Manto sees more diversified offensive approach

SEATTLE -- The White Sox had gone 71 full innings and 256 at-bats without hitting a home run until Adam Dunn cleared the fences against Felix Hernandez in the second inning of Tuesday's 7-4 loss.

Dunn actually owns the last two long balls hit by a team that has its offensive success tied to the home run. But hitting coach Jeff Manto believes the recent lack of punch also points up a more diversified approach at the plate.

"I see a very good approach," Manto said. "You talk about [Alejandro] De Aza going the other way, and Alexei [Ramirez] hitting the ball the other way. Conor [Gillaspie] has been as consistent as he's been.

"We're adding a lot of different type of offense. We have the home run hitters, but now we have guys who can drive the ball to the gaps as well. It's a really good sign."

Manto listed Dunn, Paul Konerko and Alex Rios as the three White Sox hitters who can legitimately sit back and hit home runs. Dayan Viciedo and Tyler Flowers also would fall in that particular category.

Those other hitters have to play their part and hit the gaps, according to Manto, to drive in those runs and keep the offense moving.

"Although we're waiting for those results in the wins, we're seeing signs that everyone is starting to fill the role they're supposed to," Manto said. "You know what? Not too many guys are swinging the bat as well as they should now, but the offense right now is an offense that's very versatile.

"We have guys who can hit doubles and singles and guys who can hit home runs. It's very exciting once it starts to go."