Players shaken by Fernandez’s death
CLEVELAND— Photography is not permitted in a major- league clubhouse, but what a picture it was of the White Sox gathered around a TV in the quiet visitors locker room Sunday morning at Progressive Field.
Word that Jose Fernandez, the 24- year- old Miami Marlins pitching star, had been killed overnight, along with two others, in a boating accident near Miami still was sinking in. A news conference from authorities near the scene relaying details had the attention of almost the entire group of 20 or so early arrivals sitting and standing two or three deep in the hushed room.
The 32- foot vessel Fernandez was in slammed into a jetty off Miami Beach, authorities said. Players share life experiences that bind them together, and this tragic news shook many of them to their core.
“We’re all family,’’ third baseman Todd Frazier said. “It doesn’t matter who it is. A boating accident. I mean, life doesn’t make sense sometimes. God has another angel up there, I guess. Hopefully, we can all get through this and ‘ rest in peace.’ ”
Frazier batted against Fernandez as a Cincinnati Red, and a smile came to his face as he recalled their interaction the day after.
“I did get to know him,’’ Frazier said. “The first time I ever faced him, he was out in the outfield throwing the next day. I was like, ‘ Dog, you don’t throw me any fastballs.’ He was like, ‘ Why would I throw you fastballs?’ And we just started laughing.
“That’s the kind of guy he was. You could come up and talk to him. He had an infectious smile and just had a love for the game that I hope every ballplayer could have. It’s a terrible, terrible day.’’
Sox left- hander Dan Jennings was a teammate of Fernandez’s with the Marlins two seasons ago.
“Woke up in shock today,’’ Jennings tweeted. “Jose will be greatly missed. His love for the game made other players envious. Praying for his family.’’
Jose Abreu, who like Fernandez defected from Cuba to play in the U. S., declined to talk before the game.
Carlos Sanchez, who would drive in two runs in the Sox’ 3- 0 victory, tweeted, “no words.”
For manager Robin Ventura and those associated with the Indians, the tragedy brought back the memory of when pitchers Steve Olin and Tim Crews were killed in a boating accident on a day off during spring training in March 1993.
“You don’t have to know them personally, but they’re within [ the players] group, and it breaks everybody up,’’ Ventura said.
Fast tracking
Sox director of player development Nick Capra, with the team on the three- city road trip, saw rookie shortstop Tim Anderson make plays he wasn’t making in the minor leagues.
“I haven’t seen him make the jump like he has from the 5- 6 hole,’’ Capra said. “It’s impressive. People were questioning arm strength years ago. We’ve got him using his legs. He has more carry on his ball. We’ve seen him progress, but he’s progressed here at the big- league level.’’
Eaton, Saladino out
Adam Eaton passed concussion tests but missed a second consecutive game. “He’s pretty sore” from crashing into the wall Friday, Ventura said. Tyler Saladino will have his sore back checked out in Chicago.