Chicago White Sox double down with Avila, Navarro
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Deeming A.J. Pierzynski expendable and letting the fiery free agent exit after the 2012 season, the Chicago White Sox still are looking for a dependable catcher.
Tyler Flowers was not the answer, specifically on the offensive end. He was non-tendered at the end of last season and subsequently signed with the Atlanta Braves, where he reunites with Pierzynski.
While Flowers did the bulk of the catching the past three years, the Sox also rolled out Josh Phegley, Hector Gimenez, Bryan Anderson, Adrian Nieto, Geovany Soto and Rob Brantly.
And the collective results were decidedly mediocre.
A change behind the plate obviously had to be made, and general manager Rick Hahn doubled down this winter. Rather than adding one catcher to the 25-man roster, Hahn got two.
While they are similar to used cars that have high mileage and a few dings in the body, Alex Avila and Dioner Navarro look like definite upgrades for the White Sox.
“Those guys come with a lot of experience; both have been on winning clubs,” ace starter Chris Sale said. “Both have been there and done that, so those are important guys to build relationships with. I think we are in for a good season with those guys behind the plate.”
Moving quickly to shore up the catcher's spot, Hahn signed Avila to a one-year, $2.5 million contract Nov. 25. Avila, 29, spent the first seven years of his career with the Detroit Tigers and went to the postseason four times.
He has tailed off due to health issues since posting a .295/.389/.506 hitting line with 19 home runs and 82 RBI in 2011, but Avila said he's ready to resume rolling after being hampered by a left-knee injury last year.
“Going into the off-season, Chicago was one of the teams I thought might have been a good fit for myself, and at the same time a team that was on the cusp ready to contend and make a run at the playoffs,” Avila said. “That was something that I looked for because I have been to the playoffs quite a bit.
“We won quite a bit in Detroit, and that's what we play for, that's the best feeling. I wanted to make sure I was in a situation where you have that opportunity.”
The White Sox signed Navarro to a one-year, $4 million contract Dec. 4.
A switch hitter, Navarro has 12 years of major-league experience with the Yankees, Dodgers, Rays, Reds, Cubs and Blue Jays and has been to the postseason three times.
“I'm really just looking forward to playing; that was one of my issues last year,” said the 32-year-old Navarro, who batted .246 with 5 home runs and 20 RBI in 54 games with Toronto in 2015 while missing more than a month with a hamstring injury.
“I was really happy with the team I was on, but I wasn't playing much. I just wanted to play and I think this opportunity with the White Sox showed me it was going to be a great one.”
Established catchers know how to run the game on the field and provide leadership in the clubhouse. Avila and Navarro have those qualities, but neither is going to be pushy.
“I think there's a misconception when it comes to respect and leadership,” Avila said. “People think that you're kind of like born like that. It's something that's earned, not so much by your play or anything like that, but really kind of how you live your life, the decisions you make off the field. That's where the leadership and respect come in.
“People over the years have seen me, the way I carry myself, and see that in myself. It's not so much something you should earn by how you play. There's a lot of (bleeps) that play really well that you wouldn't consider leaders.
“My role will be, if I'm doing my job right as far as being a leader, you won't hear about it.”
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