Position by Position Analysis: Center Field

Much like Scott Podsednik in left field, Brian Anderson had his share of troubles in 2006. Brian posted .225/.290/.359 line in 365 AB. After a slow start, Anderson had to split time in center with utility man Rob Mackowiak. Anderson's VORP was -13.3. Although Brian showed little to nothing in his first full season at the dish, he was very good in the field. Although that can't offset his tribulations at the plate, his defense was certainly above average. His FRAR was 26, two above the average for CF, 24.

There are many things to consider when evaluating Anderson's future. Firstly, will Brian be put in a position to succeed? Ozzie Guillen has been rough on Brian, splitting his time with Mackowiak. It showed a lot when Anderson was benched in the second game of the season. This is just one example in a series of mishandlings by Guillen. He simply refuses to develop young talent the way he should. He is incredibly impatient and bullheaded (see: Sean Tracey, Brandon McCarthy, Brian Anderson). He seems to only like fast guys who can't hit (see: Jerry Owens, Juan Pierre).

That being said, what can be done to improve upon such a weak position? I say, stay with Anderson. BP is very high on him in their five year forecast, expecting very good numbers by his second full year. They see a steady progression from year to year. Their forecasts for Jerry Owens and Ryan Sweeney were not so optimistic. BP projects Jerry Owens to be out of baseball in four years, and Sweeney to be a Juan Pierre caliber hitter without the speed. Anderson was even likened to former Pirates outfielder Andy Van Slyke for his tools and maturing baseball skills.

If Anderson can manage to get on base 33% of the time (optimistic after last season), he should get almost every start. Unfortunately, Guillen seems more enamored with speed and contact than a well rounded ballplayer coming into his own. If the Sox can upgrade offensively in LF and at short, they can afford a Cesar Izturis like performance from the 25 year old Anderson. You can bat him ninth, and hope that the three headed monster of Jermaine Dye, Jim Thome, and Paul Konerko can come close to last year's production. As long as the older, worse black hole (Juan Uribe) is cut loose, Anderson will look just fine in 2007 and beyond.

We've got two positions filled, Ryan Church in left and Anderson in center. Let's just pencil Dye into right field and move onto 3b next time.