GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Yes, it was just one of many White Sox batting practice sessions during Spring Training, taking place five days before the first full-squad workout.
And nobody ever reached the Hall of Fame or even All-Star status based solely on backfield work at Camelback Ranch.
Yet the phrase “easy power” comes to mind when watching Munetaka Murakami take his cuts Tuesday morning at the White Sox complex. The left-handed-hitting Murakami launched three home runs, including two the opposite way, while banging out line drives with numerous other swings.
“I mean, that's what he does,” said White Sox manager Will Venable. “He's got a powerful stroke. Certainly excited to get him going here, get him involved in the program, and watch him go and do his thing in games.”
Murakami will be in his first White Sox camp for a couple of weeks prior to joining Japan to once again take part in the World Baseball Classic. So, he’ll be able to flex those home run muscles, while mixing in all his other work, a few more times.
Venable has connected with Murakami since he joined the team via a two-year, $34 million deal and since Murakami arrived in Arizona on Sunday.
“Really personable guy,” Venable said. “Somebody that is gonna be a great guy in our clubhouse, going to make an impact. Really excited to have him both in the clubhouse and on the field.”
Tribute to Gore
Before Venable opened his Tuesday media session, he paid tribute to Terrance Gore, who passed away recently at the age of 34 following complications from a routine surgery. Gore was part of the Cubs in 2018, when Venable was a first-base coach.
“I just wanted to send condolences to Britney Gore and the Gore family,” Venable said. “I was lucky enough to coach Terrance for a short time in Chicago. He was an amazing human, amazing guy.
“Obviously taken way too soon, a master at his craft, and just someone that was a pleasure to be around. Really sad news, and I just wanted to send some love and condolences to that family.”
Vasil's starting opportunity
Right-hander Mike Vasil did a little of everything on the mound for the 2025 White Sox, and he did it well in ranging from spot starter to closer. Vasil finished with a 2.50 ERA over 47 games and 101 innings, saving four games.
It’s an innings and outings path Grant Taylor could follow in ‘26, with an eye toward starting in ‘27, as Vasil prepares to fight for a spot in the starting rotation during Spring Training.
“I did everything last year,” Vasil said. “I think it was cool that I could pitch in a bunch of different roles for me to focus on getting better every day. I'm not really looking to do one thing or the other, but I think for me to have the opportunity to go out and win a spot is huge, and I'm looking forward to making the most of it.”
Fundamentally sound
The White Sox are going back to basics when it comes to Spring Training work on fundamentals.
“Our approach going into camp is to start at zero and really create habits around the things that we know lead to winning,” Venable said. “Certainly, last year, and every manager's gonna talk about the fundamentals going to camp, but I think we have more clarity on what that means for our group. So excited to attack that with our guys.”