CHICAGO -- The White Sox have agreed to a Minor League deal with outfielder Peter Bourjos. The deal includes an invite to Spring Training.

Transcription

1 WHITE SOX HEADLINES OF JANUARY 30, 2017 Frazier, Quintana unfazed by uncertain future Scott Merkin, MLB.com White Sox, Bourjos agree to Minor League dealhospital Scott Merkin, MLB.com Gonzalez in Classic; Robertson, Jones likely in Scott Merkin, MLB.com Top prospect Yoan Moncada just about set to take the wheel for White Sox David Haugh, Chicago Tribune Charlie Tilson believes debut injury 'setback a setup for a comeback' Paul Skrbina, Chicago Tribune Caught in Limbo: White Sox Players Not Distracted by Uncertain Future Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago White Sox Pitchers Nate Jones, Miguel Gonzalez, David Robertson to Pitch in World Baseball Classic Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago Chicago White Sox's Frazier still bothered by sprained finger Scot Gregor, Daily Herald Aces of trades? Quintana rolls with trade rumors Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times SoxFest notes: Sale and Eaton deals were for payoff, not payback Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times White Sox and CF Peter Bourjos agree to minor league deal Associated Press Quintana wants to stay with rebuilding White Sox Associated Press Kids ask the darndest things: SoxFest edition Scott Merkin, MLB.com Hahn sheds light on state of White Sox rebuild Scott Merkin, MLB.com White Sox rate with 6 prospects in Top 100 Scott Merkin, MLB.com Fulmer, first-rounders big part of White Sox rebuilding plan Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun- Times White Sox will spend on free agents when time is right, Hahn says Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times Jose Abreu: Rebuild Was the Right Move for White Sox Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago Rebuilding White Sox no longer need to rush promising prospects Scot Gregor, Daily Herald Chicago White Sox's Quintana blocks out trade rumors Scot Gregor, Daily Herald White Sox GM Hahn: More trades die on the vine than come to fruition Scot Gregor, Daily Herald A Year After Being One Of White Sox s Top Prospects, Tim Anderson Finds Himself A Main Component Of Rebuild Nello Rubio, The Runner Sports Frank Thomas 'not happy' suspected PED users getting into Hall of Fame Paul Skrbina, Chicago Tribune Rick Hahn: White Sox closer to start than finish of rebuilding process Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune Top prospect Yoan Moncada just about set to take the wheel for White Sox David Haugh, Chicago Tribune What kind of team can we expect from the first year of White Sox rebuild? Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune Possible aces Lucas Giolito and Michael Kopech at core of White Sox rebuild Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune Renteria dishes ceviche with Top Chef star Scott Merkin, MLB.com Preparations for '17 Draft well underway Scott Merkin, MLB.com White Sox prospects hope to live up to hype Scott Merkin, MLB.com Thomas: If PED users get in Hall of Fame, let Bonds, Clemens in Daryl Van Schowen, Chicago Sun- Times For Hawk Harrelson, eight decades in professional baseball would be great Scot Gregor, Daily Herald

2 White Sox Put Top Prospects on Display at SoxFest Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago White Sox Prospect Moncada Very Fond of Chicago After First Trip Paul Roumeliotis, CSN Chicago Frank Thomas: Include Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens in Hall if PED users get in Associated Press Frazier, Quintana unfazed by uncertain future By Scott Merkin / MLB.com January 28, 2017 CHICAGO -- About 90 minutes before Friday's opening ceremonies of SoxFest at the Hilton Chicago, Jose Quintana was surrounded by a media scrum during a reception with reporters. Todd Frazier received similar treatment about 10 minutes later. Quintana and Frazier stand as two of the important veterans in the middle of the White Sox rebuilding effort, making them leaders as recently acquired top prospects Lucas Giolito and Yoan Moncada rise to the Majors. But in that same capacity, Quintana and Frazier have been mentioned in numerous trade rumors this offseason. But they both understand the process and aren't bothered by the possibility they are renting instead of owning in Chicago. "I'm happy to be here again at my second SoxFest. I never think about trades. I just have my focus on this year to do my job, and that's it," Quintana said. "I just try to make my preparation for the season. I don't have control over the trades. I'm never focused on that." "I've been in that situation before," Frazier said. "We know the business, how it is, and it is what it is. I talked with [general manager] Rick [Hahn] yesterday, and everything looks pretty good." Quintana, who is under White Sox control through 2020 via two team options, backs up his words about focusing on the season. He came to SoxFest for one day and planned to return to Colombia on Saturday to prepare for the World Baseball Classic. Frazier wore a splint on his sprained left index finger, an injury he suffered while checking a swing at the end of last season and then recently re-injured lifting weights. He has no concerns about being ready to go with a full workload when Spring Training begins. Trade rumors glanced off Frazier over the past two months, but they were certainly nowhere as prevalent as those involving Quintana. They started with Houston shortly after Chris Sale and Adam Eaton were traded at the Winter Meetings, and then involved the Pirates, the Yankees and the Braves. "I probably still could get traded, you never know, that's just the way it goes," Frazier said. "But my focus, right now, is on Spring Training and building relationships with the team." Hahn doesn't believe ongoing trade rumors will bother his veterans, and as manager Rick Renteria mentioned, his door is always open. But Hahn doesn't sound like he's going to stop exploring future deals. "Our desire is to get through this process and build a sustainable core of talented players as quickly as possible," Hahn said. "Unfortunately our desire, our impatience, our eagerness isn't what's going to dictate this market or the schedule of these moves." White Sox, Bourjos agree to Minor League deal By Scott Merkin / MLB.com January 27th, 2017 CHICAGO -- The White Sox have agreed to a Minor League deal with outfielder Peter Bourjos. The deal includes an invite to Spring Training. Bourjos has played seven big league seasons for the Angels, Cardinals and Phillies, picking up 10 stolen bases in 2010 and a career-best 22 in '11. He had a combined 29 stolen bases over the next five years. Of his 713 career games, Bourjos has played 548 in center field. Charlie Tilson, who tore his left hamstring during his first and only game to date with the White Sox in Detroit last season, continues to

3 work his way back from surgery. If he makes enough progress in his recovery, Tilson could enter camp as the favorite for the position. Frazier not worried about his finger White Sox third baseman Todd Frazier was wearing a splint on his left hand that looked worse than it needed to be, helping heal a sprained left pointer finger. "Basically, I felt it the fourth-to-last game of the year on a check swing and didn't really think anything of it," said Frazier during Friday's SoxFest. "It kind of went away, and when I started working out again, I started to feel it. "So I had to say something. I got an MRI, it's just a sprain. Got another MRI today and they said I should be full-go when Spring Training comes around. No tear. Looks worse than what it is. I'm just worried about swinging. I'll be getting back into the swing of things pretty soon." There already was a great deal of hype surrounding Michael Kopech and his electric right arm when the White Sox acquired the hurler from Boston as part of the Chris Sale deal. But a training video this offseason showing him throwing a pitch 110 mph took that hype to another viral level. Kopech explained the moment on Friday. "It was with an underload ball, so a lot of people thought it was with a baseball and it probably got a little more hype than it should have, but it was with a three-ounce ball," Kopech said. "So it was a little lighter, and it was just a drill to speed our arm back up. "I don't think me, or my trainer, or anyone really expected it to blow up that way, but you know, it's good. People are wanting to see velocity, people are wanting to see that eye-popping stuff before the season actually comes around, so I think that's exciting for a lot of the fans too." Kopech is focused more on being a complete pitcher than reaching triple digits with every fastball. "People expect to see a big number every time I'm pitching, and as a starter that's just not realistic," Kopech said. "It's nice to have the velocity to put someone away with a fastball if I need to, but it's not something I'm going to go out there and throw as hard as I can every pitch." Gonzalez in Classic; Robertson, Jones likely in White Sox could have four players in event as Quintana will also participate By Scott Merkin / MLB.com January 27th, 2017 CHICAGO -- Miguel Gonzalez will join Jose Quintana as White Sox representatives during the World Baseball Classic, with Gonzalez pitching for Team Mexico. Quintana already had been confirmed as pitching for Colombia, making its first appearance in the Classic. "This is my first time doing it, so I spoke to a couple of guys," Gonzalez said on Friday during SoxFest at the Hilton Chicago. "But I was thinking, 'Hey, if I get ready early, I'll be OK. I'll be fine.' It's going to be fun. I'm excited for it." "I'm excited. Everybody is excited in my country, too," Quintana said. "It's the first time we play in the WBC. That's an honor for me, to play for my country." Quintana and Gonzalez started throwing a couple of weeks earlier than usually planned this offseason to get ready for the competition. Quintana came to SoxFest for Friday only and then was returning to Colombia to continue training. Colombia, Canada, the United States and the Dominican Republic make up the Miami Pool from March Mexico, Venezuela, Puerto Rico and Italy play in the Jalisco first-round pool, with the games taking place in Gonzalez's hometown.

4 "So, that makes it even better," Gonzalez said. "It's going to be a blessing in disguise. Family members, friends and everyone is going to be there supporting me and they want me to do good, so I have to perform." White Sox relievers Nate Jones and David Robertson are expected to be part of Team USA's roster. Robertson has two years and $25 million remaining on his contract. He underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee early in the offseason, though it was considered a minor cleanup to an issue he experienced and pitched through involving his meniscus. Top prospect Yoan Moncada just about set to take the wheel for White Sox David Haugh / Chicago Tribune January 28, 2017 Taking a flashy BMW i8 for a test drive, David Hastings carefully considered the $150,000 list price like the CPA he is and Yoan Moncada reacted like the teenager he was. Hastings hesitated. Moncada's excitement level accelerated faster than the sports car's engine. This was two years ago, shortly after Moncada received a $31.5 million signing bonus from the Red Sox when the Cuban phenom went car shopping with the Hastings, his surrogate family from St. Petersburg, Fla. A ride wasn't just a ride to the guy who grew up in Cienfuegos, Cuba, and once made $4 per month playing professional baseball. "When I first came to the U.S., I thought a sports car was something that made me feel important,'' Moncada said through interpreter Billy Russo. "So I wanted one.'' Still, Hastings, also Moncada's agent, tried talking the client living on his property into something more fiscally conservative. Even if money was no object to baseball's newest millionaire. "Buzzkill is the word,'' kidded Jo Hastings, David's wife, a Cuban-American who runs the Habana Cafe. "The kid was looking at exotic cars and David comes back with, 'Don't you want to buy three rental properties instead, Yoan? They're better investments.' And Yoan's looking at Dave like he's the bearded lady.'' Moncada's first car purchase now sits in a garage in Florida. It shares space with two other luxury vehicles, including a white BMW X6, his favorite. "My passion for cars was something that came to me in Cuba because I couldn't have a car there,'' said Moncada, now 21. "But my passion for cars isn't as much as my passion for baseball. It's important people know that.'' It's what brings Moncada to the South Side, where his speed and power figure to be on display for years to come. The centerpiece of the four-for-one Chris Sale trade, the switch-hitting second baseman came to the White Sox as baseball's No. 1 prospect. When rumors started swirling at the winter meetings in December, Hastings braced the player he considers a son for a change of Sox. White Sox's Yoan Moncada, Lucas Giolito at Lurie Children's Hospital White Sox players meet with patients at Lurie Children's Hospital on Jan. 26, "When it happened, Yoan still took it personal he thought he would be in Boston his entire career,'' Hastings said. "He was upset but as it sunk in, and we discussed the White Sox situation, he fully embraced it. That only took a couple of days.'' The acceptance included Moncada realizing the benefits of being reunited with White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu, a former teammate in Cienfuegos. In those days, Moncada was a 17-year-old hotshot and Abreu the team leader eight years older who served as a mentor to all.

5 "Abreu was the big star, everybody in the country was in love with him, but he always had time to tell us what to do and help us be better,'' Moncada said. "I know we can do great things together. He told me this was a very good organization that takes care of its players.'' If the Sox don't take good care of Moncada, they will have to answer to the Hastings, who feel protective of the player still adjusting to American culture. Moncada's parents and sister remain back in Cuba, where he visited them in December, and his young son, Robinson named for idol Robinson Cano lives in California with his mother. David and Jo provided the structure Yoan needed when he came to the United States in 2014 via Guatemala after receiving clearance from the Cuban government. "They have taken care of me in the U.S. and everything I have here is because of them,'' Moncada said. "I love them as my family.'' Sitting in a leather chair at the Hilton Chicago in designer jeans ripped at the knees and a stylish black jacket, looking fresh with a modern millennial haircut, Moncada portrayed the picture of polish. He uses Russo, the Sox interpreter, but understands English well for someone who began taking classes as a minor-leaguer with the Red Sox. He described himself as "a happy person who is quiet but likes to have fun.'' Quick with a smile, Moncada exuded the maturity of a young man ready to accept the expectations that await him in Chicago, whenever he gets to the majors. But despite the adult-like appearances, Jo Hastings sometimes still sees the playful kid addicted to PlayStation, the precocious teen with the sweet tooth who once devoured five tubs of cotton candy in 20 minutes. "He's acclimated now but when he first got here, everything was a first, a novelty,'' Jo said. "Then there was the Twinkie phase. He was eating like 200 Twinkies a week.'' That Moncada eventually altered a junk-heavy diet to develop the body of an NFL cornerback bodes well for those hoping the chiseled athlete adapts to major-league pitching better than he did when the Red Sox called him up late last season. In 20 plate appearances, Moncada hit only.211 with one extra-base hit, a disappointing stint worth every swing and a miss. An impressive showing at the Sox's three-day hitters mini-camp this month in Arizona suggested Moncada already had learned from flaws exposed in September. "The results with the Red Sox weren't what I wanted but from the first moment I received the call, it was a great experience,'' Moncada said. "David (Ortiz) and Hanley (Ramirez), they were very good with me and taught me things at this level you don't realize in the minors. I'm in a better position now to know what to expect.'' And despite the uncertainty of when he will make his Sox debut bet sooner rather than later Moncada's first visit to Chicago this weekend gave him a sense of what he can expect once he arrives for good. The white flakes floating around Friday were new to Moncada, whose eyes got bigger when told this had been a mild January by local weather standards. "The city is big and beautiful,'' Moncada said, smiling. "But it's so cold, and something I'll have to get accustomed to.'' Like those high-performance vehicles Moncada loves, just wait till he warms up Charlie Tilson believes debut injury 'setback a setup for a comeback' Paul Skrbina / Chicago Tribune January 27, 2017 Charlie Tilson went from rookie to old man overnight last August.

6 The White Sox center fielder managed a hit in his first major-league at-bat Aug. 2, but found himself grasping a walker in his parents' basement the next day thanks to what turned out to be a season-ending injury to his left hamstring. Now, a healed Tilson will go back to being a rookie when spring training begins in February. "I have a memory I'll never forget, to put on that uniform," Tilson said Friday during the first day of SoxFest. "I'll treasure that day forever, regardless of injury." The New Trier graduate grew up a White Sox fan and was acquired in a trade with the Cardinals last season. He hurt his hamstring while attempting to make a diving catch in left-center field at Comerica Park during an 11-5 loss to the Tigers. He since has had a lot of time to think of new beginnings and adding to the only two plate appearances to his name. Tilson said he refuses to dwell on the misfortune and that he will approach spring training as he would any other. Only this time he has a legitimate shot at making the big-league club. "I'm just ready to play baseball," he said, "just move past my leg. I've crossed my "t's" and dotted my "i's" with that. I like to think setback is a setup for a comeback." Tilson was among four White Sox rookies injured in or before their debuts with the team last year. Like Tilson, designated-hitter Matt Davidson had a hit in his first game with the Sox. Like Tilson, Davidson suffered a freak injury, though his occurred while he was running the bases. Davidson suffered a Jones fracture in his right foot after an RBI single against the Twins on June 30. It wasn't his first big-league game, though. He played 31 games for the Diamondbacks in He returned to Arizona during the offseason to rehab at the Sox's spring training facility to make sure it wasn't his last. Davidson at first he was scared his career might be threatened but now insists he will be 100 percent at spring training. "I didn't know a lot about the Jones fracture, but as I rehabbed with some guys and started hearing more stories about guys breaking it again, or the screw not filling in completely, I got pretty scared." Those fears dissipated, though, as medical reports poured in. Now, like Tilson, Davidson said he's ready to go full bore. "You want to come back stronger," he said. Caught in Limbo: White Sox Players Not Distracted by Uncertain Future Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago January 27, 2017 The White Sox started their rebuild at a breakneck pace and have made significant progress with the trades of Adam Eaton and Chris Sale. But as general manager Rick Hahn indicated on Friday afternoon, the team's foray into tearing down the roster has only just begun. Tired of mediocrity, the White Sox intend to reload their farm system and capitalize on the value of each and every asset. But because the plan requires patience in order to maximize those returns, many key players are in limbo with the team stuck between where it is and where it wants to be. Still, both Hahn and many of those players, including Jose Quintana, Todd Frazier and Jose Abreu, say they won't let the air of uncertainty surrounding the team's future become a distraction.

7 "I don't think I'd call it awkward because, again, they get it," Hahn said prior to the opening ceremonies at SoxFest on Friday. "They understand what we're about, they understand where we've been and why we're at the point we're at now. "When seven o'clock rolls around, the job is very clear. They're going to do everything they can to try to win that ballgame, regardless of what 24 guys happen to be next to them in that locker room and these guys seem to be able to have that focus. And over the course of the season you may have to address it a few more times, or closer to the deadline before rumors circulate. But, again, they get what's going on here. These are professionals, they've been here before. So I don't think it's going to be a real difficulty." If it were easy, the White Sox would have continued on the rapid pace they established in December with the trades of Sale and Eaton. In one motion, Hahn revamped a thin farm system ranked in the lower third of baseball by adding seven talented pieces, many of whom are on display this weekend at SoxFest. With Lucas Giolito, Michael Kopech, Reynaldo Lopez and Yoan Moncada in the mix, the White Sox now boast a top-10 farm system that should only get better when Hahn completes his next trade. But the White Sox haven't been able to maintain that pace. Whether it's because of market saturation in the case of Abreu and Frazier, or the unwillingness of other teams to meet their price in the case of Quintana, the White Sox have stayed relatively quiet since December despite constant interest. "Our desire is to get through this process and build a sustainable core of talented players as quickly as possible," Hahn said. "Unfortunately our desire, our impatience, our eagerness isn't what's going to dictate this market or the schedule of these moves. The timing of many of these moves is going to be based upon the market and our ability to get similar value and what we feel is appropriate value." Hahn reiterated on Friday the White Sox aren't going to budge on their price, especially for Quintana, who is expected to bring in another significant haul whenever the team is able to trade him. Despite hearing his name in rumors all offseason the Houston Astros, Colorado Rockies, Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Yankees to name a few Quintana, whose contract includes team options through 2020, wants to remain with the White Sox. "I heard a lot about trades this year, but I don't have control of that," Quintana said. "I'm happy to be here, and I have new teammates this year. We have some good talent this year, and I'm here. I have all of my focus on the White Sox. "When I go to spring training, I don't pay attention to any social media. I just try to remain with good preparation and do all of my workouts for Day 1 of the season. That's it." Despite their good intentions, the White Sox know they're destined for some ugliness in the future. When he first suggested the team's new direction in November, Hahn said he expected painful times ahead. Abreu said he's ready for whatever is to come. "I think we are ready for all the challenges we are going to face during the season and in the future," Abreu said through an interpreter. "There is something, in this sport, it's a long season. You're gonna hits some bumps. You have to move on and do your best every single day. That's the way we need to approach the season." Setup man Nate Jones admits he realized anyone could be traded after Sale was dealt to Boston in December. Despite signing an extension of his own the previous offseason, Jones very well knows he too could end up on a new team. But after he and the White Sox received their refresher course on "the business of baseball," Jones has moved on in order to not interfere with his preparation."it crosses your mind," Jones said. "But I guess I've been blessed enough not to have one of those worrier minds. You're like, All right, it couldn't happen.' But that's it. I go on about my offseason and preparation for spring training the same way, just kind of block all the distractions and the rumors."

8 White Sox Pitchers Nate Jones, Miguel Gonzalez, David Robertson to Pitch in World Baseball Classic Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago January 27, 2017 Nate Jones will pitch earlier than normal this season as he competes for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. But the White Sox reliever said Friday at SoxFest that the change would barely affect his preparation for the regular season. Jones learned 10 days ago he'd become the fourth White Sox pitcher to compete in the 2017 WBC when he received an invitation to pitch for USA. The tournament is held from March Closer David Robertson is on Team USA's provisional roster while starter Miguel Gonzalez will pitch for Mexico. Jose Quintana pitches for Colombia, which opens play in Pool C against the US squad on March 9 in Miami. "It's not every day do you get a call from Joe Torre and Jim Leyland," Jones said. "That was a pretty cool experience. "I'm usually one of the guys that comes into spring training prepared to hit the ground running. It didn't change anything." Jones has already thrown six bullpens and has two more scheduled before he heads to Arizona to begin spring training. Once he arrives in camp, Jones and pitching coach Don Cooper will devise a plan to have him ready for the WBC. They'll create another schedule when he returns to have him ready for the regular season, Jones said. Unlike 2013, Gonzalez accepted Team Mexico's offer to pitch. Back then, Gonzalez was still competing for a spot in the Baltimore Orioles rotation and didn't think he could chance leaving the team. But Gonzalez is expected to win a spot in the 2017 White Sox starting rotation and the team already offered it's blessing for him to participate. In preparation, Gonzalez began his offseason program two weeks earlier than normal. He has already thrown four bullpens and looks forward to pitching for Mexico when it opens in Guadalajara on March 9. Gonzalez, who went 5-8 with a 3.73 ERA for the White Sox last season, was born in Guadalajara. "It's gonna happen," Gonzalez said. "I'm looking forward to this day to come." Jones looks forward to going up against Quintana, who made intention of pitching for Colombia known when the country qualified for the WBC last season "I done told him, Hey, you're going down,' " Jones said. Chicago White Sox's Frazier still bothered by sprained finger Scot Gregor / Daily Herald January 27, 2017 A left index finger injury that slowed up third baseman Todd Frazier over the final week of last season is again giving the Chicago White Sox's third baseman trouble. Frazier said he re-aggravated the finger lifting weights during the off-season, and he arrived at SoxFest Friday with a splint on his left hand. "I felt it the fourth to last game of the year on a check swing and didn't really think anything of it," Frazier said. "It kind of went away, and when I started working out again I started to feel it so I had to say something. I got an MRI, it's just a sprain. It looks worse than it is, the little contraption, the splint they put on."

9 Frazier had a follow-up MRI on the finger Friday and he's hoping to be good to go when spring training opens next month. "No tear," Frazier said. "Looks worse than what it is. I'm just worried about swinging. I'll be getting back into the swing of things pretty soon. There might be a little slow process in the beginning but I'll get going here a couple weeks in." Sox sign Bourjos: First reported by the Chicago Tribune, the White Sox confirmed they signed outfielder Peter Bourjos to a minor-league contract. Born in Park Ridge, the 29-year-old Bourjos also gets an invitation to major-league training camp next month. Bourjos has played for the Angels, Cardinals and Phillies. In 123 games with Philadelphia last season, he batted.251 with 20 doubles, 7 triples, 5 home runs, 23 RBI and 6 stolen bases. Clearing the air: Chris Sale and Adam Eaton both had clubhouse issues last season, with the former gaining international attention and a five-game suspension after cutting up throwback uniforms he didn't care for on his scheduled night to pitch. White Sox general manager Rick Hahn on Friday denied Sale and Eaton were traded in December because of their personalities. "Let me be as clear as I can, the trades had zero to do with anything that happened outside of the white lines," Hahn said. "The reason they were moved is because we weren't in a position to contend with them on our roster." Kopech challenge: When Todd Frazier's sprained finger is fully healed, he's looking forward to taking batting practice against hard-throwing newcomer Michael Kopech in spring training. "I saw the video and I think Kopech threw 110 (mph) on a crow hop, so I'd like to face him in spring training and see what he's got, a little challenge yourself kind of thing," Frazier said. "Then we go from there." The 20-year-old Kopech, one of four prospects acquired from the Red Sox in the Chris Sale trade, is game. "If (Frazier's) excited about it, he must think I'm not too great," Kopech said with a laugh. "No, he's a guy like me, he likes a challenge and I think that's huge for me to face big-league talent, especially at his level, and I think he's just excited to see a fastball from me because that's what goes with my name." Aces of trades? Quintana rolls with trade rumors Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun-Times January 27, 2017 Jose Quintana has heard all winter that the White Sox will trade him.

10 So at SoxFest on Friday at the Hilton Chicago, Quintana found himself in the awkward, uncertain position of being lauded by teammates and fans with the clear understanding that he might not pitch for them by the time Opening Day rolls around April 3. But Quintana knows how to go with the flow. Pitching well without the benefit of run support has made him mentally tough. Quintana, one of baseball s most effective and consistent left-handed starters over the last four seasons, said he expects to remain with the Sox. If that s the case, he s the odds-on favorite to make his first Opening Day start. I try to do my job, and that s it, Quintana said. I don t pay attention to rumors. After general manager Rick Hahn traded Chris Sale and Adam Eaton during the winter meetings to signal the start of a youth movement, Quintana was essentially put on alert that he would be the next to go. But Hahn said potential partners weren t offering an equitable return. So the Sox will wait. If we had our druthers, we would continue to make transactions like [the Eaton] and the Sale deal in rapid succession, Hahn said. Our desire is to get through this process and build a sustainable core of talented players as quickly as possible. Quintana is not alone among players wondering if they ll be on the roster in April. Or after the non-waiver trade deadline July 31. Todd Frazier, eligible for free agency for the first time after the season, is another. Frazier and any of the veterans are available for the right return. It s not hanging over my head, said Frazier, a 40-home-run hitter acquired from the Reds last offseason. Once you ve been traded, you don t worry about it too much. They said I was supposed to go to the Dodgers, and then Justin Turner signed with them, so it was on to the next team. When my agent hits me up, I will either worry or get excited. For veterans such as Frazier, it isn t always easy to get excited about going to spring training knowing your team isn t built to win. Frazier, who will be counted on for clubhouse leadership, talked like a leader while the many prospects around him gushed about the excitement of growing together in one system with the goal of being a top team soon. At the end of the day, these guys are professionals, Hahn said. They ve been through this, many of them have been traded before and while it is disruptive to their day-to-day life, it s something professionally they re able to get through. I don t think it s going to be a factor. Asked if there is any reasonable way of believing the Sox can contend in 2017, Hahn said he d have a hard time standing on the podium at SoxFest claiming that with a straight face. What we re going to look for from this 2017 team is playing the game the way we want it played, the level of energy, level of focus, preparation, Hahn said. It s a tough one. It s tough to serve two masters. SoxFest notes: Sale and Eaton deals were for payoff, not payback Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun-Times January 27, 2017 In response to a fan s question, general manager Rick Hahn insisted Chris Sale and Adam Eaton were not traded because of any off-the-field issues this offseason. Let me be clear, those trades had nothing to do with anything that happened outside of the lines, Hahn said.

11 Sale s temper got him in hot water with management last season when he called out vice president Ken Williams for interfering in the Adam LaRoche saga during spring training and when he tore up throwback uniforms during the season because he didn t want to wear them in his start. Chris Sale is an elite starter who will probably pitch in October this year and Adam Eaton is an elite defender and very talented player who will help his team contend for a championship, Hahn said. The reason they were moved is we weren t in a position to contend with them on our roster. White Sox way New manager Rick Renteria has been talking this week about doing things the White Sox way. During the first question-and-answer session with fans at SoxFest on Friday, Renteria shed some light on what that means. The way we do this is by holding our players accountable for the actions they take or don t take, Renteria said. There are many ways to play the game. The White Sox way is to back up bases, bust your rear end out of the [batter s] box and play with maximum effort. The explanation received instant applause from the audience. Renteria, who was manager Robin Ventura s bench coach last season, says five to seven teams in the majors play like that. That should be everyone s way, he said. We re going to try and make it the White Sox way. Sox sign OF Bourjos Peter Bourjos was signed to a minor-league contract and figures to have a shot at making the majorleague roster. The fleet Bourjos, 29, who owns a career.243/.300/.382 slash line with the Angels, Cardinals and Phillies, can play all three outfield positions and the Sox could stand some protection and depth with prospect Charlie Tilson looking like a front runner to start in center. Four Sox set for World Classic Jose Quintana (Colombia), Miguel Gonzalez (Mexico), Nate Jones and David Robertson (U.S.) are set to play in the World Baseball Classic in March. Robertson is on the U.S. provisional roster. Frazier dealing with sore finger Todd Frazier reaggravated his left index finger lifting weights this offseason but insists he ll be ready for spring training, saying the finger looks worse than it is. Frazier injured the finger during a swing during the last week of 2016 and had a second MRI. No tear, Frazier said. I m just worried about swinging. There might be a slow process at the beginning but I ll get going here a couple weeks in. Abreu on board In a quiet market for power hitters, Jose Abreu s name hasn t surfaced much in trade rumors, which is fine by the Cuban slugger. I want to play for this team for a very long time, Abreu said through translator Billy Russo.

12 Abreu said the trades of Sale and Eaton were the right moves for us at the time. White Sox and CF Peter Bourjos agree to minor league deal Associated Press January 27, 2017 CHICAGO (AP) Center fielder Peter Bourjos and the Chicago White Sox have agreed to a minor league contract that includes an invitation to big league camp for spring training. The speedy Bourjos, a native of nearby Park Ridge, Illinois, hit.251 with five homers and 23 RBIs in 123 games with Philadelphia last year. He is a.243 career hitter in seven seasons with the Angels, Cardinals and Phillies. The White Sox have an opening in their outfield after they traded Adam Eaton to Washington over the winter. The Chicago Tribune was the first to report on the contract. Quintana wants to stay with rebuilding White Sox Associated Press January 27, 2017 CHICAGO (AP) Jose Quintana pulled on his No. 62 White Sox jersey for the first day of the team's fan convention. He grinned when asked about pitching for Colombia in the World Baseball Classic. Those are the only teams on Quintana's mind right now. The durable left-hander can't do anything about the trade talk, so he just tries to ignore it. "I hear a lot about trades this year, but I don't have control over that," he said. "I'm happy to be here, and I have new teammates this year. We have some good talent this year, and I'm here. I have all my focus on the White Sox." While the crosstown Cubs prepare for their title defense, the rebuild is in full swing on the south side of Chicago. Ace pitcher Chris Sale and outfielder Adam Eaton were traded away during the winter meetings, but the 28-year-old Quintana remains with the White Sox after posting a career-high 13 wins last season and reaching 200 innings for the fourth straight year. General manager Rick Hahn indicated Friday the team remains open for business just a couple of weeks before the start of spring training. "Our desire is to get through this process and build a sustainable core of talented players as quickly as possible," he said. "Unfortunately our desire, our impatience, our eagerness isn't what's going to dictate this market or the schedule of these moves. The timing of many of these moves is going to be based upon the market and our ability to get similar value and what we feel is appropriate value." Third baseman Todd Frazier, who set career highs with 40 homers and 98 RBIs during his first season with Chicago, finds himself in a similar spot as Quintana. White Sox closer David Robertson also could be an attractive piece for some contenders. "We know the business how it is, and it is what it is," said Frazier, who was bothered by a left hand injury during the offseason but thinks he will be fine long before the start of the season.

13 "I talked with Rick yesterday, everything looks pretty good. I probably still could get traded, you never know, that's just the way it goes. But my focus, right now, is on spring training and building relationships right now with the team." Frazier, who came over from Cincinnati as part of a three-team trade in December 2015, was one of the main attractions at Chicago's annual fan fest last year. But the White Sox finished for their fourth straight season with a losing record, prompting Hahn and the front office to try a different direction. Now the focus is on a group of young players that came over in the Sale and Eaton deals. Touted infielder Yoan Moncada and right-hander Lucas Giolito are considered two of baseball's best prospects and could impact the major league club this season. "It's like a core young group now that we have here with the White Sox and I'm excited to be a part of it," Giolito said. "Being here, meeting all the guys, I feel like I'm fitting in pretty well, and I'm excited to get going." Giolito made his major league debut last June and struggled to a 6.75 ERA in six games with Washington. But he said he learned a lot and is looking forward to his new opportunity in Chicago. "I definitely want to compete for a spot. I mean, that's my game plan going in, to go in and pitch the best I can and show who I am and hopefully earn a spot out of spring training," he said. "If I don't, then I go to Triple-A or wherever they send me and just work from there. Kids ask the darndest things: SoxFest edition Frazier, Giolito, Rodon have fun answering questions Scott Merkin / MLB.com January 28, 2017 CHICAGO -- The questions coming from Saturday's kids-only press conference during SoxFest at the Hilton Chicago weren't quite as tough for Todd Frazier as hitting a Chris Sale slider. But they were challenging, at times, and always entertaining as delivered by the future of the White Sox fan base. "It was good," said a smiling Frazier after the seminar, where he was joined on stage by Lucas Giolito and Carlos Rodon. "I tell the guys all the time, they come up with some crafty questions. And they do their homework. It makes for a fun time answering those questions." This seminar featured questions for the trio of White Sox, ranging from favorite cereal to favorite food to what profession they would hold if they weren't baseball players. Frazier went with Cinnamon Toast Crunch, French fries and math teacher. There also were more than a few interesting baseball-related inquiries. One astute young fan asked Frazier if he would do a bat flip if he ever connected for a home run off Sale, his friend, former teammate and now potential opponent with the Red Sox. Frazier played a strong diplomatic role by saying that he might do one because it's not very easy to connect off one of the game's best pitchers, but he hoped Sale would take it in good fun because he didn't want a fastball in the ribs. "That was impressive," Frazier said of the Sale question. "I hope I can hit a home run off of him so I get an opportunity to do it."

14 Another fan asked Frazier for his career home run total, and he missed by seven when stating 155 (148 actually). That question was followed by a youngster asking Rodon for his career strikeout total, which Rodon didn't know, but another young fan gave him the correct answer of 307. A final challenge for Frazier came when asked if he would rather hit a home run in every at-bat or win a World Series as a team but be really bad individually after the championship. Following a good laugh from the panel and throughout the Continental Ballroom, Frazier went with the World Series. Connecting with the youngest White Sox supporters was the most important factor during these 45 minutes. But a good time was had by all. "We are here basically for the kids," Frazier said. "I'll stop on a dime just to give a kid a smile and an autograph and a picture. This is what a fanfest is about. The kids up and coming to be true White Sox fans and they grow loving this team." Hahn sheds light on state of White Sox rebuild Scott Merkin / MLB.com January 29, 2017 CHICAGO -- A few points of clarity concerning the White Sox rebuild were made by general manager Rick Hahn during SoxFest this weekend at the Hilton Chicago during conversations with the overall media and MLB.com. Let's work from future back to the present in this particular diagram. Adding strong veteran players potentially through free agency becomes the final step to complete the rebuild. Take a look at the Cubs' process across town with Jon Lester and Jason Heyward as examples. Hahn acknowledged the team is much closer to the beginning than the end in assembling the critical mass of young talent, a phrase he used enough over the past few days to turn it into a marketing slogan once the prospects all arrive at the big league level. But Hahn has no doubt White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf will be willing to spend and supplement. "When the time comes," Hahn told MLB.com. "When the time comes, we will be prepared to be aggressive, and free agency is used usually as a means to round out a championship-caliber roster. We know that's part of this. We are obviously not there at this time, but when the time comes, we are prepared to be aggressive. "Jerry has been on board in support of this from the start. He's as competitive as anybody. He's as impatient as anybody. He hopes ideally that we get this thing done as quickly as possible. "But I think the most beneficial part of his faith is that he's not making us force the issue. He wants us to only make transactions if we feel it truly does serve the greater good for the long term, not just because any of us are impatient and we have to go do something." That philosophy explains in part why an All-Star such as Jose Quintana remains on target to start Opening Day for the White Sox and isn't pitching for Pittsburgh or Houston. There has been extensive interest in acquiring the southpaw, but no talent offering submitted yet to make Hahn complete the deal. As for the trades already done -- Chris Sale to Boston and Adam Eaton to Washington -- Hahn clearly stated on a couple of occasions these moves had everything to do with the return and absolutely nothing to do with these players' outspoken demeanor off the field. This rebuild was not born out of bad contracts or players who had to be moved. It was, simply put, born out of the lack of success from the previous plan, in which the White Sox consistently pushed for the

15 postseason but also were left trying to piece together a competitive roster through the lower side of free agency. Often times the general manager in charge of that unsuccessful regime doesn't get a chance to improve on a wrongdoing, as Hahn and executive vice president Ken Williams currently are doing. Hahn understands that concept, but the White Sox brain trust also knew this rebuild day was coming even in the midst of trying to contend. "We've had this conversation, Jerry, Kenny and I, for a number of years, about when is the right time to pivot and how are we going to approach this pivot when the time does come?" Hahn said. "Ultimately we decided mid-way through last year that yes, it's finally time, and here's how we are going to go about it. Ultimately we weren't able to do the large transactions until the offseason." White Sox rate with 6 prospects in Top 100 Moncada leads way at No. 2 on MLBPipeline.com's list Scott Merkin / MLB.com January 29, 2017 CHICAGO -- An announcement of MLBPipeline.com's Top 100 Prospects once represented time when White Sox fans could catch up on their reading or maybe put in a copy of the 2005 World Series video and watch history made all over again. With the South Siders going for the postseason in some form every year, simply put, they didn't have a strong representation among the game's best younger players. Then, this offseason's White Sox rebuild arrived, and the release of MLBPipeline.com's Top 100 became a point of pride. Six White Sox players appear in the Top 100, ranking third behind the Yankees' and Braves' total of seven each, and falling one ahead of a group of six teams with five each, including the defending World Series champion Cubs. Infielder Yoan Moncada, who was acquired as part of the Chris Sale deal at the Winter Meetings, checks in as the top-ranked White Sox player at No. 2 overall. The switch-hitting Moncada stood No. 1 in the 2016 midseason rankings, but he has been supplanted by Red Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi. The annual ranking of MLB's Top 100 prospects is assembled by MLBPipeline.com Draft and prospect experts Jonathan Mayo, Jim Callis and Mike Rosenbaum, who compile input from industry sources, including scouts and scouting directors. It is based on analysis of players' skill sets, upsides, proximity to the Majors and potential immediate impact to their teams. Only players with rookie status entering the 2017 season are eligible for the list. Players who were at least 23 years old when they signed and played in leagues deemed to be professional (Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Cuba) are not eligible. Right-hander Lucas Giolito is next on the list for the White Sox at No. 12, although Giolito dropped nine spots from No. 3 in the midseason rankings last season, when he was with the Nationals. He is followed by hard-throwing right-hander Michael Kopech, who jumped 14 spots to No. 16, and fellow right-hander Reynaldo Lopez, who slipped from No. 38 to 45. Carson Fulmer, who was the club's top pick in the 2015 Draft at No. 8 overall, checks in at No. 71. Fulmer actually made eight appearances for the White Sox out of the bullpen last season in his Major League debut. Catcher Zack Collins completes the White Sox group of six at No. 81. Collins was the team's top selection in the 2016 Draft, representing an impressive group of picks overall the organization has high hopes for in the future.

16 As far as Prospect Points goes, the White Sox total of 379 ranks second behind the Yankees' 414. The No. 1 prospect overall gets 100 points, No. 2 gets 99 and so on. Moncada, Kopech, Giolito and Lopez all were acquired in trades involving Sale to the Red Sox and outfielder Adam Eaton to the Nationals. Fulmer, first-rounders big part of White Sox rebuilding plan Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago Sun-Times January 28, 2017 Much of the focus this winter on the White Sox rebuild is on those seven prospects acquired from the Red Sox and Nationals in trades for Chris Sale and Adam Eaton, but keep in mind what they already had in place with first-round picks Zack Collins and Zack Burdi from the 2016 Zackdraft, Carson Fulmer (selected eighth overall in 2015) and current major-leaguers Carlos Rodon (third overall in 2014) and Tim Anderson (17th in 2013). Coupled together, those two groups shape a reasonably strong base for a makeover, with more high-end potential on the way if and when Jose Quintana is traded. A wild card, if you will, is Fulmer, who possesses four good or plus pitches and whose makeup scouts, coaches and executives gush about, but his struggles with command in the minors and when the Sox brought him up (arguably too soon) last year have made him something of a forgotten man in all the rebuild buzz. Fulmer, though, believes he figured something out mechanically with the help of Class AAA Charlotte pitching coach Rich Dotson late last season. If so, his mentions could soar once again. Career-changing, I think, Fulmer said. The ball was flat coming out of my hand with all my pitches. He told me drive my groin toward home plate, made me tall, gave me angle. Fulmer, who made his debut in July by striking out Albert Pujols on three pitches, would return to Class AAA after allowing 11 earned runs and seven walks in 11 2/3 innings. He really figured it out with Dot, said Curt Hasler, the Sox first-year bullpen coach after six years as minor-league pitching coordinator. They calmed some things down, he stayed under control and he was able to execute pitch after pitch after pitch. His last four to five outings, and really outstanding the last three to four, he really got it going. At the end of the year, he made us go, Whoa, this is what we see in him, this is what we think he can do. The Sox are also bullish on what Collins and right-hander Burdi can do. There s also 2016 second-round right-hander Alec Hansen, 2014 second-round right-hander Spencer Adams and 2015 fifth-round righthander Jordan Stephens to keep an eye on. Collins, a left-handed-hitting catcher with power who dropped from No. 1 to middle of the top 10 in most rankings of the Sox prospects after the two big trades, will try to prove his mettle defensively starting in high Class A or AA. The Sox insist he will. Scouting director Nick Hostetler said Saturday that he would have picked Collins, who was taken 10th, first overall. Burdi hit 102 mph at Class A Winston-Salem last year, and with a wipeout slider, he projects as a closer. Thought by some to be called up within months of being drafted last season, his time might come this year.