Brent Morel News: Morel's chances of opening 2013 as the White Sox's starting third baseman took a hit Wednesday when the team reportedly signed Jeff Keppinger to a three-year contract.

Morel's chances of opening 2013 as the White Sox's starting third baseman took a hit Wednesday when the team reportedly signed Jeff Keppinger to a three-year contract.

There may have been hope for Morel to re-claim his spot in the White Sox's infield earlier in the offseason when it looked as if Kevin Youkilis would price himself out of the team's budget, but Wednesday's acquisition should put that notion to rest. The fact that the Sox made third base their top offseason priority is not exactly a vote of confidence for Morel's standing in the organization. He could still compete for a reserve infield role.