Chicago White Sox: Is Tyler Flowers the Catcher of the Future?

Chicago White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski is in the twilight of his career, and as the 2012 season approaches, it's time to examine the heir apparent, Tyler Flowers.

Pierzynski is in the final year of a two-year extension back-loaded to accommodate the signings of Adam Dunn and Paul Konerko. After this season, Chicago will have to decide if they have their replacement in place.

Do the White Sox continue a bit longer with Pierzynski, move forward with Flowers, or deal for a better option?

Flowers is going to get the chance to serve as Pierzynski's backup this season after getting a chance at the majors last summer when Ramon Castro broke his hand. He then got the chance to start when Pierzynski was hit by a pitch and suffered a similar injury.

In 32 games after taking over the primary catching duties, Flowers hit .216. He did drive in 16 runs and showed some pop in his bat, hitting five homers in that span, and looked better than advertised defensively.

Flowers used a hot spring training in 2011 to mask an inability to make contact consistently since coming over in a trade from Atlanta in December 2008. He followed that up with 15 homers and a .261 average in 100 games in Triple-A Charlotte before being called to duty with the White Sox.

Flowers has struggled at the plate this spring, but seems to be cultivating a relationship with one of Chicago's starting pitchers. Jake Peavy seems to prefer throwing to Flowers, which means a semi-regular gig if Peavy stays healthy.

If Peavy remains in the White Sox rotation, it's not far-fetched to think that Flowers could wind up behind the plate in at least 40 games in 2012. Will he be able to show enough to merit a look as the starter in 2013?

At 26, Flowers is at a crossroads. If he has a bat that can handle pitching at this level, he needs to bring it out with some consistency this season. That may prove difficult in a spot-starting role.

Pierzynski went on the disabled list for the first time last season. If he stays on the field in 2012, it doesn't present much audition time for Flowers.

The organization is going to take a hard look at Flowers and make a decision on what their next move is behind the plate. It may come in a once-a-week capacity, but it may be the only chance Flowers gets.