White Sox slugger Adam Dunn will alter his workout routine
By Daryl Van Schouwen dvanschouwen@suntimes.com August 8, 2011 10:16PM
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 08: Adam Dunn #32 of the Chicago White Sox hits a single in the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 8, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) R:\Merlin\Getty_Photos\120699089.jpg
Updated: September 10, 2011 12:51AM
BALTIMORE — Adam Dunn and manager Ozzie Guillen hadn’t talked about the struggling slugger’s offseason routine, a subject Guillen brought up for the first time Sunday.
“I’ve done the same workout with the same people,’’ Dunn said of his offseason fitness work. “But as far as baseball stuff, I’ll probably — definitely — hit this offseason. Just do what I can to not let this happen again, obviously.”
Dunn has been upfront and as open as he can be with the media about his season to forget, his first in the American League. But the subject wears him out as much as it wears out White Sox fans. He didn’t directly face a group of reporters at his locker before Monday’s game as he answered questions, which was unusual.
“It’s hard not to get frustrated, but I’ve tried to do the best that I could to not show frustration, but sometimes it’s pretty hard not to,” Dunn said.
Guillen, who suggested Dunn consider a more intense offseason routine — even though his old way has worked — started Dunn at first base Monday after saying Sunday he might give him an extended break. But Guillen moved him down to seventh in the lineup, and it worked — Dunn lined an RBI single to left in the Sox’ four-run second inning.
“I put him down hoping he will relax,’’ said Guillen, who might rest Dunn on Tuesday night against lefty Jo-Jo Reyes.
In rotation — for now
Pitching coach Don Cooper and Guillen are devising a plan that will give them the best chance of running down the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers. For now, Zach Stewart will start Friday when the Sox host Kansas City. That gives Jake Peavy an extra day for Saturday’s start.
Beyond that, almost anything is possible.
“We have to start looking at the possibility of not only five [starters], but maybe going four [down the stretch],’’ Cooper said. “It has been on my mind the last couple of days.’’
Cooper said he’d be tempted to use Mark Buehrle (9-5, 3.04 ERA) as much as possible.
“We are going to look into it,’’ he said. “If we keep playing good ball, it’s an option we have to look at. Get the hottest guys out there.’’
Cooper said he will reassess the rotation during the day off Monday.
Stewart, acquired with Jason Frasor from the Blue Jays before the trade deadline, gave up one run in 61/3 innings in his Sox debut Saturday against the Twins.
‘Worried’ about Paulie
Paul Konerko said his bothersome left calf and knee are about the same, and he appears stuck at designated hitter until his mobility improves. Guillen said he’s concerned the injury will cause other aches and pains because it affects the way Konerko runs.
“I do worry about him,’’ Guillen said. “He doesn’t want to play that way. When he runs the bases, he feels a little embarrassed.
“He said, ‘As long as you’re OK with me running the way I run the bases, I’m playing. If you have some problem with me running the bases like that, then take me out of the lineup.’ I’m happy with where he is right now.’’
Konerko, with one good leg, is better than most hitters on two, Guillen said. But he was thrown out standing up at third on a double by Carlos Quentin in the sixth inning.
