AL Central Rankings: Who is the No. 1 centerfielder?
By Brett Pnazek
No.2: Adam Eaton (Chicago White Sox)
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
2014 Stats
Batting Average: .300
Home Runs: 1
Runs Batted In: 35
Steals: 15
OWar: 3.7
DWar: 1.8
I really wanted to put Eaton at No. 1, but the lack of home runs is why he falls to second overall.
If he shows more pop this year, then he can make a strong argument for the top spot next year. Eaton was limited to 123 games last season, and he was more than adequate at setting the table for the White Sox hitters behind him.
He actually had the highest OBP of all the guys on this list and was tied with Bourn for the most triples in the league.
Eaton posted the highest oWAR of all the players on this list. Playing at “The Cell” helps him, and if he stays healthy, he can post even better numbers with a better offense behind him.
Defensively, Eaton performed quite well, which was an improvement over the year before when he was at Arizona. He has defensive ability, and while he does not really wow with the arm, he does cover a lot of ground and makes plays in the outfield.
Eaton is very secure in his position. He’ll be the everyday starting centerfielder, and the White Sox are very hopeful he can stay on the field and play 150-plus games. With their lineup improvements, he has the ability to score a lot of runs.
Next: No. 1: Royalty at Number One