White Sox’ Yoan Moncada learning on the job — the hard way

ARLINGTON, Texas — Baseball had always come easy for Yoan Moncada.

Mastering the game is not a cinch, though, as the 23-year-old second baseman and key piece of the White Sox’ rebuild is learning.

Baseball is hard.

“Yes, it is,’’ Moncada said.

Moncada was the Sox’ biggest acquisition in the Chris Sale trade with the Red Sox two years ago. Last season, Moncada had a slash line of .231/.338/.412 with eight homers and three stolen bases in 54 games. Through 73 games this season, he is at .223/.291/.402 with 10 homers and eight stolen bases.

Entering the game Saturday against the Rangers, the switch hitter’s strikeout total was at 115, and the rate has gone up while his walk rate has declined. He also had a team-high 13 errors at second base.

Almost everyone has expected better, including Moncada.

“I did not expect to have as many tough, difficult moments as I’ve been having,” Moncada said Friday.

Moncada’s body language is so relaxed, his demeanor so calm, his manner of talking so pleasant, a trap is set for anyone who wants to see nonchalance. He hasn’t erupted in frustration after a strikeout this season, and he probably won’t.

“I’m not that kind of person who is going to show his emotions,’’ Moncada said. “I’m not the player who is going to throw a helmet or break a bat. When I have a bad moment, I keep it to myself. It won’t make a difference if I show the people what my feelings are.

“Yes, of course, there are days when you are ticked off, when you are mad. But life is too short to [blow up] over those situations. You feel bad or mad, but you have to keep going. You have to have your mind right for the next opportunity.’’

Some view Moncada’s strikeouts and errors as somewhat upsetting. Former Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, a commentator for NBC Sports Chicago and other media outlets, described Moncada by saying, “I hate him three days and love him two.’’

Guillen also acknowledged Moncada’s considerable talent in the next sentence.

Fans can see it when Moncada hits the long ball, steals a base or makes a diving stop, but not so much on the called third strikes, swings and misses and errors on routine plays. Some fans aren’t as high on Moncada as they were a year ago.

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“I don’t pay attention to that,’’ Moncada said. “You can’t control what people say or write. All you can do is play the game, knowing we’re the ones who understand how tough it is to make a play, how difficult it is to hit a baseball. When we make mistakes, we know what we’re doing wrong.’’

Moncada was out for early infield work on a sweltering Friday in Texas, so he’s being aggressive about fixing the mistakes. The No. 1 lesson he has learned is that it’s going to take longer than he thought.

“I’ve learned that this is a process, it’s something young guys have to get used to,’’ he said. “You can’t get frustrated at any point. If you keep your faith in what you do, you’re going to be good.’’

Moncada said he leans on fellow Cuban teammate Jose Abreu for advice. Advice, however, is starting to come from other sources, including fans, some of them growing impatient wanting to see more and wanting to see it now.

“I take all the attention, and I convert it to motivation,’’ Moncada said. “That gives me the strength to come here every day and enjoy the game, to try to have fun and do the things I can do. I don’t feel pressure from it, I feel motivation.’’