GLENDALE, Ariz. (670 The Score) -- After a breakout season in which he revealed his exuberant style and joy for the game, shortstop Tim Anderson wants to continue to put his stamp on the White Sox and the sport itself in 2020.
"The ultimate goal for every team is to go to the playoffs and win a championship," Anderson said. "My goal is to have fun and not to worry about what other people are saying about us. We need to not worry about what the media is saying about us -- just control what we have in the locker room."
Anderson, 26, is the reigning American League batting champion after hitting .335 in 2019, when he also had 18 homers, 56 RBIs and an .865 OPS in 123 games. His play was accompanied by plenty of showmanship, which his teammates and most fans loved but which sometimes rubbed his opponents the wrong way -- such as when the Royals took issue with his bat flip last April.
Anderson has no plans to change, as he views energizing his teammates as part of his job responsibility.
"I definitely expect that style to continue and us showing what we are all about," Anderson said. "The idea is to continue to try and get better. It's about hard work, and I am going to do the work that the organization requires."
After a 72-win season, the White Sox had a big offseason. They signed left-hander Dallas Keuchel, designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion and reliever Steve Cishek, among others. Keuchel has been a part of four teams to reach the playoffs, while Encarnacion has made five playoff trips.
Anderson is pumped about the new vibe in White Sox camp.
"We got guys in here that have been there before," Anderson said of the team's playoff goal. "So, of course, I am going to talk to those guys and see what it is like. I have never been (in the postseason), so the goal is to win. When you put guys like that in the mix, it definitely will help. We are ready to rock and roll. I am all in."
Anderson is focused on improving his entire game, which includes defensive work after a 26-error season.
"I really locked in and learned how to do it," Anderson said about going to his right defensively to make the routine play. "When you learn how to do something (properly), it takes the frustration out of it. I am going to keep trying to work at it and be as consistent as I can be. I went in and did it myself without someone else telling me what to do. You do take what coaches tell you, but you can be your own coach as well."
Anderson also aims to continue to be his own man, regardless of what outsiders think of how he plays and celebrates.
"I am who I am," Anderson said. "You only get one life, and I am going to live it to the fullest. Nobody can control me on what I can or can't do. If anybody has a problem with that, we can talk about it. The answer is going to be either yes or no. I don't listen to the noise. No one is going to get into my head. But I do things in the right way."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
