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The last weekend without (officially, at least) the rest of the club in camp just passed, and there were some fun highlights.
Tony La Russa and Tim Anderson — each measuring the other up, to be sure — seem to be getting along well in the early going.
Tony La Russa on Tim Anderson:
— Chuck Garfien (@ChuckGarfien) February 21, 2021
“He’s developed from a real talent into a real player and he does it by work. He doesn’t half-step anything.”
“The thing I like the most is that he’s hungry for the team and for himself to keep proving that winning is the priority.”
Out of context, this is some weird footage. But it’s just spring training pitcher’s fielding practice, and apparently Lucas Giolito is ruling the day as a fielder as well:
Nothing like a little friendly competition pic.twitter.com/9jgC9hceJr
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) February 21, 2021
In a time of mega-hype, no White Sox player has been more hyped than Dylan Cease. Let his own words hype you up just a bit:
“This is the best I've really felt in a long time." pic.twitter.com/GJl3hzuQQf
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) February 21, 2021
Aaron Bummer, in camp after the birth of his daughter, caused the biggest stir of the weekend, simply with sheer stuff:
Ethan Katz has high praise for Aaron Bummer's sinker: pic.twitter.com/QQW2OQs9tM
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) February 22, 2021
And more, via the S-T’s Daryl Van Schouwen:
"Had it not been off to the side he would have squared me up and hit me. I was just trying to knock it down. It was the most impressive thing I’ve ever seen."
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) February 21, 2021
Dallas Keuchel got a lot of attention over the weekend. Not for himself, but for his leadership. This time, it’s in nicknaming; apparently, new starter Lance Lynn is “Tonka Truck.”
Dallas Keuchel is a big fan of Lance Lynn: pic.twitter.com/7PGtlV4mcD
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) February 21, 2021
It’s not the sexiest item of the weekend, but perhaps one that illustrates just how important new pitching coach Ethan Katz may be to this 2021 squad. Carlos Rodón is the most recent beneficiary of Katz’s fresh eyes on the club:
Ethan Katz says he noticed things with Carlos Rodon's lower half that he wanted to address. "He's starting to understand how his lower half is supposed to move a little more efficiently... Over time we're hoping we can tap into some things that he hasn't been able to do."
— Chuck Garfien (@ChuckGarfien) February 21, 2021
And finally, after what was surely a pretty harrowing lead-up to reporting day, Jared Kelley finally made it out of Texas and to Glendale:
Finally some sunshine in Texas. A canceled flight and 2 days later he’s finally on his way to spring training. Show them what you got kid! @JaredKelley4 @whitesox pic.twitter.com/2bEqKPLlui
— John Kelley (@jkelley78377) February 19, 2021
Don’t forget, Monday at 3 p.m. CT is the next White Sox Spring Break, a town hall with GM Rick Hahn.