White Sox ST Update: Third Base Concerns, Offense Pops Against A’s
Errors, errors, errors.
That has been the common theme that I have been witnessing first hand at White Sox Spring Training. It would not be so bad if they were spread out amongst the team but it all seems to be Josh Fields, whose fielding percentage thus far in Spring Traning is .885. I was in a much better position during the game against the A’s to really look at what he is seeing and how he is reacting.
He appears to be reading the ball just fine. What he does not seem to be able to do is to make a commitment on how and when is going to field it. With complete understanding of what a hot corner third base is, it should be understood that it will take him time to get into his comfort zone. Right now I think the only thing that is saving him is his hitting. I just want to know how long it is going to be until Ozzie has seen enough of Fields’ defense.
The 12-10 victory over the A’s began with a hitting barrage by the visiting White Sox. It was a relief after the effort that was seen against the Cubs. It was nice to see Wilson Betemit playing first base well and hitting the ball with such power. I think he will make a great second tier guy not only at first base but at other infield positions.
Jermaine Dye, however, did not look as good as I thought he would have. His choices of pitches to swing at was questionable and he always appeared to be swinging for the high home run. Of course Jim Thome hit a towering home run that bounced quite ironically of a Hooters restaurant sign.
All in all the team put together a nice offensive game.
Prior to the game I spent the morning over at Camelback Ranch getting to watch the minor league team workout. I was impressed with Dayan Viciedo and how relaxed he looks. Could he be a sizable Cuban presence in the White Sox organization in the future? If so, he appears to be making great strides in his transition to the major and minor league baseball in the States.
The stories are true. He is a big kid. Shedding some weight will definitely improve his quickness in the field, which really is not all that bad already. His hitting was in great form. He was being worked out at third base and from what I have been told that is where he is going to be playing while he is in the system. I think that it is only a matter of time and he will be up in the big leagues. My feeling is that he will be starting at third base before this year’s All-Star break.
Josh Fields photo credit: AP Photo/M. Spencer Green
Tags: Chicago White Sox, dayan viciedo, jermaine dye, josh fields, MLB, spring training 2009
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