Is Anderson making move toward Chicago White Sox?
When he's on top of his game, the Chicago White Sox' Alexei Ramirez is one of the best shortstops in the game.
Unfortunately, Ramirez is maddeningly inconsistent.
After going 1-for-4 in Tuesday night's 15-2 loss at Texas, Ramirez is in a 2-for-26 slump that has dropped his batting average to .227. Earlier in May, he caught fire and went on a 7-for-16 surge.
The Sox were collectively bad against the Rangers, and it all started with Jeff Samardzija (4-3), who pitched 5 innings and allowed 9 runs on 12 hits.
In his first major-league game, Texas third baseman Joey Gallo went 3-for-4 with a mammoth home run and 4 RBI.
As for Ramirez, he has been equally inconsistent in the field and running the bases, so don't be surprised if the Sox decline their $10 million club option for 2016 at the end of the current season and settle for a $1 million buyout.
Ramirez has been a popular name in trade rumors the past few seasons, and there is a chance he gets moved later this summer if the White Sox (23-27) fail to recover from a slow start.
The big question always hs been: Who replaces Ramirez at short if he is traded or bought out?
The Sox have some options. Carlos Sanchez can play shortstop, and Gordon Beckham is another candidate.
In time, it looks like Tim Anderson is going to be manning the most difficult position on the infield dirt.
"He's got some tools," said White Sox manager Robin Ventura. "Bat-wise, he's probably further ahead of where he is defensively. But he has some tools."
Anderson was the Sox' first-round draft pick (No. 17 overall) two years ago out of nondescript East Central Community College in Decatur, Mississippi.
The 6-foot-1, 185-pounder already is showing he can hit at Class AA Birmingham.
Heading into Tuesday night's game against Biloxi, Anderson was batting .318 while ranking first in the Southern League with 67 hits and second with 5 triples and 19 stolen bases.
After going 0-for-1 in the game, Anderson and center fielder Jacob May, another top prospect, collided trying to make a catch; both players had to leave the game. Anderson reportedly was favoring his shoulder and May might have suffered a concussion.
With Anderson, the big question is defense, especially at a challenging position like shortstop.
Through 50 games with Birmingham, Anderson has 10 errors. That tells you more polish is needed.
By the end of the season, Anderson might show the Sox he will be ready for the major leagues next year.
Conversely, Anderson might show that he needs a full season at Class AAA Charlotte in 2016, which could lead the White Sox into picking up Ramirez' $10 million option.
Anderson, who turns 22 on June 23, made a combined 50 errors in 136 games with Class A Kannapolis and Winston-Salem in 2013-14.
The Sox think he is athletic enough to play shortstop in the big leagues, and Anderson is getting better with age.
He is not lacking in confidence.
"There's no doubt, I'm a shortstop," Anderson said. "I'm still growing. I still have a lot of work to, but I'm right where I want to be."