Early spring training for White Sox
The World Baseball Classic is back on the schedule in 2013, so spring training is going to be longer.
White Sox pitchers and catchers report to Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ariz., on Feb. 12, 11 days earlier than this year. Sox position players are due in on Feb. 17.
The White Sox open Cactus League play Feb. 23 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
They also play the Cubs at Camelback Ranch on March 15 after playing the North Siders in Mesa, Ariz., on March 7. On March 5, the Sox host Team USA in an exhibition game.
After leaving Arizona, the White Sox play two exhibition games against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park (March 29-30) and open the regular season April 1 against the Kansas City Royals at U.S. Cellular Field.
Prospect watch:Baseball America#146;s Top 10 prospects list for the AL Central is out, and outfielder Courtney Hawkins is rated No. 1 for the White Sox.Hawkins was the 13th overall pick in June#146;s amateur draft, and he combined to bat .284 with 15 doubles, 3 triples, 8 home runs and 33 RBI in 59 games with Advanced Rookie Bristol, Class A Kannapolis and A Winston-Salem.Hawkins, who turned 19 on Nov. 12, starred in baseball and football at Carroll High School in Corpus Christi, Texas. He made national headlines for doing a back flip after being drafted by the Sox.BA rates outfielder Trayce Thompson as the White Sox#146; No. 2 prospect, followed by infielder Carlos Sanchez, pitcher Erik Johnson, outfielder Keenyn Walker, pitcher Scott Snodgress, pitcher Andre Rienzo, first baseman Keon Barnum, outfielder Jared Mitchell and pitcher Chris Beck.Rumor mill:While the White Sox haven#146;t completely shut the door on bringing back Kevin Youkilis, the free-agent third baseman apparently is being pursued by the Indians, Phillies, Dodgers and Mariners.Stocking stuffers:The White Sox#146; annual Holiday Clubhouse Sale is set for Dec. 1 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at U.S. Cellular Field.Game-used equipment, game-worn jerseys, autographed memorabilia and White Sox collectibles will be available for purchase in the home and away clubhouses.Fans attending the clubhouse sale should park in Lot D/E and enter the Cell through Gate 3.The Sox also are partnering with the American Red Cross in hosting a blood drive during the event. The blood collected will help those affected by Superstorm Sandy.