Lonnie Chisenhall was busted. A freshman on the University of South Carolina baseball team, Chisenhall made for a bad burglar. Attempting to steal electronic equipment in a dorm room, Chisenhall was caught and charged with burglary and grand larceny. He served six months probation.
Drafted in the 11th round of the 2006 MLB Draft as a high school senior, Chisenhall went 29th overall in the 2008 MLB Draft to the Cleveland Racists (Indians). The third baseman signed for a $1.1 million bonus and started in A- ball. As a 19-year-old Chisenhall batted .290 in 305 plate appearances.
Chisenhall spent the following year in A+ and AA ball. The 20-year-old hit hit 22 homers with 92 RBI and 31 doubles. Chisenhall spent the entire 2010 season in AA and posted 17 homers and 84 RBI with a .278 average.
About a year after Chisenhall’s legal trouble he said this: “It taught me to be smarter… I watch my steps closer.”
The only crime in this depraved world is getting caught.
At 22-years old Chisenhall had 7 home runs and 45 RBI over 292 at-bats before being called up to The Show. In 223 at-bats Chisenhall hit 7 bombs with 22 RBI while batting .255. Chisenhall started the 2012 campaign in AAA. He didn’t belong there. In 28 games, Chisenhall batted .324.
Chisenhall went 2-4 in his first big league game of 2012. One of those hits flew over a wall in the outfield. The left-handed bat hit .278 before succumbing to an arm injury at the end of June. He currently occupires the 60-day disabled list.
The Cleveland Racists currently sit 4 games behind the AL Central lead. Their 49-49 record may not put them in the heart of the Wild Card race but they do face a legitimate opportunity to steal the Central from the headline hogging White Sox and Tigers.
The Racists could use a bat like Chisenhall. However, he was placed on the 60-day DL on July 25. The earliest he would be available would be September 24. The Racists have eight games after September 24. Chisenhall could only provide a spark in the tightest of division races.
The Indians have an exciting bat at third in the waiting. Unless the Tigers and White Sox get caught, he won’t make his impact until 2013. Unless he gets caught before then.
The Big Guy
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