Gregor: Sox prospect Rodon jumps right into fire
GLENDALE, Ariz. - Carlos Rodon didn't have to wait long to get the full effect of being in major-league training camp.
The White Sox' top prospect and No. 3 overall pick in last year's amateur draft was on the mound Tuesday throwing live batting practice in the first day of full-squad workouts.
Rodon pitched to one hitting group that featured Jose Abreu, Adam LaRoche, Conor Gillaspie and Gordon Beckham.
"He can run it in there," Gillaspie said after failing to pull the trigger on a Rodon fastball.
Abreu opted to take the handful of pitches he saw from the 22-year-old lefty, but it still was a learning experience.
"It's nice to have (Abreu) in there," Rodon said. "I haven't thrown to a hitter since August 30. Just trying to get comfortable with guys standing in, the last thing you want is one in and drill him, especially your teammate. It's a little different when they're not swinging; you're like 'Oh, he's not going to swing so just lay it over.'
"But you're still working on something, get that two-seam cut off the end or get the changeup over. I mean you're always working no matter if they're swinging or not."
Kicking the habit:
Conor Gillaspie admitted he wore down in the second half last season, when he batted a combined .208 with 3 home runs and 19 RBI in August and September.
The Sox' third baseman worked out over the winter and added 15 pounds, but Gillaspie said much of the weight gain resulted from giving up chewing tobacco.
"Not chewing tobacco anymore, not having to spit all day, is probably the main reason, truthfully," Gillaspie said. "I trained hard and tried to eat quite a bit because you know how it is during the year, a lot of guys shed pounds.
"I'm trying to gear myself for the last couple of months of the season when a lot of guys get tired. I was probably a victim of that last year."
On the run:
Micah Johnson, who is solidly in the mix for the starting job at second base, stole 84 bases in the minor leagues in 2013.
If he cracks the White Sox' lineup, he plans to keep running.
"My speed isn't like (the Kansas City Royals') Terrance Gore," Johnson said. "I'll be the first to admit that. My explosiveness and my first step and my instinct and my reactions are different. So, it's like I've been blessed with those. I have to use that to my ability."
Johnson already is working with new baserunning instructor Vince Coleman, who stole a combined 326 bases with the Cardinals from 1985-87.
"The knowledge he has is unbelievable," Johnson said. "He's going to have a lot of knowledge for me and other baserunners. He's already made some adjustments on my running game. I'm open ears to him. Whatever he tells me, I'm listening no matter what I've done."