Juan Pierre eyeing more success with the Chicago White Sox
There is not much one can say about Juan Pierre because he is someone who can run fast and make any opponent on the field blink in disbelief. The player is a success story and that is something the 33-year-old ball player is well
aware of. His 11 years of service in the major league have earned him a reputation of a superstar. His contribution through his footwork is a feature that is not available on most clubs’ lists.
The Chicago white Sox player has been pouncing on a good ride with the club since his joining in 2010. His first season in the American League Central division did not lack flare and vigour as the speedy man made the most of on
base positions count. He has not only been part of the Florida Marlins’ World Series winning team, but also has the history to back him up as the best ‘runs getter’ in Major League Baseball.
Speaking of Pierre’s success, one can listen to Jay-Z sing about the player’s speed in the song, Déjà vu. The resilient runner has the backing of his manager, Ozzie Guillen who will be looking for a World Series appearance, this
year. Last season’s performance by Juan was unparalleled in comparison to other seasons he had spent with the Colorado Rockies, Florida Marlins, Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
He was rewarded with the first ranking position of stealing bases in 2010. In 160 games, the left fielder produced a decent batting average of .275. He managed to smash only one home run during the tenure, while driving in 47 runs
for the club. His on base percentage stood at .341 and his slugging rate went up to .316. His biggest contribution came with the base steals as he amassed 68. He was ranked first in the league and was given the 10th position in earning runs as he
piled up 96 during the season.
Pierre joins the list of Otis Nixon and Ron LeFlore as the only player to lead the National League and the American League in base steals. He was able to talk about his hallmark achievement, mentioning LeFlore, who gained the title
with the Detroit Tigers and the Expos.
"It will be nice to tell my kids one day," said Pierre of matching LeFlore. "With all the great base stealers, I would think someone would have done it before, because I know Rickey Henderson bounced to the NL later in his career.
Or maybe Tim Raines? I guess that's a pretty good feat. I take a lot of pride in my stolen bases, with a lot of homework put into it. It's cool to look back and say that's something I accomplished."
With Adam Dunn, Paul Konerko and A.J. Pierzynski in the batting line up, Pierre’s responsibilities are about to get much intense.
"Oh, without a doubt," Pierre said. "I had a lot of games last year where I would go the whole game and face guys I never faced or saw before. Another year in the league will help me get more comfortable, but I don't make any excuses.
With the way I work, I should be ready to hit anybody. That one year, even knowing the (White Sox) team, playing with guys like Konerko and knowing what they like and don't like, it's great being here another year. But it's not about 100 runs or stolen bases.
I'm at the point of my career where I never was a stat guy, but now it's more so all about winning."
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