Fortified White Sox say they're ready to contend again

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago White Sox and their long-frustrated fans say they're primed and pumped for the team to contend in 2020.

The White Sox haven’t made the playoffs since 2008 and have endured seven straight losing seasons, but there was an optimistic buzz at the team's sold-out fan convention Saturday after a splashy offseason.

“It hard not to be excited and feel that energy they’re giving us,” fourth-year manager Rick Renteria told the crowd. “Obviously, it’s our job to put it from paper to the field and accomplish those things you want us to accomplish.”

The AL Central title — and more — may be within reach as the White Sox emerge from a rebuild and an offseason filled with free agent signings.

“Our guys are telling our young players, 'Hey it’s time to go,’” Renteria said. “We don’t have time to mess around. We have a window of opportunity. Let’s take it. That’s where we’re at.”

Renteria has been cautious with his words and patient with young players the past three seasons. Chicago heads into 2020 with a lineup full of talented youngsters, including AL batting champion Tim Anderson and sluggers Yoan Moncada and Eloy Jiménez. At least two other top prospects — center fielder Luis Robert and second baseman Nick Madrigal — are expected to join the lineup this year.

General manager Rick Hahn aggressively pursued a mix of big-name and second-tier free agents to fill holes he identified last September as the White Sox finished with just 72 wins.

Chicago’s rotation looks solid with the addition of 2015 AL Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel and veteran left-hander Gio González. Catcher Yasmani Grandal signed a $73 million, four-year deal, and slugger Edwin Encarnación agreed to a $12 million, one-year contract.

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source https://www.chron.com/news/article/Fortified-White-Sox-say-they-re-ready-to-contend-15004516.php