Frazier, Carroll reconnecting with White Sox

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- There didn't seem to be anything particularly different about Scott Carroll's relief outing against the Reds in Game 1 of a doubleheader on May 9, 2015.
Carroll worked 4 2/3 innings in place of Hector Noesi, allowing two earned runs on five hits. But it was two at-bats against Todd Frazier that stood out, a one-on-one battle pitting two friends against each other who go back together to their professional baseball debuts in Billings, Mont., as part of the Reds organization.
They were part of the same starting lineup in a 9-4 loss to the Indians on Monday at Goodyear Ballpark, with Frazier at third base and Carroll working three scoreless innings for the White Sox in a Cactus League start.
"We just got to experience a lot together," Carroll said.
"It's crazy how we come back together," said Frazier, who was acquired in a three-team deal this past December. "We got drafted the same year, went to the same places every year and we just clicked, man. It's just one of those things and we kept in touch ever since."
Their connection dates to being part of the same '07 Draft class. Frazier was taken in Comp Round A by the Reds, behind top pick Devin Mesoraco, while Carroll was selected in the third round.
"In the Minor Leagues, we were with host families or in apartments, and then hotels on the road. But we were always roommates," Carroll said. "I remember the first day he got called up, when we were in Norfolk, Virginia.
"He got the call in the hotel and we were going crazy, jumping on beds and got a little teary-eyed. To see a good friend achieve something you want him to achieve is a cool feeling."
Frazier begins his sixth year in the Majors, sitting in the cleanup spot and on 108 homers for his career. Carroll has 44 career appearances with the South Siders and remains in play for a spot on the staff.

"Every year, he comes in prepared," Frazier said of Carroll. "I always keep him on his toes, saying, 'Let's go. This is the year, brother. You are going to take off and not look back.' He's done everything he's told and above and beyond."
"I'm just trying to do whatever I can to show the team what I'm capable of day in and day out," Carroll said. "I feel really good about camp so far. Hopefully things can go my way and I can end up on the roster at the end of the day. If not, I'll keep working and be up sooner than later."
Being on the same team will avoid matchups such as last year between the two friends. Carroll retired Frazier on a deep drive to center in his second at-bat, after Carroll hit him on a 1-1 pitch to open the third.
"Then, he stole second on the next pitch," Carroll said with a laugh. "I looked back and we were just laughing and giving each other [grief]. It was a cool experience."