Gordon Beckham

2013

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2012

It seemed as if Beckham took another step beck in 2011, and he could not blame those struggles on a defensive position switch. In fact, defense was probably the strongest part of Beckham's portfolio in an otherwise forgettable season. He struck out in nearly 20 percent of his at-bats after showing solid plate discipline in his first two seasons, and his slugging percentage dipped from .460 in 2009 to .337 in 2011. Time spent with new hitting coach Jeff Manto might get Beckham right, in which case he would be a prime candidate for the No. 2 spot in the lineup. If not, he's looking at another season plagued by inconsistency at the plate and a regular place in the bottom third of the order.

2011

There were times during the 2010 season when Beckham was probably the worst hitter in the White Sox's lineup. For example, he did not have an extra-base hit during May, which was also a month that saw a .159 batting average. However, there was a stretch over July and August when he hit a combined seven home runs and posted an OPS on the good side of .900. His season ended with a hand injury in September, but that should not be a concern heading into 2011. It is unclear how much Beckham's transition from third base to second had to do with his early-season struggles, but he will remain at second for the foreseeable future.

2010

Well that was quick. The White Sox only gave Beckham a total of 233 minor league at-bats between 2008 and 2009 before calling him up in early June. He quickly became one of the team's more consistent hitters, hitting .300/.374/.469 in his first 47 games, and he eventually settled into the No. 2 spot in the lineup. His average fell off a bit toward the end of the season, but he still hit six home runs over the season's final month and walked nearly as often as he struck out (11:14 BB:K in September, 41:65 on the season). His biggest challenge heading into 2010 will be learning his third position in as many years. He spent his college and minor league days at short, was forced to third base when he was called up and will shift to second following the team’s acquisition of Mark Teahen. Second base may be a better fantasy fit for his current power level (28 doubles, 14 home runs in 378 at-bats) as long as the transition doesn't affect his bat.

2009

The eighth pick in last June's draft is a polished college product who will come quickly for an organization lacking in hitting prospects and middle infielders. Beckham is a safe bet to eventually be a .280/15/80/80/10 guy in the majors, and could very well hit for more power and average. He doesn't have the upside to reach the Hanley Ramirez/Jose Reyes/Jimmy Rollins stratosphere, but he could be capable of reaching that next tier, particularly if his power translates at the major league level. One other issue to be cognizant of is what position he ends up playing - White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen seems wedded to Alexei Ramirez sticking at shortstop.