Abreu mourns loss of friend, mentor in Minoso

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- First baseman Jose Abreu is still mourning the loss of White Sox legend Minnie Minoso, and on Tuesday, the slugger opened up about the man he considered his mentor and good friend.

Minoso passed away on Sunday. Funeral services will be held this weekend in Chicago.

"It's something that's very painful for all of the Cubans that are here and for the fans of the White Sox, the organization and everyone," Abreu said. "It's something that's very difficult. He was an incredible person. I learned so much from him."White Sox legend Minoso passes away

Abreu cared for Minoso like he was a member of his family.

"He said so much. But one thing I'll always remember and something he always said was to respect the organization you are with," Abreu said. "We talked a lot and he would always tell me that every day."

On the field, Abreu went 0-for-2 in an intrasquad game Tuesday. He took what appeared to be an awkward step running out of the batter's box during his first at-bat.

"I slipped a little bit, but that's just something that happens on the field," he said. "The ground was a little loose, but that's just something that happens to us out there. It's nothing."