Traded to the Chicago White Sox. His Scoutable ™ report from AriBall.com:
- Hits cutters very well (3 times better than the average MLB player), which is why pitchers avoid throwing them to him. In 2008 he struggled with cutters, so this shows he can still adjust at the plate.
- Hit away pitches 40% better in 2009 than in 2008.
- Hits FB effectively when in play, batting 0.512 (0.337 is avg).
- Has improved from 2008 by getting into hitters counts 50% more often.
- Stretches 2nd to home often on singles – 15 of 21 chances.
- Still just 28 yrs old.
- Above average power.
- Below avg fielder at 3B and OF.
- Strikes out frequently – 27% of PA (17% is avg). High K/BB ratio of 4.27 (1.78 is avg).
- Struggles catching up to high 2-seam FB across and above the numbers.
- Big hole below the knees and inside – he got hits only 6% of the time off his 59 swings there, especially against sliders.
- Struggles against changeups.
- Spray hitter.
- Compact batting stance top-to-bottom.