Michalczewski Gives White Sox Options

CHICAGO—The White Sox have not produced a homegrown third baseman since Joe Crede, and back issues prematurely ended his promising career in 2009.

Since Crede’s exit, Chicago has used 22 third basemen. Then they acquired Todd Frazier from the Reds in a three-team trade in December.

Frazier is under club control through the 2017 season. He could very well receive a contract extension if he provides the type of power the White Sox desperately need.

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If Frazier departs after the 2017 season—or switches positions—prospect Trey Michalczewski should be ready to step in.

While batting .259/.335/.395 with seven home runs and 75 RBIs in 127 games at high Class A Winston-Salem last year, Michalczewski passed Matt Davidson as Chicago’s top third-base prospect.

“I thought it was a pretty good year overall, both for the team and myself,” said Michalczewski, a seventh-round pick in 2013 out of Jenks (Okla.) High. “There are things I could have done better. I try to never be satisfied.”

While he finished second in the Carolina League in RBIs and doubles (35), Michalczewski didn’t many home runs.

“I try not to worry about it,” the 21-year-old said. “I still haven’t grown into my body yet. I lift a good amount in the offseason, but I don’t want to put on too much weight too fast.

“If you try to put that weight on and get stronger, if you’re not stretching, you can hurt yourself. I just try to let it develop and don’t really worry about it.”

After he was done playing in the Arizona Fall League, Michalczewski weighed 206 pounds. Heading into spring training, the switch-hitter is up to 220.

“I lose some weight over the course of the season. I think a lot of guys do,” said the 6-foot-3 Michalczewski.
“Ideally, I’d like to stay at 220 throughout the season. I think that’s a good weight to play at.”

Michalczewski probably will open 2016 at Double-A Birmingham.

CHI-LITES

• The White Sox signed lefthanded-hitting Travis Ishikawa to a minor league contract and invited the first baseman/outfielder to spring training. He finished the 2013 season with 34 games at Triple-A Charlotte.

• Willie Harris, who played with the White Sox from 2002 to 2005, is back with the organization as hitting coach at Rookie-level Great Falls.