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Renteria's positive approach helping White Sox survive early struggles

The Chicago White Sox are thrilled to have Rick Renteria in the dugout, for multiple reasons.

Now in his 11th year as manager and the second with the Sox - with his first eight spent in the minor leagues - Renteria has quality experience and a great feel for players, whether they ride buses to games or fly private charters.

Add in six years as a major-league coach, another five as a player in the majors and 12 more in the minors, and it's easy to see why Renteria is so highly regarded as a teacher.

Speaking English and Spanish is another strength, as is Renteria's remarkably high energy level.

But it's the 55-year-old manager's power of positivity that is really coming into play now.

Having lost their first five home games for the first time since 1975 heading into Wednesday's win over the Tampa Bay Rays, Renteria gave every impression the White Sox were off to a 5-0 start at Guaranteed Rate Field.

"I try to make sure that we keep perspective in the big picture, and the only way you can do that is to make sure that they see that I'm not the one that is going to panic," Renteria said before the Sox pulled out Wednesday's 2-1 win. "I'm not the one who is going through the process of, 'Oh no, what's going on next?'"

Instead of fretting about a horrible opening homestand played in front of equally descriptive crowds, Renteria chose to do what comes naturally.

"My only approach is to attack what actually happens," he said. "What was the reason that ball ended getting by you or why did you boot that ball or why did you make the wrong turn or why didn't you see what was in front of you?

"I ask the questions that get us back to what it is - it's just the process of being able to go out there and play the game. The result is the result, it's done and passed. I don't gain anything from it but I try helping them learn about hopefully doing it the right way and explaining and/or asking the right question so they learn about the process that gives them a better understanding of what to do the next time."

With so many young players on the roster this season and even more on the way, Renteria is going to have a lot of explaining to do in the present and future.

The latest example came in the seventh inning Wednesday, when Yoan Moncada failed to put a squeeze bunt down and Omar Narvaez was left hanging off third base.

Renteria went right to the 22-year-old second baseman in the dugout and explained the situation.

"We had a play on and he pulled back," Renteria said. "He thought he didn't see the runner coming from third so he pulled back. As everyone knows, everybody has an assignment and his is to complete that.

"He understands, he knew. I just wanted to make sure I was clear and that he understood the sign, and he knew. I think it's just more of experience, knowing that everybody has an assignment. You complete your assignment and we'll take care of everybody else if they fail to do theirs."

Renteria would likely prefer sitting back more and winning with a good group of quality veterans, but he's willing to do whatever it takes to help get the Sox's young roster to that point.

"The only thing I can concern myself with is today, to be honest," he said. "It's not a big deal to me. The reality is these guys want to go out and perform, they want to do well. They know when we make mistakes both physical and mental, they know when they're trying to put a little too much pressure on themselves in certain situations at the plate.

"They know that those things are things that we have to calm. The reality is today's today. I can't worry and I don't want them to worry about the last five days. We've got to take care of today."

Renteria's passion and patience are appreciated in the Sox's clubhouse.

"He comes in every day with the same attitude, always upbeat," relief pitcher Hector Santiago said. "I haven't been here long, and didn't really know what to expect, but he's fun to play for. He treats everyone the same and that keeps everyone together."

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