CHICAGO -- Here's the last batch of White Sox inquiries before Spring Training.
There has been so much talk about the White Sox offer to (Manny Machado) and how much it might have been for, yet nothing is ever mentioned about a (Bryce Harper) offer. Do we know if the White Sox have ever made a formal offer to Harper?
-- John, Chicago
The White Sox have shown interest in Harper and Machado. The club has met with both, and has made an offer to Machado. Harper has more of a national presence and he would immediately be the face of this rebuild/franchise. He's not a bad player to have in your lineup driving their changing television network, but as I've mentioned here many times, Machado would have the same positive effect.
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Does Tim Anderson saying that shortstop is his hurt the White Sox chances at getting Machado?
-- Max, Greenwood, Ind.
Anderson pointed out that he's there to help the team win, and he talked to MLB.com last season about being able to handle a move to the outfield. But since the day Anderson was selected in the 2013 MLB Draft, he has worked tirelessly to prove he is the White Sox shortstop of the present and the future, so good for him to not want to give up that spot and have the ultimate confidence in what he does.
I predict the Sox will wind up regretting not re-signing Avisaíl García. Last year can be excused, as Avi was constantly plagued with nagging injuries. Avi showed what he could do the previous season when he finished second in the (American League) batting race with a .330 average.
-- Sol, New York
A change of scenery is sometimes best for both the player and the organization. However, if Garcia at age 27 stays healthy and gets regular at-bats, I still believe he'll have a very productive season for the Rays ending up somewhere between his 2017 breakout and last season. He has an abundance of talent and has time to have it click consistently.
Any word on the price range for tickets in the newly announced Goose Island in right field? It looks like a nice addition to the park.
-- Josh, Decatur, Ill., @MyrenJosh
White Sox senior vice president, sales and marketing Brooks Boyer provided the answer for this one.
"Ticket prices for the season tickets will be [on average] $60 for Row 5 seats, which includes $20 of food and beverage credit, and Rows 1, 3, and 4 seats will average $100 and have $20 food and beverage credit for each ticket. All seats have waiter/waitress service from the Goose Island Craft Kave.
"Ticket prices for Rows 6-11 [seats with a drink rail] will fluctuate based on the game date and opponent. That average is about $25 per game. This comes with waiter/waitress from the Goose Island Craft Kave. There is no loaded value on the tickets.
"Ticket prices for Rows 12-13 [standing room only rows] will fluctuate based on the game date and opponent. Average price will likely be around $15-$20 per game."
Has anyone actually watched Manny Machado play baseball? I watched the Orioles for a few seasons, and they had plenty of talent and went nowhere with Machado. Why does everyone seem to think he'd make this team better?
-- Brian, Bloomingdale, Ill.
Machado is one of the best all-around players in the game and makes any team better -- let's not pretend he's anything but perennial All-Star caliber. But neither Machado nor Harper represent the finishing points of this rebuild or guarantee the White Sox any sort of championship. It's a point the club understand as its pursuits and rebuild continue.
Who is the next third baseman up if White Sox don't sign Machado? (Ti'Quan) Forbes? Bryce Bush? Or does (Nick Madrigal) come up and someone is moved to third?
-- Mark, @AmericanStash
Yolmer Sánchez figures to remain that guy in the short term, although there has been mention of Yoán Moncada moving to third with Madrigal having the advanced skillset to reach the Majors at some point later this season. Don't count out Jake Burger, who has capably dealt with the setback of two ruptured left Achilles. There will be a future spot for Burger, with people already talking optimistically about the different sound coming from the ball off of his bat.