The excitement of Spring Training is often tempered by the lack of coverage, and Monday's game between the Rockies and White Sox was a prime example. Without video or audio, fans were left to rely on Statcast for a glimpse into the action. As we gear up for the regular season, the limited broadcasts can be frustrating, especially when not every game is televised.
In a nail-biter, the White Sox fell 5-4 to the Rockies, with Zac Veen delivering a two-out, walk-off homer in the ninth. White Sox reliever Shane Murphy was on the verge of sending the game to extras, but his cutter found too much of the plate, and Veen launched it 50 feet over the fence with a 113.3 mph blast.
Despite the close score, the White Sox struggled throughout. Errors, wild pitching, and poor baserunning marred their performance, proving costly against a team that has had its own challenges. While it's still early in the season, these issues weren't limited to just the prospects on the field.
Shane Smith, the anticipated Opening Day starter, had a rough outing, hitting Brenton Doyle with his third pitch and surrendering two runs before being pulled. Willi Castro's RBI double was a key blow, and Smith's struggles continued as he hit another batter, prompting a pitching change. Catcher Kyle Teel's error on a stolen base attempt allowed another run to score, adding to the team's woes.
Teel has shown promise, but his defensive skills remain a work in progress. Meanwhile, the White Sox managed to rally from a 3-0 deficit to tie the game at 4-4 in the eighth. However, missed opportunities haunted them, such as Mario Camilletti being thrown out at home in the seventh, and a bizarre double play in the eighth that halted their momentum.
As Spring Training continues, the White Sox will look to iron out these kinks and build cohesion. While it's still early days, these games offer a valuable glimpse into areas that need attention before the season kicks into full gear.