'Impressive' Collins looking to break camp with Chicago White Sox
Understanding he has to prove he can play and win a roster spot this spring, Zack Collins is doing just that.
Heading into Friday's late game against the Mariners, the 26-year-old catcher was leading the White Sox with a .429 batting average in the Cactus League and has struck out only twice in 23 at-bats.
"He's been impressive in every regard," manager Tony La Russa said.
The biggest knock on Collins, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2016 draft, has been his defense. He's addressed the concern.
"I've kind of switched my stance, catching on a knee almost all the time," Collins said. "That is different and new for me and it felt good. Had a couple good blocks, throwing feels great, getting nothing but positive feedback. It's been good so far."
Collins was behind the plate Wednesday when Lucas Giolito started against the Dodgers. Like La Russa, the Sox's ace was impressed.
"I think he's progressed a lot," Giolito said. "He's put in a lot of work. Last year, constantly talking with (James) McCann and Yaz (Yasmani Grandal), understanding the game better. One kind of highlight of that was, I gave up a homer on an 0-1 changeup. And I shook to that pitch. He wanted a fastball, originally, and it took a couple shakes to get to the changeup there.
"After the inning I told him, 'Hey, if you have that idea, don't be afraid to shake your head and tell me what you think is better. I'll adapt to that.' Maybe a few years ago, he doesn't have an answer to that question, whereas now he's reading the hitters, he's working counts, he's really paying attention to scouting and all the things that you need to be a complete catcher."
La Russa said the White Sox are expected to break camp with only two catchers on the 26-man roster.
Grandal, behind the plate for the first time in Cactus League play Thursday after being slowed by a twisted knee, is No. 1 on the depth chart.
Collins, veteran non-roster invitee Jonathan Lucroy and Yermin Mercedes are competing for the final spot.
Given his powerful left-handed bat and high draft status, Collins has a decent shot to break camp with the Sox.
"I've dealt with it the last couple of years, competing for a job to be in the big leagues," Collins said. "It's good to create a competitive atmosphere."
Cordero has Tommy John:
Relief pitcher Jimmy Cordero is going to miss the upcoming season after having Tommy John surgery Thursday. The right-hander did not look right during his last spring outing, on March 9.
"It's not something that's a good break for us, but we're ready to deal with it," manager Tony La Russa said. "Our concern is with Jimmy. He just has to hang in there because he is a very valuable pitcher, and I hope he gets back sooner rather than later."
Cordero was 1-2 with a 6.08 ERA in 30 games with the White Sox last year.