9 questions for the White Sox entering spring training

The White Sox report to spring training Friday with renewed hopes to compete in 2016 after the offseason additions of infielders Todd Frazier and Brett Lawrie, catchers Alex Avila and Dioner Navarro and pitcher Mat Latos.

But plenty of questions surround a club that finished 76-86 last year. Here are nine.

Who replaces Alexei?

His contributions were sometimes erratic, but Alexei Ramirez started 1,079 games at shortstop for the Sox over the last eight seasons. He has joined the Padres, and Tyler Saladino, who put up a line of .225/.267/.335 in 68 games last year, is the favorite to fill the hole. But will Carlos Sanchez or Tim Anderson make a play for the job?

Any more additions?

General manager Rick Hahn said late last month at SoxFest he wasn’t done trying to supplement the roster, and he then added Latos, a right-handed starter. But the Sox could use another bat, and outfield and shortstop options are available on the free-agent market or via trade.

Odd man out?

Latos would seem to fill out the rotation with Chris Sale, Jose Quintana, Carlos Rodon and John Danks. But Erik Johnson had such a strong year at Triple-A Charlotte in 2015 — posting a 2.37 ERA with 136 strikeouts in 23 games — it’s fair to wonder whether he could force the Sox to consider a different route. That wouldn’t be a bad problem to have.

The year of the comeback?

If the Sox are going to contend, they need better performances from some of their key players. Designated hitter Adam LaRoche and right fielder Avisail Garcia are glaring examples, but closer David Robertson and outfielders Melky Cabrera and Adam Eaton could also stand to be more consistent.

Who’s the starting catcher?

Avila and Navarro joined the Sox within two weeks of one another and will spend most of the spring getting to know the pitching staff. They could operate in a platoon, but Hahn said the bulk of the playing time likely will go to whoever stands out more.

Spring routine changes?

Manager Robin Ventura said at SoxFest he is examining ways to help the club start stronger than it has the last few years, including possibly requiring starters to play longer in spring training games. Will he and new bench coach Rick Renteria implement anything else new during their time in Arizona?

Leaders in the house?

Several new personalities must be blended into a clubhouse that was in need of leadership last season, the first without former captain Paul Konerko. Frazier, Avila and Navarro could help fill that role.

Bullpen battles?

The Sox have much of their bullpen back, but there could be competition for the last few spots. Right-hander Tommy Kahnle is among the newcomers vying for a job. Where will a newly healthy Nate Jones fit into the late-innings mix?

What about the prospects?

The Sox have a more mature crop of top prospects coming into camp. Everyone will be watching if Anderson or right-hander Carson Fulmer can push up their projected major-league debuts. There are other intriguing minor-league invitees, including pitchers Tyler Danish and Chris Beck and outfielders Jacob May, Courtney Hawkins and Adam Engel.

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