Pitchers and catchers officially reported to Camelback Ranch today for the start of White Sox Spring Training. However, Tim Andseron, Nicky Delmonico, Adam Engel, and a bunch of other position players have been arriving early to get extra work in.
Michael Kopech, Reynaldo Lopez, Carlos Rodon, Tim Anderson, Alec Hansen, Adam Engel, Matt Davidson, Zack Collins, Nate Jones, Danny Farquhar, Ryan Cordell, Aaron Bummer, Kevan Smith, Carson Fulmer, Charlie Tilson and many others all at White Sox camp today. The players are here.
— James Fegan (@JRFegan) February 13, 2018
Some people are believing that the White Sox could contend for the second A.L. Wildcard spot if everything goes right. The rotation, while young and for the most part inexperienced, definitely has the talent to carry the team at times and will get a big boost when Michael Kopech is promoted from Triple-A. The lineup still has some holes, but it still has Jose Abreu, Avisail Garcia, Welington Castillo, Tim Anderson, Yoan Moncada, and eventually Eloy Jimenez. The biggest weakness heading into 2018 is without question the bullpen. But a healthy Nate Jones can quickly help strengthen the bullpen from top to bottom.
On yesterday’s episode of the White Sox Talk podcast, White Sox insiders Chuck Garfien and Ryan McGuffey said that Nate Jones told them that he is “full go” for Spring Training and beyond. You can listen to when the White Sox talk about Nate Jones at the 7:50 mark of the podcast here.
Joakim Soria And Nate Jones Could Solidify Back Of Bullpen
Of the few minor moves the White Sox made this winter, landing Soria as part of a three team trade could prove to be one of the best. He was more than serviceable in Kansas City last season and was the early favorite to become the White Sox closer in 2018. Now that Jones seems to be without any restrictions, it gives Rick Renteria much more flexibility. To have Soria pitch the eighth followed by Jones in the ninth, it not only makes the bullpen better, but it gives the other arms more time for rest.
When Nate Jones is right, he can be straight up nasty. And with Soria, Luis Avilan, Thyago Vieira, Juan Minaya, and Aaron Bummer as other likely options, the White Sox bullpen could wind up being more than formidable in 2018.
