Tyler Flowers

2013

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2012

A year ago, it looked like Flowers' prospect clock was running low. But an .890 OPS at Triple-A Charlotte and then some regular playing time in the majors in August and September have us hopeful once again. He only hit .209 and struck out in nearly a third of his 110 big league at-bats, but 10 of his 23 hits went for extra-bases and he walked 14 times. It is not clear if the White Sox will allow him to start the season as A.J. Pierzynksi's backup or if they will want him to receive everyday at-bats at Triple-A, but he could reach double-digits in home runs if the White Sox decide to phase out Pierzynski.

2011

Flowers was supposed to push A.J. Pierzynski for the starting catcher role in 2010, but he took a step back and his standing in the White Sox organization appears much weaker in December 2010 than in December 2009. Flowers only managed a .220/.334/.434 line in his first full season at Triple-A Charlotte, and five of his 16 home runs came in a 10-game window. He played sparingly during a September callup, and he appears destined for another full season in Charlotte in 2011 after the White Sox re-signed Pierzynski to a two-year deal in the offseason.

2010

Flowers’ first season in the White Sox’s organization culminated in a September callup, though he didn’t get much playing time in his first trip to the majors. He posted a decent season split between Double-A Birmingham and Triple-A Charlotte, but 13 of his 15 home runs came in his 77 games in Birmingham. He averaged about a strikeout per game again, but that will be palatable as long as the power translates to the majors. The big question is whether he will start 2010 in Chicago or Charlotte? Even if it were the former, then he would serve as A.J. Pierzynski’s backup, which is a pretty worthless short-term role, but he could factor into the DH discussion. Pierzynski’s contract expires at season's end, so Flowers should be behind the plate come Opening Day 2011.

2009

Flowers had a very good year at High-A Myrtle Beach, showing good power (17 home runs) and rare patience at the plate for a catcher (98 walks). It’s not clear if his glove is good enough to keep him behind the plate as he moves through the minors, but that may not be as much of a factor since he can now DH in the American League after being traded to the White Sox from Atlanta in December. He'll likely start next season at Double-A, but could rise quickly -- especially with his path to the majors clearer in his new organization.