Todd Frazier Believes White Sox Are Championship-Caliber, Wants The Pressure

(CBS) If there's one early takeaway from White Sox spring training, it's that new third baseman Todd Frazier cares not about the team's disappointing, uninspiring 2015 play. He wasn't around then, and the way he sees it, he's going to make sure to set a different tone in 2016.

On Tuesday morning, that meant expressing confidence that the White Sox can compete for a championship this season, as well as embracing the responsibility that comes with the grandiose words and manning a position that the White Sox have received little production from in recent years.

"I don't mind," Frazier said on the Mully and Hanley Show on 670 The Score. "Put the pressure on me. Let's go. Let's have some fun. It's going to be a good time.

"It's been a great time. It starts with (manager) Robin Ventura getting after us a little bit and telling us we got a championship club here, and I think we really do."

The White Sox went 76-86 last season as a handful of regulars had long stretches that were among the worst of their careers. The hope is a strong pitching staff and more consistent production offensively will lead to a playoff push. If that's to be the case, the White Sox will certainly need a big effort from Frazier, a two-time All-Star who hit .255 with 35 homers, 89 RBIs and an .806 OPS last season.

"Be accountable, enjoy the game," Frazier said. "Pitchers pitch and hitters hit, man. Do the little things. The little things are the biggest part of the game."

Frazier's under contract through 2017. It's still really early, but he's happy with the White Sox to date and indicated he's open to talking about a contract extension with Chicago.

"I would love that," Frazier said of sitting down with general manager Rick Hahn to talk about his contract. "I'd really like to be settled in a place in Chicago. I loved playing there when we played against the Cubs (when he was on the Reds). As of right now, if Rick wanted to talk, I'd really be happy to, but we're not anywhere near close to that. We got to start playing some games. Right now, I'm happy to be here. It's a great team, it's a great atmosphere and I'd love to play here a long time."

Listen to Frazier's full interview below.