Not getting regular playing time would allow negative thoughts to circulate in White Sox third baseman Curtis Mead’s head.
Would he be on time at the plate? What was his swing going to feel like? How would he stay warm? He would ruminate about such things before games.
‘‘It was tough,’’ Mead told the Sun-Times of not playing often. ‘‘I think just preparing every day like I’m gonna get in there at some point and just challenging myself off the machine and in the cage during the game is probably the big thing that I leaned on.’’
If Mead’s situation sounds familiar, it’s probably because it was similar to what corner infielder Miguel Vargas once faced.
The Sox’ 5-4 loss Tuesday was Mead’s first game against the Rays, his former team. He went 0-for-4, but he has been trending up in the last couple of weeks with consistent playing time.
‘‘I tried to do the best I could, but [sparse playing time] was definitely challenging,’’ Mead said.
The Sox acquired Vargas, a former top prospect, from the Dodgers at the trade deadline last season in part because he was blocked from regular playing time in Los Angeles. After a horrendous start to his Sox tenure, Vargas turned things around at the plate in early May after consulting with the hitting coaches on a mechanical change. That assurance has helped him to develop a routine and get more comfortable.
In Mead, the Sox saw a talented player who could benefit from a change of scenery and regular playing time. He took notice of their patient approach with Vargas.
‘‘They stuck with him,’’ Mead said. ‘‘Sometimes, in other organizations, the opportunity is not as long. It’s been pretty cool to see [Vargas] come in this year, get the opportunities he probably deserves and make the most of them.’’
Now Mead is focused on maximizing his opportunities with the Sox amid a crowded infield. Mead has played in 31 of the Sox’ 49 games since the All-Star break, entering play Tuesday batting .274/.324/.337 during that time. He also has more than held his own defensively in terms of outs above average.
What has helped Mead is being more disciplined at the plate. He has slashed his chase rate from 36.7% last season to 26.5% this season and is making more contact on pitches he gets in the strike zone.
The change in approach was successful, but Mead didn’t have an extra-base hit in his first 16 games with the Sox.
To tap into his extra-base power, he worked with hitting coaches Marcus Thames and Joel McKeithan. They suggested that he adjust his positioning at the plate from a more bent-over stance to one in which he stands taller.
That worked, too. Mead has six doubles in his last 14 games.
‘‘It’s, like, a really collaborative process,’’ McKeithan said of the Sox’ approach. ‘‘We dive into the numbers [and] analyze the ebbs and flows of their career [to see] what’s shown up when they are at their best and what’s related to that.’’
McKeithan said the staff wants the hitter’s input as it tries to find solutions.
‘‘I found it hard to get my ‘A’ swing off,’’ Mead said. ‘‘I was able to compete and put together good at-bats, but I wasn’t in the best spot to do damage. I feel like I’m trending in the right direction.’’
