Reggie Smith Glad to Be Back

Reggie Smith is back where he belongs, hanging around batting cages and patiently instructing hitters at Vero Beach, Fla.

He is helping them prepare for another season, which is what Smith enjoys most.

Smith, the hitting instructor since 1994, had surgery on July 14 to remove a disk in his neck then missed the remainder of the season. He is almost at full strength again, and this spring training has been among Smith’s favorites for obvious reasons.

“All winter, I was looking forward to getting back to this point after going through the surgery and recovery, and everything still feels the same,” said Smith, who also serves as first-base coach.

“It was extremely difficult, wanting to be with the team and being laid up at home. You don’t know how hard it is listening to Vin [Scully], Ross [Porter] and Rick [Monday] on the radio, or watching the games on TV.

“You want to be out there to help, but you know you can’t be. I was never that nervous as a player.”

During his recuperation, which lasted from July until September, Smith wore a neck brace and his activity was restricted. He is almost fully recovered, except he still “can’t swing a golf club just yet. But I’m working on it.”

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Rookie prospect Paul Konerko has been working in left field, but he played third base in the first intrasquad game Monday and is expected to play there in today’s intrasquad game.

Manager Bill Russell said he doesn’t want to rush Konerko at the new position, and Konerko doesn’t want to be rushed.

“I’ve felt a lot more comfortable than I thought I would, which has been a big surprise,” Konerko said. “But I’ve also had some balls hit that remind me how tough the position is, and that I’m just learning how to play it.”