Danks, Garcia among White Sox eyeing turnaround
CHICAGO -- Spring Training begins Feb. 20 for the White Sox, with pitchers and catchers reporting to Camelback Ranch.
It's the most highly-anticipated Spring Training for the South Siders since 2006 thanks to the eight offseason impact moves made by general manager Rick Hahn.
Over the next 10 days, mlb.com will be taking a look at the upcoming 2015 season with a seven-part preview series.
Today's installment focuses on White Sox players on the rebound.
RF Avisail Garcia: Give Garcia credit for fighting back from what was originally diagnosed as a season-ending torn labrum and avulsion fracture in his left shoulder suffered on April 9 in Colorado, picking up 190 important plate appearances in 2014. He is at least 15 pounds slimmer moving into 2015 and coming off a strong winter ball effort in Venezuela. The potential five-tool talent is a true X-factor for this team's success.
LHP John Danks: This bounce back has been a gradual process for the veteran left-hander, who had arthroscopic shoulder surgery in August 2012. Being healthy no longer stands as an issue, but Danks is adjusting to his new style of pitching with a bit less velocity. The White Sox count on Danks for at least 32 starts and 200 innings pitched but want him focused on less walks and keeping the ball in the ballpark. Then again, that philosophy pretty much holds true for any pitcher.
Video: KC@CWS: Danks stifles Royals over seven strong frames
RHP Hector Noesi: Over 27 starts with the White Sox, Noesi posted a 4.43 ERA with 116 strikeouts in 164 2/3 innings. Not a bad showing for a hurler who came to the White Sox as a reliever and not close to being stretched out. Pitching coach Don Cooper is excited to have Noesi for a full Spring Training and has ideas for Noesi and Danks to help lock down the back of what could be a stellar starting rotation.
RHP Daniel Webb: During his first full big league season, Webb posted a 3.99 ERA in 57 games. It certainly was a decent enough performance, but with the bullpen upgraded with the additions of David Robertson, Zach Duke and Dan Jennings, Webb needs to throw more strikes to break camp with the team after walking 42 over 67 2/3 innings in 2014.
INF Gordon Beckham: There probably were few people, including Beckham, who saw his return to the South Side after the second baseman was traded to the Angels late last August. He has struggled to replicate his rookie season offensive success but he could be a valuable piece across the infield in a super utility role.
3B Matt Davidson: The White Sox No. 8 prospect per mlb.com had his worst season as a pro during his first season in the organization. The team certainly has not counted out the ultra-talented Davidson.
C Geovany Soto: If Soto stays healthy, the non-roster invite seems to be the favorite to break camp as one of the two White Sox catchers. He could challenge incumbent Tyler Flowers at some point for playing time.
RHP Nate Jones: The closer-in-waiting never delivered a healthy pitch in '14. After undergoing minor back surgery and then season-ending Tommy John surgery, Jones could become a solid midseason addition in '15