Chicago White Sox: Three things to watch in Spring Training opener

1. Production from Young Pitchers

If there’s going to be one thing that defines the Chicago White Sox’ season, it’s going to be the play of their young pitchers.

Future aces Reynaldo Lopez and Lucas Giolito pitched great down the stretch in 2017. Carson Fulmer and Gregory Infante were other pitchers who showed serious flashes of potential.

Now enter 2018. The first full season with Jose Quintana. No more David Robertson, Anthony Swarzak, Dan Jennings and Tommy Kahnle.

Veteran pitchers brought in as non-roster invitees can only do so much. It’s apparent that the Chicago White Sox won’t get anywhere in 2018 without a high level of production from their young pitchers.

Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times tweeted out the list of projected pitchers for Friday’s game. Some notable names in addition to Covey are Tyler Danish, Michael Ynoa and Thyago Vieira.

All three of these pitchers are serious competitors for rosters spots. All three also spent most of 2017 in Triple-A. All three will look to insert themselves into the White Sox future plans with a big season.

Tyler Danish is the least likely of the three to wind up with a roster spot. Danish made just one start last season and is part of a crowded group of multi-inning relief options.

Michael Ynoa is by no means a front-runner, ut has as good of a shot as anyone to make the 25-man roster as the final reliever. Ynoa pitched to a 5.40 ERA in just eight games last season but had a 3.00 ERA in 2016. If Ynoa can regain his former form, Michael Ynoa will have a great chance to lock up a spot in the big-league bullpen.

The most intriguing option is Thyago Vieira. The 24-year-old Brazilian fireballer was acquired from the Seattle Mariners during the offseason for international bonus pool money.

A member of the 2017 Futures Game World Team, Vieira flaunts one of the best fastballs in the country. Vieira routinely hits triple-digits with his heater and could be a huge difference maker in the late innings for the Chicago White Sox.

Roster decisions aren’t made after one game. But these three, in particular, can get off to a great start with a good showing on Friday. First impressions aren’t everything, but they can be a deciding factor in final cuts.