Eaton trying to fit in with new teammates

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Moving from the D-backs to the White Sox via trade has been like changing schools, according to energetic center fielder and soon-to-be leadoff man Adam Eaton.

He already has met new teachers, which are the White Sox coaches and front office members in this case, and he's getting to know his new classmates, or teammates, as it were. But the real acquaintance period comes once games begin.

"That's when the true test is going to start, getting that mold together of how guys are going to go about their business," Eaton said. "Especially if I'm going to be at the top of the order, with how guys hit around me, feeling that out.

"Also with pitching, you know, playing defense, really how those guys are going to pitch certain hitters and how I play accordingly. Once those games start, I'll feel more comfortable. Right now, the personality and the guys, it's getting there."

Eaton has no lingering effects from a sprain in his left ulnar collateral ligament and a reoccurrence of the injury late in 2013 that limited the 25-year-old left-handed hitter to 250 at-bats with Arizona. He admits that moving from the National League to the American League presents a new task in learning the pitchers, but he's ready for the challenge.

"I'm ready to play baseball," Eaton said. "We are all little kids out here, just playing on the playground, playing some baseball."