Chicago White Sox: Young outfielders set the tone for big spring
The Chicago White Sox have won two of their first three spring training games thus far, with young outfielders leading the way during the solid start.
First impressions are everything, at least for prospects, that is.
Amidst the Chicago White Sox’ 2-1 start to the spring, a duo of young outfielders have stood out in terms of production.
Luis Alexander Basabe and Ryan Cordell are a combined 4-for-9 with two RBIs through the first three exhibition games.
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Basabe made a big impact in Saturday’s win over the Seattle Mariners, giving the White Sox the lead with an 8th-inning double.
Acquired from the Boston Red Sox in last years’ Chris Sale trade, Basabe struggled throughout most of last season with Single-A Winston-Salem.
Basabe’s improvement showed up on both sides of the field, as the right fielder gunned out former White Sox Gordon Beckham at second base during Saturday’s game.
Basabe doesn’t figure to see any time in the major leagues this season, but a breakout season would be huge for both Basabe and the Chicago White Sox. As a player with leadoff potential and a plus glove, increased production would be wonderful for the White Sox, who continue to reap the benefits of the Chris Sale trade.
Cordell was acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers as part of last summer’s Anthony Swarzak trade. He missed most of last season with a back injury and didn’t record an at-bat since the trade.
Cordell looks like he’s putting last season behind him, notching two hits in his first five at-bats, including an RBI single in the fourth inning of Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds to tie the game at 4.
Unlike Basabe, Cordell has a legitimate shot at making the major league roster. Entering his age 25 season, the centerfielder is as major league ready as any of the Chicago White Sox prospects in camp.
If Cordell can stay healthy and continue to produce at a consistent level, he’ll almost certainly crack the 25-man Opening Day Roster.
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The production of both Basabe and Cordell, two lesser-known prospects in a loaded farm system, is a huge plus for the Chicago White Sox. As the team continues to rebuild, production from breakout prospects will be crucial to the teams success going forward.
The White Sox are back in action on Monday, taking on the Oakland Athletics with Michael Kopech on the mound.