WHITE SOX HEADLINES OF

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1 WHITE SOX HEADLINES OF April 3, 2017 In My Words: Frazier on Opening Day Todd Frazier, MLB.com Rodon, two others on DL as Sox set roster Scott Merkin, MLB.com White Sox believing; Quintana ignores rumors Scott Merkin, MLB.com Rick Renteria on Jose Quintana: 'You start to fall in love with him' Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune White Sox manager Rick Renteria channels Gene Hackman's 'Hoosiers' character Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune Rick Renteria knows one speed: It s hard to put me in a box Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times Throng up the middle: 5 White Sox making first Opening Day start Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times White Sox Opening Day lineup is set Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun Times Growth Spurt: How Tim Anderson developed into a blossoming star Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago White Sox want Jacob May to enjoy the moment of making MLB debut on opening day JJ Stankevitz, CSN Chicago White Sox finalize 25-Man Roster Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago White Sox P Jose Quintana focuses on Opening Day, not past trade rumors Associated Press Renteria: Rebuilding Chicago White Sox aren't going to roll over Scott Gregor, Daily Herald New Chicago White Sox ace Quintana still answering trade questions? Scott Gregor, Daily Herald White Sox 25-man roster looks to be set Scott Gregor, Daily Herald Rodon was placed on the 10-day DL by White Sox Associated Press In My Words: Frazier on Opening Day By Todd Frazier / Special to MLB.com March 31st, 2017 I always say, once you experience your first Opening Day, you will want to have 100 of them. There's nothing like Opening Day. It is unlike any game we play the rest of the season. There's a chill in the air, and everyone is pumped up. I remember in Cincinnati, Opening Day was unbelievable. It was like a holiday with a parade. I lived right next to the ballpark, and it was crazy to see people out there so early before the game. That's Opening Day. Last year's home opener in Chicago might have been the coldest I've ever been for a game. So what? I hit a homer, and the fans were so excited for the new season. Growing up, I was a Red Sox fan. But it doesn't matter if you're a fan of the worst team in baseball. Everyone feels you've got a chance to win it when the season starts. There's a lot of optimism. You can talk all the smack you want with your friends, but on Opening Day, everyone is 0-0. Spring Training is long, and the players are ready to play some real games. The stats all count now. It's a feeling of owning the day and understanding I'm here for a reason. If you're not nervous on Opening Day, then you don't care, to be honest with you. When you pick up the bat and go to the on-deck circle for the first time, the butterflies are flying. That means you care about the game. You care about the fans. You care about the city. It's pretty surreal. If guys tell you they're not thinking about getting that first hit, they'd be lying. You want to put numbers up there right away. It doesn't matter what kind of hit you get. It could be a blooper, or a broken-bat single over the first baseman's head. You just want to get some numbers up there so you can breathe again. I'll never forget Opening Day with the Reds in It was tied 2-2 against the Pirates in the bottom of the eighth inning. I was 0-for-3, and I came up with runners on first and third and one out. I'm just trying to get the run in from third. I'd take a fielder's choice. I got a good pitch and hit a three-run homer. I flipped the bat. I felt like I was walking on air. I got my first hit, first homer and first RBI all at the same time. We wound up winning 5-2, and it's one of the best memories of my career.

2 That's what is so great about baseball. It is a failing sport. You fail more than you succeed. You might be 0-for-3 on the day, but there's always an opportunity to be a hero. On Opening Day, everyone says it's only the first game; it's still early. But you can't take anything for granted. You never know. If you lose games early you should have won, and then you finish a game or two out of the playoffs, you're in trouble. Those games were a big deal. We'll be ready to put our best foot forward against Detroit on Opening Day. There's nothing like hearing your name introduced for the first time, and the crowd roars. It's the start of a new season. It's go time. Let's play ball. Rodon, two others on DL as Sox set roster By Scott Merkin / April 2nd, 2017 CHICAGO -- The White Sox finalized their Opening Day roster Sunday by placing left-handed starter Carlos Rodon (left biceps bursitis), reliever Juan Minaya (right abdominal strain) and outfielder Charlie Tilson (stress reaction in right foot) on the 10-day disabled list retroactive to March 30. Infielder Cody Asche, catcher Geovany Soto and right-handed pitcher Anthony Swarzak also had their contracts purchased by the team, giving the White Sox 12 pitchers, two catchers, eight infielders and three outfielders on their Opening Day roster. Their 40-man roster sits at 39. "It means the world to me," said Swarzak, who will get a look at fifth starter along with Dylan Covey in Rodon's absence. "Any time you get an opportunity to play on Opening Day in the Major Leagues, you cherish it. It's something very special. "I really like it here, the group of guys here, the staff, the coaches. Everything seems to just fit me and my personality. I had a good spring, and now here I am." Detroit and Justin Verlander will face a White Sox Opening Day lineup Monday at Guaranteed Rate Field including center fielder Jacob May, shortstop Tim Anderson, catcher Omar Narvaez, second baseman Tyler Saladino and pitcher Jose Quintana making their first Opening Day starts. May, 25, will be making his Major League debut in the same contest. "I'm excited," said the switch-hitting May after Sunday's workout. "It's a dream come true, so I'm just excited to be here, and hopefully help this team win a lot of games." "You don't feel the cold weather or the rain," said White Sox third baseman Todd Frazier of the Opening Day feeling combined with the feeling of a big league debut. "Then you get in the box. I remember my first at-bat, I thought I was walking on the moon. It was a crazy time for me." White Sox believing; Quintana ignores rumors By Scott Merkin / April 2nd, 2017 The White Sox got off to a start in 2016, only to post a mark over the next 36 and quickly fall from American League Central leaders to out of contention. So White Sox third baseman Todd Frazier has a way to fix things in '17. "Get off to a bad start," a smiling Frazier said. "Then we will switch it around." Although the team is in the midst of a rebuild, Frazier believes in the current squad's overall capabilities. "We know we are a good team, and we are going to build off of each other," Frazier said. "Last year, we hit or we pitched. We have to hit and pitch at the same time, and good things will come." Quintana still tuning out rumors Jose Quintana was asked approximately five different ways about the possibility of being traded during his media session as part of Sunday's workout. The White Sox Opening Day starter and staff-ace even was asked if he had a preference in regard to which team he would like to be moved. Much like the similar questions coming his way back in January and February, Quintana was just focused on baseball. "My future is the present. My future is here," Quintana said. "I have to just control this year. I pay attention to right now. I'm focusing on the 2017 season and helping my team. "I'm happy here and that's it. I like my teammates, the organization, they gave me the opportunity to play in the big leagues. But we don't have control about rumors or trades. I don't spend time with that." Rain, rain stay away

3 The forecast for Monday's Opening Day contest between the White Sox and Tigers at Guaranteed Rate Field calls for rain but, even with Tuesday's off-day built in as a backup, the White Sox want to open the season Monday with a first pitch of 3:05 p.m. CT. "Well, I guess that's par for the course," Frazier said. "Last year, it snowed on our first game here. Just got to play through it. This first month, month and a half, you battle the elements. Ultimately everyone has to play in it so be ready to go." "It's going to be rainy," White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson said. "But we're definitely pumped and ready to go." Third to first White Sox manager Rick Renteria gave Dylan Covey the edge for the fifth starter's nod in place of Carlos Rodon, but nothing is set. Anthony Swarzak is ready to start, or work as many innings as needed. A spot for Mark Buehrle's No. 56 already has been cleared out among the retired numbers, between Frank Thomas' 35 and Carlton Fisk's 72. Buehrle will have his number retired on June 24. Rick Renteria on Jose Quintana: 'You start to fall in love with him' Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune April, 2, 2017 Jose Quintana has proved himself a master of handling the no-decision in his five seasons as a White Sox starting pitcher. As bullpen collapses and a lack of run support contributed to 59 no-decisions since 2012, the left-hander always stayed composed when talking about his fortunes. So it shouldn't be any surprise that as Quintana prepared for his first career opening-day start Monday against the Tigers, he insisted another type of no-decision won't affect his focus either. When the Sox kicked off their rebuilding project in December, most everyone wondered whether Quintana would still be in Sox gear in April, like he was Sunday during the last preseason workout of the spring at Guaranteed Rate Field. Most everyone will continue to wonder how long he'll stay this season as the Sox weigh offers for the highly valued 28-year-old against keeping him in the rebuild. If Monday is indeed the beginning of the end of Quintana on the South Side, he plans to make the most of it. "It's good to be here for another season," Quintana said. "I know there are rumors, but I just focus on doing my job. There's nothing I can do, just help my team when I can and that's it. Just play hard every time." He put it another way when asked again about his uncertain future. "My future is the present," he said. It's that kind of confusing season for the rebuilding Sox. While many fans may be living for the future of prospects spending the next month or more at Triple-A Charlotte, the many veteran players left on the team must live in the present. "I'll just say I'm kind of happy they're still here with us and they're going to be part of this club as we start," manager Rick Renteria said of his veterans. "Hopefully they're going to impact us in a positive way, as they have throughout their career and in the spring. They've been really instrumental helping us formulate the attitude the club has taken on over the last six, seven weeks." No one in the clubhouse is complaining about Quintana still being on the team. A model of consistency, he has posted ERAs of 3.51, 3.32, 3.36 and 3.20 over the last four seasons. His innings count has climbed from 200 innings to 2001/3, 2061/3 and 208 innings since "You start to fall in love with him," Renteria said. "The more you watch him pitch, the more you see him work, it's really easy to fall in love with the things he's capable of doing. He's very calm-demeanored, very focused. All his preparations and outings are the same executing his task. (Opening day) seems to fit him right now." Despite pitching behind Chris Sale during his career with the Sox, Quintana has begun to receive recognition, with his first All-Star nod, a World Baseball Classic start and now an opening-day start in the last nine months.

4 "He deserved it for sure," right-hander Miguel Gonzalez said. "I'm happy to have him on my team. If I was a hitter, I wouldn't want to face him. He paints the corners really well and does a really good job. We have a pretty good staff, and we're excited (about) opening day." Quintana, who will be paid $7 million this year, $8.85 million in 2018 and has team options for 2019 and 2020, has said a few times he would like to stay with the Sox, the team that gave him his first shot in the big leagues. They're also making him only the second Colombian behind the Braves' Julio Teheran to make an opening-day start. He said he can't wait for the honor. "Being back home," Quintana said, "I'm really happy to be here again for a new season." White Sox manager Rick Renteria channels Gene Hackman's 'Hoosiers' character Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune April 2, 2017 White Sox manager Rick Renteria said he takes a cue from fictional Hickory High School coach Norman Dale when he talks to players about their first game in the big leagues, as center fielder Jacob May will experience on opening day Monday at Guaranteed Rate Field. "I always think of the movie 'Hoosiers,' and Gene Hackman takes you out, he's measuring the baseline, measuring the 10- foot rim, and it's the same," Renteria said. "It's 90 feet, 60 feet, 6 inches, the fences are all the same. You're going to have a lot of people cheering for you, but you've still got to go play the game. You've got to bring it back to the most fundamental thing, which is focusing on what you're doing between the lines." May called it "a dream come true," and shortstop Tim Anderson and designated hitter Matt Davidson also expressed excitement to be experiencing their first opening days. Renteria will be managing his first game for the Sox, but he has been through it so many times as a coach, and once as Cubs manager, that he seemed more concerned with how his players will handle it. "Obviously it's going to be an exciting time, and I'm sure (May) is going to be a little amped up, which is normal," Renteria said. "Everybody always has butterflies their first time in the big leagues. That's actually a good thing. But managing emotions is something that he's going to have to do. I hope he has a good day tomorrow, just enjoys the moment." Lineup set: Renteria revealed two previously unannounced opening-day starters designated hitter Cody Asche and catcher Omar Narvaez. Here's the first Sox lineup against the Tigers: second baseman Tyler Saladino, Anderson, left fielder Melky Cabrera, first baseman Jose Abreu, third baseman Todd Frazier, Asche, right fielder Avisail Garcia, Narvaez, May. The Sox also placed left-hander Carlos Rodon (bursitis in left shoulder), outfielder Charlie Tilson (stress reaction in right foot) and right-hander Juan Minaya (right abdominal strain) on the 10-day disabled list. Renteria said right-hander Dylan Covey is scheduled, for now, to pitch for Rodon whenever they need to fill that slot in the rotation. Weather watch: The Sox had not yet made a determination Sunday afternoon about Monday's game status despite a forecast that includes a 90 percent chance of rain at times and a high near 50 degrees, according to weather.com. "I guess that (weather) is par for the course," said third baseman Todd Frazier, who noted the snow falling during the 2016 home opener. "It's going to be cold. We've just got to play through it this first month, month and a half. You battle the elements." Rick Renteria knows one speed: It s hard to put me in a box Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun Times April 2, 2017 Pitching coach Don Cooper had to marvel at Rick Renteria s pace during his first spring training as White Sox manager. He almost seemed concerned. You can t keep that up in a 162-game schedule, Cooper said.

5 Having managed the Cubs in 2014, Renteria knows a baseball season is a marathon, not a sprint. But there was important work to do this spring, laying a foundation for his new regime, bringing players and staff together and enforcing a plan to bring an acceptable brand of play, hopefully starting Monday, when the Sox host the Tigers on Opening Day at Guaranteed Rate Field. Rick Renteria talks to media before the White Sox' workout in advance of their season opener Monday. This is Renteria's first year on the job. There were a lot of things to do, Renteria said when told of Cooper s observation. When we started here, we talked about inspiring, encouraging and motivating players. We ve been consistent with that, sometimes in a firmer tone than others. Renteria is overseeing a rebuild with the Sox in a similar yet far from identical environment he worked in with the Cubs. He had a lot on his plate this spring, starting with team bonding that included players in the farm system and established veterans. He also preached fundamentals, execution and hustle. Every manager strives for that during spring training, but Renteria pursued it knowing first impressions mean a lot. It was a big step for all of us, Renteria said of spring training. And not to worry. Renteria, 55, knows the rigors of a 162-game schedule from his years as a player, coach and manager. He knows how to pace himself to avoid a crash and burn. During the regular season, my energy level is the same, but it s now going to be concentrated on 25 guys and our staff, he said, suggesting a lighter workload. I can t change. It s going to be hard to put me in a box, but it s the only way I m going to be able to function. Cooper, the Sox longest-tenured coach, has worked under Jerry Manuel, Ozzie Guillen, Robin Ventura and now Renteria. He got to know his new boss when Renteria was the bench coach last year, and he has bought into the rebuild, even though it meant seeing prized pupil Chris Sale traded. It s different, where we re at as a club, as an organization, Cooper said. Where we re trying to go and who we re trying to be in the years going forward. Rick has laid a solid foundation. Reporters down the hall from the Sox clubhouse this spring heard loud laughter during Renteria s team-bonding exercises. They heard the manager exhorting the team in almost Rockne-esque tones. On the field during morning drills, he was a hands-on voice of instruction and encouragement. Players say there is a firm side to him, as well. It s because Renteria wants things done right. If you make a mistake on the field, he sheds light on it in a positive way so it s instructive for everybody to learn from, infielder Tyler Saladino said. Everything we re doing has purpose, even if it s the smallest thing. And with so much passion. He s really trying to create community and family, organizationally inside and out. You come in excited for what he s got in the morning. Renteria has old-school roots, but he seems to adapt to the new-age player. Each day there s a message, some purpose he s trying to spread to us, Saladino said. It makes for a very good learning environment. Even if it s something you re aware of, just the way he breaks it down and the perspective he puts it in is on another level. Saladino said Renteria keeps the fire burning every day. It will be worth watching to see if he can sustain it. He s got this energy and emotion about him that you just cling to, third baseman Todd Frazier said. In the meetings, everybody is sitting up listening to what he s got going on. We have a mission: It s hustle hard and play with enthusiasm and emotion. Only good things can come out of that. Frazier had genuine respect for Ventura and said he loved playing for him. But it was time for a change even Ventura acknowledged as much and Renteria provides a breath of fresh air.

6 And he s bringing it, Frazier said. We ll see what happens. Throng up the middle: 5 White Sox making first Opening Day start Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun Times April 2, 2017 Five White Sox will experience the baseball high of making that first Opening Day start Monday. One of them, center fielder Jacob May, will be making his major-league debut. It s a dream come true, said May, who will be penciled in ninth on Rick Renteria s first lineup card as Sox manager. It will also mark the first Opening Day start for second baseman Tyler Saladino, shortstop Tim Anderson, catcher Omar Narvaez and left-hander Jose Quintana. That encompasses all five positions up the middle of the diamond. Anderson, who opened last season at Class AAA Charlotte, fully expects a case of nerves. I feel like if I m not nervous, I m not ready, said Anderson, who signed a $25 million contract extension during spring training. I m going to be nervous definitely, but I m definitely ready. Todd Frazier will be playing in his sixth opener. There s nothing better, to be honest with you, he said. It s a great feeling when they announce your name. You don t feel the cold weather or the rain. I remember my first at-bat. I thought I was walking on the moon. As counsel for rookies such as May, Renteria referenced Gene Hackman in Hoosiers measuring the basketball court in a big stadium. It s 90 feet [on the baselines], 60 feet, 6 inches [from the pitcher s mound to home plate] and the fences are all the same, Renteria said. A door opened for May when Charlie Tilson was injured this spring. May responded by batting.319 with two walks, four stolen bases in five attempts and 11 runs. I m going to go out there and use my legs, May said. Anything I can do to help this team win, and I want to impact the game with my speed. As for nerves, that s all part of being a big-leaguer. Everybody always has butterflies their first time in the big leagues, Renteria said. That s actually a good thing. But managing emotions is something that he s going to have to do. Transactions Left-hander Carlos Rodon, right-hander Juan Minaya and Tilson were put on the 10-day disabled list, all retroactive to March 30. The Sox purchased the contracts of outfielder Cody Asche, right-hander Anthony Swarzak and catcher Geovany Soto, who were non-roster invitees to spring training. This and that Monday s lineup leaves corner infielder and designated hitter Matt Davidson, infielder-outfielder Leury Garcia, infielder Yolmer Sanchez and Soto on the bench. Renteria said right-hander Dylan Covey, whose status as a Rule 5 draft selection helped his chances of making the team, is likely to start in Rodon s absence. Rodon will be re-evaluated April 10, and he likely will miss most of the month before he gets back up to speed. A strong chance of rain is forecast for the opener. Tickets would be honored Tuesday, an open day, if the game is rained out. White Sox Opening Day lineup is set Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun Times April 2, 2017

7 Here s how first-year manager Rick Renteria will line up the White Sox for their season opener against the Tigers on Monday (3:10, CSN, 890-AM) at Guaranteed Rate Field: Tyler Saladino 2B Tim Anderson SS Melky Cabrera LF Jose Abreu 1B Todd Frazier 3B Cody Asche DH Avisail Garcia RF Omar Narvaez C Jacob May CF Jose Quintana P It will be the first Opening Day start for Saladino, Anderson, Narvaez, May and Quintana. It s a dream come true, said May, whose uncle Carlos May played for the Sox during the 1960s and 70s. May is making his major-league debut. For Anderson, who opened last season at Class AAA Charlotte, there will be a case of nerves. I feel like if I m not nervous, I m not ready, Anderson said. I m going to be nervous definitely, but I m definitely ready. Here is the Opening Day roster: Pitchers Quintana, James Shields, Miguel Gonzalez, Derek Holland, Dylan Covey, David Robertson, Nate Jones, Jake Petricka, Zach Putnam, Dan Jennings, Anthony Swarzak, Michael Ynoa. Outfielders Cabrera, Avisail Garcia, May, Asche. Infielders Frazier, Anderson, Saladino, Yolmer Sanchez, Matt Davidson, Abreu, Leury Garcia. Catchers Narvez, Geovany Soto. The Sox officially put left-hander Carlos Rodon, right-hander Juan Minaya and outfielder Charlie Tilson on the 10-day disabled list, all retroactive to March 30. Tigers at White Sox: Monday: Justin Verlander (16-9, 3.04) vs. Jose Quintana (13-12, 3.20), 3:10, CSN, 890-AM Wednesday: Jordan Zimmermann (9-7, 4.87) vs. James Shields (6-19, 5.85), 1:10, CSN, 890-AM Thursday: Daniel Norris (4-2, 3.38) vs. Derek Holland (7-9, 4.95 ERA), 1:10, Ch. 9, 890-AM Growth Spurt: How Tim Anderson developed into a blossoming star By Dan Hayes/ CSN Chicago April 2, 2017 In a little over four years, Tim Anderson has risen from potential pro prospect to first-round talent to the recipient of a contract that could pay him $50.5 million. Almost overnight, the White Sox shortstop has transformed from a raw, talented, basketball-first player who needed time to develop into a potential star. All this even though Anderson, whose new deal guarantees him $25 million over six seasons, has yet to make his first Opening Day start. He'll accomplish that feat on Monday afternoon when the White Sox start the 2017 season against the Detroit Tigers at 3 p.m. CST. How Anderson has made such a quick ascent is courtesy of his killer set of tools and a drive to learn anything and everything needed to prove his doubters wrong.

8 The man who has been there for the entire, albeit brief, ride said Anderson has always possessed the intangibles necessary for success. But even East Central Community College coach Neal Holliman is surprised how fast it has all transpired. Holliman says everything changed the first weekend of Anderson's sophomore baseball season in "I've never seen anybody grow like he grew," Holliman said. "It was amazing. I would see him do something one week and then I would see him do something better the next week. "He goes like 7-for-8 in the first weekend (of 2013) and my phone is going crazy. He comes in and I said, I think it's time (to get an advisor). I don't know what's going on your end, dude, but mine is crazy. I feel like Tim Anderson's secretary.'" Anderson's breakthrough took place 49 1/2 months before he finalized an extension that could keep in a White Sox uniform through He'd had an impressive freshman season at ECCC in 2012, slashing.360/.425/.500 with 30 steals in 30 tries. But Anderson had only played organized baseball for three years and was still very inexperienced. He wasn't selected in the 2012 amateur draft. Warren Hughes -- the scout who recommended the shortstop to the White Sox and later signed him -- originally thought Anderson needed time to develop. Anderson excelled in the 2012 Jayhawk League over the summer, which fueled expectations for his sophomore season. He proceeded to exceed them immediately. Facing Southwest Tennessee CC in a Feb. 9, 2013 season-opening doubleheader, Anderson went 7-for-8 with a double, two triples, three home runs, six runs and five RBIs. He also stole two bases. He hit.495/.568/.879 that season with 39 extra-base hits and 41 stolen bases. "Warren Hughes saw his first game that year and called me immediately," said then-white Sox assistant amateur scouting director Nick Hostetler. "I saw him the next weekend and called Doug Laumann right away and it was on from there." Ditto for Anderson. Up until that point, Anderson mostly viewed baseball as a way to help pay for college. His goal was to reach a four-year school. Playing pro baseball never occurred to Anderson. Anderson had always been a basketball player. He led Hillcrest High (Tuscaloosa, Ala.) to a state title his junior year and didn't have any expectations after switching sports. Anderson signed ECCC in part because it was just far enough from home to get away and grow up. The Decatur, Ms. campus is nearly a 2-hour drive to Tuscaloosa. Anderson and his parents also thought Holliman also seemed like a good fit. After one recruiting visit, Anderson was implored to call Holliman and sign on. "My mom told me You need to tell him you're coming. He's a good guy,' " Anderson said. "She was right." When he joined ECCC, Anderson was asked to play second base. Anderson's roommate and fellow pro Kalik May (drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2015) was the starting shortstop until Holliman decided to make a last-minute switch before the season. Anderson said he never minded playing second base because he didn't take baseball too seriously. He was simply happy to be playing. But Anderson's mindset shifted after the 2013 season opener. "It was crazy after that," Anderson said. "The next game there were so many scouts showing up. I was like, Man, I've got a chance to turn this into a job and do this for the rest of my life.'" Anderson embraced his newfound opportunity. Already a hard worker, Anderson drove himself even more thinking about those who had overlooked him. Nobody besides Holliman -- who last June drove through the night with his family to Chicago for Anderson's MLB debut -- had offered Anderson a chance to play college ball. And then he went undrafted after the 2012 season.

9 So Anderson immersed himself in baseball and began to ask every question imaginable to improve. The kid who went from undrafted one year to the 17th overall pick in the next hasn't stopped asking. "And he doesn't forget, I think that's the biggest thing," third baseman Todd Frazier said. "When you tell him one thing he might ask you again, but he will not forget. A guy like Miguel Cabrera's up and I want (Anderson) in the hole. And I'll look over first before I say anything and see him creeping over a little bit. He's starting to understand a little bit every hitter. "He's catching on real quick." White Sox bench coach Joe McEwing praised Anderson in 2016 for always asking smart questions. As McEwing explained, Anderson didn't just ask questions to ask them -- he always had a reason. Veteran Jimmy Rollins said Anderson spent the majority of last spring training asking him about life. Instead of asking about baseball, Anderson ask Rollins how handled himself off the field, especially after Rollins received his first big contract. "It was kind of one of those things my mom built into me -- you're not going to know anything if you don't ask," Anderson said. "If I want to know something, I'm going to ask it. That's the only way you're going to find out. I like somebody to be straight forward with me. If I'm doing something bad just let me know so I can correct it. I always want to know so I'm always wondering what's going on." Anderson hasn't done much wrong in the majors. He debuted 3 years, 4 days after he was drafted and spent his rookie season proving every scout who questioned his defensive abilities incorrect. Anderson produced 6 Defensive Runs Saved and a 6.3 Ultimate Zone Rating, according to fangraphs.com. He also finished with a.738 OPS in 431 plate appearances and was valued at 2.8 f-wins Above Replacement. While his plate discipline will need to improve some, Anderson didn't disappoint. The performance spurred the White Sox into action last month as they locked up Anderson through at least Their reasoning is simple -- Anderson has already accomplished plenty in a short period and they believe more improvement is on the way. "He's not in our opinion a finished product just yet," general manager Rick Hahn said. "We think there's a lot of good things to come as he continues to grow as a big league player." Holliman could see it back then -- to an extent. The one-time independent ballplayer turned ECCC coach has managed six other professional baseball players in 11 seasons. Even though the talent was raw, Holliman thought Anderson had pro potential. But it wasn't just the talent that caught Holliman's eye. It was how Anderson had grown from a kid who was "miserable" his first six weeks in the program to one who took the sport seriously. It was how Anderson always took to heart the conversations the two shared about the difference between being good and great. And it was how Anderson carried himself -- he's loyal, quietly confident and always accountable. Holliman thought the entire package would work if given enough time. He just didn't expect Anderson would wind up being a first-rounder. Not in such a short span. "He was so athletic," Holliman said. "The arm worked. He could always hit. He just had good hand-eye coordination. It wasn't like we overhauled something, because we didn't. We just gave him reps and just stayed with him. "The growth was unbelievable. Where most times you see somebody make a jump and then they plateau out, he kept growing. "I thought he was a pro. But I would have never guessed top five rounds. I haven't seen enough of those guys to predict that." White Sox want Jacob May to enjoy the moment of making MLB debut on opening day

10 By JJ Stankevitz / CSN Chicago April 2, 2017 There's a scene in the movie "Hoosiers" that White Sox manager Rick Renteria brought up as an example for how young players can handle making their major league debut. In it, a wide-eyed Hickory team enters Indianapolis' Hinkle Fieldhouse in awe of the stage on which they're about to play. Coach Norman Dale -- played by Gene Hackman -- gets out a tape measure and has his players measure the height of the rim and says, "I think you'll find it's the exact same measurements as our gym back in Hickory." That's the sort of message Renteria will deliver to center fielder Jacob May, who will hit ninth in his major league debut on Opening Day Monday against the Detroit Tigers. It's 90 feet (between the bases), 60 feet 6 inches (from the mound to home plate), the fences are all the same," Renteria said. You're going to have a lot of people cheering for you, but you still gotta go play the game. You gotta bring it back to the most fundamental thing, which is focusing on what you're doing between the lines. "Obviously it's going to be an exciting time, I'm sure he's going to be a little amped up, which is normal. Everybody always has butterflies on their first time in the big leagues. That's actually a good thing. But managing emotions is something that he's going to have to do. I hope he has a good day tomorrow, just enjoys the moment." For getting acclimated to life at baseball s highest level, the 25-year-old May has the benefit of growing up in a baseball family and being around major league stadiums at times during his childhood. May's grandfather, Lee May, was a threetime All-Star and was the Tampa Bay Devil Rays' first base coach in 2001 and 2002; May's uncle, Carlos May, played for the White Sox from "I'm excited," May said. It's a dream come true. " I remember shagging BP in that stadium (Tropicana Field) and everything like that. It's kind of come full (circle) now that I'm a player." May took advantage of the opportunity afforded to him during spring training, hitting.319/.338/.478 and impressing the White Sox with his speed (four stolen bases) and defensive instincts. With the decision made in mid-march to have Charlie Tilson begin the season on the disabled list, the door opened for May to start on Opening Day, and he beat out Peter Bourjos (traded to Tampa Bay), Adam Engel (optioned to Triple-A) and Leury Garcia (on the major league bench) to win the nod. "He just maintained a consistent approach throughout and kind of impressed everyone," Renteria said. The White Sox lineup Monday is short on experience, with four position players making their first Opening Day start: May, Tyler Saladino, Tim Anderson and Omar Narvaez. But Todd Frazier has been through plenty of openers, and the veteran third baseman said he's talked with May about how to handle the atmosphere and emotions that come with the first game of the season. "You just tell a guy like that to go have fun," Frazier said. "It's something I always do and just enjoy this Opening Day. You don't know how many you get. This is my sixth one. There's nothing better to be honest with you. It's a great feeling when they announce your name. You don't feel the cold weather or the rain. Then you get in the box. I remember my first at-bat, I thought I was walking on the moon. It was a crazy time for me. I hope he has a memorable day in the best way possible." White Sox finalize 25-Man Roster By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago April 2, 2017 CATCHERS No. 38 Omar Narvaez Bats: L Throws: R Ht: 5-11 Wt: 215 Age: 25 Service Time: 0.089

11 The second-year catcher not only became a comfortable target for pitchers last season, he also proved to have a steady eye at the plate with 14 walks vs. 14 strikeouts. No. 18 Geovany Soto Ht: 6-1 Wt: 225 Age: 34 Service Time: The steady veteran is an improvement over the 16 duo when it comes to framing. Injuries have limited him to 56 games per year the last five season, including 26 in INFIELDERS No. 79 Jose Abreu Ht: 6-3 Wt: 255 Age: 29 Service Time: 3.00 Rebounded over final 52 games after dealing with myriad distractions. Hit.340/.401/.557 in final 227 plate appearances to reach 100 RBIs in third straight year. No. 18 Tyler Saladino Ht: 6-0 Wt: 200 Age: 27 Service Time: An impressive glove no matter where plays, showed steady progress at the plate in his second year. Hit.294/.323/.406 in 191 plate appearances after becoming a starter. No. 7 Tim Anderson Ht: 6-1 Wt: 185 Age: 23 Service Time: Proved to be a formidable player despite his relative inexperience. Has room to improve. Team recently extended him potentially for eight years and $50.5 million. No. 21 Todd Frazier Ht: 6-3 Wt: 220 Age: 31 Service Time: Potential trade candidate offered a significant upgrade at the hot corner. Provided leadership and steady defense as well as career best in homers (40) and RBIs (98). No. 24 Matt Davidson

12 Ht: 6-3 Wt: 230 Age: 26 Service Time: Finally found the groove the club had long hoped for last season before he broke his foot. Should get a chance to prove his value during the club s rebuild. No. 5 Yolmer Sanchez Bats: S Throws: R Ht: 5-11 Wt: 185 Age: 24 Service Time: Middle infielder should get a fair amount of playing time with Brett Lawrie gone. Had a nice spring, hitting.305/.354/.542 with three home runs. OUTFIELDERS No. 26 Avisail Garcia Ht: 6-4 Wt: 240 Age: 25 Service Time: Hope is he can find a medium between how he hits with runners in scoring position (.355/.421/.538) and without runners on (.217/.268/.354). No. 64 Jacob May Bats: S Throws: R Ht: 5-10 Wt: 180 Age: 25 Service Time: 0.00 Speedy, switch-hitting outfielder comes from strong baseball bloodline. Outstanding overall spring helped him win job over recently traded Peter Bourjos. No. 53 Melky Cabrera Bats: S Throws: L Ht: 5-10 Wt: 210 Age: 32 Service Time: Bounced back from dismal start to 2015 season with consistent all-around offense. Free agent to be could be dealt before deadline if he performs once again. No. 25 Cody Asche Bats: L Throws: R Ht: 6-1 Wt: 205 Age: 26 Service Time: 3.045

13 Seeking a fresh start, left-handed stick showed versatility in the field and some power. Could work his way into good playing time if he stays consistent. No. 28 Leury Garcia Bats: S Throws: R Ht: 5-8 Wt: 170 Age: 26 Service Time: Rick Renteria loves the versatility and speed he provides them. Can play all over the infield and should see time in center field alongside May. STARTING PITCHER No. 62 Jose Quintana Bats: L Throws: L Ht: 6-1 Wt: 220 Age: 28 Service Time: A first-time All-Star last season, the southpaw is one of the most consistent pitchers. Team-friendly contract also makes him one of the most tradable. No. 33 James Shields Ht: 6-3 Wt: 215 Age: 35 Service Time: One of the game s most dependable starters, he s looking to bounce back from a dismal season. Posted a 6.77 ERA in 22 starts after he was acquired from San Diego. No. 45 Derek Holland Bats: S Throws: L Ht: 6-2 Wt: 215 Age: 30 Service Time: The lefty is hopeful he, Don Cooper and training staff can keep him healthy and on the same path as when he produced 7.6 WAR from No. 58 Miguel Gonzalez Ht: 6-1 Wt: 170 Age: 32 Service Time: A late spring addition in 2016, he flourished after adding the cut-fastball to his repertoire. Free-agent-to-be posted a 3.03 ERA over his last 11 starts (65 1/3 innings). *No. 55 Carlos Rodon

14 Bats: L Throws: L Ht: 6-3 Wt: 235 Age: 24 Service Time: Plan that has been slowed by injury called for him pitching 200 innings and making 32 starts. Team has identified the former 1st-rounder as a building block. No. 68 Dylan Covey Ht: 6-2 Wt: 195 Age: 25 Service Time: Rule 5 draft pick is most successful when he s attacking down in the zone. Must stay on big league roster or be offered back to his original club. RELIEF PITCHER No. 65 Nate Jones Ht: 6-5 Wt: 220 Age: 31 Service Time: Hard-throwing right-hander is potential trade bait. Not only has he been dominant since returning from Tommy John, but also is on a great contract. No. 30 David Robertson Ht: 5-11 Wt: 195 Age: 31 Service Time: The subject of myriad offseason rumors, could provide an attractive option to a team in need at an affordable rate after last postseason s bullpen craze. No. 57 Zach Putnam Ht: 6-2 Wt: 220 Age: 29 Service Time: Limited to 25 games last season before he needed surgery to remove elbow chips, the righty has averaged 9.6 strikeouts per nine in his career. No. 52 Jake Petricka Ht: 6-5 Wt: 220

15 Age: 28 Service Time: A valuable arm the previous two seasons, Petricka was limited to eight innings by a hip injury. Has throw well this spring and appears to be healthy again. No. 43 Dan Jennings Bats: L Throws: L Ht: 6-3 Wt: 210 Age: 29 Service Time: Put together his most complete season as he continued to make strides against left-handed hitters. Finished with a 2.08 ERA in 60 2/3 innings. No. 34 Anthony Swarzak Ht: 6-4 Wt: 215 Age: 31 Service Time: Former starting pitcher is throwing harder than ever. Struck out 16 batters in 12 2/3 innings this spring. Offers length out of the bullpen. No. 66 Michael Ynoa Ht: 6-7 Wt: 210 Age: 25 Service Time: Tall righty displayed some serious stuff in his rookie campaign. But he needs to cut down on the walks if he wants to have success in sophomore season. * Denotes disabled list White Sox P Jose Quintana focuses on Opening Day, not past trade rumors Associated Press April 2, 2017 CHICAGO -- With all the moves the Chicago White Sox made and all the rumors surrounding him, Jose Quintana seemed like a good bet to be traded by now. Instead, he was leaning against the dugout railing, surrounded by microphones and notepads. On Monday, he'll start his first season opener when the White Sox meet Justin Verlander and the Detroit Tigers. "My future is the present. It's the present," Quintana said Sunday. "My future is here. I have to just control this year. I pay attention to right now. I'm focusing on the 2017 season and helping my team. I'm happy here and that's it. Just focus on the present." The White Sox made some big changes coming off a season, starting with their philosophy. They decided it was time to rebuild after four straight losing seasons. That meant trading ace Chris Sale and outfielder Adam Eaton for young players management hopes will jolt a franchise with just one playoff appearance since the 2005 championship season. Plus, they hired a new manager -- Rick Renteria is in, Robin Ventura is out. The work is only beginning.

16 Third baseman Todd Frazier and closer David Robertson could be dealt, but the team's biggest question at the moment is how much longer the guy who will start the opener will be around. Quintana posted a career-best 3.20 ERA and made his first All-Star team last year. He has four straight seasons with at least 200 innings. Throw in a club-friendly contract that keeps him under team control through 2020, and he's an attractive target for suitors. Quintana said he would like to remain with the White Sox. But he also realizes that's not his decision. "I don't think he's reached out or even spoken about it to me," said Renteria, who got promoted from bench coach. "His biggest thing is just focusing on preparing for the season. I haven't had any conversations in terms of having to deal with rumors or anything of that nature. He's prepared just like any of the other guys have getting ready for the season. He's a pro and will continue to be that. I don't have any concerns about him being worried about anything else." The Tigers are in a different position than Chicago, with their eyes on the playoffs after missing the postseason for the second straight year. They finished eight games behind World Series runner-up Cleveland in the AL Central and fell just short of a wild card. There's been talk of cutting costs in Detroit after owner Mike Ilitch died at age 87 in February, and there could be big changes after this year. But with Verlander coming off a near Cy Young season and sluggers such as Miguel Cabrera and Alex Avila anchoring the lineup, general manager Al Avila sees a team poised to contend with a roster returning largely intact. "Cleveland obviously is the class of big league baseball right now, if not the American League," he said. "But the American League Central division is still very tough.... But we do feel we have a good team, a team that's going to compete. We really like our starting rotation with the young guys mixed with the veteran guys. We feel we can score some runs." That might be a little tougher for the first few weeks as right fielder J.D. Martinez, who hit.307 with 22 homers last year, recovers from a sprained right foot. He is expected to have the cast removed on Monday and to begin rehabilitation this week. Avila said the Tigers "will look into" adding outfielder Melvin Upton Jr., maybe on a minor league contract, after he was released by Toronto on Sunday. "We'll be talking about it as a possibility," Avila said. Renteria: Rebuilding Chicago White Sox aren't going to roll over Scot Gregor / Daily Herald April 2, 2017 After four straight losing seasons, and with a grand total of zero playoff appearances since 2008, the word rebuild sounds very good to most Chicago White Sox fans. But rebuild is often code for "take your lumps now," and that sounds bad in the Sox's clubhouse. Scouting report White Sox vs. Detroit Tigers at Guaranteed Rate Field TV: Comcast SportsNet Monday and Wednesday; WGN Thursday Radio: WLS 890-AM Pitching matchups: The White Sox's Jose Quintana (13-12 last season) vs. Justin Verlander (16-9) Monday at 3:10 p.m.; James Shields (6-19) vs. Jordan Zimmermann (9-7) Wednesday at 1:10 p.m.; Derek Holland (7-9) vs. Daniel Norris (4-2) Thursday at 1:10 p.m. At a glance: The Sox have won four straight opening-day games at home. They were 7-12 vs. the Tigers last season (6-4 at home). Quintana makes his first opening-day start. The left-hander tied for third in the American League with 23 quality starts last season, was sixth with 208 innings pitched and seventh with a 3.20 ERA. Verlander was second in Cy Young

17 voting last season. The White Sox have two new faces in their starting lineup, Cody Asche at designated hitter and rookie Jacob May in center field. Next: Minnesota Twins at Guaranteed Rate Field, Friday-Sunday -- Scot Gregor That's why, as they prepare to open the season Monday afternoon against the Detroit Tigers at Guaranteed Rate Field, the White Sox are not listening to any talk of rebuilding the roster. "I think the players want to go out there and perform and they want to do well, regardless of whether it's a young team or an old team," first-year manager Rick Renteria said. "No player, no team ever wants to go out there and say, 'I'm just going to allow myself to get beat.' "They want to play good baseball and they're hoping they can do certain things that will allow them to give us a chance to compete on a daily basis and hopefully come out on top on a daily basis. "It would be terrible for me to go out there and talk to my players about just rolling over. That's not the way it works, and there is no professional athlete that is going to do that. I don't expect to do it, and I don't expect them to do it." Since the first day of spring training, veteran Sox players have been quick to point out ace starter Chris Sale (traded to Boston) and outfielder Adam Eaton (traded to Washington) are the only key regulars missing from last year's team. "We picked up some young guys, but they are still in the minor leagues," said third baseman Todd Frazier, who has quickly emerged as the White Sox's leader in his second season with the club. "We lost one of our starters and a hitter. We've got basically our crop back, with Jacob May. "It's the same basic lineup, if you want the truth, with another speedster (May) and a guy (Cody Asche) who can hit the ball as well. We just have to dominate on offense and the pitching has to step up." Frazier thought he was close to being traded to the Dodgers before free agent Justin Turner returned to Los Angeles right before Christmas on a four-year, $64 million contract. With Frazier headed for free agency at the end of the season, there is a chance he gets moved before the July 31 nonwaiver deadline. "I'm happy to be here," said Frazier, who led the White Sox with a career-high 40 home runs last year. "I like this place. I like it a lot. My family likes it here. We moved into a new spot the other day, looking out over Navy Pier. It's pretty cool. I'm excited and can't wait to start the year. I think everybody here is." Frazier's perpetually positive attitude might change if the Sox get off to a slow start and general manager Rick Hahn starts making more trades, but it's early April and all is well. Hahn got maximum value for Sale and Eaton, and he is looking for similar returns on players such as Jose Quintana, closer David Robertson and Frazier. "I'm not necessarily surprised," Renteria said when asked about Hahn's recent inactivity. "I'll just say I'm kind of happy they're still here with us and they're going to be part of this club as we start, and hopefully they're going to impact us in a positive way as they have throughout their careers and in the spring. "They've been really instrumental helping us formulate the attitude the club has taken on over the last six or seven weeks." New Chicago White Sox ace Quintana still answering trade questions Scot Gregor / Daily Herald April 2, 2017 Not long after meeting the media during the first day of spring training, Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Jose Quintana said he would no longer be answering questions about trade rumors. A few days later, while being interviewed by MLB Network, Quintana was asked for his thoughts about being traded.