GLENDALE, Ariz. (670 The Score) – Set to begin his 10th season with the White Sox, utilityman Leury Garcia remains a man for all positions for his club.
And that’s once again how manager Tony La Russa envisions using him in 2022 after Garcia made eight or more starts at six different positions last season. Garcia made 33 starts at second base, 28 in right field, 22 in center field, 18 at shortstop, eight in left field and eight at third base in 2021.
“Not everyone can play shortstop,” La Russa said. “You must be able to handle balls cleanly from many different areas on the field. At third base, you don't need that much range. At second, you can drop down and throw side-arm. His ability to play shortstop is a big plus for us. Leury has a great arm. That helps him play those positions and the outfield. He makes pure, overhand throws from the outfield as well.”
Garcia, 31, is coming off his most productive MLB season, having hit .267 with five homers, a career-high 54 RBIs and a .711 OPS in 126 games. He has no ego when it comes to where he plays on the diamond, with Garcia’s only intention being to help his team win games.
Garcia re-signed with the White Sox on a three-year, $16.5-million deal in late November.
“I signed back here knowing my role is to play wherever the manager needs me,” Garcia said. “Being able to play with this organization for 12 years definitely will be something very special. They have a good plan with me. Each day, they talk with me about the way I might be used. Really though, I am prepared to play them all with my practice routine.”
Garcia uses just one glove for the many positions he plays.
“I try to break in a glove that is not too long or short,” he said. “This gives me the ability to play each position with a familiar baseball mitt. Many players use a smaller glove for the infield and an extra long glove for the outfield. I like consistency that one glove allows me.”
Garcia has been used primarily in the outfield this spring, but La Russa plans to have Garcia at shortstop in a Cactus League game Friday as he looks to get him into form for the regular season. Garcia also projects to split playing time at second base alongside newcomer Josh Harrison.
“The coaches have communicated with me on the positions they want me to get ready for,” Garcia said. “Each day I take enough groundballs and flyballs at each position. I feel comfortable at all the positions, but you must work at each one to stay sharp. It doesn't take long for me. The groundballs at short and second take the most preparation time. The outfield throws, you must get on top off them from an overhand position. The infield throws are more three-quarters.”
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.