Sluggish start for Chicago White Sox cleanup hitter Frazier

Chicago White Sox fans have seen this movie before, and it's straight out of the horror genre.

The trailer reads: Slugger makes his name in the National League, joins the Sox in the American League and is never heard from again.

That was Adam Dunn from 2011-14, and it was Adam LaRoche last season. It could have been LaRoche again this year, but he's no longer swinging and missing for the White Sox after walking away from $13 million while retiring last month.

New Sox third baseman Todd Frazier spent the first five years of his career with the Cincinnati Reds, and he ranked fourth in the NL with 35 home runs last year while tying for second with 43 doubles.

Heading into Monday night's game against the Angels at U.S. Cellular Field, Frazier had a .163/.196/.327 hitting line with 2 homers and 6 RBI. In Sunday's 3-2 loss at Tampa Bay, he was 0-for-4 with 4 strikeouts.

“If I said it didn't bother me, I'd basically be lying to you because it does,” Frazier said. “It bothers me a lot. It's something you never want to go through in any profession. I haven't struck out four times in a long time. It happens. Does it? Of course. But you've got to figure out a way to get through that and we've been working with the coaches.”

Neither Dunn nor LaRoche were able to adapt to the AL, but they were designated hitters. Frazier is the Sox's regular at third base and his glove has been solid so far.

Manager Robin Ventura said Frazier's bat will soon catch up.

“Just play the game, relax and let it come to you a little bit more,” Ventura said. “He's going to be fine. He's not somebody to worry about, for me. He just plays the game.”

No pain:

Manager Robin Ventura had an interesting answer Monday when asked about energetic second baseman Brett Lawrie.

“You understand when there's a live wire in there, and it's positive,” Ventura said. “He's somebody that is like that, but you also have to be able to play. If he couldn't play, he'd be a pain in the (butt) in a lot of ways.

“But he can play and I think they respect the way he plays and the way he shows up and does stuff.”

New dad:

Adam Eaton missed one game on the White Sox's season opening homestand to be with his wife, Katie, who gave birth to the couple's first child (son Brayden) on April 9.

Back in town after a road trip to Minnesota and Tampa Bay, Eaton said he's adjusting nicely to fatherhood.

“He's a real treat and has put life in perspective,” Eaton said. “I woke him up this morning, which is funny. I haven't woken up at 8 a.m. before a night game in a very, very long time. My wife said, ‘You never woke up this early for me in the minor leagues or even the big leagues to hang out with me.'

“And I said, ‘Well, before you, I slept until the bus came at 1 o'clock, and when you came I woke up at 11, and now he comes, and I wake up at 8.' ”