(670 The Score) NBC Sports Chicago analyst Ozzie Guillen believes the White Sox would be better off if shortstop Tim Anderson batted fifth in their lineup rather than leading off.
"I don't know why he wants to be a leadoff hitter," Guillen said on the Mully & Haugh Show on 670 The Score on Wednesday morning. "I would put this kid batting fifth, and he would be the RBI guy. Oh my god, you're looking at some big numbers. But leadoff hitter? I know he likes it, I know people like him in the leadoff spot, but I'd rather him to be a free swinger, an RBI guy (in the fifth spot) than be a leadoff hitter."
Anderson has hit leadoff for the White Sox in every game he has played for them since the start of the 2020 season. The last time he moved around the order was in 2019, when he hit in the second spot 65 times and the seventh slot 31 times.
Anderson has hit fifth in the lineup 19 times in his seven-year MLB career.
Anderson had an injury-plagued 2022 season, hitting .301 with six homers, 25 RBIs and a .734 OPS in 79 games. Guillen expects a big season from Anderson in 2023, as he already got off on the right foot with his strong performance for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic earlier in March.
"I expect him to have a great year," Guillen said.
"This kid can be a very special player for the rest of his career."
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