Even without Machado, Chicago White Sox are 'going to keep rolling'

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The sun came up over Camelback Ranch on Wednesday morning.

Sure, it was greeted by record-low temperatures that hovered around the freezing mark, but on the bright side, no snow was sighted.

Entering the Chicago White Sox's clubhouse before players hit the back fields for workouts, loud music was playing and the overall mood was decidedly upbeat.

Without knowing any better, it appeared to be a normal day in spring training.

Not quite.

After trying to sign Manny Machado for better than two months, the Sox on Tuesday received word the star free agent opted to join the San Diego Padres.

Guaranteed money appears to have been the deciding factor. San Diego was willing to go to the $300 million guaranteed level. The White Sox were not.

Life goes on.

“We're going to be South Side, regardless,” shortstop Tim Anderson said. “Nobody's decision determines what we've got going on in this locker room. I feel we have a great group of guys here. We're going to do something special.

“The White Sox are moving in the right direction. One decision won't dictate our season.”

In an obvious attempt to help lure Machado to the South Side, the Sox traded for his brother-in-law, first baseman/designated hitter Yonder Alonso. They also signed his close friend, outfielder Jon Jay.

A solid strategy, but it wasn't enough to bridge the ultimate financial gap.

“I think today, obviously, as a family, we're very, very excited for him and his new chapter starting out in San Diego,” Alonso said of Machado. “But, again, I think we were ready, we were prepared. I think we owe it to not only ourselves, but also the city of Chicago that we have a really good team. We have a team with a bright future and there's nothing better than having these guys here. And the goal is to go out there and not only get to the playoffs, but to bring a trophy home.”

Adding Machado to a deep pool of talented prospects certainly could have helped the Sox reach the postseason for the first time since 2008. The feeling in the White Sox's clubhouse is better days still lie ahead.

“We're going to keep rolling,” Anderson said. “Either ride with us or get run over. We know who's on the boat with us and which way we want to sail.”

Heading into the third year of the rebuild, the Sox were expecting more choppy waters this season before smoothing out in 2020 and making a playoff push.

Getting Machado in uniform probably changed that forecast, but the current cast of White Sox are still thinking big.

“You say it's coming, but I think it's here,” Alonso said. “At some point here, enough is enough. We feel like right now is the time, and we feel like not only is it the time right now, but it's the time going forward in the stage where we're at.

“I think we're hitting that peak where you're going to see a lot of guys here for a lot of years doing great things. We're excited about the situation.”

Alonso, Anderson and other players in the Sox's clubhouse also are excited they no longer will be asked about the possibility of having Machado as a teammate on such a regular basis.

“(Heck) yeah,” Anderson said. “Maybe you all can stop asking me now.”