Emma: White Sox Rookie Tim Anderson Keeps Impressing
By Chris Emma--
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Every shortstop dreams of that hard-hit grounder coming to his right, fielding it with the backhand, then turning with a jump-throw. Only the good ones get the out at first base.
On Thursday afternoon, rookie Tim Anderson pulled it off in Jeter-esque fashion during the second inning of the White Sox's 6-5 win over the Twins at U.S. Cellular Field. How often has he practiced that move?
"Not every day," Anderson said with a smile.
When the ball is hit Anderson's way, he looks ready and natural. He has terrific instincts to react for any situation, brings the footwork of a defensive back to maneuver around the middle infield, then boasts the natural talent to make the plays.
Watching Anderson, one would have little idea that he only started playing baseball as a high school junior.
"The instincts that he's shown right now are impressive for anybody that comes up," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said of Anderson. "But knowing that his background was mostly basketball, I think he's come a long way in his instinctual stuff on the field."
Thursday brought one of Anderson's best days in the big leagues, with three hits and a walk in five plate appearances. The White Sox's top prospect brought his glove to the ballpark, too.
Ventura didn't believe Anderson was ready for the major leagues during spring training. Ventura saw a raw talent who had work left to put everything together.
The White Sox called upon Anderson earlier this month after parting ways with veteran Jimmy Rollins, a mentor to Anderson in spring training. Management believed that Anderson's hot run with Triple-A Charlotte was no fluke and that he was ready to make an impact in the major leagues.
Instantly, Anderson was thrust into a key role with the White Sox. He was tasked with manning shortstop and took over as the lead-off hitter just three games into his career.
"He's a catalyst in the front there, and he works his tail off," third baseman Todd Frazier said.
Anderson finally got the monkey off his back in Thursday's victory, drawing his first career walk in his 86th major league at-bat. The bizarre streak came as no sweat to Anderson, who has always been a naturally aggressive hitter.
While he has low walk numbers, Anderson boasts a .314 batting average and .834 OPS. He has been a constant atop the White Sox batting order.
"It's kind coming naturally," Anderson said of his plate presence. "That's what I've been doing throughout my career. Now as I grow and mature, I've become a better hitter. I have a lot more left."
Added Ventura: "I've been very impressed with Timmy."
Debuting in the majors can often be a difficult process. Rookies will refer to that imposing third deck in the majors. Then you have to hit a big league breaking ball.
Fitting into a major league lineup is a fine accomplishment for any rookie. Making a difference is often more than one can expect, but Anderson is doing so for the White Sox.
Anderson entered Thursday with a 0.6 WAR in just 18 games, and that was before Thursday's excellent game. That's good for fourth on the White Sox.
Early on, Anderson is leaving the White Sox impressed. His demeanor and production are helping produce wins. He even has the Jeter jump-throw down.
"He's a very confident kid," Ventura said. "He's quiet, but there's a confidence and a drive. He's not a showboat guy. He just goes out and plays. He's a hard-nosed kid."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.