Garcia gaining experience at Triple-A, awaiting callup

DETROIT -- With the White Sox 2013 season plummeting to 28 games under .500 entering Sunday's series finale in Detroit, a close look at the organization's future takes on as much attention as, if not greater focus than, present results.

So, in a Sunday morning conference call involving Avisail Garcia, acquired by the White Sox Tuesday night from the Tigers in a three-team deal that sent Jake Peavy to Boston, it only seemed nature to ask the talented outfielder about his targeted Chicago arrival.

"Hopefully soon," said Garcia with a laugh. "But I don't know."

White Sox manager Robin Ventura said Sunday that Garcia originally was sent to Triple-A Charlotte with general manager Rick Hahn wanting "to see what was going to happen" on the non-waiver Trade Deadline of July 31. Alex Rios stayed put, meaning Garcia gets a little more experience with the Knights.

Garcia has been playing center field for Charlotte, even at 6-foot-4, 240 pounds. He feels as comfortable holding down the position as he does playing right field or left field, having seen time in all three spots for the Tigers.

"I feel good in center field," Garcia said. "I have everything to play that position. I like right field, too. But wherever they put me, I'm going to play hard and do what I know. I'll work hard."

Described as a five-tool talent by not just Hahn but also people who watched him in Detroit, Garcia still has plenty of development ahead. Offensive discipline is a concern for a hitter who walked just seven times over 139 big league plate appearances, but Garcia doesn't need to be told that consistency with the bat is important.

He also understands the focus will be placed squarely on his broad shoulders upon his arrival to Chicago, with Garcia serving as a cornerstone of the White Sox rebuild as well as their big Trade Deadline deal. Garcia certainly will be a September callup and could get the call even sooner, spelling Rios, Dayan Viciedo and Alejandro De Aza in the outfield on a daily basis.

"Whatever happens here, I try to focus on playing hard and helping my team win," said Garcia, who battled through a bruised right heel earlier this season. "Now I've got a new team. The Tigers are the past. I'm with the White Sox. I'll try to get a win when they play the Tigers.

"I'm happy for the trade. This is a new opportunity for me to be here. I thank God for that. I've just got to keep playing hard and try to do something good for my team and help my team win games."