GLENDALE, Ariz. – Prior to today’s game vs. the Angels, the Chicago White Sox made the following six roster moves:

 

· Optioned C Josh Phegley, RHP Andre Rienzo and LHP Eric Surkamp to Class AAA Charlotte;

 

· Reassigned RHP Chris Beck, INF Andy Wilkins and RHP Cody Winiarski to minor-league camp.

 

With the moves, the White Sox have 38 players remaining in major-league camp: 17 pitchers, three catchers, 12 infielders and six outfielders.

Down to Giminez and Nieto for the backup spot. Who's it going to be?

Guess the word from Nieto's agent that he was a lock for the 25-man is true. Unless Hector Gimenez, but I doubt it.

Glad to see the lead 6th starters not being put into the bullpen. Rienzo and Surkamp both should be pitching every 5th day.

Wow, I'm pretty surprised. I guess that means Nieto is the second catcher barring a trade or signing. I guess it could be Gimenez, but I doubt it. He was on the opening day roster last year though IIRC.

 

What's the logic in sending down Phegley before Gimenez?

Down to Giminez and Nieto for the backup spot. Who's it going to be?

 

Nieto.

If I'm wrong, I'm wrong. But I still find it unlikely Nieto makes it to Chicago next weekend.

Glad to see the lead 6th starters not being put into the bullpen. Rienzo and Surkamp both should be pitching every 5th day.

 

This

Don't like this

If I'm wrong, I'm wrong. But I still find it unlikely Nieto makes it to Chicago next weekend.

 

There's just no point in keeping Giminez if they think Nieto has any upside at all. Giminez is a nice role player, but his type is readily available every year.

 

Methinks it'll be Nieto.

Don't like this

 

Which part? Phegley?

There's just no point in keeping Giminez if they think Nieto has any upside at all. Giminez is a nice role player, but his type is readily available every year.

 

Methinks it'll be Nieto.

 

It could be Nieto, but I think it's more likely they're trying to just keep him in the system and send him to AA. He hasn't played above A-ball.

 

We shall see, but I'll go Gimenez for now.

Which part? Phegley?

Mostly yeah. Undecided on Surkamp going down too though.

It could be Nieto, but I think it's more likely they're trying to just keep him in the system and send him to AA. He hasn't played above A-ball.

 

We shall see, but I'll go Gimenez for now.

 

Who are you DFA'ing or 60-day DLing then?

 

I'm 99.9% sure it's Nieto at this point.

Who are you DFA'ing or 60-day DLing then?

 

I'm 99.9% sure it's Nieto at this point.

 

A trade is still possible (maybe De Aza) that could open up a 40-man spot. They could release Boggs. They could DFA Molina. Cleto is out of options.

The thing with Nieto is things are so dismal at this position ...that they might just be liking him defensively enough to feel he can be here as purely a defensive catcher. And any offense from the left side is gravy

 

 

Edited March 19, 201412 yr by Jose Paniagua

I'm still rooting for a trade. This is the one year when it'll be okay if he accidentally don't have enough depth. Let's move an OF or DH.

According to fangraphs, the Sox have the worst catching situation in baseball.

 

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/2014-positi...nkings-catcher/

According to fangraphs, the Sox have the worst catching situation in baseball.

 

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/2014-positi...nkings-catcher/

 

I saw that and do not disagree whatsoever.

According to fangraphs, the Sox have the worst catching situation in baseball.

 

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/2014-positi...nkings-catcher/

 

I thought it was quite obvious. Danks is the perfect 4th outfielder right now. Need to trade De Aza/Viciedo. Preferably De Aza.

Phegley's D and pitcher handling was said to be pretty bad, and Josh even acknowledged that today. He needs to play every day if they think he has a shot to be a player in the majors some day.

 

I wonder how much of this is Hahn playing chicken with Washington. Nieto making the roster and staying for a year would be a very surprising thing, and frankly I don't think it helps his development overall. If Gimenez looks like he can handle it, it should be his job. I'm also a little surprised Miguel Gonzalez is out of camp already.

 

Well we were one of the worst teams in baseball last year, so it's no surprise we have a position at the bottom. Can't fix everything in one off season. No time to chase others' backup catchers.

Wow, I'm pretty surprised. I guess that means Nieto is the second catcher barring a trade or signing. I guess it could be Gimenez, but I doubt it. He was on the opening day roster last year though IIRC.

 

What's the logic in sending down Phegley before Gimenez?

 

They want Phegley to go play everyday at Charlotte to see if he develops. They don't care if Gimenez rots on the bench.

I don't see the upside in hiding Nieto on the bench if he isn't ready to play at the top level.. So what if it means you get to keep him. Next year he would be a guy who has barely played above A ball with a wasted year at the major league level. Doesn't sound like a guy who you could say without sounding crazy is a breakout candidate.

 

I still think the Sox work out some sort of deal for him, and put him in Birmingham where he belongs.

I saw that and do not disagree whatsoever.

Who could possibly disagree? Tyler Flowers. End of conversation.