SSH2005 Posted January 12, 2006 Share Posted January 12, 2006 (edited) http://baseballanalysts.com/archives/2006/...tny_75_50_1.php 33. Brian Anderson - OF - Chicago White Sox - 24 (MLB) Introduction: If nothing else, Ken Williams is one of the most shrewd GMs in all of baseball. Not many front offices would have the guts to trade one of their most well-liked players (Aaron Rowand) in the months following a World Series victory. However, popularity is not one of the qualifications that Williams demands from his center fielder. And while Rowand's defense is very good up the middle, he simply isn't likely to perform at a high level offensively again. So the team traded Rowand, and later Chris Young, because center field is their deepest position in the minors. Brian Anderson, a former first round pick, was waiting in the wings. Skillset/Future: Before I start praising Anderson, I want to start with the bad: he lost his contact skills this year. After striking out just 74 times in 2004, Anderson was over 25% in AAA this season. For all the criticism I give Chris Young on this very issue, it should be noted that Anderson whiffs far too much. However, what he also brings to the table is a very solid all-around game. Brian finally showed the power that had been projected of him this year, and when he moves to a hitter's park in 2006, could be capable of hitting 25 home runs. Anderson has a solid batting eye and plays good defense, and is already said to be fitting in with his new teammates. The Jim Thome trade was not only good for the White Sox offense because Thome will improve upon Carl Everett's performance, but also because Brian Anderson should be exceeding Aaron Rowand. 29. Chris Young - OF - Arizona Diamondbacks - 22 (AAA) I'm also going to keep Young's comments short, as he has been one of the most talked about prospects on this site. Basically, I loved Young before the season, as he provides four tools that few in the minors can match: speed, range, discipline, power. He showed this in 2005, as he broke out in a big way, leading to a trade (the White Sox sold high) to the Arizona Diamondbacks. The reason I say that his stock has peaked is because it seems people are willing to overlook the other two tools on his resume: contact and arm. His contact skills are pretty atrocious, and as a result, I don't think he'll hit more than .280 ever as a pro. This is a solid player that I would love to have on my team, but he's not the next Hall of Fame center fielder, if you ask me. He likes Anderson quite a bit but seems to think Young is a bit overrated. I just hope we kept the right center fielder. Edited January 12, 2006 by SSH2005 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heads22 Posted January 12, 2006 Share Posted January 12, 2006 I think people will like BAnd just as much as they did Row... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoodAsGould Posted January 12, 2006 Share Posted January 12, 2006 QUOTE(Heads22 @ Jan 12, 2006 -> 01:42 PM) I think people will like BAnd just as much as they did Row... Well since I was never a huge Rowand fan I hope I like him more Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Punch and Judy Garland Posted January 12, 2006 Share Posted January 12, 2006 I think if Thome jacks 40 homers, it doesn't matter if Chris Young is a HOF'er. In fact, I always wish our traded guys like Rauch or Reed or Gio to do very well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rex Hudler Posted January 13, 2006 Share Posted January 13, 2006 QUOTE(Punch and Judy Garland @ Jan 12, 2006 -> 04:56 PM) I think if Thome jacks 40 homers, it doesn't matter if Chris Young is a HOF'er. In fact, I always wish our traded guys like Rauch or Reed or Gio to do very well Young didn't have anything to do with the acquisition of Thome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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