With logjam at first/DH, Dunn to get time in outfield

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- In rookie Jose Abreu, Paul Konerko and Adam Dunn, the White Sox have three power-hitting talents for two everyday first base and designated hitter slots.

That crowded picture won't alter or affect preparation for Dunn, who could find himself part of a platoon in his 14th big league season and fourth with the White Sox in the finale of a four-year deal.

"No one's told me it's going to be a three-man dance, so I'm not looking at it like it's going to be like a rotation deal," said Dunn at Camelback Ranch on Thursday, when position players reported and the White Sox held their first full-squad workout. "I'm not stupid. I see you have a lot of guys that can play at this level. There's only two or three spots they can play in. Competition's good.

"I still feel the same way I did from Day 1 when I stepped on the field [with the White Sox]. I'm going to do everything I can to get ready for Opening Day, have a good year."

Manager Robin Ventura spoke Thursday about using Dunn in left field at some point during Cactus League action. That move gets Dunn a chance for extra at-bats and gives Ventura that in-season option with a little preparation behind it. Dunn has played 10 games in the outfield during his three years with the White Sox.

With 1,870 career regular-season games played and no postseason appearances, it's understandable how Dunn puts his highest and really only premium on reaching the playoffs. But much like Konerko, Dunn also would like to help mentor the White Sox youth movement by drawing on his own time as a young player.

"Everything happened so fast when [I was young]," Dunn said. "The only thing I take from that is how the older guys treated me coming up.

"Especially Abreu. Not speaking English, I can only imagine coming over to a new team and all those expectations, as comfortable as I can make him, and as comfortable as Paul can make him, we'll make sure he realizes he fits in and don't try to do too much."