2009 Chicago White Sox: Second Base

Second base this year will be an intriguing position to watch. The three candidates for the starting job are all experienced at the Major League level. The three candidates are: Brent Lillibridge, Chris Getz, and Jayson Nix. Let’s go over all three of them.

Brent Lillibridge has the most Major League experience out of the three…….with 29 games played. That really shows the inexperience here. However, he is a player the White Sox need. In 2008, they did not have a true lead-off hitter, one that could get on base and steal. Lillibridge is like a Scott Podsednik……he can get on base, and the management says he can steal 40 bases this year! And a speedster in the lineup would truly bolster the White Sox. Lillibridge isn’t the kind of player that will hit home runs. He may hit a few a year, but he is a contact hitter. Last year, he struggled both in AAA and in Atlanta, having averages of less than .221 both times. Also, he has a tendency to strike out more than usual. However, he did manage to swipe 23 bags with Richmond that year.

Chris Getz is also competing for the job, and right now, is the front-runner among the other two. He has been raised through the White Sox system since 2005, and the management has had the best look at him. And he really seems to be the best for the job. Last year, White Sox fans got a short glimpse of Getz in 7 at-bats. He looked comfortable in his debut, and can handle the full-time job. He played most of last year in AAA Charlotte, hitting for an average of .302. He also has moderate speed, and can steal 10-20 bases in the majors, and could also be a potential lead-off type of player.

Lastly, Jayson Nix is the other player going out for second base. Nix seems to be able to hit for power more than the other two. Last year, playing in the Colorado system, Nix his .303 with 17 homers for Colorado Springs, which also earned him a promotion to the majors. However, he was more of a disappointment, and in 56 at-bats, he hit only .125. But, he earned a trip to Beijing to play for the USA Olympic team, and has had impressive numbers down on the farm for the past two years. Once again, he has moderate speed, like Getz, and could swipe a few bags.

Whoever comes out on top will be determined bySpring Training. But GM Kenny Williams always seems to spot the undiscovered talent who always turn out to play well for the South Side. It will be an interesting battle.

Jayson Nix

Chris Getz

Brent Lillibridge

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