Adam Eaton could be another Aaron Rowand for the Chicago White Sox

Mar 2, 2014; Surprise, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox outfielder Adam Eaton (1) tags home plate in front of Texas Rangers catcher J.P. Arencibia (7) in the first inning at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY

Aaron Rowand became a fan favorite due to his all out style of playing and high energy level on the field. Known for his willingness to take on outfield fences and teammates to catch a fly ball, Rowand earned the rather appropriate nickname of ‘Crash.’ Now, almost a decade after Rowand was traded from the White Sox, they may have a similar player patrolling center field in Adam Eaton.

Eaton, acquired as a part of the three team trade that involved the Los Angeles Angels and the Arizona Diamondbacks, has been a natural comparison to Rowand despite not having played a regular season game for the White Sox. A high energy player, he has become someone that Rowand expects will be a fan favorite, much like he was.

"“He goes about his business the right way, works hard and, obviously, there’s a ton of talent,” said Rowand. “White Sox fans are going to be excited about watching him play every day. He’s going to be one of their own.”"

In parts of two seasons, Adam Eaton (not to be confused with the former pitcher of the same name) has posted a .254/.332/.373 batting line with five home runs and seven stolen bases. During his tenure in the minors, Eaton has displayed the potential to potentially be a leadoff hitter with a bit of power, having stolen over 30 bases in three consecutive years from 2010 through 2012 and posting a career minor league on base percentage of .450. While he is not likely to get on base at the same clip in the majors, Eaton has displayed a good enough batting eye that he could produce an on base percentage in the .350 range.

With the White Sox looking for dynamic younger players that could be a major building block for the future, Eaton distinctly fills that part. Eaton could end up being the White Sox answer at the top of the lineup for at least the next five years. A potentially dynamic player who could hit double figures in home runs while stealing thirty bases while drawing walks, Eaton has the potential to be a very nice piece for the White Sox.

All too often, we hear that younger players do not go about their business the right way, being too focused on other things to put in the time and effort. Adam Eaton appears to be a throwback player – one who will work hard and sacrifice himself to help the team win instead of being concerned with individual numbers. In short, Eaton could be another Aaron Rowand, only better.