Boggs not yet focused on spring results

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The results from Mitchell Boggs' two-thirds of an inning Tuesday against the Rangers certainly were not desirable at any level of competition: four runs allowed on three hits and one walk.

But in Cactus League action, in the dry desert air of Arizona, the work is as important as the statistics for the veteran right-hander.

"I'm not going to sit here and tell you that I gave up a few runs and I don't care," Boggs said. "Every time I step on the mound I want to compete and do well. But, at the same time, you gotta have the perspective of that was my fourth time out yesterday."

"I've never really had a lights-out Spring Training other than last year. I don't think that correlates to how your season is going to be. But, at the same time, by no means am I running out there and going through the motions. I've competitive and want to get the job done."

Boggs allowed one run over eight innings last spring for the Cardinals, and followed up that effort with the worst season of his career. Early on with the White Sox, Boggs has been focusing on getting the ball away from arm side a little bit, which is a part of his repertoire where he has always struggled.

"Now, it's just getting my sinker going like I know it can," Boggs said. "That's a little bit of a trial out here in the desert. I've had a couple of good outings and a couple of ones where I've given up runs.

"I don't want to do that but, at the same time, it's March 12. I feel good about how my arm feels, and I feel excited about the next couple of weeks."