If the Chicago White Sox are going to surprise people in 2012, bounce-back seasons from Adam Dunn and Alex Rios are crucial. So too is improvement from second baseman Gordon Beckham, who hit .230/.296/.337. He hasn't quite captured the promise shown during his rookie season in 2009, when he hit .270/.347/.460.

But first baseman Paul Konerko thinks that Beckham has improved his mental approach and that he's ready for a breakout season:

"I think of Gordon and I just know where he’s at right now in his head and I think it's a good place," explained Konerko. "I think he’s going to have a big year. He's just kind of ready to take that step."

Related: Viciedo in left sounds right

The White Sox open up their Cactus League schedule on Monday, March 5.

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