(670 The Score) NBC Sports Chicago analyst Ozzie Guillen believes the White Sox would be better off keeping veteran Elvis Andrus as their everyday shortstop even when Tim Anderson returns from the injured list – but he isn’t under any impression that will actually happen.
Andrus has performed admirably since signing with the White Sox in mid-August, as he’s hitting .286 with a .786 OPS in 17 games with Chicago. Andrus has also been strong defensively, which isn’t a surprise but has certainly been a welcome sight for a White Sox team that has struggled with its glove work all season.
Anderson underwent surgery in August to repair a ligament tear in a finger. He’s expected back before the end of the regular season, though he hasn’t even begun swinging a bat again yet. Guillen believes Andrus logging the majority of time at shortstop -- with Anderson still getting his bat in the lineup elsewhere -- would be the wisest move for the White Sox when Anderson returns.
“It’s not an easy situation,” Guillen said on the Mully & Haugh Show on Thursday morning. “I don’t say Elvis Andrus is a better player. He never will be a better player than Tim Anderson. But is he a better shortstop? Yes, by a lot.
Is he a better leader? Yes, by a lot – a leader on the field. I don’t know about off the field … But on the field, you can see he goes out and talks to the pitcher, he’s the first one on the mound, he’s the first one to control the infield.
“You talk about the position of playing shortstop, Elvis Andrus is a way better shortstop than TA.”
When healthy, Anderson has been a dominant offensive force and catalyst for the White Sox, but he hasn’t performed up to his standards in 2022. He’s hitting .301 with six homers, 25 RBIs and a .734 OPS in 79 games this season.
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