Renteria pleased with young talent in camp

Focus will soon shift to more playing time for veterans

March 9th, 2017

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Next Wednesday appears to be a noteworthy day for the 2017 White Sox.
Manager Rick Renteria targeted this day, which features a home game against the Royals before an off-day, for when he's going to feature the starters more in Cactus League play. The White Sox have not made any roster moves as of Thursday's 4-2 win over the D-backs -- aside from the decision to release second baseman -- and have been getting an extensive look at the young core of their rebuild.
Right-handers , and have all started this spring, although they will each begin the season in the Minors. The same holds true for second baseman , catcher and reliever Zack Burdi, who also are receiving close looks.

As a whole, Renteria likes the way camp has played out thus far.
"To this point, it kind of exceeded my expectations, to be honest," Renteria said. "The guys are really kind of jelling, they're working, they're taking in the information and they're working and taking in the skill work. Obviously, we have three weeks left of spring. But so far, so good, knock on wood."
Success for this camp begins with Renteria. He's exceedingly upbeat, with an attention to detail shared by his staff. That detail ranges from simply talking to a pitcher after his bullpen session for a few reassuring moments, or moving pregame practice solely to the back fields Thursday in order to focus on drill work.
Giolito believes the tone was set at the camp's outset, and is reinforced each morning.

"It started with our early meetings," Giolito said. "Rick has been preaching just about the team coming together -- rookies, veterans, we're all a family.
"It's kind of cliche, but we're playing for the team on the front, not the name on the back. And we've all taken that to heart and we're all working really hard, and the results are showing."
Some of these younger players will return to big league camp for a few games even after they are sent to Minor League camp. They will continue to gain knowledge, even with playing time diminished.