GLENDALE, Ariz. - Center fielder Alex Rios reported to camp a day early Monday, bubbling with optimism. He likes the White Sox' chances in what figures to be a competitive race in the American League Central.
"Oh yeah. Definitely,'' Rios said. "We're the team to beat. We have good additions to the team. The core is solid, and with the additions, we're even stronger. I think we're going to give a hard time to a lot of people out there."
Rios said he has no preference where he hits in a batting order that will plug in slugger Adam Dunn. Manager Ozzie Guillen said he'd like to see Rios bat third ahead of Dunn.
"I think this is the best [lineup] I've been [with],'' Rios said. "It's going to be good. I'm excited for it. I just can't wait to see how it's going to work.
"It's good when you keep the core of the team together. It's pretty good because everyone knows each other and when you add players that are going to impact the team, it's even better. We're looking pretty good right now. Let's see what happens."