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Levine: David Robertson Not Worried About Cactus League Numbers

By Bruce Levine-

GLENDALE, Ariz. (CBS) -- Numbers in spring training can be important for some players, but in the case of veteran White Sox closer David Robertson, making pitches and setting work habits take on more meaning than perfect innings.

In 2 2/3 innings in Arizona, Robertson has allowed two runs on four hits and three walks. On Sunday, one sinking fastball changed a potentially bad inning into a quick 6-4-3 double play for him.

"That's the way this game works," Robertson said. "You can do a lot of things bad and do one thing right and sneak out of an inning. I was very fortunate to get a double play turned behind me."

Good fortune has had little to do with the success Robertson has had in his big league career. Talent and a mental focus have. Robertson has averaged 11.99 strikeouts per nine innings during his seven-year career, a mark that's higher than the best in MLB history (Robertson hasn't pitched enough innings to qualify). He had 39 saves and a 3.08 ERA for the Yankees last season.

"I felt really good out there," Robertson said Sunday. "My mechanics are better right now. It is just about executing more pitches in a few more counts that separate the good innings from bad innings."

A long showdown with reigning AL MVP Mike Trout was a test for Robertson in his one inning of work against the Angels.

"I don't want him or anyone to have an at-bat like that," Robertson said. "I would rather have him swing at the first pitch and get a base hit than throw 12 or 13 pitches in a spring training game. He won the battle this time."

Robertson was bothered little by the outcome. He just wants his new team to get a better chance to evaluate him.

"I really just want the team to get a real good look at me," he said. "I want them to see what they got. Obviously, I would love every outing to be just 10, 12 pitches and three outs, but it doesn't always turn out that way. This was my third outing, and I feel it worked out much better than the first two. This is something to move forward on. Maybe my next outing will be a better one."

Robertson signed a four-year, $44-million deal in December with the White Sox, leaving the Yankees after replacing iconic closer Mariano Rivera. That was the heaviest lifting any reliever could go through, and after saving 39 of 44 opportunities in 2014, Robertson shouldn't be bothered by the pressure of a long-term contract in another city.

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.

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