White Sox’ Dunn tries to shake off the rust

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Adam Dunn dropped off some of his belongings at the White Sox’ training camp Friday.

A day later, the Sox’ new left-handed slugger took some swings in an outside cage. Let’s just say Dunn was a bit rusty.

As is his new custom, Dunn didn’t pick up a bat during the off-season.

“I have tried it both ways, starting around Thanksgiving, and I just feel like it works better for me,” Dunn said of lying low in the winter. “Instead of getting in bad habits by myself, it’s good to come a few days early. You have 40 days down here, and it usually takes a hitter about two weeks to get ready.”

Dunn is likely going to bat cleanup for the White Sox, but he said it doesn’t matter where he is in the lineup.

“I’ve actually hit first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth in my career,” said Dunn, who is going to wear No. 33 for the Sox since Jake Peavy has his customary No. 44. “I could care less where I hit as long as I am in there.”

Dunn said he batted leadoff in 2004 or ’05, when he was with the Reds.

There are big expectations for Dunn, and many are projecting the 6-foot-6, 285-pound designated hitter/first baseman to hit 50 home runs in his first year with the White Sox.

“I have extreme high expectations for myself,” said Dunn, who had 38 home runs and 103 RBI for the Nationals last year. “If people don’t have high expectations for me, I’m not doing something right. I embrace the pressure; I embrace the role. I definitely am going to put a lot of pressure on myself.”

Pump it up:

It was rainy and windy Saturday, but there was a bit of a buzz inside Camelback Ranch. The stereo was blasting in the weight room, and Adam Dunn’s arrival certainly boosted the atmosphere.

“He looks good in gray and black,” manager Ozzie Guillen said of Dunn. “I think there are a lot of guys excited about this camp for many reasons. I talked to (Dunn) in the training room. Talked to Gordon (Beckham) and Juan (Pierre) for a little while. They’re very excited about this club. They should be.”

Around the horn:

In addition to Adam Dunn, Omar Vizquel was also an early arrival Saturday and the veteran infielder looked to be in good shape as his 44th birthday approaches (April 24). The first full-squad workout is Tuesday. … Word is former White Sox third baseman Joe Crede has officially retired due to chronic back problems. Crede was invited to the Rockies’ camp this spring, but he is not going to report. … Jake Peavy is due back in camp Sunday after flying back to Alabama for his grandmother’s funeral. … Two-time Gold Glover Mark Buehrle muffed three straight grounders during fielding practice.