As one former Washington National emerges, another fades away

We can’t get the cart ahead of the horse here, Brian Goodwin has not exactly emergered in his two days with the Chicago White Sox. Though, the former first round draft pick of the Washington Nationals did break onto the scene on the Southside in a monumental way.

As for another former Nationals outfielder, Adam Eaton, the going is getting tough in his second tour of duty with the ChiSox.

Let us begin with the positive story. After becoming “that guy”, Goodwin has resurfaced back in the big leagues with a division leader. Injury may have created the opportunity for him to make it to the Majors this go around, though if he hits (and hits with power like he did on day one) the White Sox will find a home for him on the active roster.

Just as former National Brian Goodwin breaks onto the scene, Adam Eaton fades into the background.

Goodwin may have benefited from being at the right place at the right time. As the White Sox took on the Detroit, Jose Urena toed the rubber for the Tigers. He abruptly gave up eight runs in the first two innings. Goodwin stroked a run scoring double his first time up, then smacked a three run home run an inning later. He was 2-2 with four runs batted in before most people got to their seats.

As Goodwin was getting off to a great start to his White Sox career, Adam Eaton and his .200 batting average were stuck wondering if a DFA is coming. We are not holding our breath on the Goodwin production lasting, because Eaton got off to the hot start this year before cooling, drastically.

Eaton homered on Opening Day, hit three home runs the first two weeks, and had hits in 14 of his first 17 games. Great production for a table setter on a team looking to win the division for the first time since 2008. The good times have stopped rolling, however. The batting average has dropped to as low as .194 and Eaton’s OPS is the lowest it has been in his ten year career.

The natives in Chicago are restless, ready to see less of Adam Eaton, regardless of who replaces him.

With Chicago sitting atop the American League Central Division, only time and production will tell, if either of these guys continues their tenure with the team. As for Goodwin, he is off to a great start. Eaton, not so much.