Recently, the White Sox made a minor trade when they sent outfielder Peter Bourjos to the Tampa Bay Rays for cash considerations. While it may seem small at first, the trade opens a huge opportunity for young prospect Jacob May. Wait, who? Exactly.
Jacob May is definitely not one of the sexier names in the White Sox farm system,
ranking 26th in their top 30. Last year he made it up to Triple-A, but went through his own set of struggles that included a career low OBP of .309.
Rollercoaster Of A Spring
This Spring Training, the center field spot was 12th ranked White Sox prospect Charlie Tilson's to lose. Unfortunately, the injury bug has not been especially kind to Tilson, thus creating a position battle between Bourjos and May. Obviously since Bourjos has since been traded to the Rays, Jacob May now finds himself as the White Sox Opening Day center fielder.
May has taken full advantage of his Spring Training invite, putting up a very solid slash line. After going 2-4 today he is now hitting .339/.361/.525 in 61 plate appearances. Even May seems to realize that no one was really giving him a shot, but it looks like the doubters have been fueling him all throughout the spring.
"Honestly I came into this spring feeling personally as a dark horse in this whole thing. Not someone that is really talked about a lot, which is fine with me. I don't really care about that stuff. It gave me a little chip on my shoulder. People didn't expect too much from me. I know the organization knows what I'm capable of doing, which is all that really matters."
-Jacob May on Being Named The White Sox Center Fielder
Physique, Tools
Age-25
Height/weight- 5'10, 180
Bats/throws- S, R
Jacob May is definitely not going to be known for launching home runs into the bleachers at Guaranteed Rate Field. In fact, on the 20-80 grade scale the MLB uses to rate tools, May's power checks in at just a 25. However, with his lack of power, May also brings a ++ speed tool, grading out at 70. If he can focus on hitting for contact and putting the ball in play, his speed will give him plenty of chances to beat out throws for infield singles. Once he is on base he can use his speed to keep pitchers honest as well. As for defense, May improved on his reads a lot last year, and though his arm is average, it is enough to get the job done in center.
Leadoff Man
With Rick Hahn on record that Tim Anderson is the likely no. 2 hitter in the White Sox lineup, Jacob May will take the leadoff role for the South Siders. It really is a perfect fit. A contact hitter with elite speed, May could end up being a pleasant surprise this season. If he fails, it's not the worst thing in the world. No one really gave him a chance to begin with. If he exceeds expectations, he could find himself a solid role in the lineup this year and future seasons.
Final Outlook
Jacob May has struggled to consistently hit upper level pitching throughout his career. If he can hit in the area of .270 this season, White Sox fans should be absolutely ecstatic. However, it is much more realistic for him to sit in the .245-.250 range. From being classified as a fourth outfielder to suddenly being the starting center fielder in just a month's time, Jacob May has the opportunity of a lifetime in front of him. Time will tell how tightly he can grasp it.
