Nick Madrigal’s self assurance is again.
“I feel as ready as ever right now,” he mentioned.
It looks as if his sport is, too.
After a lackluster efficiency all over spring coaching in February and March, the White Sox’ anointed 2d baseman of the longer term has achieved extra to differentiate himself all over summer time camp, taking part in just like the alert heart infielder with outstanding touch charges on the plate the Sox concept they have been getting once they drafted him fourth total in 2018.
While missing energy in an age when virtually everyone seems to be knocking the ball over the wall, Madrigal has been slapping most commonly singles in Sox intrasquad video games, despite the fact that he ripped a double down the left-field line in opposition to right-hander Lucas Giolito Saturday. The 5-8, 175-pounder makes sufficient touch, fields smartly sufficient and does sufficient issues at the “heads up” ledger to earn his stay.
To wit: Madrigal has been noticed in intrasquad video games punching one thru the best facet on a hit-and-run play, then effectively tagging up from first on a fly ball to strong-armed heart fielder Luis Robert. He threw out Yermin Mercedes at house on a flooring ball, taking part in at medium intensity, with a super throw. All superb choices.
“I feel like no matter what team I’ve ever been on throughout my life, I feel like I’ve tried to be one of the leaders and tried to really understand every part of the game, no matter just my position, but the other guys around me,” Madrigal mentioned.
“I feel like I’ve studied and studied baseball throughout my life, and I understand when the game’s speeding up on some people. If it’s the pitchers that need someone to go and just relax them or talk to them, I feel comfortable going out there. No matter if it’s at the major league level here or in college, I’ve always been that guy to go out there and kind of slow things down. There’s so much to baseball, a lot more than fans think, more than ‘See the ball, hit the ball, throw the ball.’ It’s so much of the mental game that people don’t realize. That’s something I’ve learned over the years. I think it’s just a combination of things to understand what goes on in players’ heads and what’s going to happen.”
Madrigal’s spring may have one thing to do with issues occurring in his personal head.
“This time around I’m more relaxed and just enjoying the ride more,” he mentioned.
With provider time problems at play, it would behoove the Sox to carry Madrigal again every week or so into the season ahead of bringing him up. Fair or now not, it’s the character of the trade of baseball, and Leury Garcia is the favourite to open the season at 2d base Friday.
“I really do want to be a part of this team from the start,” Madrigal mentioned. “I feel like I deserve it. But it’s in the hands of the bosses and the coaches and whatever works for them. I’ve never wanted something so much in my life just to be a part of this team right now and I feel like I can help this team win on the field.”
“It should come out in the next couple of days,” Madrigal mentioned. “I’m excited to see what they say.”
“We’re going to look at everything with these guys,” Renteria mentioned. “They have shown us with their experience and ability the things they need to do to fill that spot at second base. Certainly all of them are in the mix. The question is, will this simply help or hurt or hinder.”