As Chicago White Sox spring training wraps up, here’s what stood out to manager Will Venable
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Munetaka Murakami showed his opposite-field power Tuesday, hitting a home run to left-center against the Athletics at Camelback Ranch. Murakami displayed his defense at first base Saturday against the Cincinnati Reds when he fielded a sharp grounder with a 112.
4 mph exit velocity hit by star shortstop Elly De La Cruz. Offensively and defensively, the two-time MVP of Nippon Professional Baseball’s Central League continued to adjust to life as a major-leaguer during his first spring training after eight seasons with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. Murakami’s arrival was one of the major stories at Sox camp, which wraps up Monday with the Cactus League finale against the Athletics at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, Ariz.
Manager Will Venable said on Saturday that the Sox as a whole, “have had a great camp and worked extremely hard. We are confident and ready to go. ” The regular season begins Thursday at Milwaukee.
Here are a few items that have stood out to Venable this spring offensively, defensively and on the mound. Offensively Everson Pereira provided the spark Saturday evening against the Reds at Goodyear Ballpark, hitting a two-run home run in the second inning. Pereira battled back from an 0-2 count in the fourth inning, drawing a walk to load the bases for Edgar Quero .
The catcher followed with a two-run single. Venable has liked how the Sox haven’t had to rely on just one method of offensive production. “At the plate, we asked these guys to understand situations and make contact in certain areas and keep the line moving, look for bunts and whatever it is to have a team offense,” Venable said.