Brent Morel was the starting third basemen each for the last two Chicago White Sox opening day games. That trend is unlikely to continue but the 25-year-old is finding ways to stay in the teams plans.
The White Sox – read Robin Ventura – see Morel as a super utility player. Morel is expected to see time around the infield this year even as the team signed Jeff Keppinger to a three-year deal worth $12 million to man third.
Morel had not played shortstop since 2010 when he played an inning at the position in a spring training game against Milwaukee on Thursday.
“We went to him, and he’s done it before in the past in the minor leagues, as well as second base,” manager Robin Ventura said. “With all the guys competing for jobs, it’s good to be able to have a little versatility like that.”
Still Morel has not given up the idea of being the teams regular third baseman.
My goal still is to play third base every day,” Morel said. “I think that kind of has to be your mindset. And if they want me to play other positions and that’s going to get me to break camp and on that 25-man roster, then I’ll do anything.”
Keppinger and Morel have comparable skill sets so if one player becomes hot the White Sox could easily exchange their roles.
