Pedro Grifol on work ethic and more: 3 takeaways from Chicago White Sox spring training

Chicago White Sox spring training: Hanser Alberto earning praise

Signed this offseason to a minor league deal, the 30-year-old Alberto has started red hot, going 7-for-11 to open his tenure in a White Sox uniform. Alberto is trying to land with the team after slashing .244/.258/.365 in 73 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers last season. His OPS+ has dropped every season since 2019, including last year’s 70 at Chavez Ravine.

However, Pedro Grifol saw Alberto first-hand when they were both with the Kansas City Royals in 2021 and believes in what he brings to the team.

“I’m not going to let the narrative go to spring training,” Grifol said of talk about Alberto’s declining play. “This guy has looked good. He does what he does and he’s doing what he does. He’s a leader. He’s high-energy. He’s a swinger. He’s got a knack for situational hitting and he secures the baseball. This is not like a spring training thing for him. This is what he does and this is who he is.”

Grifol also praised Alberto for what he brings to the clubhouse as well.

“It’s my 32nd year in the game and he’s probably the best teammate and clubhouse guy I’ve ever seen,” Grifol said. “There’s zero ounce of selfishness to his game or to his being. This guy is just all about working hard, winning, helping others, and serving others. He wants to see everybody improve, and that’s the way he goes about his business.”

Alberto’s versatility (he’s played five different positions over the past two seasons) gives him a chance to make the roster in what should be a very intense battle for the final bench spots.