White Sox Shortstop Tim Anderson Impressing Early
By Brian Draus
White Sox rookie shortstop Tim Anderson continuing to impress since being promoted on June 10, still has room for improvement
When the White Sox promoted shortstop Tim Anderson to the majors on June 10, there were questions about how he would perform. Well, Anderson has lived up to expectations, both at the plate and in the field even though there have been some bumps along the way. Here is a look at his performance so far in his short time at the major league level throgh Friday June 24.
One concern many had in regards to Anderson was whether he would be able to make contact enough. That is still a big question mark, as he has multiple strikeouts in eight of his thirteen games. Another serious problem of Anderson’s happens to be his inability to draw walks. He has yet to draw a walk at the major league level, and has nineteen strikeouts. For a guy who the Sox have as their leadoff hitter, that is a very poor BB/K rate.
More from White Sox News
- The Chicago White Sox might have had a season ending loss
- The Chicago White Sox are expecting Tim Anderson back soon
- Miguel Cairo’s words spark life into the Chicago White Sox
- Dylan Cease should be the favorite for the AL Cy Young Award
- Ozzie Guillen speaks the whole truth about Tony La Russa
Anderson is using his speed, at least when it comes to getting extra base hits. So far, he has five doubles and a triple, which is a very good total through fourteen games played. While he only has one stolen base, that is something that takes time to develop for many players due to the fact many base stealers still have to read pitchers at the MLB level. Reading pitchers and getting jumps is more difficult, not to mention the fact catchers throw the ball much better than in the minors.
So far, Anderson hasn’t been an issue in the field whatsoever. With no errors on the season, not to mention great range, he has been a welcomed addition in the field for the White Sox. His arm is pretty strong as well, and for the most part has been extremely accurate. Assuming he keeps playing the way he has defensively, Anderson will be among the better shortstops in the league.
The main area I think he will improve over time is the BB/K rate. I don’t think he will ever be much of a walk guy, but he could be somewhat similar to Brandon Phillips of the Cincinnati Reds. His strikeouts should decrease as well, once he gets himself acclimated to the major leagues. On top of that, even though he only has one home run, and may not hit many this year, he could hit 20+ in the future.
Next: White Sox Pitching Issuing Too Many Walks
Overall, I think Anderson has the tools to be a very good, however not superstar shortstop. I don’t think he is going to be Francisco Lindor or Carlos Correa, however he could someday be an Alcedes Escobar type. It is time for a Whte Sox position player prospect to finally develop into a good MLB player, however the past failures had more to do with a lack of talent than a lack of development. With more young players on the way, it should be interesting to see what is in store for the White Sox and their fans in the future.