months.

White Sox 2017 preview: Future is bright for Chicago, but this season will be a struggle Joe Rodgers/ Sporting News | March 20

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The White Sox committed to a full-scale rebuild this offseason and are in great position to be contenders ... in about four seasons. Chicago traded ace Chris Sale and star outfielder Adam Eaton for a boatload of quality prospects, including the Red Sox's Yoan Moncada and Nationals' Lucas Giolito, among others. The club probably isn't done making deals, and if the White Sox can score more prospects for their studs, who can blame them? All-Stars Jose Quintana, David Robertson, Melky Cabrera and Todd Frazier are expected to be dealt this summer, as is Brett Lawrie. Despite the subtractions and pending moves, Baseball Prospectus actually doesn't expect the Sox to finish last in the AL Central. That honor belongs to the Royals, per BP. (We respectfully disagree and see the White Sox struggling to reach 70 wins this season.) Here's what 2017 holds for the "other" MLB team in Chicago. Chicago White Sox schedule 2017 The White Sox begin the 2017 schedule on baseball's opening day April 3 against the Tigers in the first game at the rebranded Guaranteed Rate Field. Following a three-game series against the Tigers, Chicago hosts the Twins for a three-game set beginning April 7. The White Sox then spend 19 of their next 25 games on the road. Ouch. Chicago White Sox roster White Sox projected opening day lineup 1. Charlie Tilson, OF 2. Yoan Moncada, SS 3. Melky Cabrera, OF 4. Jose Abreu, 1B 5. Todd Frazier, 3B 6. Avisail Garcia, OF 7. Cody Asche, DH 8. Geovany Soto, C 9. Tim Anderson, 2B White Sox projected rotation 1. Jose Quintana, LHP 2. James Shields, RHP 3. Carlos Rodon, LHP 4. Miguel Gonzalez, RHP 5. Derek Holland, LHP White Sox projected bullpen Closer: David Robertson, RHP Setup: Nate Jones, RHP Setup: Zach Putnam, RHP White Sox fantasy baseball sleeper Carlos Rodon, SP — The prized southpaw isn't expected to be ready for the start of the season as the club slowly brings him along and will subsequently be passed upon in fantasy drafts. The No. 3 overall pick in 2014 owned a 4.04 ERA and

168:54 K:BB ratio in 165 innings last season but is expected to miss only one start and could still reach 180 innings, providing quality stats for your team. Just don't expect a lot of wins. White Sox top prospect(s) Where to begin? infielder Yoan Moncada and pitchers Lucas Giolito, Michael Kopech and Reynaldo Lopez highlight a deep and talented minor-league system for the White Sox. Don't forget about pitcher Carson Fulmer, who the Sox envision as a future starter.