White Sox' Sam Antonacci returns to spring training, says WBC experience was 'definitely worth it'
GLENDALE, Ariz. — White Sox prospect Sam Antonacci knew playing in the World Baseball Classic was a risk.
It would have been a sensible decision for him to eschew playing for Team Italy in the WBC and continue his torrid spring with the Sox. Antonacci was batting .308/.500/.846 with two homers before he left camp.
“Definitely worth it,” he said Thursday. “[Italy’s players] all had the same mindset going in, and I definitely made the right choice. Obviously, not having [made my major-league debut] yet or not even making it to Triple-A yet, it was a tough decision in the offseason to make because you want to be here the whole time for spring training. You’re fighting for a spot, and someone who hasn’t played Triple-A yet, it’s probably not the best decision to go out there.
“But I made [the decision] for moments like [the WBC] and playing in crowds like that to have experience for if I ever were to get called up [because now] I know what it takes and I know what to expect.”
Antonacci’s numbers in the WBC aren’t anything to write home about — he batted .105/.261/.368. But he burst on the national scene with his heady and frenetic play style.
In Italy’s 9-1 victory over Team Mexico in Pool B, Mexico’s Jarren Duran hit a fly ball to left-center field with Joey Ortiz on first base. Ortiz ran with the pitch, and Antonacci, playing shortstop, perfectly executed a deke, lunging toward second base as if the ball had been hit his way and trickled into the outfield. Ortiz continued running toward third and was eventually doubled up.
In a two-week span, Antonacci demonstrated the contact skills and all-out style that have endeared him to the Sox’ organization.
Though the experience will undoubtedly benefit Antonacci and catcher Kyle Teel, who also played on Team Italy, the Sox were burned when Teel went down with a strained hamstring in Italy’s 8-6 victory against Team USA. Though Antonacci didn’t get hurt, his needless headfirst dive into first base during the semifinal loss to Team Venezuela surely had Sox officials holding their breath.
“When you are talking about two players who get after it like they do, sometimes it can come at risk,” general manager Chris Getz said. “But I am proud of how those guys have been representing the organization, and I’m really happy for those guys.”
Antonacci is starting the season in the minors. He batted .291/.433/.409 in 116 games across three affiliate levels last season, ultimately finishing in Double-A Birmingham.
Though he played shortstop for Italy — and has played the position throughout the minors — he could end up as a utility player as the Sox look to take advantage of his impressive contact skills. Before he left, Antonacci even started to showcase some power, which hasn’t been a part of his game. He said that he started to chase homers after having some success and had to dial it back. As long as Antonacci continues producing, he’ll force his way to the majors sooner than later.
“I’ve kind of done a good job of letting the power come to me,” Antonacci said. -“Towards the end of [his first stint in spring training], my swing’s gotten a little bit bigger after seeing a couple of homers go over, maybe [was] trying to do too much.
“I need to understand that it’ll come on its own and I don’t need to be searching for that and continue to take my short swing and the power will come.”