A couple players that have done their fair share of frustrating White Sox fans in recent years are Gavin Floyd and Gordon Beckham. Despite their streakiness, one thing these two guys have in common is that they both have my support as members of the ball club.
In recent posts, I’ve discussed why I feel that Gavin has turned the corner. But with the likes of the hot bats of Kevin Youkilis and Alex Rios being the center of attention in recent weeks, Gordon Beckham has not been talked about too much, as he sits comfortably in the 9-hole on the south side.
While the focus is still there, a more relaxed and easy going Beckham has tapped in to some of his potential in 2012. Photo courtesy JJ Miller Photography
2012 Thus Far
Beckham’s batting average has consistently dropped throughout his young career, a trend that has concerned many fans. But as we know, a player’s average is not the only important statistic.
After struggling down around the .190 for a while in the early goings, Beckham has raised his average to .243 at the half way-mark. Would it be nice for such a talented player full of potential to hit at a more consistent rate? Definitely. But that does not mean that he hasn’t been a good offensive player all around so far this season.
Even in Beckham’s rookie year, when all fans thought the world of him, he only had a .270 average. And yes, that’s a lot better than we’ve seen in the last 2 1/2 years, but it’s nothing magnificent. It was the extra base hits and RBI’s that had us excited.
Gordon has 14 doubles, nine home runs, and 37 RBI’s to this point in 2012, and if those statistics keep pace in the second half, we’re looking at a final line somewhere around 30 doubles, 18 homers, and 75 RBI’s (tough math, I know). In my opinion, those numbers are something Sox fans should definitely be pleased with, should they pan out to be the case come September.
Taking a look at his splits throughout his career, he has been a little better in the second half of seasons, so I don’t think that would be too much to expect. Not to mention, most of the power numbers have come in spurts, so some more consistency could get him even better numbers. A career .319 hitter in July, a hot streak after the All Star Break could certainly propel him on to big things in the latter months of the campaign.
Beckham has certainly been better overall this year, but the discussion about his improved play does not only relate to this year, it is certain to have strong implications on the longer-term plans of the White Sox organization as well.
Long-Term Takeaway
Gordon Beckham may not turn out to be quite what we thought he’d be when the Sox drafted him 8th overall out of Georgia. However, that doesn’t mean he won’t be a huge contributor to ball clubs for years to come.
Consider the fact that every team has at least one weak spot in their batting order. Most even have a couple, and this applies for some of the best teams around the league each and every year. But is, let’s say .250, 15-20 HR and 65-80 RBI really a weak spot? If those numbers weren’t tied to a high draft pick that carried superstar expectations, as in the case with Beckham, then that offensive output would not be garnering much debate. Especially not from the (traditionally) offensively-lackluster second base position. Combine all that with the fact that Gordon Beckham will contend for a Gold Glove Award every year and you have yourself a very good player.
Now, we don’t need to shy away from the fact that Gordon Beckham still swings and missed, ultimately striking out too much, because like with all facets of his game, the improvement is clear.
As Hawk Harrelson says so often, with Gordon first and foremost it’s the mental side of the game that was hindering him. I agree with Hawk completely. Once he fully overcomes that dilemma, as it seems he finally is, then Beckham could indeed be a great veteran leader with many White Sox teams for years to come.
Beckham’s #TakeJake campaign video makes it clear that he’s relaxed and enjoying his time with the team in 2012. (Comcast SportsNet)
Many Sox fans have not realized this quite yet, but Gordon has been around a while now, and will probably be staying for the foreseeable future.
He’s a ‘White Sox guy’ through & through, so it’s time to accept him for what he is, which as I’ve just laid out, is actually a pretty good ball player.
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Posted by Founder and Managing Editor of Grab Some Bench!, Zach Gropper. Go, go White Sox!