White Sox notes: Brett Lawrie thinks big, Adam Eaton, Avisail Garcia

GLENDALE, Ariz. — After flopping followed high expectations in 2015, the White Sox have been trying to rally around the “let’s sneak up on them” angle this year, but that’s not picking up much steam.

USA Today pegged them for 90 wins, a prediction that sparked a flurry of reaction. On Monday, new Sox second baseman Brett Lawrie arrived at camp, looked around the clubhouse and got fired up.

“You look at the number of guys and you look at who’s in this room,’’ Lawrie said. “We’ve got so much talent, it’s World Series caliber, 100 percent.’’

And that was before the Sox announced the addition of former MVP Jimmy Rollins, albeit in the twilight of his career. The Sox have returning all-stars at third base (Todd Frazier), first base (Jose Abreu) and pitcher (Chris Sale) and and a former all-stars in left field (Melky Cabrera) and in the bullpen (David Robertson). There’s also young talent such as Adam Eaton, Jose Quintana and Carlos Rodon who potentially are on the verge of stardom.

“It’s just about refining that and coming together as a group and having some fun out there,’’ Lawrie said. “Any time [you] play against the White Sox, you know who’s over there and the damage that [we] can do.’’

But World Series caliber?

“No doubt,’’ Lawrie said. “That’s the thing about baseball, anything can happen. It’s a long year, it’s definitely a marathon, not a sprint and we just have to come together as a group and have some fun and just enjoy each other’s company and go play baseball.’’

Lawrie was acquired to play third base, but that was before the Sox traded for Frazier. But he can also play second, which is where he went to field his first grounders of camp Monday morning.

That Lawrie was stoked about the Sox’ chances was no shocker. He’s a high-energy type who will add flavor to the clubhouse.

First full squad workout Tuesday

Melky Cabrera also checked in Monday, leaving right fielder Avisail Garcia and minor leaguer Adam Engel as the only position players who hadn’t reported before Tuesday’s first full squad workout. GM Rick Hahn said he had no issue with Garcia not being here early.

“We’ll see more in the coming days but he was certainly compliant with our offseason training program, he worked with Trick [Steverson] for an extended period in Florida a few weeks back,’’ Hahn said. “Based on everything we’ve seen via video and what Todd saw first-hand he’s where we want him to be.’’

Leadership, cont.

Clubhouse leadership has been a talking point early in camp. At 27, Eaton counts himself among the young guys who know their place on a pecking order that falls behind veterans like Adam LaRoche – who showed Eaton a lot by dealing professionally with his struggle.

“He is a true leader on and off the field, and there’s always a lot of guys that have the same qualities throughout here,’’ Eaton said. “You have to follow their lead, if they’re going out and playing hard every day. Guys have got to fall in line. Don’t be that guy.’’

Eaton, who had arthroscopic surgery on his left (throwing shoulder) after the season, said he’s still building toward 100 percent strength.