GLENDALE, Ariz. – Brent Morel, considered the White Sox’s third baseman of the future, was poised for a breakout season.

Ready to build off a strong finish to 2011, Morel reported to Camelback Ranch eager to prove the expectations were warranted. However, those expectations quickly turned into a year-long battle to overcome a lower back injury that cropped up during the middle of spring training last year.

Now, Morel has one of the most unwanted labels in baseball, especially for a third baseman: a ball player with back problems. Last month was the first time he felt normal in nearly a year. There’s still concern Morel could suffer a setback.