Chicago White Sox counting on newcomers to make impact
Ian Desmond signed - finally - on Sunday, joining the Texas Rangers on a one-year, $8 million contract.
What does that have to do with the Chicago White Sox?
On the surface, not much, but Desmond was the final impact free agent left on the market.
The Sox were rumored to have interest in Desmond all winter, just as they were rumored to have interest in Alex Gordon, Yoenis Cespedes, Justin Upton and Dexter Fowler.
If the White Sox again finish last in the American League in runs scored and homers this season, they'll be criticized for failing to sign one of the aforementioned players.
In reality, though, it was an active off-season for the Sox. They have three new infielders, two new catchers and a potential No. 4 starting pitcher.
With the Cactus League opener set for Thursday, when John Danks starts against the Dodgers, let's take a closer look at the newcomers, listed in order of projected impact:
Todd Frazier, 3B
Acquired: Dec. 16 in a three-way trade from the Reds that sent Trayce Thompson, Frankie Montas and Micah Johnson to the Dodgers.
Salary: $3 million this season. $7.5 million in 2017.
Pros: Thompson might eventually become a star, but the White Sox paid a relatively low price for a player that immediately fills two gaping holes - Frazier plays third base and is one of the Top 10-15 power hitters in the game.
Off the field, Frazier fills another hole. The New Jersey native has a fun-loving personality and should quickly emerge as a strong voice in the clubhouse.
Cons: The 30-year-old Frazier admittedly withered in the second half last season, batting .220 with 10 home runs and 32 RBI after the all-star break. In the first half, he hit .284 with 25 homers and 57 RBI. After playing his first five seasons in the National League, Frazier could have trouble adjusting to the American League.
Quote: "I want to be a team player like always. I want us to win, man. If that takes everybody coming together or me being a leader, whatever it takes, I'm fine with it." - Frazier
Brett Lawrie, 2B
Acquired: Dec. 9 trade from the A's for minor league pitchers Zach Erwin and J.B. Wendelken.
Salary: $4.1 million this season.
Pros: Has some pop in the bat, and Lawrie established career highs in home runs (16) and RBI (60) with Oakland last season. A physical fitness freak, his 66-inch vertical jump is the best in baseball.
Cons: Strikeout prone. Shifts from third base to second, where he's made 10 errors in 80 career games.
Quote: "You've just got to hit the ball hard. If you hit the ball hard, there's not really much anybody can do." - Lawrie
Alex Avila, C
Acquired: Free agent signed on Nov. 25.
Salary: One year for $2.5 million.
Pros: Owns career .345 on-base percentage. Left-hander has lifetime .781 OPS vs. right-handed pitching. Great leader.
Cons: Injury prone. Career .210/.299/.308 hitting line vs. left-handed pitching.
Quote: "I think that's one of the reasons why I'm here, to bring that experience and what I've gained over the years to this club and to these guys." - Avila
Mat Latos, SP
Acquired: Free agent signed on Feb. 9.
Salary: One year for $3 million.
Pro: Was 51-35 with a 3.27 ERA from 2010-13 pitching for the Padres and Reds.
Con: Still has lingering health issues from two surgeries on his left knee.
Quote: "I'm just going with the flow. That's going to be it." - Latos
Jimmy Rollins, SS
Acquired: Free agent signed minor league contract on Feb. 22.
Salary: One year for $2 million if he makes White Sox' 25-man roster.
Pros: Has a solid glove at short and NL 2007 MVP is still motivated to play at a high level at age 37.
Con: Rollins struggled with the bat last season, slashing .224/.285/.358 in 144 games with the Dodgers.
Quote: "He's definitely been a guy that people look up to and he has been a leader, a hustler. Anything you want to put on it that's positive, he's done it." - manager Robin Ventura
Dioner Navarro, C
Acquired: Free agent signed on Dec. 4.
Salary: One year for $4 million.
Pro: Switch-hitter has career .270 batting average against left-handed pitching.
Con: Has played 12 major-league seasons and arrives with some wear and tear.
Quote: "I just want to play, that's the bottom line. I just want to be healthy over here and help the team win." - Navarro
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