Ex-White Sox reliever Keynan Middleton rips club's 'no rules' culture - ESPN

NEW YORK — The struggling Chicago White Sox, whose fall out of contention culminated with moving veteran players at the trade deadline, were plagued by a culture that had «no rules» in which a rookie regularly fell asleep in the bullpen, former White Sox relief pitcher Keynan Middleton said Sunday.

Middleton, who was dealt to the New York Yankees just before Tuesday's trade deadline, joined the White Sox this season after signing a minor league contract and was one of their better relievers prior to the deal. Despite hopes to contend this season, the White Sox are 45-68 under first-year manager Pedro Grifol, whom the team brought in after Tony La Russa's resignation.

«We came in with no rules,» Middleton said. «I don't know how you police the culture if there are no rules or guidelines to follow because everyone is doing their own thing. Like, how do you say anything about it because there are no rules?

»You have rookies sleeping in the bullpen during the game. You have guys missing meetings. You have guys missing PFPs (pitcher fielding practices), and there are no consequences for any of this stuff."

Multiple sources, who corroborated Middleton's account to ESPN, said a pitcher was seen napping during games as well as skipping fielding practice.

When contacted Sunday night about Middleton's remarks, the White Sox said they had no comment.

Middleton was traded to the Yankees on Tuesday for right-hander Juan Carela, one of five deals that included veteran starters Lucas Giolito and Lance Lynn, veteran relievers Kendall Graveman, Joe Kelly and Reynaldo Lopez, and third baseman Jake Burger. He spoke after pitching two innings for his new team Sunday, praising the culture set by the Yankees.

«The second I found out I was