White Sox vision: 'Win the whole thing'

The White Sox want to win the 2020 World Series.

It certainly wouldn’t be a failure if this young squad, moving from three years of rebuilding into their first year of contention, comes up short. But they are approaching their first postseason since 2008 with a focus of capturing the top prize.

“I mean for us, if we don’t win the World Series then we’ve never really done what we came to do,” said Lucas Giolito, who starts Wednesday for the White Sox at Progressive Field. “Making the postseason was a good step in the right direction. But now that we’re here, why not go out and win the whole thing?”

“You need to have a vision, you need to have a measurable goal, you need something to continue to push you,” manager Rick Renteria said. “It’s like, right now, we need to play good baseball.”

Winning the American League Central sits first on the White Sox list, before they even think about the playoffs. Wednesday’s pitching matchup between Giolito and Shane Bieber could be repeated Tuesday at the start of the AL Wild Card Series if things stay the same.

That matchup would be a tough one for the White Sox. It also would be a disappointment if they didn’t move forward.

“There’s disappointment to be had everywhere,” Renteria said. “The thing is, I don’t talk in disappointments.

“I’m looking forward and looking to have these guys understand that they really can trust what they’re capable of doing and give themselves a chance to do what they do. If we do that and we do that well, we’ve got a chance to continue to move.”

Jiménez feeling strong
There was a moment of worry for Eloy Jiménez concerning his right knee, when he jumped a little early toward first base trying to beat out an infield single in the fourth inning of Monday’s loss to Cleveland. He felt it a little bit standing on second immediately after the play.

“But after I started like running on it, I didn't feel really bad,” Jiménez said. “I said, ‘OK, I can play.’ Today, it’s good.”

Jiménez has hit .320 with 10 doubles, 11 home runs, 33 RBIs and a .965 OPS over his past 38 games, although he had dropped a bit in the six games prior to his three-hit effort Monday. Jiménez finished September strong in 2019, and he feels even more confident in '20.

Hitting coach Frank Menechino recently said that Jiménez could be a .340 hitter on a yearly basis. Jiménez is in agreement with setting such a lofty mark.

“I've been working for that, and I'm going to work for that every single day. As you can see, I've been better at the plate, so why not?” Jiménez said. “This year has been a lot of fun, and I'm feeling more comfortable at the plate.”

Injury updates
Catcher Yasmani Grandal was deemed day to day upon exiting Monday’s loss with a bruised right hand after being struck there by a Tyler Naquin foul tip. Zack Collins is the catcher on the White Sox taxi squad, but Renteria said that Grandal was available behind James McCann in an emergency. Grandal entered as a pinch-hitter in the 10th inning of Chicago's 5-3 loss to Cleveland on Tuesday and struck out.

“We just want the swelling in his fingers to go down, but he's doing fine, he's doing good,” Renteria said. “The X-rays were negative last night, and it's just about getting that swelling out of there.”

Right-handed reliever Evan Marshall, who is on the 10-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation but eligible to return against the Cubs on Friday, also got a Zoom thumbs-up from Renteria in regard to his progress.

“All of our guys are doing well,” Renteria said. “You'll be seeing them here soon.”

By “them,” Renteria also could be referring to left-handed hurlers Aaron Bummer and Carlos Rodón. Both southpaws are on the IL, but they should return this week with a chance to help in the playoffs.

Third to first
• The 91 home runs hit by the White Sox through 55 games represent a franchise record.

• Carlos Santana’s game-winning two-run home run Monday ended Jace Fry’s scoreless streak at 11 games and 10 2/3 innings.

They said it
“You can see his numbers, like something special. He's been incredible the whole season.” -- Jiménez, on why teammate José Abreu deserves AL Most Valuable Player Award consideration

“We call him the captain. One of the leaders of our team, vocally and by example. … He’s able to contribute every single time he gets on the field and even when he’s not on the field.” -- Giolito, on McCann