Avisail Garcia was ejected in the eighth inning for disputing a called third strike. It was the White Sox second ejection of the Cactus League.

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1 WHITE SOX HEADLINES OF MARCH 24, 2017 Quintana flashes perfection; Delmonico homers Scott Merkin, MLB.com Hahn won't budge on asking price for Quintana Scott Merkin, MLB.com Moncada, Giolito, Lopez reflect on Sox camp Scott Merkin, MLB.com Katz, Goldberg relish Classic experience Scott Merkin, MLB.com Top 10 prospects to watch in the White Sox system Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune 'Relaxed' Yoan Moncada upbeat about time in White Sox camp Colleen Kane, Chricago Tribune Thursday's recap: White Sox 4, Reds 2 Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune Reynaldo Lopez, Lucas Giolito to play the working-while-waiting game Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune Quintana pitches seven scoreless innings vs. Reds Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times Jason Benetti on calling Sox games: I could do this forever Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times Starting at AAA difficult but Yoan Moncada accepts decision Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times Lopez disappointed, but knows time will come with White Sox Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times White Sox ace Jose Quintana puts on show in victory over Reds Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago With first big contract in hand, Tim Anderson planning a run to the Pepsi machine Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago Is Lucas Giolito still worth the hype? Jerry Crasnick, ESPN.com White Sox Hope to Hit It Big with Tim Anderson Contract Craig Edwards, Fangraphs Yoan Moncada sometimes ate 85 Twinkies in a week AlyshaTsuji, USA Today Quintana flashes perfection; Delmonico homers By Scott Merkin / March 23rd, 2017 GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Jose Quintana appears to be regular-season ready. With 17 scouts in attendance, the White Sox ace and prime trade candidate as part of the team's rebuilding, pitched 5 2/3 perfect innings during a 4-2 victory over the Reds on Thursday at Camelback Ranch. Beau Amaral delivered a double down the right-field line to break up the perfect game, and Amaral wasn't even in the Reds' original starting lineup. He got the nod when Desmond Jennings was scratched. Quintana struck out three and allowed two hits in seven innings, throwing 53 of his 79 pitches for strikes and adding another 15 pitches in the bullpen after his start. "I feel good," Quintana said. "I attacked the zone early. [Catcher Kevan Smith] called a really good game, and I'm happy with that. When you're ahead every batter, it's good. I was getting some quick outs early, and I went long." Nicky Delmonico drilled a two-run blast in the fourth to give the White Sox an early lead. The blast came after Melky Cabrera opened the frame with a double, but was still at third with two outs. Delmonico has three homers and eight RBIs in Cactus League action, as he added a run-scoring double to right in the sixth inning, bringing home Todd Frazier. That home run came off of Bronson Arroyo, who allowed the two runs on four hits in four innings, while striking out two and walking one. The non-roster invitee Arroyo is competing for a rotation spot in a crowded mix with six others. But Arroyo's effort was overshadowed by Quintana's performance. Avisail Garcia was ejected in the eighth inning for disputing a called third strike. It was the White Sox second ejection of the Cactus League. Bronson Arroyo pitches four innings vs. the White Sox, allowing two runs on four hits while fanning two as he battles for a rotation spot Reds Up Next: Sal Romano, vying for one of the three open rotation spots, will make his second spring start and sixth outing overall at Goodyear Ballpark against the Brewers at 4:05 p.m. ET on Friday. A 23rd-round pick from 2011, Romano

2 has yet to crack the Majors, and he is 1-0 with a 1.17 ERA and 0.91 WHIP in Cactus League play. Billy Hamilton, who returned from Achilles inflammation as the designated hitter Thursday, is expected to have the day off. White Sox Up Next: Carlos Rodon makes his second Cactus League start when the White Sox travel to Mesa to take on the A's on Friday. The first pitch is set for 3:05 p.m. CT and will be on MLB.TV. Although Rodon is lined up to pitch in one of the season's first two games, manager Rick Renteria still plans on using Rodon at the back end of the rotation at least at the outset. Hahn won't budge on asking price for Quintana By Scott Merkin / March 23rd, 2017 GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Trying to decipher potential Jose Quintana trade destinations from this week's latest batch of rumors really isn't that difficult, even with Quintana throwing 5 2/3 perfect innings against the Reds on Thursday in front of 17 scouts during a 4-2 White Sox victory at Camelback Ranch. In fact, White Sox general manager Rick Hahn summed up the matter in a conversation with MLB.com, although he wasn't speaking directly about Quintana, who allowed two hits over seven scoreless innings Thursday. "We've had conversations even this spring where if our asks were met, we'd make a move," Hahn said. "Obviously nothing has developed as of yet. "But that could well change early in the season or it could take to the Trade Deadline or into the next offseason. We would love to move this thing along based strictly on our desire, but it's too important we do it right than to force the issue based on impatience. We don't have specific time frames on any of these things." White Sox pitcher Jose Quintana talks about playing in the World Baseball Classic for Team Colombia and returning to Spring Training So if you are the Astros, Pirates, Yankees, Braves, Phillies or every other team that could have interest in one of the game's top starting pitchers, be prepared to pay prospect-wise. And if you are a team not willing to give up a couple of elite level young players in a package of potentially three or four, then don't expect to have a chance at acquiring the All- Star southpaw, who dazzled in his 2017 World Baseball Classic start covering 5 2/3 innings of no-hit pitching for Colombia against Team USA. Hahn certainly won't budge from an understandably lofty asking price. Quintana is under control for the next four years at around $36 million when factoring in two team options. He easily could be part of the team's rebuild moving forward but also would bring back the biggest haul in return. It's a tough decision to trade a player revered throughout the organization, much like it was a tough decision to move Chris Sale or Adam Eaton. Without going into specific detail, the White Sox know who they want in each instance and have seen those players countless times. Quintana should take the mound April 3 against the Tigers at Guaranteed Rate Field for his first career Opening Day start. His status leading up to the non-waiver Trade Deadline is not as certain, especially with the team not exactly focused on contention this season. "I have confidence in me, and every time I go out there I just try to have fun and enjoy that time," Quintana said. "I spend good time with my teammates. Every time I go to the mound, I feel pretty good." "We still want to see the team win," Hahn said. "But a lot of what the progress is there is a progress we probably will be able to see in terms of how the game is being played, and how players are being taught and held accountable for either meeting or not meeting standards that the organization sets for them." Moncada, Giolito, Lopez reflect on Sox camp Top prospects reassigned to Minors, discuss feelings upon departure By Scott Merkin / March 23rd, 2017 GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Yoan Moncada, Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez held court before the White Sox 4-2 victory over the Reds at Camelback Ranch after the team's top prospects per MLBPipeline.com were returned from big league Spring Training to Minor League camp Tuesday. Here's a look at some of their comments. Moncada

3 On being reassigned to Triple-A Charlotte: "It was kind of difficult for me, but it wasn't my decision to make. It was their decision, and for me to accept it." Second base is his position: "I don't think they are going to move me around the infield at Charlotte. I'm going to play second base. That's the plan for now, but if they ask me to play another position, I will do it. I feel more comfortable at second base." Finishing the Cactus League strong at the plate: "Those were the results of my routine and my work. But it was also because I was feeling more comfortable at home plate with my swing. This is a process, and that was part of the process. You have to stick with it. You have to get your work in." Lopez Disappointment on being optioned: "I thought I would make the team. That was my goal, and I believe in that. I was kind of surprised when they told me I wouldn't make the team. But like I said before, I have to keep working hard. If I was sent down, I would work as hard as I always work here, and I'm going to do it." Work at Charlotte: "I'm going to keep my focus on the things I was working on here, my position on the mound, trying to throw strikes and executing my pitches. I'll try to get better every outing. That will be my mindset." Can cutter help against left-handed hitters: "Yes, but not just for lefties. That can be a very good pitch for righties, too. Something good is coming with that pitch for me." Giolito Shaving his beard: "That is the policy in the [White Sox] Minor Leagues. It's the clean-shaven look, and the high pants and all that. Gotta follow the rules." Changes with his delivery: "Not really. Not really focused on mechanics. Just making sure that I stay smooth as I can and consistent as I can, and repeat my delivery. Definitely in a good place. All my sidework has been good and I'm looking forward to the season starting." Katz, Goldberg relish Classic experience By Scott Merkin / March 23rd, 2017 GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Prior to taking part in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, White Sox Minor Leaguer Alex Katz was pitching on the back fields of Camelback Ranch. "There were five, 10 people watching," Katz said. "Then a couple of weeks later I'm throwing in front of 50,000 fans. I think I was more nervous throwing on the back field in front of five or 10 people than the 50,000, which is crazy. It was unbelievable." Katz, a 22-year-old left-hander who was taken in the 27th round of the 2015 Draft, pitched for Team Israel in the Brooklyn Qualifier and then in both rounds of the World Baseball Classic in Korea and Japan. Brad Goldberg, who took part in his first big league camp this Spring Training, picked up two saves in the Brooklyn Qualifier, and then joined the team again in Japan, where Israel was eliminated. Team USA captured the championship Wednesday night with an 8-0 victory over Puerto Rico, as White Sox closer David Robertson worked the final frame and Nate Jones also contributed to the title. The two relievers are expected back in camp at some point Friday. Israel became a surprise qualifier for the second round, although not a surprise to team members Katz and Goldberg. The experience for both of the hurlers not only stands as one they always will remember, but also one capable of enhancing their White Sox work as they move forward. "The Minor Leagues don't really prepare you for the dog and pony show of the big leagues from the standpoint of the big stadium, the three decks, all the people," said Goldberg, who made two scoreless appearances in Japan. "I've always wondered what it's like to pitch in front of all those people. The fact I can do it and have success, it gives me clarity that I know my stuff can play. That was a big thing for me." "It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and we went into it with a lot of confidence," said Katz, who made four scoreless appearances. "A lot of people besides us did not believe in us, but we went out there and played our game, and did pretty well. It definitely had a major impact on Israel and baseball in Israel. We hope the game spreads drastically over the next couple of years."

4 Third to first White Sox manager Rick Renteria believes the team's final roster might not be set until the two exhibition games played in Milwaukee next weekend. Renteria mentioned the bullpen doesn't necessarily need to include a second left-hander behind Dan Jennings. Jose Quintana's final Spring Training start Tuesday probably will take place on the Minor League side, per Renteria. Top 10 prospects to watch in the White Sox system Who are the White Sox's top 10 prospects that director of player development Chris Getz and his staff will be helping this season? Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune March, 23, 2017 Chris Getz has spent his first White Sox spring training as director of player development working on his relationships. Developing players is about trust, he said, so his first order of business has been getting to know the players in the Sox system, as well as learning about the staff in charge of trying to propel them to the big leagues. Getz, who was hired to take over third-base coach Nick Capra's former role in October, said he has a better feel for the players than he thought he would at this point. He understands the excitement around the crop of prospects that MLB.com ranked the No. 3 farm system in baseball, but he also won't get too caught up in it. "Some of the young kids that are here right now, you see the bright future," Getz said. "You start envisioning these guys playing together and moving up through the organization and hopefully being together in Chicago. We're certainly trending in the right direction, and I hope to continue to build on it. "In terms of looking at rankings and things like that, I don't pay attention too much. I have the mindset we can always get better. I know it's an indication we have a lot of talent, but it doesn't mean we can sit back and let these guys do their thing." Above is a look at 10 of the biggest names Getz and the player development staff will be helping this year. 'Relaxed' Yoan Moncada upbeat about time in White Sox camp Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune March 23, 2017 Yoan Moncada could feel a significant amount of pressure to force his way into the White Sox picture early this season. If it's not enough the infielder is ranked the No. 2 prospect in all of baseball by Baseball America, then consider that the Sox gave up one of the best pitchers in the game to acquire Moncada, Michael Kopech, Luis Alexander Basabe and Victor Diaz in December. But after the Sox sent him to minor-league camp this week to prepare for his start with Triple-A Charlotte, Moncada said he isn't out to prove himself as a player worth the stomach-churning price of parting with Chris Sale. "I don't really feel the pressure because of that situation," Moncada said through a team interpreter. "I feel good, relaxed and I'm just trying to enjoy this team. The experience that I had with the major-league team was good during spring training." After a slow start, Moncada got hot over the last couple of weeks and finished Cactus League play with a.317 batting average, four doubles, a triple, three homers, 13 RBIs, five walks and 14 strikeouts. "That was the result of my routine and my work," Moncada said. "But it was also because I was feeling more comfortable at home plate with my swing, with my rhythm." He also continued his development at second base, and manager Rick Renteria praised bench coach Joe McEwing for having Moncada take grounders last week at shortstop and third base, where Moncada played some in Cuba. He said the drill helped Moncada to remember how to play more relaxed. "He just wanted me to have fun at the position, to be more loose with my feet," Moncada said. Moncada seemed upbeat about developing a comfort level with the Sox players and coaches. The Sox have yet to reveal just how long it will be before Moncada makes his debut at Guaranteed Rate Field, saying players will let them know their readiness with their performance.

5 "It was kind of difficult for me, but it wasn't my decision to make," he said. "It was their decision and I accept it." Bullpen back: Renteria expects closer David Robertson and setup man Nate Jones to return to the team by Friday after they pitched for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. "They've already been pitching in high-leverage situations, so I'm not sure if we'll pull back on them a little bit to allow them to regroup," Renteria said. "Once we have conversations with them in person we'll figure out what path to take." Renteria, who said he usually gets to Camelback Ranch by 5 or 5:30 a.m., didn't catch Team USA's 8-0 victory over Puerto Rico, during which Robertson pitched a scoreless ninth inning. "I was asleep by 8:15 or 8:30," he said. Thursday's recap: White Sox 4, Reds 2 Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune March 23, 2017 White Sox left-hander Jose Quintana retired the first 17 batters and pitched seven scoreless innings in a 4-2 victory over the Reds on Thursday at Camelback Ranch. In front of a large crop of scouts, the trade candidate gave up a double to Beau Amaral with two out in the sixth for the Reds' first baserunner. At the plate: Nicky Delmonico hit his third homer in the fourth against Reds starter Bronson Arroyo to give the Sox a 2-0 lead and added an RBI double in the sixth. On the mound: In his first Cactus League game since Feb. 26, Quintana gave up two hits, struck out three, caught a sixth-inning line drive and picked a runner off first in the seventh. In relief: Zack Burdi gave up two eighth-inning runs, just the second time he has been scored upon in 10 appearances. Key number: 2 Sox ejections in the last six games. Avisail Garcia was ejected in the eighth. Manager Rick Renteria was ejected Saturday. The quote: "I feel better when I'm in the big-league game. The stadium has a little more energy. Sometimes we need a couple of starts in the minor leagues to work on something, but this time I feel pretty good." Quintana Up next: at Athletics, 3:05 p.m. Friday in Mesa. LH Carlos Rodon vs. RH Kendall Graveman. Reynaldo Lopez, Lucas Giolito to play the working-while-waiting game Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune March 23, 2017 Reynaldo Lopez had a mic-drop moment Thursday morning during an interview with reporters at Camelback Ranch. When the White Sox's No. 4 prospect was asked through team interpreter Billy Russo if he could be a quality majorleague pitcher now, he ended the media session with a one-word response. Si, he said in a confident manner that avoided cockiness. The Sox aren t giving Lopez that chance yet, even though he impressed many in his first spring since joining the team via a trade with the Nationals. The Sox already have a full rotation with Jose Quintana, Carlos Rodon, James Shields, Miguel Gonzalez and Derek Holland set to start in a yet-to-be-revealed order in April. Unless one of them is traded soon, the team doesn t have an opening for Lopez or his Triple-A Charlotte-bound counterparts, Lucas Giolito and Carson Fulmer. The Sox may have been pretty clear that none of the top prospects would begin the year with the team, but Lopez said he still thought he could. A spring showing in which he posted a 3.72 ERA with 14 strikeouts over 19 1/3 innings likely encouraged that thought process. That was my goal, and I believe in that, Lopez said. I was kind of surprised when they told me I wouldn t make the team. But like I said before, I have to keep working hard. It doesn t matter to me if I make the team or not, if I was sent down, I would work as hard as I always work here, and I m going to do it.

6 Prospect Reynaldo Lopez on being sent to the minors White Sox prospect Reynaldo Lopez on being sent to the minors. (Colleen Kane/Chicago Tribune) Lopez said he plans to continue work started this spring with pitching coach Don Cooper, including moving more to the middle of the pitching rubber and working on his cutter. He first tried the cutter, which is thrown from the same angle as his slider but doesn t have the same movement, with the Nationals and worked on it in the Dominican Republic this offseason. It s not just for lefties, Lopez said. That can be a very good pitch for righties too. I think something good is coming with that pitch for me. Giolito, the No. 2 prospect who was also part of the Nationals trade for Adam Eaton, showed up for his interview cleanshaven to fall in step with the Sox policy for their minor leaguers, a group he now belongs to. Got to follow the rules, he said. The 6-foot-6 Giolito said he is pleased with where his delivery is after struggling with it last season, and he posted a 5.59 ERA in 9 2/3 innings in four Cactus League starts this year. I m just making sure that I stay smooth as I can and consistent as I can and repeat my delivery, he said. He said there was no disappointment on his end because he knows if he continues to work he should receive another major-league opportunity soon. I m young, Giolito said. I m 22. There s still a lot to learn. Like Carson said, getting the taste of the majors makes you hungry to want to get there and stay there. I know I have a lot of work ahead of me to be able to put everything together so I can get up there and contribute the best I can. Quintana pitches seven scoreless innings vs. Reds Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun Times March 23, 2017 Left-hander Jose Quintana looks more than ready for Opening Day. The Reds didn t bring their best team to Camelback Ranch, but Quintana commanded the strike zone for seven scoreless innings. He retired the first 17 batters he faced, allowed two hits, walked none and struck out three. I attacked the zone early, Quintana said. When you re ahead of every batter, it s good. I was getting some quick outs early. Quintana threw 53 of his 79 pitches for strikes and threw a little more in the bullpen to get his pitch count around 90. He likely will scale back in his final spring outing on the back fields next week. Manager Rick Renteria still won t say Quintana will start the season opener April 3 against the Tigers at Guaranteed Rate Field, but it s certain he will unless he is traded. Renteria hasn t addressed the order of the Sox rotation, perhaps because Quintana s name is a topic of trade rumors (at least 17 scouts from other teams were in attendance). But the Sox are holding firm with a high asking price for him, and the possibility of him staying remains good. Three for Nicky D Left fielder Nicky Delmonico hit a two-run home run his third homer of the spring and doubled in a run. Eye on the Burdi It was a rough outing for 2016 first-round draft pick Zack Burdi, who allowed two runs, two hits and two walks while getting only one out. On deck Sox at Athletics, Mesa, 3:05 p.m., CSN, Carlos Rodon vs. Kendall Graveman.

7 At least 17 scouts were in attendance for Jose Quintana s start Thursday against the Reds in Glendale, Ariz. Jason Benetti on calling Sox games: I could do this forever Daryl Van Schouwen / Chciago Sun Times March 23, 2017 GLENDALE, Ariz. All of this is still kind of soaking in for Jason Benetti, who is standing outside the White Sox springtraining complex on a sunny, 71-degree morning in March. Birds are chirping, players are walking by in their spikes on the concrete and Benetti is getting ready to call a baseball game for the team he grew up cheering on. Benetti, 33, was the kid who wrote an elementary-school paper about his desire to be the Sox announcer. His childhood experiences weren t like most of ours because he was confined to a wheelchair for a spell because of cerebral palsy. As a young Sox fan, he cheered on Frank Thomas and shouted out Ken Hawk Harrelson s catchphrases. Today, as he prepares to call Sox home games for a second full season, a dream job for him shoot, a dream job for thousands, probably Benetti still can t get over the reality he s actually doing this for a living. I run into people in other cities, and they want to talk Sox, Benetti said. And it s crazy I m the one they want to talk Sox with. I wouldn t give this up for anything. It s weird to say it, but I could do this forever. Yeah, I could. Benetti s broadcast partner, Steve Stone, predicts stardom for Benetti. Stone also works next to Harrelson, who is doing mostly road games now, and said he enjoys the diverse broadcasts. Hawk has given long and meritorious service to the White Sox, Stone said, calling Harrelson the face of the franchise. On the other side of the page, you have a guy who is special. I m not just talking talent. You can t teach a sense of humor, and he has a very good one. You have to entertain the fans. That s one thing younger broadcasters have a hard time with, but Jason doesn t. He understands we re baseball broadcasters and we re in the entertainment business. Benetti is a trailblazer of sorts, doing his thing after overcoming significant obstacles. He was born 10 weeks premature, but he is through the worst of the hurdles that came with cerebral palsy. Stone said Benetti is an inspiration. If I can help somebody do something tomorrow they couldn t do today, that s what I want to do, Benetti said. A tireless worker, Benetti is a big preparation guy who admits getting lost surfing through the Baseball Reference website, a treasure trove of facts, statistics and information. You could lose a family in there, he said. But Benetti isn t all fun and games on the air. He listens to recordings of his broadcasts to make himself better. Rarely do I ever say, That s OK, he said. I ve listened to myself, and I say, Where was I vocally there? Why did I make that choice? Why didn t I pause? That sort of thing. I try to hit those moments right after game because I like to remember what I was thinking at the time. Was I looking at my computer or talking to Steve and got sidetracked? Why did I tell that story when it didn t fit? What was the psychological reason? Was I on autopilot? Sometimes you say stupid things. Most times, Benetti doesn t. He is good at what he does now and only figures to get better as he enters his second season. Brooks Boyer, the Sox vice president for marketing and sales, said feedback on Benetti s first season was solidly positive. He has been received very well by our fans, Boyer said. There is nothing that is going to stand in his way because he wants to he s willing to put in the time and he has astonishing talent, Stone said. We re just seeing the tip of the iceberg as far as the talent of Jason Benetti. Starting at AAA difficult but Yoan Moncada accepts decision

8 Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun Times March 23, 2017 GLENDALE, Ariz. Yoan Moncada cost the Red Sox $63 million, and the $31.5 million signing bonus he got made him the highest-paid MLB prospect ever. He s the No. 2 prospect in baseball, according to Baseball America and MLBpipeline.com. Plus, he was traded for Chris Sale, a five-time All-Star entering his prime and considered one of the best pitchers in baseball. It all flows into one wide river of expectations, which can be a lot for a 21-year-old. Yoan Moncada poses on Chicago White Sox Photo Day. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) But Moncada lets it all slide off his broad shoulders. I don t really feel the pressure because of those situations, Moncada said Thursday through a translator. I feel good, relaxed, and I m just trying to enjoy this team. Moncada said his goal is to be working hard and to keep enjoying the game and enjoy this opportunity. For now, that will be at Class AAA Charlotte, where the muscular, switch-hitting, five-tool prospect, who reminded scouts of Mike Trout and has drawn comparisons to Robinson Cano, will open the season after finishing strong in -Arizona. Moncada batted.317 with three homers, one triple, four doubles and a team-high 13 RBI in Cactus League games. In his last seven games, he went 10-for-22 with those four doubles and three home runs. That was the result of my routine and my work, he said. I was also feeling more comfortable at home plate with my swing, with my rhythm. That was the reason I had better results at the end. The late run began after he struck out four consecutive times March 12 against the Dodgers. In his fifth at-bat, he doubled off the left-field wall. Moncada still needs to work on his fielding. He made five errors this spring, some on routine ground balls. He has worked with coach Joe McEwing on widening his base and improving his footwork in the infield. He had 207 plate appearances at Class AA and 284 at high Class A with the Red Sox last season, which isn t much. There quite possibly is more to be gained at the minor-league level. And waiting till May to call him up saves the Sox a year of service time. The Red Sox were so high on Moncada s talent that they paid a 100 percent luxury tax on his signing bonus. Moncada believes, as most top prospects do, that he s ready now. But he seems to understand all that is involved. It was kind of difficult for me, but it wasn t my decision to make, Moncada said. It was their decision and for me to accept it. Lopez disappointed, but knows time will come with White Sox Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun Times March 23, 2017 GLENDALE, Ariz. Of all the White Sox newly acquired prospects, Reynaldo Lopez looked like he s closest to being major league ready. But not close enough. Lopez, like Lucas Giolito, Michael Kopech and Yoan Moncada, was sent out of major league camp this week. Much to his disappointment, he will open the season at AAA Charlotte. Yeah, I thought I would make the team, Lopez said Thursday morning through translator Billy Russo. That was my goal. I was kind of surprised when they told me I wouldn t make the team. But I have to keep working hard. Reynaldo Lopez throws against the Milwaukee Brewers on March 10, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Lopez was told by the Sox that his time was going to come.

9 It shouldn t be too long. He pitched to a 3.72 ERA over five starts, striking out 14 and walking five over 19 1/3 innings. Three and a half months after the trade that sent Lopez and right-handers Giolito and Dane Dunning to the Sox for Adam Eaton, Lopez, who pitched 44 innings for the Nationals last season, is OK with the trade, even if he didn t make the Opening Day roster. I ve been feeling good because I ve been learning a lot with my coaches and my teammates, he said. There are a bunch of people here who have a lot of experience, and I ve been trying to pick their brains and learn from them. Right now, I feel really good to be here. White Sox ace Jose Quintana puts on show in victory over Reds By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago March 23, :35 PM GLENDALE, Ariz. Those pesky, persistent trade rumors continue to be no match for White Sox starting pitcher Jose Quintana. The 2016 All-Star was outstanding on Thursday afternoon as he made his first Cactus League appearance in nearly a month. Still waiting on word if he'll be the team's Opening Day starter, Quintana pitched seven scoreless innings against a thin Cincinnati Reds lineup in a 4-2 White Sox victory at Camelback Ranch. Pitching in front of more than a dozen scouts, Quintana limited Cincinnati to two hits in a 79-pitch outing and struck out three. "I just try to turn the page quick and keep going," Quintana said. "Never watch behind me and try to go ahead every time I can. I want to put my team in a good position to win games. It's good when you win games in spring training. It brings good energy for the season." Quintana on Thursday followed the same format he did for Colombia against Team USA in the World Baseball Classic on March 10 as he retired the first 17 Reds hitters he faced. Even after he surrendered a hit, Quintana got back to work. Featuring a fastball that sat between mph early, Quintana had Cincinnati hitters off-balance all day. After he exited the game, Quintana sprinted to the right-field bullpen to throw 15 more pitches as he continues to build arm strength. The outing is more of the same consistency the White Sox have come to expect from their trusted lefty. It's also why they refuse to remove the high sticker price attached to Quintana, who has competed at least 200 innings the past four seasons with a 3.32 overall ERA in that span. As Opening Day approaches, the White Sox continue to listen to offers for Quintana but have refused to budge on their price. Manager Rick Renteria said on Wednesday he needed a few more days before naming his starter for the April 3 opener, which suggests the team would still trade Quintana at this late date. But unless one of the team's suitors finally antes up, it's hard to believe that anyone other than Quintana would take the mound against the Detroit Tigers when the 2017 season kicks off at Guaranteed Rate Field. Quintana is on target to pitch again Tuesday, though perhaps in a minor league game as the White Sox face Kansas City that day. His next turn would come on April 2, which would easily afford the team the chance to push him back one day. Giving Quintana the nod in the opener would be the latest honor bestowed upon him. Earlier this month, Quintana dominated the eventual WBC champion as he didn't allow a hit until there were two outs in the sixth inning. That performance came after an outstanding campaign in which Quintana finally appeared in an All-Star Game. All of the above has Quintana feeling pretty good about his abilities. "I have confidence in me, and every time I go out there I just try to have fun and enjoy that time," Quintana said. "I spend good time with my teammates. Every time I go to the mound, I feel pretty good." Nicky Delmonico homered and singled in a run in the victory for the White Sox. He drove in three runs and hit his third homer of the spring. Leury Garcia also had two hits and made a pair of nice defensive plays at second base. With first big contract in hand, Tim Anderson planning a run to the Pepsi machine By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago March 23, 2017 GLENDALE, Ariz. Tim Anderson plans to buy one very expensive Pepsi.

10 When it comes time to make his first big purchase, the White Sox shortstop already has a good idea what he's going to do. As he quickly rose through the minors, Anderson who signed a six-year deal Tuesday that could pay him $50.5 million through 2024 talked to his mother about her retiring if he ever reached the big leagues. But all Lucille Brown joked that she has wanted from Anderson is a Pepsi, just one Pepsi. Anderson said on Thursday morning that he intends to make good on his promise and then some. "She always told me, 'I don't want anything from you, I just wish you the best. The only thing I want from you is for you to buy me a Pepsi,'" Anderson said. "Pepsi is her favorite soda. The first thing I'm going to do is I'm going to buy her a Mercedes and I'm going to buy a Pepsi and put it in the cup holder for her." An outpatient healthcare worker, Brown and her husband Roger who are Anderson's aunt and uncle raised Anderson along with their three children. Anderson said he and Brown have discussed her retirement over the past few years and will broach the topic again in the future. If Lucille decides to retire, Anderson thinks she might take up decorating houses, which she did for the second-year player after he recently purchased a home in North Carolina. But for now, Anderson wants to take care of his family for helping him attain his goal of playing in the big leagues, which led to the "life-changing" contract. "I think she's going to retire," Anderson said. "We haven't picked up on that conversation yet, but we'll talk about it. "I feel like nothing but good people have been in my circle from the time that I got drafted." Is Lucas Giolito still worth the hype? The highly-touted pitching prospect has a fresh start in Chicago but expectations remain high and all of baseball is waiting to see what he can do. Jerry Crasnick / March 23, 2017 ESPN Senior Writer GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Lucas Giolito has an extensive to-do list, so before a mid-march Sunday matinee, the Chicago White Sox tinker with his schedule. Rather than make the 22-mile trip to Tempe for a relief appearance against the Los Angeles Angels, Giolito is assigned to start for Chicago's Double-A Birmingham club on a back field at the team's Camelback Ranch complex. Roughly 30 people watch from the metal bleachers behind home plate as he goes into his windup for the first time beneath a merciless, searing sun. It is not an outing to remember. Giolito allows two home runs and a double to the first three batters for Seattle's Double-A Arkansas affiliate, and things don't improve much over the next few innings. His mph fastball velocity is serviceable, but he has trouble commanding the pitch and routinely falls behind hitters. And for each breaking ball that bends with breathtaking authority over the heart of the plate, he squeezes two or three that bounce in the dirt. Several talent evaluators in attendance take notes. An American League scout observes that Giolito needs to add more deception to his delivery. And another scout, who concedes that spring training is a "terrible time" to judge players, says the outing isn't unlike what Giolito has displayed throughout the spring. "Even when he's getting outs and navigating through B-level lineups, he's having to trick hitters and pitch backwards," the scout said. "He looks more like the crafty right-handed veteran than the young guy with the tools we've all heard about -- the big fastball and big breaking ball. I haven't seen much of that. It's been very vanilla." The White Sox want Giolito to space out his 75 or so allotted pitches, so a couple of times he walks off the mound with runners on base and the inning in a state of suspended animation. After the Arkansas club scores on a single, a stolen base, a wild pitch, another single and a walk in the fourth inning, he finally calls it a day. In the big picture, one character-building setback in a hermetically sealed environment is meaningless. Giolito is 22 years old, and he has time to find a delivery that feels comfortable for him. But he's also not far removed from being proclaimed the best pitching prospect in the game, so expectations can be stifling.

11 "I'm trying to be fair to the kid," said an American League personnel man. "He's gotten a lot of 'phenom' attention and right now he's going through a human period. He looks like a player who's thinking and feeling his way through the game rather than letting his natural ability play." When the Nationals included Lucas Giolito in a trade to land Adam Eaton, the move turned heads across the baseball industry. Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire GIOLITO WAS HANGING out in Southern California in early December watching TV with his good friend, Atlanta Braves pitching prospect Max Fried, when he learned the course of his professional life was about to change. "You should probably pull out your phone and look at Twitter," Fried told him. Within moments, the news was everywhere. The Washington Nationals, intent on making an impact move after falling short in their pursuit of Chris Sale, switched to Plan B and sent Giolito and fellow pitching prospects Reynaldo Lopez and Dane Dunning to Chicago for Adam Eaton, a 28-year-old outfielder with a rising profile. A defensive dominator in right field, Eaton goes by the nickname "Spanky," and Washington general manager Mike Rizzo has expressed admiration for his grittiness. After receiving confirmation calls from the Nationals and White Sox, Giolito warmed to the idea of a fresh start. But the deal was also a lesson in the fleeting nature of prospect adulation. "A couple of years ago, when I was doing well in the low minors and people were saying a lot of good stuff about me, it was easy to think, 'I'll just make it up to big leagues, stay there and dominate and there won't be any problems,'" Giolito said. "But the reality of the situation is, this is a very hard thing to do. As a young player, there's a lot to learn. I think it's good to go through certain levels of adversity to kind of harden you, toughen you up and prepare you for what hopefully is a very long career." Reaction to the trade ranged from befuddlement to shock. Giolito had received early attention for his family's show business pedigree and appeared to have all the makings of a future All-Star. In February 2016, ESPN's Keith Law rated Giolito as his No. 3 prospect in baseball behind Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager and Minnesota outfielder Byron Buxton. "The Nationals have one ace right now in Max Scherzer, but within a few years, they'll have a second one joining him," Law wrote. In July, reports had surfaced that the Nationals might be willing to trade Giolito to the New York Yankees straight up for reliever Andrew Miller. Then four months later, they turned around and included him in a 3-for-1 for Eaton, a good-but-notgreat player whose value was enhanced by an affordable long-term contract. Team officials and media members looking to make sense of the situation were left to fill in the blanks: Did Rizzo and the Nationals overreact to their failed trade pursuit of Sale and overpay for Eaton? Did they see something in Giolito's 21 1/3- inning cameo in Washington last summer to suggest he was expendable? ESPN.com asked several front-office people for their thoughts on Giolito, and it wasn't hard to find skeptics. "I think he will be a bullpen guy down the line, kind of like a Jon Rauch or Luke Hochevar," said a National League executive. "He got hyped up a lot and Washington found out later. Usually, the drafting team is the last to know." "I've heard a lot of mixed stuff over the years," said an American League scout. "Is it a repeatable delivery and arm action? There's some question there. I think his stuff has been overplayed as front-line, and I'm not quite sure that's consistently the case." Some of the critiques seem harsh given that Giolito is so early in his learning curve. Giolito struck out 397 batters in 369 minor league innings even as the Nationals pushed him aggressively through their system. He had to deal with the trauma of a Tommy John surgery at age 18. And at 6-6, 255 pounds, he's working through some mechanical issues that are exacerbated by all those moving parts. "As a 22-year-old who's already missed a year with Tommy John, Lucas Giolito deserves a chance to grow and evolve," said an American League front-office man. "He really hasn't had enough innings to show us what he's going to be. "Maybe the phenom ceiling won't develop the way people thought, but that doesn't mean he's not in a position to have a very long and productive major league career. Unfortunately, it never happens on the team's timeline or the fans' timeline. It's always on the player's timeline. Sometimes those things don't match up."

12 SHORTLY BEFORE THE White Sox assigned Giolito to their Triple-A camp this week, he warmed up with several other pitchers in left field while Don Cooper looked on from a golf cart. Cooper, Chicago's pitching coach since 2002, is a blunt, plain-spoken New Yorker with a world of knowledge and an affinity for tough love. When he sees Giolito's progression, a piece of him flashes back to Jon Garland, another 6-6 righty who logged a 6.46 ERA in his debut with the White Sox at age 20. Garland, another high draft pick, never developed into a superstar, but he did win 136 games and make an All- Star team. "Nolan Ryan and Randy Johnson didn't grab the brass ring the first time around the merry-go-round," Cooper said. "When Jon Garland was coming up, much was expected of him and he wasn't ready to give it at that time. Some nights he took his lumps. Some nights he gave lumps. But he was tough enough mentally to realize that when he took his lumps, he didn't suck. I don't want to get corny, but it's kind of like life. A lot of negative stuff comes your way, and you've gotta keep making steps forward." As his rapport with Giolito evolves, Cooper dabbles in what he calls "alterations" rather than full-fledged changes. From watching video, Cooper noticed that Giolito was lifting his lead arm too high in his delivery and it was hindering his ability to get out front with his pitches. The White Sox also shifted Giolito from the third-base side of the rubber to the middle to enhance his ability to throw the ball down and away to righty hitters. During Giolito's time in Washington, the Nationals made some changes in the front of his delivery, and it produced an internal tug-of-war between doing what comes naturally and what might be best for his long-term success. Giolito's mechanics remain a work in progress. "He's very upright and doesn't get into his lower half," one scout said. "He comes straight up with knee, and his lead leg kind of swings like a gate. It opens up his front side early, and hitters can see him so long, it's almost like he's throwing out of a movie screen. "He has less extension, and it prevents him from reaching out front and driving his hand and the baseball to a specific spot in the strike zone," the scout continued. "It's like he's throwing at the strike zone rather than to a specific spot. And his reach with his front side is more like a fall and a jarring stomp that makes the release point float around a little bit." By all accounts, Giolito is committed and mature enough to take this type of constructive criticism and learn from it. He recounts a watershed moment after the 2016 season, when Nationals pitching coach Mike Maddux brought him in for a pep talk and a history lesson. Among other things, Giolito filed away the revelation that Maddux's brother, Greg, and Scherzer, Washington's best pitcher, both encountered some rough patches early in their careers. "I was kind of down on myself about how unsuccessful I was last year in the big leagues, and Mike sat me down and we talked about how everyone is gonna struggle," Giolito said. "There are very few players who get drafted and get to the big leagues and have a ton of success. We looked up Max's stats when he first came up in the league, and his brother's stats. They're household names, but everyone has to learn something." In solitary side sessions and games, Lucas Giolito will continue to apply those lessons to his own professional journey. Can he regain the prospect glow that seemed so luminous only a year or two ago? No matter the venue, the baseball world will be watching. White Sox Hope to Hit It Big with Tim Anderson Contract by Craig Edwards / Fan Graphs March 23, 2017 Tim Anderson and the Chicago White Sox have agreed to an extension that will pay the young shortstop $25 million over six years and which includes two team options that could double the amount of the contract. The deal is both big and small. It s the largest contract ever given to an MLB player with less than a year of service time. So that s significant. On the other hand, the contract also figures to pay Anderson an average annual value that equates to an amount less than deals signed this winter by Boone Logan and Mitch Moreland. If Anderson doesn t progress as a major-league player and is out of the league in a couple years, he ll have at least made $25 million a substantial figure, in other words. If Anderson is good, then the White Sox will have themselves a huge bargain. Contracts like Anderson s aren t very common. While extensions are signed with some frequency by players who ve recorded a year-plus of service time and occur with similar frequency for players at each year of service time until free agency that s not the case for players like Anderson, who have little experience in the majors.

13 Consider: since 2010, there have been 143 extensions of three or more years given to players who ve recorded less than six years of service time, per MLB Trade Rumors. Of those deals, Tim Anderson s is just the fifth signed by a player with less than a year of service time. That s a rarity, as the graph below reveals. As to why these contract extensions are so rare, one likely explanation is the lack of incentive for a team to pursue a deal any earlier. While extensions such as these can certainly represent bargains for team and while teams certainly like bargains clubs can frequently secure players for similar terms after a year or two of play. That allows them to gather more information about the player in question. The table below present the average and median guarantees for players by service time. Keep in mind that, for less than one year, we have a very small sample of players. I didn t separate out super-2 players in this table, but doing so would push that 2-3 number down even further. Teams would love to get a bargain right away, but after a year or two of data, they know a whole lot more about a player and are still compelled to offer very little in terms of guarantees. It might look like the bargains actually continue into arbitration at the 3-4-year period, but those contracts tend to buy out the fewest free-agent seasons, which suppresses the overall values of those deals. Once players get close to free agency, that s when teams start giving up money that can really affect the bottom line. Let s compare Anderson s deal to those of other players who ve signed contracts with under a year of service time. We ll look at the four other players since 2010 and the one other deal from the past decade. Remember that contract extension Evan Longoria signed nine years ago, just as he was starting his MLB career? Had he not signed another extension in 2012 (which takes him through the 2022 campaign), that deal would have lasted until the end of last year and paid Longoria $41.5 million over its duration. Over that same period of time, Longoria produced roughly $330 million in value. Longoria s current guaranteed will pay him $99 million over the next six years. Longoria s not the only player who received a contract extension that wasn t entirely necessary at the time. Last year, the Royals extended Salvador Perez s contract from above. Last season, Dave Cameron ranked Chris Archer No. 21 in his Trade Value Series. At the time, Archer had a 4.25 FIP and 4.66 ERA and Cameron indicated a strong second half could push his value up. Archer put up a 3.25 ERA and 3.29 FIP and is projected for a four-win season. Archer would still have a lot of value three more years of control had he not signed the contract, but three more years at a reduced price ($18.5 M) compared to arbitration plus two more years at $20 million total makes him one of the most valuable players after accounting for salary obligations. Even one of the failures above should be considered a success. After signing his contract extension, Matt Moore had a solid 2012 season, a decent three-quarters of a season in 2013 and was mostly worthless in 2014 and All it took was an average first half in 2016 and Moore, along with three reasonable team options beginning this season, netted the Rays Matt Duffy, Lucius Fox, and Michael Santos. The only deal that hasn t worked out for a team is Jon Singleton s, whom the Astros extended before Singleton was called up. That contract will end up not buying out any free-agent seasons as Singleton hasn t played much in the majors, but the $2 million commitment is just a drop in the bucket for the Astros. As for Anderson, he does receive the biggest contract ever for a player without less than a year of service time this despite not having been a top-five prospect like Longoria or Moore. Anderson had a solid debut last season, hitting.283/.306/.432 for a 95 wrc+, an above-average mark for a shortstop. It s possible, given his physical skills, that could post higher-than-average BABIPs, but likely not close to as high as the.383 he recorded last year. With just a 3% walk rate, he s not doing his OBP any favors, either. And while he does have decent power, he struck out in 27% of his plate appearances. When he was called up, Eric Longenhagen had this to say: Though there s some volatility in discerning just how impactful he ll be, Anderson is almost certainly going to be a useful major-league player given his explosiveness and ability to play shortstop. I wouldn t suggest White Sox fans or redraft fantasy owners get their collective hopes up this season, but Anderson has a chance to be an above-average everyday player if even some of his present ills are remedied and a star if all of them are. If Anderson were a free agent and the White Sox were making a major investment, this move might be questionable in light of what Anderson has shown thus far. Anderson isn t a free agent, though, and this isn t a major investment. If Anderson is even an average everyday player, this deal will work out well for the White Sox with the potential for a tremendous bargain, both in arbitration and in the two potential free-agent seasons the team bought out. As for Anderson,