Renteria establishes rapport with White Sox

February 18th, 2017

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- White Sox manager Rick Renteria presented his message to the team Saturday morning at Camelback Ranch with position players reporting for the first full-squad workout.
"It was just basically trying to establish that we're going to play the game a certain way," Renteria said. "We all love baseball, and obviously, we live vicariously through our players.
"Just try to establish a connection between myself and now, obviously, the position players, many of which I know. Just try to connect both the pitchers and catchers and the position players. Just try to have those conversations so that we kind of mesh and move forward."
Spring Training:Info | Tickets | Schedule | Gear
Saturday's workout was influenced by a rare rainy day in Arizona. With a little morning window to work around the inclement weather, the White Sox audibled and got pitchers' batting practice in before anything else.
"So, we adjusted our schedule to limit our fundamentals and then still get the guys some more swings," Renteria said. "Now the rain has come and we're not able to do much more. It was good to get them out there all together."
A few of the veteran players also chimed in during Renteria's first meeting.
"So, it was good," a smiling Renteria said. "Just trying to be a part of the whole thing."
Rain shortens first workouts; Quintana benefiting from early preparation
As was leaving Camelback Ranch on Saturday, he quipped that he was almost ready for the regular season in response to a media member's question about how he felt after he threw in BP. Quintana started his preparation early because of his participation with Colombia in the World Baseball Classic. And with his solid mechanics, Quintana is consistently hitting the catcher's glove and it's no joke.

"He is the epitome of a very clean delivery. Very free and easy," Renteria said. "Understands what he's trying to do out there when he's just trying to locate.
"His mind is what it is. He's a premier Major League Baseball pitcher and he knows what he's got to do to get himself ready to perform. He's a very business-like individual: Enjoys what he's doing, and when you see him throwing 'pens he's very serious, very focused."
Quintana also has been helpful in being a mentor to the younger players.
"We have been talking, and he has given me some advice about what things to do on and off the field," said White Sox infielder and top prospect through interpreter Billy Russo. "Small talks. But he's a very good man."
Third to first
• White Sox hitters worked on pitch recognition as part of their batting practice sessions Saturday. Hitting off a pitching machine that can be a little erratic in its delivery helps batters recognize the same from live pitching.
• 's flight to Arizona was delayed by Saturday's weather, but he arrived mid-morning. All players are in camp for the White Sox.