2011 V1 - Xander Gets His Chance

[kestu]

Xander Jones entered the 2011 without a definitive role in the Black Sox outfield. 2010 saw the Black Sox put up All-Star caliber numbers at each OF position with Bart Lavigne, Brodie Burt and Edgar Medina. More of the same was expected in 2011 but Jones had nothing left to prove in AAA and earned a 4th OF spot with a starting position against LHP.

That quickly changed with Brodie Burt fracturing his hand only 3 weeks into the season. Jones was quickly moved into the starting LF position to fill Burt's spot in the lineup. Jones responded admirably by hitting .328 with 11 home runs during the season's first 3 months. When Burt returned to the lineup in early July, Jones' performance combined with Medina's disappointing start earned him a full time job for the rest of the season.

Shortly after being moved into the #3 spot in the order, Jones fractured his rib and missed the next 5 weeks of the season. By this time, Jones had become such an integral part of the team that losing him during the heat of the playoff race was considered a significant blow. Quite the rise over a short 4 month period. Jones' second injury - a sprained ankle suffered in only his 4th game back was a season-ender.

For the season, Jones finished the year hitting .309 with 12 home runs (none after the all-star break) and 43 stolen bases. He looks likely to finish the year 2nd in the ROY voting.