The Future Impact of Leury Garcia on the Chicago White Sox
By David Hill
Mar 28, 2014; Birmingham, Al, USA; Chicago White Sox short stop Leury Garcia (28)throws to first after a hit from the Birmingham Barons at Regions Field. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Leury Garcia may not spend much time with the Chicago White Sox to start the year. Once Gordon Beckham and Jeff Keppinger come back from the disabled list, chances are that Garcia will be sent back to the minors, spending time with the Charlotte Knights until the time when he is needed once again as an injury replacement. Yet, despite his seeemingly impending exile back to the minors, Garcia could end up making an impact upon the White Sox during his limited time on the roster.
Mentioned as one of the White Sox basestealing threats by our friends at Grading on the Curve, Garcia stole over 30 bases three times during his minor league career, with a high of 51 in 2010. During his time in the minors, Garcia has stolen 158 bases with a 78.6% success rate. On a team with several slower, lumbering hitters, Garcia could make an impact as a pinch runner, putting pressure on an opposing defense in the latter stages of a ballgame.
Versatility is another calling card for Leury Garcia. During his 45 games in the majors last season, Garcia started games at four different positions. Having spent time at third, short, second and center, Garcia could easily slip into the lineup as a super utility player, playing a few times a week or being able to remain in the game after running for another player.
Garcia may not project to be a superstar at the major league level, but he does appear as though he would be a valuable role player. Someone that can seemingly play across the infield and in center at competent level, while providing an excellent skill, will find a role at some point. In fact, Garcia could end up being a super utility player, similar to Emilio Bonifacio.
Leury Garcia could become a useful player for the White Sox in the near future. He could even begin to make an impact during his time up at the start of the season.