Levine: Tyler Saladino Embracing Bigger Responsibility, Everyday SS Gig

By Bruce Levine--

GLENDALE, Ariz. (CBS) -- A team that struggled to score and prevent the opposition from crossing the plate in 2015 might be looking at a second-year infielder to help turn its fortunes around. Tyler Saladino will replace Alexei Ramirez as the Chicago White Sox's everyday shortstop in 2016.

Chicago's front office made the offseason decision to cut bait on the Ramirez contract, which it could've picked up for one year at $10 million. The White Sox paid Ramirez a $1-million buyout and have now embraced the 26-year-old Saladino, who has played just 10 games at shortstop in the big leagues.

"We believe Tyler is up to the challenge," general manager Rick Hahn said. "Tyler has always hit better in his second season at each level that he has progressed through the minor leagues. His natural position is shortstop. We needed help at third base last season, and he really dd a fine job picking up the team."

Saladino replaced Conor Gillaspie at third base after getting called up in the first part of July 2015. He hit a solid .260 in July and gave the down-in-the-dumps White Sox a much-needed lift. Hitting the ball to the opposite field, getting the uniform dirty and blasting a couple of big home runs made Saladino a teammate and fan favorite right away.

Then the long season and challenge of major league pitching took its toll on Saladino over the next two months. He hit .219 with a .534 OPS in August and .208 with a .630 OPS in September. For the season, Saladino batted .225 with four homers, 20 RBIs and a .602 OPS in 68 games.

The adjustments to the big leagues will have to continue on offense for him now.

"We have a lot of confidences in Tyler," Hahn said in early February. "That is especially true from a defensive standpoint. Should he wind up as the everyday shortstop, hitting in the nine hole, we know he will be able to do the certain things we are looking for out of that spot."

The White Sox took a look at free-agent shortstop Ian Desmond, but they believed his high strikeout totals in the past two seasons (an average of 185 per year) and average defense wasn't a fit. Carlos Sanchez will back Saladino up at shortstop, while top prospect Tim Anderson gets more seasoning at Triple-A. Anderson's not a refined product on defense but will hopefully fill the position in the big league beginning in 2017.

This set of circumstances leaves Saladino as the man at shortstop in 2016.

"I am looking forward to this," Saladino said Thursday upon arriving at spring training early.  "I got a nice head start in the off season witj (strength coach Alan Thomas') conditioning program. I am ready."

Ramirez was a splendid player for the White Sox for eight seasons. Now, the affable and hard-working Saladino appears ready for the bigger challenge.

Eventually, Saladino's hitting will determine how long he mans the position. Initially, the team will be happy with a strong defensive showing from him.

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.