Trying to build off last year
This off-season, general manager Rick Hahn addressed the White Sox' most pressing need - the offense.
After the Sox finished last in the American League in 2015 in runs scored (622) and homers (136), Hahn acquired slugging third baseman Todd Frazier and second baseman Brett Lawrie in trades.
He signed two free-agent catchers, Alex Avila and Dioner Navarro, shortstop Jimmy Rollins and outfielder Austin Jackson.
Hahn also added some needed depth to the rotation, signing projected No. 4 starter Mat Latos and Jacob Turner.
As for the bullpen, it's going to be basically the same crew as last season for the Sox, and that's a positive.
"We were pleased with the way the revamped bullpen came along," Hahn said.
In 2014, the White Sox' bullpen had the second highest ERA (4.38) in the AL, and the unit issued the most walks (236) while totaling the fewest strikeouts (379).
Hahn addressed the problem at season's end, signing closer David Robertson to a four-year, $46 million contract. The GM also signed veteran setup man Zach Duke to a three-year, $15 million deal and landed Dan Jennings in a trade from the Marlins.
In 2015, the Sox' bullpen improved to sixth in the AL with a 3.67 ERA while increasing the strikeout count to 423 and reducing the walks to 176.
"We've got a lot of guys that have really had a lot of experience, and they know what they are doing out there," Robertson said. "I think that's going to show this year when they take the ball. The more mound time you get, the better you are out there in tough situations."
In addition to Robertson, Duke and Jennings, Zach Putnam and Jake Petricka also return in middle relief roles. In 2014, Putnam and Petricka share time in the closer's role when Matt Lindstrom and Nate Jones went down with injuries and Ronald Belisario was ineffective.
The biggest key this season is Jones, who had Tommy John surgery in July 2014 and returned to the White Sox' bullpen last August.
Now 100 percent healthy, Jones and his 100-mph fastball are undoubtedly going to help the Sox.
"I feel good and healthy and smooth," Jones said. "I think that's the main thing right now for me. The farther away we get from Tommy John surgery, it's just healthy and smooth. Last year was a whole different story coming in here. I was hurt and everything. Coming in here to spring training and showing I'm strong and healthy, it's pretty big."