Cubs impressed by White Sox' power
While taking some lumps this weekend, the Cubs were willing to admit the obvious - the White Sox are one of the most improved teams in baseball.
"Good lineup top to bottom, they've added some pitching now," Kyle Hendricks said after his start Saturday. "It's been quite a process for them and it's been fun to see over the last few years for sure, being in the city. Really fun to watch, fun team, but any time we go against them, we obviously want to get better of them."
Hendricks was the losing pitcher on Saturday, but the Cubs salvaged a 2-1 victory on Sunday to avoid the sweep.
"Yeah, wow. They've been very impressive," Kris Bryant said. "Gosh, you look at the lineup one through nine, there's not really a break there. They've got a lot of really young and upcoming guys, guys who hit the ball hard and veterans sprinkled in there.
"They've got a really good balance and it's exciting for Chicago to have two great baseball teams going at it. It's fun to watch those guys over there. They look like they're having as much fun as us on the bench, too. They've done a great job over there."
It's not all young talent on the South Side. Jose Abreu, 33, was the star of the series, hitting 6 home runs.
"I don't know if I've seen too many guys as hot as he is," Cubs manager David Ross said.
Cubs add Miller:
The Cubs brought up outfielder Ian Miller from their South Bend satellite camp Sunday. He pinch-ran in the game against the White Sox. Miller appeared in 12 games for Minnesota last season and was with the Cubs in spring training.
To make room on the 40-man roster, pitcher James Norwood was transferred to the 45-day injured list.
The Cubs also signed infielder Patrick Wisdom to a minor-league contract and assigned him to South Bend.