CHICAGO -- Thursday’s weather in Chicago was reminiscent of South Side Opening Days in late March or early April: Mid-50s temperatures, a mix of clouds and sunshine and a thunderstorm for an hour or two.

Actually, White Sox fans would be more than happy to endure those conditions on March 28, when the first season under new general manager Chris Getz gets underway. The retooled White Sox first return to Glendale, Ariz., for Spring Training before getting going for 162 regular-season games -- here’s a look at important questions related to the upcoming action:

When is the first workout for pitchers and catchers?
Feb. 14, which also is Valentine’s Day

What is the date of the first full-squad workout? 
Feb. 19

Where is the team’s facility?
The locale is Camelback Ranch, at 10710 W. Camelback Road in Glendale, located just a short distance off the Arizona 101 Loop on Camelback Road. The facility is shared with the Dodgers, who should receive a fair share of attention during Spring Training with the moves they made this offseason.

Can fans attend workouts?
Yes. There are places to watch the workouts and get autographs on the back fields. 

Who are some new faces fans should know?
Nicky Lopez, the well-known Naperville native, came to the White Sox as part of a five-player return in the Aaron Bummer trade from Atlanta. He is the team’s second baseman at this point. Michael Soroka, who also was part of that deal, will be part of the rotation.

Erick Fedde, a free-agent addition, struggled during his first foray in the Majors, but the 30-year-old was dominant over 30 starts in Korea last season and will try to implement those changes within the White Sox pitching staff. Paul DeJong, an Antioch native, takes over at shortstop with the eight-year run of Tim Anderson ending. Martín Maldonado and Max Stassi provide leadership and solid defense as the new men behind the plate, and Dominic Fletcher is the latest newcomer with the outfielder acquired from Arizona last Saturday.

Let’s be honest: Getz and his front office are the most crucial new faces, although Getz certainly isn’t new to this organization. They will be shaping this team through this latest rebuild.

Who are some of the top prospects invited to Major League camp?
The White Sox released their list of 26 non-roster invitees on Thursday, and Colson Montgomery, the team’s top-rated prospect and No. 9 overall, per MLB Pipeline, was at the top of that group. It’s unlikely Montgomery breaks camp as the starting shortstop, but the 21-year-old is close to Major League-ready. Catcher and No. 3 prospect Edgar Quero will be in attendance, as will eight of the team’s Top 10 prospects, with shortstop Jacob Gonzalez (2023) and left-handed pitcher Noah Schultz (2022) as the only two missing. They are the team’s last two top Draft picks.

Keep an eye on first baseman Tim Elko, who had 28 home runs and 106 RBIs over three Minor League stops in 2023, and Jordan Leasure, who could be the team’s future closer. Both are non-roster invitees. 

When is the team’s first Cactus League game?
Feb. 23 against the Cubs at Sloan Park. The game will be broadcast by the White Sox, marking the debut of John Schriffen as the new White Sox television voice.

What are a few other notable spring games?
The Cubs and White Sox meet up again on March 1 at Sloan Park, and then March 15 in Glendale. There are two games against the Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani and their cavalcade of All-Stars on Feb. 27 and March 6, while the White Sox face the defending World Series champions from Texas on Feb. 26 and March 2. They also play the NL Champs from Arizona on Feb. 25 and March 4.

What is Spring Breakout and when is the game?
Spring Breakout will take place on March 15 for the White Sox, when they showcase their future stars against the Cubs’ squad in Mesa, Ariz., at 4:05 p.m. CT. As mentioned above, the Major League teams will play at Camelback Ranch earlier that day. 

Will the team’s games be televised?
NBC Sports Chicago will televise six games from Arizona, including the White Sox Cactus League opener on Feb. 23 against the Cubs and their Cactus League home opener on Feb. 24 against Seattle. Both games are scheduled for 2:05 p.m. CT first pitches, while Schriffen and Steve Stone call all six. ESPN Chicago will air 10 Cactus League games on radio, beginning with the spring opener and concluding with the home finale on Saturday, March 23 vs. the Mariners. 

When is the club’s last game in Arizona?
March 24, against the Rockies in Scottsdale.

Will there be any additional exhibitions before the regular season?
As of now, the White Sox have off-days on March 25-27, although they figure to work out at Guaranteed Rate Field on March 27. A game could be added on March 25 or 26. 

What are the details for Opening Day?
March 28 at home in Chicago against the Tigers with a 3:10 p.m. CT first pitch. Dylan Cease is scheduled to start for the White Sox, assuming he’s still with the White Sox. The ace has been the topic of offseason trade talks. 

• I’m more impressed by the front office assembled by Getz each time I’m around them. They have a good idea of what they want to do, but the last staff also had a plan and great baseball acumen. Quite a bit has to go right for said plan to come to fruition.

• I purchased a large amount of Michigan football national championship gear from Fanatics this week, including a wall clock I broke while taking from the box. I certainly did my part to support the economy.

“It’s so much more than what I expected and what I’ve seen in other places. You can tell all the hard work from all the people involved. It’s really, really impressive.” -- assistant general manager Josh Barfield, on the White Sox Amateur City Elite youth baseball program, which celebrated its collegiate signing day Tuesday 

“It takes a little bit of time for the identities of the bullpen to kind of take shape in regard to different roles. But I like the style of arms we have, both starting and relievers. There’s plenty of upside. Time will tell. We will certainly be creative with how we deploy our pitching.” -- Getz, on who takes over as closer with Gregory Santos traded to the Mariners

To subscribe to White Sox Beat, visit this page and mark "White Sox Beat" from our newsletter list. Make sure you're following the White Sox or that they're checked as your favorite team.

View Online