GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Jose Abreu could be playing his last season as a member of the White Sox in 2019.
It’s a topic manager Rick Renteria didn’t want to even think about when asked recently. It’s also a subject general manager Rick Hahn told MLB.com is not discussed as much internally as it is speculated upon outside the organization.
“We’ve obviously got a great deal of respect for Jose and what he’s accomplished and what he means to this organization. ... Over the years, we have had a great deal of success in finding a way to keep important players in a White Sox uniform going forward,” Hahn said. “He certainly has made no secret on his desire to be here long term. And we’ve made no secret about the level of respect for him.”
The White Sox hold their last year of contractual control over Abreu, whose 146 home runs entering ’19 leave him 10th on the franchise list and just 26 away from sixth. Abreu agreed to a six-year, $68 million free agent deal out of Cuba, although opted into arbitration prior to the 2017 season.
“He’s been outstanding,” Hahn said. “[Special assistant to the general manager -- international operations] Marco Paddy and our guys did a great job doing the best they could with limited access to a Cuban player, understanding what made him tick and what level of competitiveness he had, work ethic.
“Until you actually have a guy, you really don’t know. There’s only so much your scouts can find out. Abreu has performed at a very high level for an extended period of time which met with scouting evaluations of what he was capable of doing. The place where he’s probably surpassed things is in terms of the makeup and what he’s meant in this clubhouse.”
Jimenez taking his time
Eloy Jimenez finished 0-for-3 in the White Sox 11-4 loss to the Reds on Wednesday, including a three-pitch strikeout against Tanner Roark in the first inning. The No. 3 prospect in baseball per MLB Pipeline is 1-for-8 in Arizona, but feeling good overall.
“A little off on my timing, but I feel great other than that,” Jimenez said. “I know I am going to get there. I’m just taking swings and seeing pitches. I feel really good. Last year was good, this year is better.”
Jimenez worked diligently in the offseason to get into good physical condition and said Wednesday he feels lighter and is able to run better. As far as breaking camp with the team, Jimenez provided a similar answer he’s been giving since SoxFest.
“I’m going to work hard, I’m going to play hard to break with the team,” Jimenez said. “But it’s not my decision. All I can control is playing hard and they have the other part.”
Lopez working on offspeed
Reynaldo Lopez incorporated a slider into his pitching repertoire last season, and it became a pitch he really used to his advantage. During the 2019 campaign, Lopez wants to take that pitch to another level.
“Same as my other breaking pitches,” said Lopez through interpreter Billy Russo, after allowing two runs in two innings during his Cactus League debut Wednesday. “That's my focus here in Spring Training. Just to get ready and get those pitches sharp for the season. For me, that's going to be one of the keys to have a good season this year.”
Lopez added Wednesday was a good day for his curveball.
Injury update
Daniel Palka’s tight left hamstring is coming along according to Renteria’s pregame comments. The injury still is being classified as a cramp, but Renteria added the organization wanted to make sure it was nothing else.
“Everything is under control,” Renteria said. “But we’re taking it slow with him. A couple of days more. He is feeling much, much better. Hopefully once we transition him back onto the field, we’ll see where he is in terms of getting him back into the lineup.”
Up next
Lucas Giolito takes his slightly altered delivery and new mindset to the mound for his first 2019 Cactus League appearance Thursday afternoon in Peoria. Seattle plays host to the White Sox with a 2:10 p.m. CT first pitch in a game where potential closer Alex Colome is also scheduled to pitch.
They said it
“He was moving too much and messing around. He likes to do crazy things. I saw when [Jose] Rondón ran to the base, I said, 'OK.' I turned around and we got him.” -- Lopez on picking off Yasiel Puig from second base to end the first inning.