The Chicago White Sox drafted short stop Tim Anderson #17 overall in the first round of the MLB Draft tonight. Anderson is a speedster with 41 stolen bases, also can play CF.
The White Sox took Anderson out of East Central Community College in Decatur, Miss. Anderson had a big year in Division II of the NJCAA, hitting .495 with 10 home runs. For the third year in a row, the White Sox have drafted a position player with their first pick in the draft. Last year, the White Sox selected outfielder Courtney Hawkins, and in 2011, they picked Keenyn Walker, an outfielder who also played in junior college.
From Cubs Den, John Arguello Live Blog of MLB Draft:
The White Sox select SS Tim Anderson, a very fast, very athletic player who needs a lot of work and is about to take a big step up in competitIon. High upside but also high risk. At this point, considering he’ll probably stick at a premium position, I think it’s a risk worth taking.
And his mock draft:
I thought about putting him up as high as the Phillies but I think they’ll take Smith if he’s there. Anderson would give the Reds a second elite athletic prospect to go with Billy Hamilton, but Anderson has a much better chance to stay in the infield — possibly even at SS.
Remember, Arguello is not a White Sox fan; he is a Cubs fan. Arguello had Anderson mocked #27 to the Cincinnati Reds, so the White Sox taking him 10 slots earlier is no doubt a stretch.
We’ll see what the White Sox do with this pick; if anything.
Paul M. Banks is the owner of The Sports Bank.net. He’s also an author who also contributes regularly to MSN, Fox Sports , Chicago Now, Walter Football.com and Yardbarker
Banks has appeared on the History Channel, as well as Clear Channel, ESPN and CBS radio all over the world. President Barack Obama follows him on Twitter (@PaulMBanks), like him on Facebook