Sox sign righty Gonzalez
OAKLAND, Calif. — Short on starting- pitching depth going into the season, the White Sox addressed it the day before the opener by agreeing to terms on a minor- league deal with right- hander Miguel Gonzalez.
Gonzalez, 31, had groin, elbow and shoulder problems last season and posted a 4.91 ERA after he had established himself as a solid rotation piece by pitching to a 3.45 ERA from 2012 to 2014. A popular player in the Orioles’ clubhouse, Gonzalez cleared release waivers Friday and became a free agent after a shaky spring that concluded on a good note Tuesday, when he allowed a run in five innings against the Braves.
Mat Latos, signed to a one- year, $ 3 million deal in February, made three so- so starts this spring. He might turn out to be what the Sox are looking for when all is said and done, but they don’t have much major- leagueready depth behind him in the minors besides Erik Johnson.
Gonzalez is expected to report to Class AAA Charlotte. Manager Buck Showalter said the Orioles were hoping to keep Gonzalez by signing him to a minor- league deal after he was put on release waivers. The Yankees also were interested, but Gonzalez likely viewed the Sox as the opportunity for the swiftest return to the majors.
Salty dogs
Manager Robin Ventura said Sunday that his 2016 roster is “saltier,” and Chris Sale, who will make his third Opening Day start Monday night against fellow Cy Young candidate Sonny Gray, agrees.
“We have some grit,’’ Sale said after the Sox worked out at O. co Coliseum. “We have guys who aren’t afraid to play hard, show emotion and grind. That’s half the battle. When you have tough guys, that prevails.’’
Sale’s individual goals are short and sweet: don’t miss a start and pitch 200 innings.
“Staying healthy, that’s not really a stat, but it is the name of the game,’’ he said.
Manager’s corner
Discussing Opening Day, Ventura, usually one of the least excitable guys in the room, said “exciting” or “excited” nine times during a five- minute media session in the visitors’ dugout.
The Sox were 76- 86 last season but are confident their offseason additions will make them postseason contenders.
“We like where they’re at, and we’re ready to go,’’ Ventura said.
“I like the vibe they have. I like the energy and the confidence they came out of spring training with.’’
Homecoming for Rollins
Jimmy Rollins, 37, who won the Opening Day shortstop job after signing a minor- league contract during spring training, grew up in Alameda, California, and was a huge fan of former Athletic Rickey Henderson. Rollins played down the significance of this homecoming, though.
“Just another Opening Day,’’ he said. “Get past the home team’s excitement, go out there, put up some runs.’’
This will be the first outof- town opener for new Sox third baseman Todd Frazier, who played every other one in the Reds’ traditional opener at home.
“It’s like a new year, a feeling you can’t really explain,’’ Frazier said.
The home opener
West Chatham native Chance the Rapper will throw out the first pitch and Goo Goo Dolls lead singer John Rzeznik will sing the national anthem at the home opener Friday.