Why the Chicago White Sox claimed Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Alen Hanson off waivers last week and then added him to their roster remains unclear. Hanson, 24, hit .205/.239/.261 in parts of two seasons in the National League; his minor-league record doesn’t suggest he has much to offer at the plate past that; and if there’s one thing the Pale Hose don’t need, it’s players who can’t hit. While the mystery remains, we can rule bunting ability off the list of things team brass may have seen in Hanson. Note that the bases were clear here; he was, it seems, just trying to reach first.
Disclosure: The author of this piece has been provided Gordon Beckham’s used footwear by the Chicago White Sox, and has been sent a Hawk Harrelson alarm clock by a White Sox enthusiast. His opinions are his own.