Changes in the air for Chicago White Sox home opener
If you're a fan of jumbo videoboards and Chance the Rapper, chances are you're going to enjoy Friday's home opener and the rest of the season at U.S. Cellular Field.
Fans attending Friday's Chicago White Sox game against the Cleveland Indians should immediately notice the three new videoboards in left, center and right fields.
“Obviously, this adds a lot of flexibility to our game presentation and ultimately creates a better entertainment experience for our fans,” said Brooks Boyer, the Sox's vice president of sales and marketing. “I think every year we've tried to add improvements for our fans in the ballpark.”
The biggest add is the videoboard in center field, which is 8,000 square feet. That is four times larger than the old board.
The videoboards in left and right fields are roughly 2,500 square feet each.
“We're excited to show what it looks like to go from having the smallest videoboard in baseball to one of the best displays we'd be able to have,” Boyer said.
The White Sox also are excited to have Chance the Rapper — a South Side native — on board.
Reportedly close to signing on with the Sox as a club ambassador, the popular 22-year-old musician is going to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, and he narrated the introduction video that will air on the center-field board before the opener.
There's more.
Chance the Rapper designed the logos on three limited-edition White Sox caps. The 2,000 caps go on sale Friday at the Chicago Sports Depot and New Era Cap stores.
As for the Sox themselves, there also is going to be a different look this season with eight new players on the 25-man roster.
Third baseman Todd Frazier (Cincinnati Reds) and second baseman Brett Lawrie (Oakland Athletics) were acquired in trades.
Catchers Dioner Navarro and Alex Avila, shortstop Jimmy Rollins, center fielder Austin Jackson and starting pitcher Mat Latos — who was sharp in Thursday's debut at Oakland — all joined the White Sox as free agents on one-year contracts.
Jerry Sands is the final newcomer; the reserve outfielder/first baseman was claimed off waivers from the Cleveland Indians.
“We have some new pieces, new faces,” outfielder/designated hitter Adam Eaton said. “A lot of optimism here in the clubhouse. We're looking to erase last year and the woes of last year. We're looking forward to a new year, and we're excited to be here.”
Scouting report
White Sox vs. Cleveland Indians at U.S. Cellular Field
TV: Comcast SportsNet today and Sunday; WGN Saturday
Radio: WLS 890-AM
Pitching matchups: The White Sox' John Danks (0-0) vs. Danny Salazar (0-0) today at 3:10 p.m.; Chris Sale (1-0) vs. Cody Anderson (0-0) Saturday at 1:10 p.m.; Jose Quintana (0-0) vs. Josh Tomlin (0-0) Sunday at 1:10 p.m.
At a glance: The White Sox return for their home opener after rolling over the A's on Thursday and winning three of four at Oakland to start the season. The Indians were scheduled to open the year with a four-game home series vs. the Red Sox, but games Monday and Thursday were postponed by bad weather. That's actually a break for the White Sox, who don't have to face Indians ace Corey Kluber this weekend. The Sox have won 12 of their last 14 home openers. Leadoff man Adam Eaton is batting .563 (9-for-16). He had 2 or more hits in all four games at Oakland. In 12 career starts vs. the Indians at the Cell, Danks is 1-8 with a 6.41 ERA. The White Sox were 10-9 vs. Cleveland last season.
Next: Minnesota Twins at Target Field, Monday, Wednesday-Thursday
— Scot Gregor