The biggest question of training camp was answered on Monday when news broke that the White Sox were releasing Jonathan Lucroy. That put an end to the backup catcher battle and all but ensures that Zack Collins will make the Opening Day Roster. The news came as a shock to many White Sox fans because Lucroy was the favorite to win the job. Upon being told that he would not break camp with the major league club, the veteran requested his release.

Collins Gets A Chance

The news that he would be on the Opening Day roster has been a long time coming for Zack Collins. Collins has never had a chance to truly show what he can do over the course of a full major league season. He made a great impression this spring making it virtually impossibly for Rick Hahn and company to deprive him of a roster spot. The former first round pick was not shy about letting people know he belonged on the major league club either. When asked about it earlier this Spring he said “I've done everything they've asked me to do the last couple of years. Worked on my body, worked on my approach, my defense, everything is continuing to grow. I've got nothing but high praise out of it. So, I don't see a reason why I shouldn't be (on the Opening Day roster)." He even went as far to say that it would be a "mistake" if he was left off the roster.  Collins made a compelling case with his Cactus League play. he hit .295 with 3 home runs and a .523 slugging percentage. Collins has had his fair share of road blocks to overcome. The White Sox are constantly bringing in veteran backup catchers such as Wellington Castillo and James McCann which prevent him from getting playing time in the show. This season was no different. Just when he though it was his job to lose the White Sox added Jonathan Lucroy right before Spring Training. Collins was faced with an uphill climb once again. Lucroy is an experienced veteran who made the All-Star team in 2014 as a member of the Milwaukee Brewers. He batted .301 and led the league with 53 doubles. Lucroy even finished 4th in the NL MVP voting. He returned to the All-Star game in 2016 and had a career best 24 home runs that season. Tony La Russa described what he was looking for in his backup catcher. "If there’s one thing it is, it’s think and handle the pitching. That’s the number one. The great thinkers can really bring the best out of a pitcher, makes it tougher to hit. Thats the number one thing.” Zack Collins is not known for his defense so it sounded like Lucroy had the inside track position on the job. Despite the setback Collins has finally earned the job he has been seeking for awhile. Eloy Jimenez injury may have inadvertently helped out Collins because it looks as if Andrew Vaughn will be the new left fielder. That leaves the DH slot open for Collins to fill when he isn't catching.

White Sox Add Jake Lamb

Rick Hahn added another interesting wrinkle to the roster when signed Jake Lamb after he cleared waivers. Lamb is a former All-Star but has been hampered by injuries since then. Over his last three season he has only managed to play 165 games. Last season with the Oakland Athletics, Lamb slashed .267/.327/.556. It was a curious decision since Lamb is not a left fielder. In fact he has never played left field in the major leagues.  He may just be an attempt to add some more offense off the bench. He does have some pop in his bat. In 2016 and 2017 he hit 29 and 30 home runs. Rick Hahn has yet to make the official announcement so we have yet to receive clarity on what his role will be with the team.