Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports
Arguably the biggest offseason headline for the Chicago White Sox was the departure of A.J. Pierzynski. Although he’s booed and hated in just about every other city in the MLB, Pierzynski was a fan favorite in Chicago. Many White Sox fans may miss his leadership and the moxie he brings to the diamond, but there’s something much more important that is lacking from the Sox with Pierzynski gone —his bat.
Pierzynski may not be the best defensive catcher in the league, however, his hitting is what separates him from most catchers in the MLB.
Since 2006, Pierzynski has finished in the top five in the American League in both AVG and OBP every year expect one. He’s also coming off a season where he set a career high in HR (27) and tied a career high in RBI (77).
Currently third in both AVG and OBP among AL catchers, Pierzynski has continued to swing the bat since moving from the Sox to the Texas Rangers.
The Sox, who are dead last in team OBP and second to last in team AVG in the entire MLB, have definitely missed Pierzynski’s production from the plate so far in 2013.
Tyler Flowers is the South Siders new everyday catcher and although Flowers may have an edge on Pierzynski from a defensive standpoint, his offense has been a huge reason the Sox have struggled to score runs this season.
Flowers is hitting just .177 this year, which is second to last among starting catchers in the AL. After hitting a homer in the Sox first two games, Flowers hasn’t been able to find his swing. The 27-year-old catcher has already changed his batting stance this season, but he still isn’t hitting his weight.
Although Flowers has the time and talent to get on track this season, I’d be shocked if he puts up numbers similar to Pierzynski. If Chicago once again fails to reach the postseason in 2013 and Pierzynski has another productive year, many Sox fans may wonder if their former backstop could have made a difference.
Matt Malecha is a Chicago White Sox writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattMalecha and add him to your network on Google.
