Minor league seasoning could help boost, not reduce confidence of White Sox struggling 2nd baseman. After all “Bacon” is often crisper, after it’s been seasoned properly
Josie’s on a vacation far away…in AAA Charlotte. This very well could be a realistic decision for Kenny Williams to ponder if the 2009 Sporting News Rookie of the Year, Gordon Beckham continues to struggle into June.
By Soxman
In a season that has been the exact opposite of what the Chicago White Sox have expected in terms of record and performance, it is time to start making moves that will help the team not only compete this season, but in years to come as well.
It is easy to understand why the White Sox appear committed to give Beckham every opportunity to work out his offensive struggles in the big leagues.
First, they rushed him to the majors far in advance of their initial plans. Remember last year when Ozzie Guillen stated: “If you see Beckham in the majors in 2009, something is really wrong with this team.” Yet by June, he was the White Sox starting 3rd baseman.
Second, he has become one of the marketing faces of the franchise, appearing at most charity events for the White Sox, talking baseball on local sports radio shows, and promoting events like the Cross-town Cup.
Third, he represents the White Sox dedication to youth and athleticism, that Kenny Williams pledged to Sox fans when 2009 was officially lost.
Fourth, there was no true contingency plan in place if Beckham struggled transitioning from shortstop to third to second base. There was no consideration of the possibility that he could experience a sophomore slump at the plate either.
As the Sox head into June as a sub-500 team quickly losing any hope of challenging in the AL Central, and Beckham’s batting average continues to trend downward (.155, 0 HR, 3 RBI over his last 16 games, .188 overall), you have to start exploring your options.
Beckham is a huge talent, and likely a future all-star. However, right now he is clearly struggling and not finding answers to his problems from the guidance of hitting coach Greg Walker. Making the transition from college to the majors, with minimal minor league seasoning, is a feat not easily accomplished.
Not only is the competition unparalleled, the pressure is far greater.
In 1998, the White Sox rushed top prospect Mike Caruso to the majors at shortstop. He finished third in Rookie of the Year voting that season. His career was over two years later.
If Beckham is sent to the minors to work out his struggles, Jayson Nix would most likely replace him at 2B. Nix isn’t fairing much better, hitting only .211, but only has 16ABs on the season. Brent Lillibridge would be a call-up candidate. He’s hitting .257, 2HR, 13 RBI and 17SB in 36 games at AAA Charlotte.
This move obviously doesn’t make the Sox a better team in the short term, but could be the best thing for Beckham’s long-term development and confidence if he can’t overcome his struggles at the big league level.