Dunn that, time to move on

Posted February 24, 2012 11:00 pm

Scot Gregor

GLENDALE, Ariz. — If you are waiting around for Adam Dunn to come out and explain why he did not hit last season, it’s time to move on.

Dunn has been tight-lipped since batting .159 in his White Sox debut while producing just 11 home runs and striking out 177 times, a franchise record.

The 32-year-old designated hitter made a brief appearance at Camelback Ranch Saturday and was bombarded with familiar questions.

Dunn offered familiar answers.

“I worked on some things in the off-season,” said Dunn, who did get together with new hitting coach Jeff Manto at his winter home in Houston following SoxFest.

“Hopefully, me and Jeff can get together and kind of go over some things and see what he wants me to do and how he wants me to approach the season. Kind of go from there. My main goal is to be ready for Opening Day and that’s what I’ll do.”

Dunn was asked if he can get back to his normal power numbers, in the range of 40 home runs and 100 RBI.

“Yeah,” he said. “I mean, yeah.”

Position switch?Alex Rios has played center and right field during his nine-year career, and that is where he is most comfortable.There has been talk of Rios moving from center and changing spots with left fielder Alejandro De Aza, but he#146;s played only one career game in left.#147;I like center and right because those are the ones I#146;ve played,#148; Rios said. #147;I think I played one game in left last year. It#146;s different. Center and right are different than left. We#146;ll see what happens.#148;Back together:Brent Lillibridge had high praise for new hitting coach Jeff Manto.Lillibridge was drafted by Pittsburgh in 2005 when Manto was the Pirates#146; minor-league hitting instructor.#147;I love his approach, his productivity that he brings,#148; Lillibridge said. #147;He doesn#146;t step on anyone#146;s toes. He really just gets a feel for guys and he#146;s going to give you (advice) if you ask for it. I think it#146;s a tough thing for him to come in and fill the shoes that Greg (Walker) had with how he#146;s loved in Chicago and revered at the same time. We#146;ll see.#148;