Feb. 25--GLENDALE, Ariz. -- White Sox center fielder Adam Eaton hadn't met new designated hitter Adam LaRoche before Tuesday, so his initial impression was superficial.
"LaRoche, when he enters the mix, I think we're going to have a good set of beards," Eaton said.
LaRoche showed up to the first full-squad workout with the bushy red beard that he grew last season with the Nationals.
The Sox at times put restrictions on messy facial hair, but the brightest beard at Sox spring training has the OK of manager Robin Ventura -- for now.
"I like that beard," Ventura said. "I'm not going to grow one like that, but he seems to like it and we'll go from there. As long as it's not one of those they can sweep home plate with, we'll be good."
The 35-year-old LaRoche, who admitted to increasing graying in his facial hair, returned Eaton's compliment.
"He's got a pretty good one," LaRoche said. "I talked to Robin. I don't know if there is going to be like a length limit or something that we'll be allowed to do, so I'm waiting for him to bring me a pair of clippers. Hopefully I can hang on to it."
While LaRoche's beard drew attention Tuesday, his hair was far from the wackiest with his last team.
"When you play with Jayson Werth, he's not going to be outdone," LaRoche said. "You can pretty much do whatever you want and he's going to have longer hair."
