Chicago White Sox: Alejandro De Aza Should Get His Shot in Center in 2012

The Sox need a low-cost, defensively sound outfielder. They also need a leadoff hitter.

If this were any other year, you'd expect Kenny Williams to be throwing around free-agent dollars to try to fill the position. This year, he can't. That's all right. He shouldn't have to.

The answer is right here in the organization.

Alejandro De Aza is the man to fill the hole at the top of the order. No, he isn't what you would call a traditional leadoff man like Juan Pierre, who won't be back.

Ozzie Guillen wanted a traditional leadoff man. Ozzie Guillen is no longer manager of the White Sox.

A leadoff man's job is to get on base and score runs. De Aza's on-base percentage was over 70 points better that Pierre's in 2011. He drew walks at a higher rate (10 percent of his plate appearances as opposed to six percent by Pierre).

He isn't the prolific base stealer Pierre has been throughout his career, but De Aza did swipe 12 bases in 54 games. That went along with a .329 average and a take-charge glove in the outfield. This past summer, he showed some pop in his bat as well.

While fans pined for Dayan Viciedo to join the team, De Aza was easily the most impressive call-up this summer.

It would seem like De Aza earned the right to get a full season to show what he can do in the lineup. However, unless Williams moves some pieces, he may not see more than part-time duty.

That would be unfortunate as De Aza is just the kind of player the White Sox need in the aftermath of the "All-In" disappointment.

De Aza may not be able to sustain his excellence at the plate over 162 games. However, a .280 season with 25 to 30 steals, 80 to 90 runs and solid glove work doesn't seem out of his reach. At 27, he's not what one thinks of as a prospect, but he potentially brings a lot more value per dollar than another year of Alex Rios in center.

With an inexpensive option available that could yield big results in De Aza, it makes no sense not to open a spot for him. Hopefully Robin Ventura will be given the chance to employ him in center and in the leadoff spot full-time in 2012.