Expectations are high for the 2015 White Sox, in part because of one player in the midst of a homecoming.
Pitcher Jeff Samardzija, a northwest Indiana native who rooted for the Sox as a kid, was one of the standout players in an offseason haul that many observers believe can put the team atop the AL Central.
"They should expect a professional," he said at SoxFest this weekend. "My teammates should expect a guy who comes to win. No matter what, I'm taking that ball and I'm going to pitch."
Adding the 2014 All-Star to the roster does two things for the Sox. First, it makes Samardzija's teammates feel better because he's one of the top pitchers in the game. Second, now they don't have to face him-the rest of baseball does.
Adam Eaton, outfield
"He's a competitor first and foremost. Demeanor makes a pitcher better than what stats say. Samardzija has a great fastball and spots up very well. He has a great sinker, a great slider and a decent changeup. He has a 'screw you' attitude. He's going to come right after you. 'I don't care who you are, this is my fastball.' That's one of his main threats and that what makes him very good."
Tyler Flowers, catcher
"He's a power type of pitcher. He throws as hard he can. He gets a lot of action of the ball. He has pretty good command. Very good slider. He has a good cutter to keep lefties honest. He has the arsenal, as we all know, to be successful. If I'm hitting off of him, I'm looking for a strike. A guy like that is so good that his stuff can hit [the strike zone] three times and most hitters aren't successful."
Alexei Ramirez, shortstop
"He is difficult to hit. His fastball sinks. He's a big guy. The windup is more powerful when he pitches. It's hard to hit a sinker when the guy is so big. It's not only me. Everyone on the team is happy he is with us instead of against us. He eats a lot of innings, he's consistent and he's a hell of a pitcher."
Avisail Garcia, outfield
"Hard. Really hard. He threw 98 [mph] at me. Best fastball anywhere. It's tough to face a pitcher like that. I feel good that he is here with us."
Evan F. Moore is a RedEye special contributor.