Anderson erases all doubt - he's sticking at shortstop with White Sox
As the White Sox's rebuild moves forward, much of the future roster - the one projected to be playoff caliber - is still TBA.
Many of the key cogs are still in the minor leagues, and Sox general manager Rick Hahn on Wednesday reaffirmed he'll add "finishing pieces" when the bulk of the roster is in place.
Hahn has a good idea who the White Sox's shortstop is going to be.
Tim Anderson.
"Let's start with the defense, because that's the thing that really jumps out the most in terms of significant progress he's made," Hahn said. "He's managed to capitalize on the athleticism we've always seen from him and convert that into being a potentially Gold Glove caliber defensive shortstop based on what we've seen over the last few months."
"Offensively, despite being a 20/20 player, there are other elements of his game where he knows he needs to improve. Seeing that commitment and work ethic on the defensive side and knowing that he's capable of doing that, I think bodes well for his future on the offensive side as well."
Since he was drafted by the Sox on the first round in 2013, Anderson's ability to play the demanding defensive position of shortstop has been questioned.
The doubt still stood through last season, when Anderson led the major leagues with 28 errors.
Anderson has quieted all of the critics this year.
"A whole lot better," he said. "You guys have seen it. Just from Day 1 to now, it's been amazing. All of the work I've been putting in, it's definitely showing. I feel a lot more comfortable at shortstop.
"It's been a case of just learning the position and kind of figuring out how to be a shortstop instead of being an athlete."
With four games left in the regular season, Anderson has not only cut the error total down to 20, he's been making one spectacular play after another for the better part of four months.
"I think it's just more focus and confidence," manager Rick Renteria said. "I think he knows he can throw the ball from every angle at short. I think there's a trust in everything he's able to do now. I think he's recognizing and reading balls off the bat much better, but that comes with experience, seeing more and more ground balls."
On the offensive side, Anderson is the first shortstop in White Sox history to hit 20 or more home runs and steal 20 or more bases in a season.
"It's a great accomplishment," he said. "It means a lot and it definitely leaves a mark. Hopefully I can continue to do that and maybe even pull off a 30/30."
As Hahn mentioned, there is still room for improvement in Anderson's offensive game. With 149 strikeouts and only 30 walks in 602 plate appearances this season, his on-base percentage stands at .283.
The .242 batting average can also go higher, and Anderson plans to be eventually become a tougher out while continuing to thrive at shortstop with the Sox.
"My overall game has more confidence," said Anderson, who is signed through the 2022 season with the White Sox holding club options for 2023 and '24. "I've been playing with great confidence and I'm not afraid to make mistakes. I've been working on my overall game and it's showing."