White Sox bring back Flowers
A few weeks after having season-ending shoulder surgery on Sept. 5, catcher Tyler Flowers returned to U.S. Cellular Field and wasn’t too sure about his future with the White Sox.
“I think it puts them in a tough spot, when you go out and you perform like I did,” Flowers said. “It makes it pretty hard to name a starting catcher or anything or really not do something differently going into next season (with) a guy that hit .195 on the year.
“With that said, obviously I had a couple of things nagging me, and I hope the opportunity is there again at some point. I don’t have a lack of confidence at all. I know what I’m capable of.”
Even though Flowers did finish the 2013 season with a dismal .195/.247/.355 hitting line to go with 10 home runs and 24 RBI in 84 games, general manager Rick Hahn warned not to overlook the catcher’s overall lack of experience.
On Monday night, the Sox and Flowers agreed to a one-year, $950,000 contract while avoiding salary arbitration. As it stands now, Flowers and Josh Phegley (.206/.223/.299) remain the White Sox’ two catchers heading into the 2014 season.
The Sox did not tender a contract offer to pitcher Dylan Axelrod, making him a free agent. The right-hander was 4-11 with a 5.68 ERA in 30 games (20 starts) last season.