Feb. 25--GLENDALE, Ariz. -- White Sox center fielder Adam Eaton called Tuesday "a tough night" for Chicago sports fans following the injuries to Bulls star Derrick Rose and Blackhawks star Patrick Kane.
Eaton has dealt with minor injuries over the years, so he can just imagine the challenges facing Rose, who will undergo his third knee surgery since 2012.
"Mentally, I bet you it's very difficult," Eaton said. "You are getting a ton of heat from media and a ton of heat from your fan base. You are making a lot of money. It's difficult.
"Physically getting back from that is difficult on its own, but mentally being able to battle that day in and day out, with keeping the people around you tight and hearing the right things, it's going to be key for him. ... It's difficult to lose an entire year, but to do it three times, you've gotta feel for the guy."
Eaton said he thinks the Blackhawks will persevere through Kane's upper-body injury.
Sox pitcher Jeff Samardzija, who heard about both injuries on the news, expressed similar sympathy for Rose.
"It's unfortunate," Samardzija "It's something you deal with. It's a reality in the game in any sport you play."
"It's tough, especially for the flak (Rose) catches on the back end when it's not his fault. ... That's a lot of weight on his shoulders. I feel for the guy."
Eaton hopes the Sox can give Chicago sports fans something new to feel good about soon.
"There is a lot to cheer about, a lot of anticipation with the season starting," Eaton said. "I think with the boys back in town here in a month and a half, Chicago has a lot to look forward to with the Cubs and the guys on the South Side."
