Ricky Spoke: Ready for the real games

The change of pace of playing another team — more than four months in the making — brought relief to the head man

As most of you have seen, Ricky Renteria announced his Opening Day starter in a very creative way:

But perhaps even more intriguing is that, regarding the rest of his rotation, the manager said, "We’re confident we have the five, and possibly more."

That doesn't mean anything ... necessarily. But is the jefe leaning toward perhaps a shared fifth start, with Carlos Rodón and Gio González. Or even a shared sixth start, with González, Dane Dunning and/or Jimmy Lambert? 

The White Sox will have two weeks to play with four extra roster spots, so it's not impossible.

Otherwise, prior to yesterday's game vs. the other Chicago team, Renteria was excited:

"We're looking forward to playing against another team, it’s a nice change," he said. "Getting a feel of what it’s going to be like during the regular season. We’re very happy with how we’re continuing to progress. Hopefully the people of Chicago are really going to enjoy some baseball tonight."

Well, heh, half the fans in Chicago did, at least.

Renteria did all but assure that Yoán Moncada would be playing in one of the final two exhibition games, hosting the Cubs on Monday and Milwaukee on Wednesday:

"I don’t want to jinx myself, but so far we have some pluses in our favor," he said of his third baseman. "All in all, he's progressing. Yes, he should be in a ballgame before the season begins."

Lo and behold, Moncada is batting second in the lineup tonight vs. the Cubs!

For Ricky's full Sunday media session, courtesy of the White Sox, watch below: