Sox unlikely to deal before Opening Day
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Barring an injury that would force them to seek outside help, the White Sox won’t be looking outside the organization to add to the roster before Opening Day on April 1.
‘‘Never say never, but that is a fair presumption,’’ general manager Rick Hahn told the Sun-Times. ‘‘We still have conversations outside to see if there’s a move that makes sense, but the far more likely result is the 26 we break with are from the group that’s in camp.’’
A move before the trade deadline July 31 is more likely but not a given. With Andrew Vaughn playing to rave reviews, the designated-hitter spot doesn’t beg for an upgrade. The starting nine, rotation and bullpen are all but set.
‘‘Let’s see where we’re at,’’ Hahn said. ‘‘Let’s see how we’re playing, where we are from a healthy standpoint. But we know the potential opportunity that lies ahead of us this summer, and adding something to enhance our chances makes a world of sense. But let’s see where the needs are and who’s available before committing that something is going to happen.’’
Vaughn ‘solid as an oak’
Vaughn continues to impress manager Tony La Russa. The top candidate to be the Sox’ primary designated hitter, Vaughn showed La Russa something after he failed in two RBI situations Saturday against the Reds.
‘‘Yeah, that’s an easy read,’’ La Russa said Sunday. ‘‘First of all, he was upset about it. Then when he got picked up [on a three-run double] from [Yermin] Mercedes, he was the first guy to congratulate him. Today, he went back to work.’’
Vaughn had a session with hitting coach Frank Menechino, then worked on a drill with special assistant to the GM Jim Thome.
‘‘Jim came over to the ‘B’ game and told me that [Vaughn] was outstanding,’’ La Russa said. ‘‘I guess what I’m trying to say is, this guy’s got it all between the ears.’’
La Russa said Vaughn ‘‘is solid as an oak.’’
‘‘He’s going to have an outstanding career,’’ La Russa said. ‘‘I’d like to be his agent.’’
Loud Liam wants to hit
Closer Liam Hendriks broke the monotony of photo day last week by wearing outfielder Eloy Jimenez’s red batting gloves and a helmet and posing with a bat. It was his way of reminding La Russa that he wants an at-bat this season.
‘‘All I want is one,’’ Hendriks said. ‘‘I just want one hit. I want the ball, I want to put it on my wall, and that’s it.’’
Hendriks said his nickname was ‘‘Ugly Power’’ when he almost signed as an outfielder. He thought his first pitch in a ‘‘B’’ game Sunday against Dodgers reserves and prospects was ugly and let everyone know it with loud expletives.
‘‘It serves a purpose, not only for me kind of venting my frustration, but it actually calms me down,’’ Hendriks said. ‘‘It’s like a normal person doesn’t drink coffee at night, where I drink coffee to go to sleep.’’
Hendriks, who signed a $54 million contract during the offseason, followed a four-pitch walk to open the first inning with two strikeouts and a grounder.