Ventura looks for bats to find consistency
White Sox manager believes team will take off when offense clicks
CHICAGO -- With the White Sox residing in last place in the AL Central, manager Robin Ventura was asked before Monday night's game with the Astros at U.S. Cellular Field what needs to happen to turn around his team's fortunes.
"I would like our offense to get consistent," he said. "We have some guys that we believe in; they have a nice track record. Once it clicks, it's gonna be a better thing for us."
In order for it to make a difference this season, it better happen soon.
One player in particular that needs to get going is left fielder Melky Cabrera, who was signed as a free agent in the offseason to be a catalyst at the top of the lineup. Heading into Monday's game, Cabrera was batting .226 with one home run and 17 RBIs. He was hitting just .190 in the previous 28 games and had just three extra-base hits during that span.
"That's going to be difficult for any guy to go through because he wants to help the team," Ventura said of Cabrera. "He knows that's why he came here and everything that goes with that. I think there's a burden or pressure, but there is a subliminal thing to it and you have to get over it and be able to help.
"Somebody like him that goes on a roll, he can almost carry you for a while. I'm looking forward to that when it happens."