Natalia Chi
GOODYEAR, Arizona – At this White Sox camp, the defining atmosphere and attention to detail are all about, but in the end, what matters most is your health.
Priority #1 is to get through spring training and head to Houston for the season opener without serious injuries.
That’s true of the other 29 teams, but for the Sox, who were plagued with injuries in 2022, health ultimately killed all hopes of a postseason return.Focus, energy, leadership, togetherness. The lack of was also a problem.
However, Tim Anderson played 79, Yoan Moncada 104, Eloy Jiménez 84, Yasmani Grandal 99 and Luis Roberto 98. Lance Lynn started 21 games and Michael Kopech started 25. Aaron Bummer appeared in 32 relief games.
Spring training sets the tone. Moncada was obliquely nervous on the final day of last year’s camp and said he didn’t play until May, but then returned in a bit of a rush because he wanted to help the cause. I had never hit 12 home runs.
Eloy Jimenez tore his pectoral muscle two springs ago on March 24th. Adam Engel tore his hamstrings five days ago.
The Sox hired a new Strength and Conditioning Coordinator Goldie Simmons last year and a new Senior Director of Sports Performance Jeff Head this offseason.
Manager Pedro Grifol said, “They are on top of this.” , believe me, when they give me something I give them the day or change the schedule a little bit not change the intensity just change the schedule not the same work but less Same intensity at intensity, doing less work.You get hurt here and there, but they do a phenomenal job.”
Bummer (back/shoulder) hasn’t played yet, but says he’s ready for the season opener. Right-hander AJ Alexey had a bevel problem but is pitching again. Utility man Romy Gonzalez is back at game speed after missing days with unspecified “pain,” Grifol said.
Fingers crossed. Anderson, Lynn, and Kendall Graveman played for Team USA, Robert and Moncada in Cuba, and Jimenez in the Dominican Republic in his World Baseball Classic. Grifol prayed for their safety and hoped for their return. Devout man, you understand that his WBC member of Grfiol is at the top of his prayer list.
“The goal is to stay fit and be there every day,” Anderson said.
Jimenez came to camp lighter, Lynn and Graveman got ahead in their pitching programs, and Robert and Moncada arrived early, determined to make a difference for their country and the Sox.
The concern is that the workload in January, February, and March affects August, September, and October. Time will tell.
Veteran left-handed reliever Jake Deekman says young pitchers can be at risk trying to make an impression in camp, but experienced pitchers know when to turn it on.
“A lot of the time they’re so ready that what worries me is that they’re throwing so hard,” Diekmann said.
Depth is a concern, but the Sox’s starter, rotation and bullpen will retake American League Central from the defending champion Guardians, even if Liam Hendricks is undecided when he battles cancer. but enough on paper.
That is, if there is a player on the field who needs to do it.
Part of it is luck. Some are training and sense.
“If you’re feeling healthier and your arms are getting stronger, that’s good,” Diekmann said.
The Socks may have just finished spring training healthy.
that would be good.
“Keep them on the field and they’ll perform because they’re really talented players,” Grifol said.
