Feb. 19--David Robertson doesn't feel the need to sugarcoat the past.
The White Sox closer who converted 34 of 41 saves last season reported to the opening day of spring training Friday at Camelback Ranch ready to leave 2015 behind.
"Last season is gone," Robertson said. "I felt like last season I pitched terrible. I had a lot of horrible outings. I let some situations slide by and made some mental errors out there and threw some pitches that I should not have thrown and I cost us a lot of games.
"I look around and come in and see the starters' faces when they have thrown eight innings and I blew it there in the ninth. I hope this year I'm on top of my game and get the job done for these guys."
But Robertson, who posted a 3.41 ERA with 86 strikeouts and 13 walks, said he does think a Sox bullpen that returns all of its major parts could be strong. The Sox return lefties Zach Duke and Dan Jennings and right-handers Nate Jones, Matt Albers, Jake Petricka and Zach Putnam.
"We were a pretty tough bullpen last year towards the end of the season," Robertson said. "I think this year we are going to be a lot better. Obviously if everyone stays healthy and we start the season the right way and everyone pitches the way they are capable of, we are going to be a tough opponent."
Sox pitchers and catchers reported Friday morning, and the Sox welcomed new starter Mat Latos and 2015 first-round draft pick Carson Fulmer to spring training. The pitchers are also getting to know new catchers Alex Avila and Dioner Navarro.
Robertson got to know Avila when they played college baseball together at Alabama.
"Even though he was a third baseman then, he's a great catcher behind the plate," Robertson said. "He's a tough guy to face."
