Robertson still believes in White Sox chances

ST. PETERSBURG -- When David Robertson agreed to a four-year, $46-million deal with the White Sox during this past offseason, he did so with the full intention of being the team's closer for at least the next four years.

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That outlook won't change for Robertson even if general manager Rick Hahn decides this 2015 team is not a true contender as the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline approaches and subtracts instead of adds.

"If that happens, you know, that's just part of the game," Robertson told MLB.com. "That's obviously a decision that I'm not even involved in. The organization has to do what's best for them. If that's the way this season turns out, then so be it."

These comments from Robertson certainly don't represent a sign of resignation that this White Sox squad with such high hopes coming into the season isn't good enough in the veteran's mind. Quite the contrary.

Robertson played on a World Series champion in 2009 and then playoff teams in 2010, '11 and '12 -- all with the Yankees. The veteran hurler believes this White Sox team has the talent and makeup to reach that elite level of success.

"Absolutely. We definitely have the players here to make it happen," Robertson said. "It's a matter of us actually doing it and putting together good stretches where we take two of three a lot of times.

"If we pick up a few series against the Royals or Detroit … We had a great opportunity to get Detroit: they weren't playing real well and we squandered that opportunity. But we are still very capable."

American League Central series stand as a key for this team's turnaround, with the White Sox starting Sunday in last place in the division, but 4 1/2 games out of the second Wild Card spot. As Robertson pointed out, they want to avoid having too far to climb or too many teams to jump by the time August rolls around.

A failure to get into prime contention could lead to more than a few immediate changes for the White Sox. But Robertson has faith in the White Sox front office that brought him aboard, regardless of the in-season direction they travel.

"You can tell that they want to win," said Robertson, who entered Sunday with 13 saves and a 2.03 ERA over 25 games. "They did everything they could this offseason and had a great offseason in signing guys and putting together a great squad. Hopefully over time it will show they made the right calls.

"They wouldn't have these jobs if they didn't know what they were doing. As far as that side of it, they are going to do what they have to do and what they feel is best."