spring flings

Billy Hamilton, the former Taylorsville High standout, did not stay on the market for long. Released by Cleveland on Saturday, the 30-year-old outfielder signed a minor league deal with the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday. Judging from manager Tony La Russa’s comments, it sounds as if Hamilton has a good shot at making the White Sox’s major league roster. “His speed is a real weapon,” La Russa told mlb.com. “I’m anxious to put him through the paces and see how he looks this year.” A .241 career hitter with 305 steals, Hamilton has been on a whirlwind tour of late. Since 2018, he has been affiliated with eight different clubs: Reds (who drafted him in 2009), Royals, Braves, Giants, Mets, Cubs, Indians and now White Sox. … Minnesota has trotted out what is thought to be its opening day lineup in its last two Grapefruit League games and Mississippi State product Brent Rooker has been the left fielder. Rooker went 1-for-2 on Tuesday and is batting .412 with a home run this spring. He got 19 big league at-bats in 2020, hitting .316 with a homer, before a broken arm ended his season. The former SEC player of the year has 54 homers over three minor league campaigns. … Former Richton High standout JaCoby Jones hit his first homer of the spring for Detroit on Tuesday; he is batting .143 in 21 at-bats. The five-year veteran finished 2020 on the injured list with a broken hand. … Ex-Ole Miss star Bobby Wahl suffered an oblique injury on Monday and will start the season on Milwaukee’s IL, according to reports.