Joe

Borchard

According to Manager Ozzie Guillen, “The only guy I’m going to throw out there every day and see what we have is Borchard. I can’t judge anybody on 100 at-bats. That’s why I’ll play him the rest of the season.” He has struggled so far this season, posting only a .165/.250/.237 line in 97 at-bats, so if Borchard does not produce in September he may be out of the Sox’ plans for good by this winter.

With injured soon-to-be free agent Magglio Ordonez’s return to Chicago very questionable, the White Sox must decide if Borchard is capable of taking over in right field. If not, they will likely sign a free agent. Borchard is batting .149 with three home runs and five RBI in 37 games.

Borchard is 2-for-3 in two Cactus League games and has a home run in a ‘B’ game, but his opportunities to impress have been limited.

He’s trying to win a job in centerfield this spring. He’ll be ready to play on Monday.

The 25-year-old former first overall pick is batting .221, and has struck out almost as many times as he has registered base hits (20/21). White Sox GM Kenny Williams still believes in Borchard, and wants the outfielder to relax and not worry about his less than impressive results to date. To us, it looks like the Sox wasted a $5.3 million signing bonus on a hitter who just doesn’t make enough contact. Jeremy Reed and Ryan Sweeney are better outfield prospects than Borchard is right now.

The roster spot was needed for the recently acquired Carl Everett. Borchard will be back in September, if not sooner.

He hit .452 (14-for-31) this past week with five homers and an impressive 18 RBI. Perhaps there is hope for Borchard yet. Aaron Rowand has had two strong games for the White Sox this week, so Borchard may have to wait a little while longer for the opportunity to steal the Chicago center field job.

Borchard has hit .441 (15-for-34), with five home runs and 20 RBI over the last eight games. The White Sox could see if the hot streak will carry over into the majors by giving him a chance to play center field over Aaron Rowand and Timo Perez.

A poorly-timed injury for Borchard. It looks like Jeremy Reed will be called up if the White Sox opt to place Magglio Ordonez on the disabled list.

Joe Borchard, Timo Perez, and Ross Gload will share time. Borchard clearly has the most upside here, and GM Kenny Williams has a man-crush on him, but he’s going to have to shine quickly to keep the other guys on the bench.