Chicago White Sox: Takeaways from exhibition with Texas Rangers

On Tuesday afternoon the Chicago White Sox took on the Texas Rangers in what was actually a pretty entertaining spring training game. This was the Sox third spring training and the third that they have yet to win.

In three games so far the Sox have one loss and two ties. That being said, wins and losses are meaningless in the preseason and it’s all about evaluation. After a rough start in their first game, the Sox have played much better these past two days.

I think this game against the Rangers may have been their best game yet and I have mostly positive thoughts about it. So let’s look at my takeaways from the third game for the Southsiders.

Takeaway #1: Lucas Giolito looks locked in

Lucas Giolito was on point in this game and he’s already looking like he is in midseason form. Gio pitched two innings, only giving up one hit, which was a solo home run. He also struck out four including three in a row to end the first and start the second inning.

Giolito is the ace of the Sox impressive pitching staff and is projected to be the opening day starter for what will be his second straight year. It’s great to see him looking like he’s already in the zone so early in the spring.

Takeaway #2: Jose Abreu looks good in his debut

Jose Abreu made his awaited debut for the Sox during Tuesday’s game. Abreu joined the team later after testing positive for COVID antibodies. Abreu believed that he had the virus back in January after suffering some minor symptoms.

It is safe to say that the reigning MVP is feeling healthy because he was very solid in this game for Chicago. Abreu went 2-for-3 in this game, getting an RBI and scoring a run himself. He also made a very heads-up play on the defensive side, throwing out a Texas player at home. Overall, it was a very solid debut for Abreu.

Takeaway #3: Andrew Vaughn is leaving his mark

Andrew Vaughn is being pegged to be a future stud for the White Sox and he showed his worth in this game. Vaughn hit his first bomb of the spring, which was a three-run shot that gave the Sox a 3-0 lead in the first inning.

Vaughn is trying to earn an opening day roster spot and so far in two games has done a solid job. The home run absolutely helps his case but the former 3rd overall pick has also shown great patience at the plate picking up three walks.

I feel that it’s unlikely that he starts the year on the White Sox but they have done a great job in the past of locking up their guys with contracts before the year begins. However, the manipulation of service time is always an option for teams and the Sox will certainly consider that route.

Final Thoughts:

Overall I thought this was a complete game for the Sox that could gave easily turned into a win. There were multiple instances where the innings were cut short so you never know how the game would have turned out if they played them through. The bats for the Sox were popping as they racked up 10 total hits. Some other positives from the game were Yoan Moncada looking healthy and Johnathan Lucroy’s debut.