Glendale, Ariz. — It doesn’t take long to understand the new era and attitude that Pedro Grifol is implementing into the Chicago White Sox culture.
Hired as the team’s manager early in the offseason, Pedro Grifol is the 42nd manager in Chicago’s long history. Serving within the Kansas City Royals organization since 2013, Grifol saw plenty of the White Sox with his own eyes during that time. He also saw a team that underwhelmed last season, finishing 81-81 after a tumultuous season that includes health issues for Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa before his retirement. That stumble came on the heels of the White Sox winning the division in 2021.
That, however, is in the past for Grifol and the team. He is charting a new course ahead based on a simple philosophy: “Just play hard.”
Chicago White Sox spring training: Pedro Grifol pushes fundamentals
On Saturday, Grifol used a play in Friday’s 6-4 win over the Cincinnati Reds as an example of what he wants to see from his team in 2023.
With two outs in the bottom of the second, All-Star shortstop Tim Anderson hustled down the line to beat out an infield single that was hit to Cincinnati’s Kevin Newman. The play not only allowed Hanser Alberto to score, but also brought Andrew Vaughn to the plate. Vaughn took advantage of the opportunity, launching a 1-2 pitch for a three-run homer to give the White Sox a 5-0 lead.
“I have to highlight TA running hard down the line, beating that ball out, and then the homer by Vaughn,” Grifol said. “That’s what we’re about. That’s what we’re preaching. Just play hard.”
Grifol went on to break down other highlights, but also said his team still has things to work on this spring.
“We still have to improve our overall secondary leads. That’s an area we have to get better at, and we’re addressing that,” Grifol said.
The little things that perhaps kept the White Sox from building momentum in 2022 will certainly be addressed by Grifol and his staff this spring, hoping that moments that may not show up in the box score like running hard to beat out an infield single will pay big dividends in 2023.
Chicago White Sox spring training: Tim Anderson and Elvis Andrus chemistry building
When the White Sox decided to bring back Elvis Andrus in mid-February, it solidified the team’s middle infield, with Andrus sliding to second base after being so solid in Chicago at shortstop over his 43-game stint with the team last season filling in for the injured Tim Anderson. Now, with Anderson at full health, the duo will combine to give the White Sox a potentially formidable middle infield.
The 34-year-old Andrus has no MLB experience at second base, but Grifol shrugs off any worry about that.
“I think it’s a challenge for him, which is what he wants. He loves challenges,” Grifol said. “He’s been doing this a long time, and the shift helped him back when we would shift. I think he said he turned eight double plays from that side, so he’s not foreign to it.
“He’s a very, very smart baseball player,” Grifol said of Andrus. “He’s having fun. I love watching him play, and practice too.”
Grifol also gushed on the 29-year-old Anderson, calling him “a winner” and saying, “He has an edge I admired from the other side (while Grifol was with the Royals). I just think this game needs to be played with an edge and he brings that edge.”
The Anderson-Andrus duo got the start together on Saturday against the Texas Rangers, giving them another chance to work on their chemistry on the field early in the spring. They were also slotted back-to-back at the top of the White Sox order (with Anderson leading off), something that could be a regular occurrence during the season.
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.