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Eaton Happy With 'Dirtbag' Nickname

(WSCR) When asked to describe newly-acquired center fielder Adam Eaton, White Sox general manager Rick Hahn used the word "dirtbag."

It should be noted Hahn didn't say this in a derogatory way, he was merely describing Eaton's ability to get on base at all costs and "grind out" at-bats.

Speaking with The Mully and Hanley Show on Thursday, Eaton said he's happy to be considered a "dirtbag" on the baseball diamond.

"The 'dirtbag' name is kind of the highest compliment I can hear," said Eaton, who was traded to the White Sox from the Diamondbacks in a three-team deal on Tuesday. "You come to the ballpark every day, just trying to get on base twice, two or three times. I'm just trying to scratch that out. Like I said before the 3-4 hitters we have on the Chicago team, I'm in scoring position when I'm on first base. You're always in scoring position. … I'm just going to grind out at-bats in that 'dirtbag' mentality."

Adam Eaton

The 26-year-old Eaton is known for his ability to get on base at the leadoff position. He amassed an OBP of .450 over 345 minor league games.

"The leadoff hitter is a very difficult job to do," Eaton said. "Not many people want to do it just because there's a lot of pressure to get on. There's a lot of pressure to see pitches for the guys behind you. I really enjoy that pressure."

 

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