Sox Notes From Spring Training

     While my one-track baseball mind usually shifts into overdrive with the arrival of Spring Training, the state of the White Sox leaves me at ease right now and anxiously awaiting the start of the season.  Save for the 5th starters spot, a utility role and two openings in the bullpen, there haven’t been any position battles to watch or too much concern as to the state of our Opening Day lineup and that’s a good thing.  It allows us to formulate a much longer term game plan and prepare ourselves for any surprises that every baseball season brings.  So with that, here are a few notes about what’s going on in camp these days.  A little Spring Training update, if you will…

     As I said before, the battle for the 5th starter’s spot between rookie Daniel Hudson and veteran Freddy Garcia continues with the edge going towards Garcia.  Stats-wise, they both seem to be having similar springs, but with the way Garcia looked yesterday (3 IP, 1 run, 5 hits), the club will likely begin the season with the veteran in the rotation.  That doesn’t necessairly mean that Hudson will be gone, though.  I don’t agree with it, but there is definitely a chance that Hudson stays up with the big club and starts off in the bullpen and takes on a long relief role.  The problem with that for me is that a role like that usually requires some veteran mental toughness as you’re likely going to be needed for mop-up duty when the starter fails.  Nothing worse for a rookie’s confidence than to go out there and take some unnecessary lumps under the guise of “taking one for the team”.  Hudson, and the club, would be better served by having him start off in Triple-A, pitch every 5 days and force a call-up later on in the season.

     In addition, I am very happy to report that the Sox have come to their senses and released pitcher Daniel Cabrera.  The fact that he was even in camp and being remotely considered for the 5th starter’s job was driving me nuts!  There’s just nothing good I can say about this guy other than I hope he ends up with one of our division rivals.

     The bullpen is definitely taking shape as we’re down to just two (maybe 3) spots to fill.  Bobby Jenks, Scott Linebrink, Tony Pena, J.J. Putz and Matt Thornton are all locks and if everything remains as is, then so is Randy Williams.  With Williams in there, that leaves two spots open for a collection of guys that includes Hudson, Sergio Santos, Greg Aquino, Charles Leesman, Carlos Torres and an assortment of others.  I think Hudson and Torres should enjoy some minor league ball for a little while and remain on track to be starting pitchers.  I also think Aquino has had a decent enough spring to take on that long relief role and be the new D.J. Carrasco.  So that leaves one spot.  I like the potential in Santos and have enjoyed his lights-out spring, but my gut is telling me that the converted infielder with the 98 mph fastball may benefit from a little more minor league play.  That doesn’t leave too much excitement in Leesman, so expect Santos to start the season out of the pen.

     Continuing with the pen, it appears that Jenks’ calf remains a hot topic of conversation.  He says it was a torn muscle last year, the trainer says it was a strain, and back and forth we go.  Bottom line is that it may be a hot topic today but should be irrelevant come the start of the season.  Jenks is progressing along nicely and may even try out a full wind up to increase velocity.  Overall, I think we’re going to see major improvements on his game this year. 

     The team has been making it’s cuts slowly but surely with no surprises anywhere.  The team optioned right-handed pitchers Freddy Dolsi, Lucas Harrell, Jhonny Nunez, Brian Omogrosso, Jeff Marquez and Clevelan Santeliz to Triple-A Charlotte along with OF Stefan Gartrell. Right-handed pitcher Santo Luis was optioned to Double-A Birmingham and catcher Cole Armstrong was reassigned to Minor League camp.  Dayan Viciedo was also optioned to Triple-A today, which paves the way for him to get more work in on a more competitive minor league level.  As Rick Hahn, VP/Assistant GM, said the other day, he’ll continue to get his work in at the hot corner while also garnering some time at first.

     And finally, the battle for the last utility job looks like it’s going to Jayson Nix with Brent Lillibridge likely to be optioned to Triple-A soon.  Nix is hitting .350 thus far in the spring with one home run and 4 RBI.  His strikeouts seem a bit high, but I don’t see it being an issue whil ehe mans back-up duty during the season.

     Like I said before, folks, not too much going on right now that’s groundbreaking news.  Seems to be status quo at Camelback Ranch for the South Siders and that’s perfectly all right as we try to wrap up the Spring.  The starting roster is ready to go, almost all the back-ups are in place and now we just need to concentrate on staying healthy.  Not a bad little spring, if you ask me.

Tags: Bobby Jenks, Brent Lillibridge, Brian Omogrosso, Carlos Torres, Charles Leesman, Chicago White Sox, Clevelan Santeliz, Cole Armstrong, Daniel Cabrera, Daniel Hudson, Dayan Viciedo, Freddy Dolsi, Freddy Garcia, Greg Aquino, Jayson Nix, Jeff Marquez, Jhonny Nunez, JJ Putz, Lucas Harrell, Matt Thornton, Randy Williams, Santo Luis, Scott Linebrink, Sergio Santos, Stefan Gartrell, Tony Pena, White Sox