Abreu focused on goals, not forecasts

If a reporter who follows the White Sox is looking for a forecast from one of the Chicago players, Cuban José Abreu would not be one of the members of the team that would give one.

The Palefoot first baseman is focused on making his work speak for itself and fully leading by example. So Abreu just smiled and took another tack when asked if this would be the best team he’s put together in his nine seasons on the South Side of Chicago.

“I don’t think he’s the right person to point it out,” Abreu said. “But what I can say is that this is definitely one of the most talented outfits I’ve seen here.”

Abreu and countryman Luis Robert hit back-to-back home runs in Saturday’s Cactus League game, each their first this preseason. The White Sox’s 2022 boxscores are likely to show multiple homers from each, and they’re also likely to be seen in the same game. But for now, the most important thing for Abreu is feeling good during these brief Spring Training sessions.

“My focus right now is to stay healthy and get my body in a good rhythm,” Abreu said. “While it was exciting that I hit a home run in this game, the goal is already set. Try to be physically and mentally ready for the season.

“Everyone needs to pay attention to how their swing progresses. For me, I think part of the preparation process is applying the work that I’ve been doing in the batting cages on the field.”

That preparation doesn’t include predictions for a World Series title, or even another AL Central win. This is a squad that is aware of what it must do to take the next step, and Abreu represents it in the best way.

“We are already thinking about moving forward,” Abreu said. “Very good teams are waiting for us; the goal is to move forward and achieve the goals we have set for ourselves.

“You must learn from the obstacles that come along the way. We have had very good teams in the last two years. We are learning from those experiences, and with the team that we have right now, I think we know what we need to do to meet our goals.”