GLENDALE, Ariz. — Add Shingo Takatsu to the list of people who were surprised by Munetaka Murakami’s selection of the White Sox via free agency, a two-year, $34 million deal that really took shape one week before both sides agreed to contractual terms.
Takatsu, the 2004 White Sox closer, was the organization’s first player to come from Japan to Chicago’s South Side and one of four in total. He also happened to manage the White Sox newest power-hitting first baseman with Yakult in Japan.
“My first reaction was very surprised by his decision,” said Takatsu through an interpreter. “Out of all the 30 teams, I didn’t know he would choose the White Sox. I was really surprised.
“But I told him Chicago is a great city. I used to live downtown and I told him it’s a nice environment to live in, play in. I’m sure he’ll enjoy that, too.”
Takatsu holds a special place in the hearts and minds of White Sox fans. With his special Frisbee pitch and the gong sounding at what is now known as Rate Field to signal his entrance, Takatsu posted a 2.31 ERA and 19 saves over 59 games in ‘04.
That success didn’t follow him throughout ‘05, although he contributed eight saves to the eventual World Series champions before being released on Aug. 1. Takatsu trained with the White Sox in Tucson, Ariz., but he was in nearby Glendale on Sunday for Fuji TV and did an interview with White Sox manager Will Venable.
Murakami’s dominance from 2020-24 in Japan came with Takatsu at the managerial helm.
“I’ve been with him since he was a rookie when he was 18 years old. I was hoping back then that he would hit No. 4. He’s growing up to be just like that expectation,” Takatsu said. “He’s very social. He’s very friendly. So, when he’s here, it’s going to be easy for him to blend in. I’m sure he’ll do really good.
“It might take a while for him to get used to American pitchers. But he has the skillsets and he has the power, so I’m sure it won’t take that long. He’s always a positive thinker. That’s going to be a huge plus for the team I’m sure.”
Kazuo Matsui, who played seven Major League seasons, was also at Camelback Ranch on Sunday.
“We are getting an understanding of how big of a deal Mune is,” Venable said. “Certainly, the attention he gets is well deserved for what he’s accomplished. We are excited to see everyone who comes along with that. It’s a fun vibe to have here at camp.”
Sunday marked the first full-squad workout for the White Sox, with a full-squad message delivered by Venable in the morning.
“We told these guys there is no limit to what we believe they can do,” Venable said. “It’s about them and our support of helping them realize the belief that we have in this club.
“That was great. A lot of positive feedback from the guys on that. We have a group that believes, so to be able to support these guys to go out and do it was great.”
Lenyn Sosa and Luisangel Acuña were the last two to arrive Sunday. They did not partake in the full workout, after traveling the last few days and going through physicals and assessments.
Acuña only has played two games in center field at the Major League level, both of which came last season for the Mets, although he played there recently during winter ball. But he’s ready to take on the position.
“To be honest with you, I feel more comfortable playing in center field,” said Acuña through interpreter Billy Russo. “Ever since I started playing in the outfield and center field when I was with Texas [in the Minors in ‘23], I just noticed the difference.
“I’m happy to have the opportunity to play every day. It doesn’t matter where. I’m going to play whatever they ask me to play, and I’ll be ready.”
