Gene Lamont is convinced the defense is coming around. And he’s probably right. But the numbers still are frightening.
The White Sox committed their 51st and 52nd errors in 28 games Wednesday.
George Bell and Lance Johnson each were charged with an error in a 5-4 victory over Boston at Ft. Myers, Fla.
As frightening as 52 errors sounds, it is a bit misleading. Twenty-seven were committed by players already cut from the squad.
“The defense is going to settle down,” says Lamont, who keeps preaching the gospel of good defense to all his players. “I’m seeing a lot of improvement. It will show up in the regular season.”
– Hanging in: Steve Sax, who lost his starting second base job last week, was 2 for 4 with a run batted in as the designated hitter Wednesday. Bell played first base and was 2 for 4 with a double. His error in the second inning allowed an unearned run off winning pitcher Rod Bolton, who seems certain now of making the team.
– Big Day: Alex Fernandez and his wife, Lourdes, finally had their first baby-12 days overdue. Born in Miami Tuesday night, Alex II weighed in at 7 pounds 14 ounces.
– Welcome relief: The birth was good news for everyone, including Lamont and pitching coach Jackie Brown, who were worried they would have to leave Fernandez behind when the team breaks for Las Vegas on Thursday. Fernandez, 1-0 with a 3.06 ERA this spring, is scheduled to face the Cubs in Las Vegas Saturday.
Bo hunt: Bo Jackson was hanging around the Ed Smith training complex long after everyone else had gone home Wednesday. He was looking for teammate Ellis Burks, who had gone off with the keys to Jackson’s truck and promised to be back. “You want a big story,” Jackson said, spying a reporter. “Stick around. I’m gonna whip up on Ellis. This is gonna be big.”