DETROIT — At spring coaching, White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson shared his objectives for this season. He stated he deliberate to be extra constant and disciplined on the plate. Likewise, he needed to commit fewer errors within the infield.
Anderson completed the primary objective after which some, however his protection stays a weak a part of his recreation.
Anderson owns a league-leading .336 batting common, a large enchancment from his .240 mark final season.
But Anderson leads the league in one other stat: Errors. Despite lacking a month resulting from an ankle damage, Anderson has dedicated 25 errors, which is 5 greater than he had in 2018.
Anderson has the instruments to be an elite shortstop. His vary and athleticism is unmatched. And his reflexes are that of a cheetah.
So what provides?
Manager Rick Renteria believes it’s a matter of staying focus and being dedicated to finishing performs.
Anderson is aware of if he needs to be a top-tier shortstop, he must shore up his protection.
“We’ve got more work to do,” Anderson stated. “This offseason, I’m going to continue to work and get better. And try to do it all over again.”
If Anderson had been to attenuate his errors subsequent season, whereas sustaining his offensive manufacturing, might he develop into the most effective shortstop within the recreation?
“Yeah, that’s possible,” Anderson stated. “I already feel like that.”
And Renteria believes so, too. The skipper additionally thinks Anderson could possibly be nearly as good as four-time All-Star Fransisco Lindor.
“My hope for him is we cut those [errors] in half … which would put him in a pretty elite class of shortstops especially with his offense,” Renteria stated. “It’s possible for him to do it and he’s still going to get better.”
Eloy’s impression
There’s so much to understand about rookie Eloy Jimenez, who hit his second profession grand slam Friday. Along along with his fun-loving character, Jimenez has slashed .268/.317/.509 with 29 homers and 75 RBI in 116 video games earlier than Saturday’s recreation.
But what’s impressed Renteria probably the most has been the way in which Jimenez has managed his feelings within the highlight.
“The best way to describe it is he’s a young man who’s taken the ups and downs of this season and not allowed it to affect him in a grand scheme,” Renteria stated of the 22-year-old. “He’s continued to do work, he’s trying to understand exactly what’s going on with him at the plate in terms of how guys are attacking him and he’s continuing to push and persevere.”
Hot bats
In the fifth inning on Saturday, Anderson prolonged the Sox’ home-run hitting streak with a solo blast off of Tigers pitcher Tyler Alexander. The Sox have hit at the least one house run in 15 of their final 17 video games.
That was Anderson’s 18th homer this season and fourth one in September.