One of the most interested observers of the White Sox’s second-base battle is former starter Tadahito Iguchi.
“Obviously, it comes across my mind,” said Iguchi, now the starting second baseman with San Diego.
Iguchi spent 21/2 years with the Sox before he was dealt to Philadelphia in July. He signed with the Padres as a free agent and kept the Sox in mind, but no formal discussions were held.
Iguchi describes playing in San Diego as a “very different environment” from what he experienced in Chicago.
“It’s like going from a festival to the exact opposite,” Iguchi said.
Because of going from animated manager Ozzie Guillen to mild-mannered Bud Black?
“Including Ozzie, but mainly [Juan] Uribe.”
Iguchi sensed that Uribe, his former double-play partner, would take over his old position.
“I feel like [Uribe] will be at second base,” Iguchi said. “I do pay attention. I do kind of wonder what will happen.”
Faster pace, better results
Jose Contreras retired the final nine batters he faced in a four-inning stint of Sunday’s 12-3 loss to the Padres. That followed a suggestion by pitching coach Don Cooper to work faster after Contreras labored in the first inning, allowing a two-run homer by Kevin Kouzmanoff.
“The reason I retired the nine batters was because I was throwing all my pitches with command, in and out [of the strike zone], my split, changeup and fastball,” Contreras said.
“I mixed it up and got better command. Pitching faster was making every pitch look better.”
Contreras also singled in the fourth. He is 0-for-19 with 12 strikeouts in the regular season.
“Ball hit bat,” Contreras quipped.
Extra innings
Brian Anderson singled and has reached base safely in 10 of 11 games. … First baseman Brad Eldred, a non-roster invitee, hit his second home run in as many games.
