Some names Sox fans should follow this season
It only took three games before the White Sox made their first roster move, calling up right-handed relief pitcher Jake Petricka from Class AAA Charlotte to replace the injured Nate Jones.
The Sox' farm system is deeper than it's been in years — maybe decades – and that likely means plenty more moves are coming this season. Here are some players to keep an eye on:
Class AAA Charlotte
Matt Davidson
Acquired in the December trade that sent closer Addison Reed to Arizona, Davidson's impressive finishing kick in the Cactus League almost earned the third baseman a spot on the White Sox' 25-man roster.
Look for the 23-year-old prospect to debut with the Sox at some point this season. The motivated Davidson was 3-for-3 with 2 doubles, a walk and an RBI in his first game with the Knights.
Jordan Danks
John's little brother led the White Sox with 5 home runs and 10 RBI during spring training but couldn't squeeze his way into a crowded outfield.
Unless there's an injury — or trade involving Dayan Viciedo or Alejandro De Aza — Danks is going to be stuck in Triple-A limbo.
Andre Rienzo
The Brazilian right-hander made 10 starts for the Sox last season and was 2-3 with a 4.82 ERA. In his first start for Charlotte this year, Rienzo allowed only 2 hits over 5 scoreless innings.
If Erik Johnson or Felipe Paulino flounder in the White Sox' rotation, Rienzo could get a call.
Class AA Birmingham
Chris Beck
The right-hander has emerged as the White Sox' top pitching prospect after going a combined 13-10 with a 3.07 ERA for Class A Winston-Salem and AA Birmingham last year.
Beck, a second-round draft pick in 2012 out of Georgia Southern University, is back at Birmingham this season and the 23-year-old pitcher allowed 2 runs on 4 hits over 5 innings in his debut.
Micah Johnson
At some point, even if it's 2015, look for the speedy second baseman to crack the Sox' lineup.
After stealing 84 bases last season with Class A Kannapolis, Winston-Salem and Birmingham, Johnson is with the Barons this year and he had a triple, home run and 2 RBI in the first two games.
Class A Winston-Salem
Jefferson Olacio
The converted starting pitcher opened some eyes early with 6 strikeouts in 2 innings of relief against Wilmington on Friday.
Jerry Krause signed the 6-foot-7, 270-pound Dominican Republic native after the 2010 season.
Courtney Hawkins
The White Sox' top pick in the 2012 draft (No. 13 overall), Hawkins struggled last year in his first full pro season.
The 20-year-old outfielder played for Winston-Salem and was overmatched, batting .178 while striking out 160 times in 383 at-bats.
Hawkins is back with the Dash this year and was 3-for-7 with a double, homer and 2 RBI in his first two games.
Class A Kannapolis
Tyler Danish
A second-round draft pick last June out of Durant High School in Plant City, Fla., Danish is a starting pitcher to keep an eye on.
Only 19, Danish was a combined 1-0 with a 1.20 ERA in 15 games with Advanced Rookie Bristol and Kannapolis last season. He's back with the Intimidators this year and the right-hander allowed 2 unearned runs over 5 innings in his debut.
Trey Michalczewski
Another 2013 draft pick, a seventh-rounder, Michalczewski is a budding power hitter who adds even more depth at third base.