Levine: Avisail Garcia Is A Work In Progress For White Sox
By Bruce Levine--
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The player development of White Sox outfielder Avisail Garcia has been an ongoing story in 2015. The promising power-hitting Garcia has been through the first-year baseball roller coaster of good and bad all season.
This up-and-down season has included some spectacular highs that have included two amazing over-the-fence, game-saving catches and an American League-leading 15 outfield assists.
The lows have been an otherwise inconsistent defensive effort, questionable routes to the baseball and a less-than-average rating in securing fly balls hit over his head.
The offensive part of the game has had its ups and downs as well. He was hitting .266 with 11 home runs and 47 RBIs entering play Thursday. Projected out, Garcia is on pace for a 15-home run, 65-RBI season. Those aren't horrible numbers, but they certainly don't scream future All-Star quite yet.
"This is my first full season, so I have had a lot to learn," Garcia said. "I have learned a lot of things. There have been some tough times, and I have tried to get better from them."
Playing some singles into doubles and not appearing to go all out after balls into the gaps have raised an eyebrow or two in the dugout and the stands. One day in June, Garcia asked a coach why he wasn't playing that evening. The coach told him he hadn't looked that interested in going after a ball the night before and said, "We think you should watch this one from the bench tonight."
At 6-foot5 and 230 pounds, Garcia looks like he should be a 30-home run, 100-RBI man in the future. And the White Sox feel he has that type of skill set.
"He is a young player and people forget that this is really his first full year," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. "As any young player, there are things he needs to improve on. Like many young players, he hits the ball on the ground too much for a guy of his size and power. He will learn to elevate and get balls into the air. Defensively, we are always working on that. He has room to grow out there, no question."
Scouts have alluded to the swing-and-miss factor on fastballs for Garcia. Most young players come into the league being able to mash the fastball. In Garcia's case, he's a better breaking ball hitter.
Garcia has a vision for 2016 and beyond.
"I am not satisfied with the season I have had," he said. "I hope to build every season off the last one. I want to put up better numbers each year. I don't want to build up to 30 or 40 home runs and then hit five. Baseball is a tough game, and only the best players get better or stay consistent every year. That's what I want to do."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
