Katz, Goldberg relish Classic experience

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Prior to taking part in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, White Sox Minor Leaguer Alex Katz was pitching on the back fields of Camelback Ranch.
"There were five, 10 people watching," Katz said. "Then a couple of weeks later I'm throwing in front of 50,000 fans. I think I was more nervous throwing on the back field in front of five or 10 people than the 50,000, which is crazy. It was unbelievable."
Katz, a 22-year-old left-hander who was taken in the 27th round of the 2015 Draft, pitched for Team Israel in the Brooklyn Qualifier and then in both rounds of the World Baseball Classic in Korea and Japan. Brad Goldberg, who took part in his first big league camp this Spring Training, picked up two saves in the Brooklyn Qualifier, and then joined the team again in Japan, where Israel was eliminated.

Team USA captured the championship Wednesday night with an 8-0 victory over Puerto Rico, as White Sox closer David Robertson worked the final frame and Nate Jones also contributed to the title. The two relievers are expected back in camp at some point Friday.
Israel became a surprise qualifier for the second round, although not a surprise to team members Katz and Goldberg. The experience for both of the hurlers not only stands as one they always will remember, but also one capable of enhancing their White Sox work as they move forward.
"The Minor Leagues don't really prepare you for the dog and pony show of the big leagues from the standpoint of the big stadium, the three decks, all the people," said Goldberg, who made two scoreless appearances in Japan. "I've always wondered what it's like to pitch in front of all those people. The fact I can do it and have success, it gives me clarity that I know my stuff can play. That was a big thing for me."
"It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and we went into it with a lot of confidence," said Katz, who made four scoreless appearances. "A lot of people besides us did not believe in us, but we went out there and played our game, and did pretty well. It definitely had a major impact on Israel and baseball in Israel. We hope the game spreads drastically over the next couple of years."
Third to first
• White Sox manager Rick Renteria believes the team's final roster might not be set until the two exhibition games played in Milwaukee next weekend.
• Renteria mentioned the bullpen doesn't necessarily need to include a second left-hander behind Dan Jennings.
• José Quintana's final Spring Training start Tuesday probably will take place on the Minor League side, per Renteria.