Why Adam Eaton Will Be an All-Star in 2015
Sep 28, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox center fielder Adam Eaton lays down a bunt single against the Kansas City Royals during the fourth inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
After the Chicago White Sox added big names like Jeff Samardzija, Melky Cabrera, and David Robertson, it’s easy to overlook what was already in place. A great deal has been written this offseason about the White Sox wanting to capitalize on the primes of Chris Sale and Jose Abreu, but there’s another core piece that deserves just as much attention.
That would be scrappy center fielder Adam Eaton.
When General Manager Rick Hahn acquired him in December 2013 in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Eaton was coming off an injury riddled season in which he had failed to illustrate his true potential.
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Maybe the time off made then Diamonbacks GM Kevin Towers forget why some had even pegged Eaton as a rookie of the year candidate prior to ’13.
The Diamondbacks felt they had a player even better than Eaton in A.J. Pollock and pulled the trigger on a three-way deal that netted the Diamondbacks Mark Trumbo and sent Eaton to the South Side. Considering the White Sox surrendered Hector Santiago and lottery ticket prospect Brandon Jacobs in the trade, the deal now looks like a steal.
Shortly after the trade, Hahn said that Eaton had been a top target for quite some time. The target list that Hahn scribed sometime during the dismal ’13 campaign has become something of White Sox legend at this point.
If there is in fact a crumpled piece of paper lying in the front offices of 35th-and-Shields, not only will it be a potential auction item if the White Sox win a championship, but per Hahn some players were written with a bolder pen than others.
“But what I will say is that both Jose Abreu and Adam Eaton were very high on that list.”
Next: Eaton an integral piece of reshaping process
Aug 30, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox center fielder Adam Eaton (1) makes a leaping catch against the Detroit Tigers during the fourth inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Eaton: An integral piece of reshaping process
Based on those words from Hahn, few can argue that Eaton is an integral piece of this reshaping process. Last season, Eaton showed why by putting up a robust .300/.362/.401 line and playing defense that made him a Gold Glove finalist in centerfield.
In ’15, I expect him to add an all-star appearance to his resume and have reason to believe it won’t be too tall a task for the 5-8 outfielder.
The idea of Adam Eaton stealing 0ver 40 bases is tantalizing, considering what else he brings to the table.
Eaton ran into a wall (literally) regarding injuries last season, and as a result missed nearly 40 games. His hamstring injury was the most detrimental because Eaton’s legs are such a vital component of his game. With a generally healthy ’15, and newfound base-stealing instruction from base running coach Vince Coleman, Eaton should see a spike in his steal totals, as last season he finished with 15 stolen bases.
The White Sox lead-off batter has the raw speed to be a force on the basepaths and per The Chicago Tribune’s Colleen Kane he has high goals for 2015
Eaton was successful on 15 of 24 stolen base attempts during the 2014 season, though he said Saturday leg injuries hindered him. Eaton said he was aiming for 40 stolen bases this season before learning he would be working with Coleman, and so he will now aim higher.
The idea of Eaton stealing over 40 bases is tantalizing, considering what else he brings to the table. I think it’s reasonable to expect Eaton could steal between 30-40 bases in ’15 as long as he stays healthy, though Baseball Prospectus has Eaton at 16 steals for’15.
Next: Eaton gives the White Sox an edge they've lacked
Eaton can be an All-Star in 2015
Jul 30, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago White Sox center fielder Adam Eaton (1) receives congratulations from first base coach Daryl Boston (17) after he hits a single in the fourth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Eaton’s other great quality is something the White Sox have lacked for a long time. Since the departure of Aaron Rowand, centerfield has been a bit of journeyman position for the White Sox, and the lead off spot in the order has seen even more fluctuation.
Eaton looks like a long-term answer at both spots because he is a true spark plug-in what should be a dangerous White Sox line-up.
Eaton hit .347/.396/.447 after the all-star break in ’14. Those aren’t just all-star numbers, but MVP-type production. Obviously, Eaton won’t challenge for that status because he lacks power. While Eaton only hit one home run last season, I think that was ultimately a fluke.
Five-to-eight home runs is a reasonable prediction for Eaton in ’15, with most of his power manifesting itself in the form of gap doubles and triples. Eaton tied for second in triples last year, with 10.
While players can earn a starting spot on the all-star team through the fan voting process, the American League outfield is likely too stacked for him to get in that way, and we all know who will be starting in center in Cincinnati for the AL … see Mike Trout.
However, players also get in as reserves via player voting and managerial selection. I think the players will vote Eaton in because while his energy may be irritating to the opposition, it still garners respect around the game when you play with competitive fire.
If for some reason Eaton isn’t a member of the first 33 players, then there is always the Final Vote process, which the White Sox have been extremely successful with in the past. I can already see the ad campaign: Vote Eaton into the All-Star game, Cincy’s awesome at high-fives. (Remember Eaton was born in Springfield, OH).
Not only is Eaton great on the field, but he’s also a dynamic speaker and would be a great asset to Major League Baseball at the national event. He’s truly an exciting player, and the center fielder resonates with blue-collar fans in Chicago, making him a great marketing product.
Plus, since the White Sox should be in the spotlight much more in ’15, I don’t think it will take long for Eaton to generate some name value among casual fans.
Simply put, if Eaton can even sniff his second half production while maintaining gold glove defense, he’ll solidify himself a trip to Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati.