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Avila, Navarro take over as Chicago White Sox catchers

During the first week of spring training, Alex Avila and Dioner Navarro did all of the right things.

The two veteran catchers, who each signed one-year contracts with the Chicago White Sox in December, put in extra time getting to know the pitching staff.

Avila and Navarro also expressed a willingness to tap their combined 19 years of major-league experience and help the Sox to their first winning season since 2013.

Good catchers typically are good leaders, and the White Sox's new duo also bring those qualities.

When asked early in training camp about the importance of leadership, Avila raised some eyebrows with his response.

"I think there's a misconception when it comes to respect and leadership," he 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. There are a lot of (bleeps) that play really well that you wouldn't consider leaders. It's a bit of misconception from a lot of people. If I'm doing my job right as far as being a leader, you won't hear about it."

As for their roles as Sox catchers, it's looking like a platoon situation for Avila and Navarro, who replace Tyler Flowers and Geovany Soto.

"Whatever guy we feel is the best to put out there that day, that's how we're going to go," manager Robin Ventura said. "They're both guys that have enough experience and playing time to be able to do that."

Avila, who spent his first seven seasons with the Tigers, is a left-handed hitter and he should be in the lineup against right-handed starting pitchers.

Slowed by a knee injury last year and concussions in 2012-14, Avila was a 2011 all-star with Detroit while batting .295 with 19 home runs and 82 RBI.

Navarro is a switch hitter who is much better from the right side, so he's positioned to be the White Sox' catcher against lefty starters.

Limited to 54 games with Toronto last year as he backed up Russell Martin and dealt with a hamstring injury, Navarro combined to hit .283 with 25 homers and 103 RBI in 2013-14 over 228 games with the Blue Jays and Cubs.

"I'm going to do my best and try to play as many games as I can," he said. "If I play more and I'm helping the team, it's great. But I just want to play. I don't care if I'm No. 1, No. 2, No. 3. I just want to play."

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