CHICAGO (670 The Score) -- As much of the attention around the White Sox in spring training centered on Eloy Jimenez, Tim Anderson and Yoan Moncada largely stayed out of the limelight and focused on improving at the game they love.
"We stopped worrying about what people are saying,"Anderson said. "The noise does not concern us. We are here to play baseball. Once you get rid of the 'you need to do this more and that more' and just go and play, I think Yoan and the rest of us will be fine. We will keep learning and having fun."
Their goal was to turn their lofty potential into consistent production this season, and the early results have been strong. In the White Sox's 10-8 win against the Mariners in their home opener at Guaranteed Rate Field on Friday afternoon, it was Moncada who was the star, continuing his torrid start by going 2-for-4 with four RBIs. His big day included a two-run double in the first inning that missed being a home run by a few feet and then a go-ahead two-run single in the seventh inning to put Chicago up for good.
"You learn at this level from your mistakes," Moncada said. "Because of that, I am in a much better place now. That is why I feel more comfortable on the field."
Moncada has moved to third base this season after previously playing second base. The transition hasn't been seamless, but he seems to be responding and has showcased more instinctive movement at the position.
That's only half of the 23-year-old Moncada's comfort that's on display. In the first six games, he's hitting .458 with two homers, 10 RBIs and a 1.394 OPS.
"You have to give him and (hitting coach Todd Steverson) a lot of the credit," manager Rick Renteria said. "For him, it's about being more aggressive in the strike zone. He has been more aggressive earlier than he was and has been focusing a little better with two strikes. There is the fact that it's another year of experience under his belt. That means a maturing and getting more comfortable in his own skin will occur."
Moncada's hot start has come after a trying 2018 season in which he struck out an MLB-high 217 times while hitting .235 with a .715 OPS. He adjusted his approach a bit, focusing on a more level swing and being more aggressive early in the count.
It's paying off, as Moncada has just four strikeouts in 27 plate appearances.
"Just to be a part of the game today with the crowd and the guys fighting to win was fun," Moncada said. "It was special for me to be able to contribute to the win. Just playing baseball and our game is what you like to do."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
