Renteria expecting White Sox to 'answer the bell' this season
GLENDALE, Ariz. - Over his first two seasons in the White Sox dugout, Rick Renteria has a 129-195 record and consecutive fourth-place finishes in the AL Central.
Many a manager would not survive such a showing, but Renteria's high energy, teaching ability and attention to detail have been lauded during the rebuild.
The Sox are again not viewed as contenders this season, although that would likely change if Manny Machado joins the roster.
No matter what happens, Renteria has set his expectations much higher, especially coming off a 100-loss season.
"I think that my excitement in the beginning was there because I knew what we were evolving into," said Renteria, who quietly had his contract extended last year. "My excitement now shifts into the expectation and the hope that we're starting to near a place where we're going to start to get some more of the young talent transitioning to the major-league level and helping us perform and win some ballgames."
Renteria will be even more excited if holdovers like Yoan Moncada and Lucas Giolito step up their games this season.
"I think that sense of urgency has always been there, but I think now that you have a few more years under their belt, they understand the importance of it," Renteria said. "So it's evolved. It hasn't been a 'beat you up for two years.' It's been, you know, we're allowing guys to understand the failure and the successes of your growth.
"And then there comes a time when it's time to answer the bell. And so individuals, different individuals, have to start answering the bell at a higher level, at a more consistent pace. It gives you a chance to have success."
Burger's back:
The White Sox's promising farm system was devastated by injuries last season.
Michael Kopech blew out his elbow and had Tommy John surgery after joining the Sox in August and making just 4 starts.
Outfielder Micker Adolfo also had Tommy John surgery, Luis Robert was limited to 50 games with a lingering thumb injury, Dane Dunning had an elbow scare and Eloy Jimenez dealt with pectoral and quad issues.
Jake Burger might have been the worst case of all. After tearing his left Achilles tendon in February, he tore it again in May. The Sox's first-round draft pick in 2017 is not expected to be back playing until June.
Burger is in camp and he's been hitting, so that's a good sign.
"He could fall out of bed and hit," general manager Rick Hahn said of the 22-year-old third baseman. "He's got a compact, powerful stroke that we really didn't think he was going to lose because of the time off. For him it's just about ramping up the strength in the legs, the conditioning elements of things and being able to run and be comfortable."
Kopech plan:
Michael Kopech did some more light throwing Wednesday, but the prized pitching prospect is still out for the entire season after having Tommy John surgery in September.
"The fact of the matter is, he looked exactly where he needs to be right now," GM Rick Hahn said. "In reality, he needs to be on one of those mounds a year from today and he's well on his way to doing that. There is no need to accelerate this thing whatsoever. From time to time, we might need to remind Michael of what the actual goal is. He's eager to get back."