Feb. 20--GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Chris Sale couldn't help but feel motivated as he watched the White Sox offseason unfold.
The Sox left-hander said he was giving many more handshakes than usual Friday to a host of newcomers as pitchers and catchers reported to Camelback Ranch for the opening day of spring training. Among those the Sox welcomed were right-hander Jeff Samardzija and closer David Robertson.
"You never really know what to expect, but there was definitely a lot of energy this offseason and it was fun to watch," Sale said. "You're working out and see that your team is making a push for it and you start pushing yourself too."
With other new additions like outfielder Melky Cabrera and designated hitter Adam LaRoche slated to report next week, Sale said he thinks the Sox compiled "a team to fight back now." Sale, who finished third in American League Cy Young voting last year, avoiding talking about personal goals and gave just one for the Sox.
"Winning a World Series," he said. "That's what we all show up for. I don't think a team comes in and says, 'Hey, let's finish in second place this year.'"
The Sox were able to put together such an offseason thanks in part to the affordable contracts like those of Sale and left-hander Jose Quintana that are already on the books. Sale is in the third year of a five-year, $32.5 million contract, with two club options.
He said it doesn't bother him that he is signed to such a team-friendly contract compared with some other top starting pitchers because his family is comfortable. But it would certainly make it even better if the Sox begin winning.
"I think the most exciting thing is we have a core group of players locked up for quite a long time," Sale said. "It would be nice to keep us together and go beyond and hopefully be able to play three, four, five, six years together and make something special happen."
Sale said he approached the offseason about the same as he did any other, though he worked in more massage therapy. The Sox will need Sale to stay healthy if they want to contend this season. He spent more than a month on the disabled list with a flexor muscle strain early last season.
"It has already come up, 'How are we going to get over that first bump in the road?'" Sale said. "But we'll act accordingly and figure it out along the way."
