For White Sox, strong start in spring training has its merits

GLENDALE, Ariz. — That the losingest team in baseball over the last three seasons has won four of six games to open spring training is hardly worth noting. Cactus League game outcomes in February are no measure of how teams will be equipped to win in April, not when front-line players are playing every other day and for half a game. Not when minor-league campers are slapping hands in victorious handshake lines while top-salaried players are grilling steaks or playing golf, oblivious to the game’s outcome.

But if you’re the White Sox, the triple-digit losers of 2023, ‘24 and ‘25, there’s no harm in being attached to a kinda-cute 4-2 record.

“We’re really focused on the process and the things we’re doing before that result,” manager Will Venable said after the Sox opened spring training with three straight wins. “Winning isn’t something that you just flip a switch, you know? It is important that we finish these games and do the things up to the end of these games that lead to winning.”

You’d be hard-pressed to remember the Sox’ record last spring (11-19). All associated with the team is trying to forget the 60-102 mark during the regular season. For what it’s worth, that 3-0 start this spring was the first one since 2004, a year before the Sox won the World Series.

In any case, 4-2 in spring training beats 0-6, especially for a team stained by defeat but believing it’s ready to take the initial baby steps toward becoming a contender.

“It’s always great to get the result, and we want to win every one of these games,” Venable said. “We’re competitive and we know that wins matter. Create habits that lead to good results. It’s nice having those upfront here, and we want to continue getting as many as possible.”

Anything to change the course.

“This is probably the most exciting it’s been since I’ve been here, as far as what we can do this year,” said outfielder Andrew Benintendi, entering the fourth year of his five-year contract.

A culture and routine of losing is the last thing anyone wants to become accustomed to.

“No, hell no,” Benintendi said.

Special guest

White Sox 2005 World Series second baseman Tadahito Iguchi was at camp, having a particular interest in Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami.

“I am very happy that he picked the White Sox,” Iguchi said. “We’re looking forward to the Japanese fans getting to know the White Sox better. They are going to pay attention to Murakami.”

The first Japanese-born position player to win the World Series, Iguchi managed the Chiba Lotte Marines for five seasons and now works for Japanese media (NHK Japan) as a studio analyst.

“Murakami was already a big star,” Iguchi said. “He already has successful records in Japan, so he doesn’t have to change anything. Just be yourself.”

Acuna leaves with cut

Center fielder Luisangel Acuna needed four stitches for a cut above his left eyebrow suffered while sliding head first into second base on a successful steal against the Reds.

Acquired from the Mets in the Luis Robert trade, Acuna (3-for-7 this spring) had two singles before exiting. Before the game, Venable said Acuna “looks really good” in center field, where he has appeared in only two games in the majors.

“The first step-stuff, pre-pitch stuff we’ve been working on,” Venable said, “He’s been out there this winter. It’s been kind of fine-tuning things for him.”

Primarily an infielder with the Mets, Acuna is also working on throwing from different arm slots from the outfield.

Reds 3, Sox 2

Shortstop Colson Montgomery, back after missing two days with an illness, looked healthy homering against non-roster invitee Lyon Richardson.

• In his second to last tuneup before leaving for the World Baseball Classic, first baseman Munetaka Murakami went 1-for-3 with a strikeout. Murakami (.385) is 4-for-13 with no homers and five strikeouts going into today’s game against the Dodgers.

• Pitching in his first game, right-hander Davis Martin said he felt in sync for the first time this spring.

“It felt like it was a best version of myself so far in camp, so it's exciting and something to build off of going forward,” Martin said after allowing a run (Sal Stewart homer) in two innings.

Even better was righty Jonathan Cannon, pitching three perfect innings with one strikeout as he vies for a rotation spot.

• On deck: Sox at Dodgers, 2:05 p.m., Thursday, Glendale, Sean Newcombe vs. Tyler Glasnow.