Ricky Speaks: Taking care of his young guys

With a number of rookies on the verge of making an impact in 2020, the manager still practices caution in handling them

One of a number of reasons why Chicago White Sox manager Ricky Renteria is steadfastly popular with his players is that he is not only consistently willing, but ready to look out for their best interests. Even, sometimes, when players aren't even sure of what their best interests are.

Case in point, two White Sox players at different stages of their careers. 

Nick Madrigal is a top draft choice, hyped rookie, and player who's had a helluva Summer Camp. The second baseman looks ready to make an impact with the big club.

Renteria sees it, and knows Madrigal will have a big impact on the White Sox soon. 

"He’s going to be the complete packages as a baseball player, taking advantage of little things," Renteria says. "His head’s always on a swivel."

Still, Renteria won't commit yet to whether Madrigal will make an impact on the White Sox as soon as Friday, for Opening Day.

"It's a case-by-case basis," Renteria says. "The decision must be best suited for the young man ... you want to do the best for all of them."

Another case is that of Yoán Moncada, quickly on the mend from a coronavirus idling that might have left lesser players without legs or timing. Moncada seems to be passing all tests with gold stars, as Renteria consistently admits his third baseman is in "better" shape than he's expected.

While the head honcho said with confidence we'd see Moncada in exhibition play this week — as soon as Sunday's first test game at the Cubs — there's still the matter of sniffing out the best for them. Superstar or rookie, they're all members of Renteria's team/family unit.

"[Moncada's] very positive," Renteria says.

But?

"[But] players are good at telling me what I want to hear. I just have to make sure he’s telling the truth."

For Renteria's full media session on Saturday, see below, courtesy of the White Sox: