The Chicago White Sox began spring training action last
Saturday with a 5-0 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, and they are now 3-4 with
one tie after 8 games. During spring training, I always like to look at how
young players, newcomers, and players returning from injuries are performing.
For instance, I am not particularly concerned how players like Alexei Ramirez
and Chris Sale are doing. With veterans like that, it is pretty apparent as to
what type of production to expect from them going forward. With that being
said, here is a look at some of the notable performers during the first week of
games.
Standout Performances
Adam Eaton – The White Sox new leadoff hitter is off to a
hot start batting .600 (6-10) with two stolen bases. Eaton has also drawn a
pair of walks to raise his on-base percentage to .714 in five games. It is
severely early, but I have a feeling Eaton will solidify the leadoff spot for
years to come.
Jose Abreu – The former Cuban superstar cranked out his
first home run in American professional baseball on Thursday, but only has one
other hit in his first 10 at-bats. Despite the two hits, Abreu has driven in
four runs to date. Abreu will likely need time to adjust to facing new
pitchers, but the power is real.
Micah Johnson and Carlos Sanchez – The second baseman
prospects have nearly identical stats through their first five games. Both
players have four hits in eight at-bats and have combined for three stolen
bases and four runs scored. Another year of solid seasons in the minors from Johnson
and Sanchez will give the White Sox something to think about regarding Gordon
Beckham’s future.
John Danks – The left-hander’s first start of the spring was
very encouraging as he pitched three innings while giving up just one hit, two
walks, and striking out two batters. Danks reportedly topped out at 91 mph and
had great command of his cutter. Now 18 months removed from shoulder surgery,
the old Johnny Danks could be in for a bounce-back year.
Erik Johnson – The first spring outing for the White Sox
best pitching prospect was a successful one as the righty hurled three innings
of one-run ball. Johnson surrender three hits and one walk, while fanning two
batters. Johnson will likely have his ups and downs as any rookie starting
pitcher would, but I am really interested to watch him pitch this season. From
what I have seen, I think he will develop into a legit number three starter.
Felipe Paulino – Paulino bounced-back from a rough first
start by pitching better this afternoon. The right-hander, who is still working
his way back to the majors from Tommy John surgery, struck out five batters in
three innings against the Cincinnati Reds. Paulino’s big mistake was a two-run
homer to Jay Bruce, but the key for him is staying healthy and building up his
arm strength. The White Sox are in a low-risk/high-reward situation with
Paulino’s contract, so anything that he can do to help well be a positive.
-Eric Tichelbaut
Follow me on Twitter @etichel07
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