GLENDALE, Ariz. — Dallas Keuchel threw a nice “get to know you” party at a local restaurant for teammates, minor leaguers, staff and pretty much anybody from the organization who wanted to attend.
The bill came to about $25,000, a tab the White Sox’ new starting pitcher said was worth picking up.
“I don’t really know a whole lot of people yet,” said Keuchel, 32, who signed a three-year, $55.5 million deal in the offseason, “so let’s get to know some of these minor league guys and just kind of give them a taste of what a big league dinner is all about.”
Guests ordered off a menu and enjoyed an open bar and wine. Kids were welcome, too. More than 150 attended, Keuchel said.
Keuchel’s mother, Teresa, stole the show giving a toast that Keuchel put her up to.
“Playoffs or die this year!” she said, adding some spicy language for effect.
“I wanted her to say a little bit more, but it was just more of like, ‘hope everybody’s having a good time. Cheers to a great season,’ “ Keuchel said. “ ‘Cheers to to a great season.’ I had her say that, you know, it’s the playoffs or die this year. And she added the choice words at the end I had her say for the sake of humor.”
Keuchel wanted to keep his generous gesture on the down low, but it was reported by USA Today on Tuesday.
“I have never seen that before,” Sox manager Rick Renteria said.
“Everybody shared their thankfulness that he and his family would take the time to be part of the whole organization, kind of getting us together and embracing the White Sox family.”
Engel preparing like a starter
Adam Engel played 86 games in the outfield last season and 143 in 2018, when he was a Gold Glove finalist in center. He might not get as many starts with the outfield looking set with Eloy Jimenez, Luis Robert and Nomar Mazara. But he’s still preparing as a starter in his fourth major league camp.
“You come into camp and, you have an idea of what the team is looking like going into it,” said Engel, who made a rolling catch above the grass on a sinking liner Tuesday against the A’s. “And then the season starts and you never know what’s going to happen from there. Fourth outfielder role is where the staff is kind of placing me.”
Because of his defense — he might be the Sox’ best defender, depending on what is seen from rookie Robert — Engel will have value coming off the bench in case of injury or as a late inning replacement for Mazara or Jimenez. And with splits better against lefties (.313/.360/.482 in 2019) than the left-handed hitting Mazara (.220/.252/.394), the right-handed hitting Engel may get some starts in right field, although Mazara will be given the opportunity to show what he can do against left-handers.
In any event, Engel won’t down into the mindset of being a role player just yet.
“You still have to be ready for Opening Day, in case something happens, somebody is not ready,” he said. “I still try to be ready as a starter and everyday player.”
This and that
Right-hander Zach Putnam is in White Sox minor league camp on a minor league deal. Putnam, 32, last pitched in 2017 with the Sox.
