Chicago White Sox: Five Observations From Week One
Mar 12, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants second baseman
Tony Abreu(10) throws to first after an out ahead of a slide by Chicago White Sox infielder
Micah Johnson(83) during the seventh inning of a spring training game at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Micah Johnson needs more work with Vince Coleman.
General Manager Rick Hahn and Executive Vice President Kenny Williams hired Vince Coleman this offseason to help the team on the base paths and maximize the potential of players such as Adam Eaton and Micah Johnson.
Coleman, who ranks sixth all-time in stolen bases, might need to pay a little extra attention to Johnson. The occasional rookie mistake is to be expected from the talented prospect, however, two base running blunders in the first five games is cause for concern.
Is he trying to do too much?
Probably. Does that excuse potential rally-killing errors? No. Hopefully, Johnson will spend some extra time with Coleman to in an effort to become more comfortable on the bases.
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The good news is, the kid can hit at the major league level. In his first week as starting second baseman (before Sunday’s game) Johnson has three hits, including a hard hit double and a bunt single. His defense hasn’t been bad either. Aside from a miscommunication with Alexei Ramirez on a ground ball that slipped past the duo, which may or may not have been playable anyway, Johnson hasn’t been a liability in the field.
The talent is there for the youngster to excel in his rookie campaign, he just needs to be smarter on the base paths.
Next: 2015 is Avisail Garcia's much anticipated breakout season.