Controversy-free spring was just what the White Sox needed

Back in Sarasota, Fla., during the spring of 1996, White Sox camp was roiled early by the disappearance of Tony Phillips, who had signed as a free-agent over the winter.

Phillips had called it quits after belatedly deciding his two-year, $3.6 contract was unsatisfactory, giving the Sox a made-for-media controversy at the start of spring training.

We loved it, of course, because for the most part spring training is rather dull.

But it didn’t last long.

After talking with some of his friends — Dusty Baker, Chili Davis and Dave Stewart — Phillips changed his mind and returned a few days later.

So what prompted the comeback?

“I wouldn’t call it a comeback,” Phillips said with a laugh. “Actually, what…