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We’re another step closer to Opening Day as the White Sox held their first full-squad workout.
Here are the main storylines to start your work week.
Liam Hendriks signs two-year deal with Red Sox
The day began with some non-White Sox news, as former closer Liam Hendriks signed a two-year deal with the Red Sox that includes a mutual option in 2026. It guarantees $10 million with an additional $10 million available in incentives.
Hendriks says he hopes to pitch during the second half of 2024 after undergoing elbow surgery just last summer.
Leadoff hitter yet to be named, likely Andrew Benintendi
With Tim Anderson now gone, the leadoff spot is open for grabs.
Pedro Grifol said he hasn’t decided on a leadoff hitter yet but has four guys in mind. The only name he mentioned specifically was Andrew Benintendi, who led off 44 times last year and slashed .301/.366/.393 in those games.
Asked Grifol if he had a leadoff hitter in mind and he said a few but mentioned only Andrew Benintendi's name.
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) February 19, 2024
Eloy Jimenez wants to play 150+ games this year
Eloy Jimenez is aiming high and hopes to play in 150+ games this year alongside Yoan Moncada and Luis Robert Jr. None of the three have ever achieved that feat, though Jimenez had his second-highest amount of games played with 120 in 2023. Robert Jr. was closer to the goal with 145 games last year, while you have to go back to 2018 for Moncada’s highest total at 149.
Eloy said the goal is to play 150+ games this season along side Moncada and Robert Jr.
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) February 19, 2024
Bullpen Day for the First Cactus League Game
Pedro Grifol and his staff have decided that it will be a bullpen day for Friday’s Cactus League opener against the Cubs. The starter of that game has not been named, but Grifol provided a list of probable arms – Jesse Chavez, Nicholas Padilla, Joe Barlow, Fraser Ellard, and Alex Speas.
Sox inform that Jesse Chavez, Nicholas Padilla, Joe Barlow, Fraser Ellard and Alex Speas are expected to pitch in Friday’s Cactus League opener against the Cubs.
— Vinnie Duber (@VinnieDuber) February 19, 2024
Luis Robert Jr. believes he can improve upon 2023
Luis Robert Jr. on if there is another level to his game: "Yes. I can improve on little things that I didn’t do as well as I wanted. I think I can improve on those little things, and if I do, it’s going to be a way better season."
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) February 19, 2024
Luis Robert Jr. pic.twitter.com/Kcso3zPrWE
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) February 19, 2024
Robert Jr. and Maldonado share positive comments on teammates
Luis Robert on what Eloy Jimenez is capable of. "Everything. I think we are going to carry this team, and do everything together for this team."
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) February 19, 2024
Luis Robert said Yoan Moncada was motivated "before last season ended. The mindset was get ready, get in the best shape in the offseason to come back and do what he knows and everyone knows he's capable of doing on the field."
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) February 19, 2024
Robert Jr. on Colas: "We talk a lot. He already had the experience of last year and we talked more about putting it to good use that experience. Have confidence in himself, be calm …
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) February 19, 2024
More Robert Jr. on Colas: ".. I think he’s in the right spot. He has a lot of talent and if he’s able to put all that together, he’s going to have a good performance this year."
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) February 19, 2024
Maldonado on Kopech: "The guy can be an All-Star, man. It seems like he cares. He’s a high energy guy. Understanding you don’t have to be super nasty, you be nasty. He has that ability to do that. He showed some games that are really really good, other games that are really bad"
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) February 19, 2024
Sights and Sounds
Full squad pulling up
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) February 19, 2024pic.twitter.com/2eJL7zMEiJ
Pedro Grifol surveys the Sox’ first full-squad workout in Arizona. pic.twitter.com/qP2QWdGp8i
— Vinnie Duber (@VinnieDuber) February 19, 2024
Tim Hill, Erick Fedde. pic.twitter.com/KiBV2Pi5RW
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) February 19, 2024
Cease bullpen day. pic.twitter.com/tDR4ktuFRg
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) February 19, 2024
Eloy Jimenez and Robert Jr. pic.twitter.com/FwInoERfll
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) February 19, 2024
Hitting coach Marcus Thames. pic.twitter.com/7RXfKczWJ4
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) February 19, 2024
Davis Martin's return bullpen: 15 pitches, all fastballs, 83-85 mph, felt great. pic.twitter.com/ffUDyjAJog
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) February 19, 2024
— James Fegan (@JRFegan) February 19, 2024
Who knows if this will carry over into the regular season, but Erick Fedde is working quickly in this bullpen session pic.twitter.com/57ySCb0Eca
— Vinnie Duber (@VinnieDuber) February 19, 2024
Eloy Jiménez taking some swings during batting practice at Sox spring training pic.twitter.com/rjGwiBnQas
— Vinnie Duber (@VinnieDuber) February 19, 2024
Luis Robert Jr. takes a turn in the cage pic.twitter.com/v2UTpPCnty
— Vinnie Duber (@VinnieDuber) February 19, 2024
More must-reads:
- Yankees' Aaron Judge addresses offensive woes creeping into May
- Marlins trading away two-time All-Star as fire sale may already be underway
- The 'MLB Rookies of the Year' quiz
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