Staff and wire report
CHICAGO ó Infielder Gordon Beckham, a first-round draft pick in 2008 who started his professional career with the Kannapolis Intimidators, will be called up from Triple-A Charlotte by the Chicago White Sox today.
Wilson Betemit will be designated for assignment.
Beckham was selected No. 8 overall last year after starring at Georgia. He has batted .326 with 23 doubles, four homers and 25 RBIs in 45 games at Double-A Birmingham and Charlotte this year. He appeared in 32 games at shortstop, eight at third base and four at second base.Chicago manager Ozzie Guillen said he could use Beckham in all three positions.
“One thing I’m worried about is can he handle all the positions I’m going to play him,” Guillen said. “I’m going to give him a good percentage of at-bats coming to the big leagues.”
The 22-year-old Beckham will reach the majors 364 days after being drafted. It’s the fastest a White Sox first-round choice has reached the majors since pitcher Alex Fernandez made it in 58 days in 1990, the same year he was drafted. Beckham will become the fastest Sox position player drafted in the first round to debut since shortstop Lee Richard was taken No. 6 overall in 1970 before making Chicago’s opening day roster in 1971.
Six of Beckham’s seven starts at Charlotte were at third base. He hit safely in all seven games he played for the Knights, leaving with a 3-for-5 performance that included a pair of doubles. Beckham hit .464 (13-for-28) with six doubles and three RBIs with Charlotte.
Beckham will be the third member of the 2008 draft class to reach the major leagues, joining Detroit’s Ryan Perry (No. 21) and Arizona’s Daniel Schlereth (No. 26).