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White Sox Season Review: Grading the Bench Players

By Matt Manetti

Aug 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox left fielder Melky Cabrera (53), center fielder J.B. Shuck (20), and designated hitter Avisail Garcia (26) celebrate after defeating the Seattle Mariners at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox left fielder Melky Cabrera (53), center fielder J.B. Shuck (20), and designated hitter Avisail Garcia (26) celebrate after defeating the Seattle Mariners at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /
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CF J.B. Shuck

Aug 17, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago White Sox center fielder J.B. Shuck (20) makes a sliding catch in the sixth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 17, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago White Sox center fielder J.B. Shuck (20) makes a sliding catch in the sixth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

Next up, J.B. Shuck. Shuck was thrust into the everyday center field role when Austin Jackson went down with an injury. One thing you could tell is he can definitely flash the leather. All you need for proof of that is to look at this picture of his sliding catch against the Cleveland Indians. Shuck was much more valuable in the field than he was at the plate.

In fact, he was terrible at the dish. In 81 games, he hit .205 with four home runs and 14 RBIs. His on-base percentage was a dismal .248 and he slugged .299. For a guy that’s playing in 81 games, he needed to hit better. There was a drop off in offensive production in center when he was in the game. It would’ve been better if they had someone who could also step in, so he didn’t have to do the majority of the playing.

Shuck just didn’t have a great approach at the plate and he looked lost. I would like him to get more experience against major league pitching and work on that approach. If he wants to be an everyday player, he needs to have a better bat. Yes, he plays excellent defense but he needs to be a complete player. Especially for a team that is offensively challenged like the Sox are. He is a nice platoon player, but not someone the team would be comfortable relying on everyday. He should be a bench player until he can become a more consistent hitter. 

Grade: C

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