McKnight: White Sox Rumor Mill Never Stops
By Connor McKnight-
GLENDALE, Ariz. (CBS) -- Gavin Floyd has thrown with plenty on his shoulders before. Trade rumors -- substantiated or no -- don't seem to alter the burden.
"I guess it's a good thing, in a way. Teams want you." Floyd said after throwing four innings of five-hit ball, and allowing just one run in the White Sox 6-3 loss to the Padres on Tuesday. "I'm here in Chicago. I want to be here. That's what I look forward to, [it's] being here and making an impact in Chicago."
Monday, Floyd's name was brought up as a potential target for the Blue Jays -- whose machinations of their starting staff I've stopped trying to divine.
While a connection between the White Sox and the Blue Jays is plainly evident in deals for Jason Frasor (twice) and Sergio Santos in just the last calendar year, it's not indicative of a move.
For what it's worth, Sox GM Kenny Williams told MLB.com he's not looking to deal Floyd. Manager Robin Ventura hopes it stays that way.
"I want to see him pitch with us, definitely," Ventura said. "Again you kind of go through spring and see how that all pans out. He's pitched well enough that I definitely want him in our rotation."
Floyd worked through early issues in his start against the Padres. Despite striking out the side, a lengthy first inning saw Floyd give up one run on three singles and a stolen base where catcher A.J. Pierzynski dropped the ball in the transfer.
After that, Floyd took command. His five strikeouts and no walks in four innings might have constituted the best outing of his spring so far. Floyd even induced a double play in the fourth that helped him out of a mini-jam.
"It's good to see him building," Ventura said. "He looks great. He's had a couple back-to-back that look great. I mean, as far as [his] change-up, curveball... everything--I was happy with what he did."
Dunn Likely To Play Wednesday
Adam Dunn was a late scratch from Tuesday's game. He was slated to start at first base but a stiff neck held him out. Ventura said the issue was minor and Dunn wanted to play but keeping him out was precautionary. He expects Dunn to play Wednesday when Chris Sale is expected to start against Ervin Santana and the Angels.
For more White Sox spring training coverage from Glendale, Ariz, click here. Find all of Connor McKnights's spring training blogs here and follow him on Twitter (@McKnight670).
