Eaton not pulling weight for Chicago White Sox

At the time, it seemed like a good move.

As spring training was winding down on March 20, center fielder Adam Eaton and the Chicago White Sox agreed on a five-year, $23.5 million contract that includes two club option years.

Four months later, the deal is not looking so good for the Sox.

Every player outside of Chris Sale, Jose Abreu and David Robertson are having rough seasons, and Eaton is near the top of the list.

Not only is the White Sox' leadoff man hitting 60 points lower than last season, Eaton is struggling on defense.

In the seventh inning of Thursday night's loss to the Pirates, Corey Hart popped up to short center. Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez went back and Eaton came in, but the ball dropped in between them.

Jeff Samardzija pitched over the mistake, but it's up to Eaton to call for the ball and Ramirez said he couldn't hear him.

Eaton tried to downplay the miscommunication.

"It didn't hurt us," he said. "Tough play on both ends. It was a tough play but it was glaring because we're not playing well. If we would have won the game 5-2 it probably wouldn't even have been a blip on your radar."

He brushed the play off, but manager Robin Ventura had some choice words for Eaton when he returned to the dugout.

"We all look at that and say it's got to be caught, that's as simple as that can be," Ventura said. "The ball just lands in his glove. It didn't happen. He's an aggressive type player so any time it's not it definitely stands out. I expect that to change."

Rough stuff:

The White Sox entered Friday night's game with a seven-game losing streak. Even with ace Chris Sale on the mound against Texas, manager Robin Ventura wasn't breathing easy.

"Any time somebody has ever said that it can't get any worse, it can get worse," Ventura said. "I remember my first year (as a player), we went through a stretch where we lost probably 10 and they said it couldn't get worse. Well we got no-hit the next night.

"It can always get worse. You have to stay disciplined in the game and come in here with a positive attitude and be ready to go."

Stanley Cup watch:

The Stanley Cup will be on the field at the Cell before Sunday's game against the Rangers.

Representatives from the Blackhawks are also expected to be on hand, but they have not yet been announced.

Dubious record:

The White Sox lost four straight games to Pittsburgh before playing Texas Friday.

The Sox were held to 4 hits or less in all four games by the Pirates, the first time that's happened in franchise history.