(670 The Score) New White Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi knows new manager Pedro Grifol better than most in the organization.
That’s because Benintendi played under Grifol in Kansas City in 2021 and for much of 2022, as Grifol was most recently the Royals’ bench coach. He believes Grifol can have a big impact on the White Sox, who went a disappointing 81-81 in last season and missed the playoffs.
“I got to see how he goes about his day-to-day plan, preparation,” Benintendi said on the Parkins & Spiegel Show on Wednesday afternoon. “It’s something that is going to benefit this team and Chicago. I’m not saying it wasn’t like that before, but the way I know he works his days, I know he’s definitely going to try to keep it light, keep it fun. He’s a great guy to be around. I’m excited to keep playing for him.”
Benintendi, 28, recently signed a five-year, $75-million deal with the White Sox. He’ll slot in as their everyday left fielder. Benintendi hit .304 with five homers, 51 RBIs and a .772 OPS in 126 games in 2022, when he split time between the Royals and Yankees and earned All-Star honors for the first time.
While noting that Grifol wants to keep the atmosphere light, he’ll also establish a high standard, Benintendi said.
“Show up, do your work,” Benintendi said. “As long as you do your work and play hard, that’s all you can really control as a player. The rest is just go out and play. The more you show, do what you need to do, prepare yourself for the game and then go. As long as you do that, he’ll be pretty happy – and obviously get some wins too.”
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