The White Sox announced the cuts of 14 players following Monday's 1-0 loss to Cincinnati, including a few notables.
Ozzie Martinez was eliminated from the competition for a bench spot, as the infielder acquired from Miami as compensation for Ozzie Guillen was optioned to Triple-A. Martinez was hitless in 10 spring at-bats, drawing a walk while striking out three times. With Eduardo Escobar tearing up the Cactus League, there was little chance Martinez would've leapfrogged him in the battle for the last spot on the bench.
Nestor Molina was optioned to Double-A Birmingham, where he'll begin the 2012 season. Given the 23-year-old has only started five games above Single-A, that was to be expected, and it should put a damper on the probably-too-high expectation that Molina could see time in the majors this year.
Jhan Marinez, Anthony Carter, Deunte Heath, Donnie Veal, Simon Castro, Pedro Fernandez, Charlie Leesman were optioned to Triple-A, eliminating any chance they'll start the year in the major-league bullpen. All seven were longshots for the role anyway.
Jared Mitchell and Trayce Thompson were among those reassigned to minor league camp. Both outfielders had good showings in big league camp, impressing both at the plate and in the field.
Jose Quintana was optioned to Double-A Birmingham and Michael Blake and Tyler Kuhn were sent to minor league camp to round out the roster moves. The Sox now have 37 players in major-league camp.