After being on a “short leash” with the Chicago White Sox last season, Garrett Crochet is hoping to push the envelope with the Boston Red Sox this year.

Ace status is never given. It’s taken. But it sure looks like Crochet is the real deal, which should be fun for years to come.

Chicago White Sox pitchers and catchers reported to spring training Wednesday and Will Venable got his first taste of overseeing a camp as a manager.

Wednesday’s workday for Will Venable began around 5:30 a.m. MT, marking his first official time on the field as White Sox manager. He actually arrived at 5 a.m., with a staff workout to follow 30 minutes later.

Center fielder Michael A. Taylor and the Chicago White Sox have agreed to a $1.95 million, one-year contract. Chicago announced the agreement Wednesday. Taylor spent last season with the Pittsburgh Pirates,

The White Sox agreed with outfielder Michael A. Taylor on a one-year, $1.95 million contract on Wednesday. According MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the deal also includes performance bonuses. Taylor, who turns 34 on March 26,

The Chicago White Sox are signing outfielder Michael Taylor to a one-year, $1.95 million deal, according to multiple reports Tuesday.