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By Drew VonScio
Contributing Sports Writer
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Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony made his debut on June 9 last season, and he has been an impact player for the organization since he arrived. While he still hasn't reached his full potential, he is well on his way to doing it in the near future.
With spring training in the early phases, the Red Sox are hoping for a great year from Anthony. Hall of Fame infielder Chipper Jones believes Anthony can be one of the best in baseball for a very long time.
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"Not gonna lie ... I like him," Jones told ESPN's Buster Olney in a text. "Just watched 20 minutes of video. Bat stays in the strike zone a long time. ... Looked at stats first, and 84 strikeouts in 257 at-bats is alarming, but that could be a product of learning the league. Would like to see him get into his legs a bit more, because when he does, he hits for power. There is a ton of talent there. I see a .300 hitter with home run talent. With more consistent contact, you have a perennial All-Star."
A .300 hitter that is a perennial All-Star would put Anthony in line to end his career with an inside track to Cooperstown. If he adds a handful of individual accolades in his career, his ticket would almost certainly be booked. However, he does not turn 22 until May, so he is a long ways away from thinking about the Hall of Fame.
Anthony hit eight home runs and drove in 32 runs in his first 257 big league at-bats. Most full-time players record between 500-600 at-bats over a full 162 game season, so he was sitting at approximately a 16-home run pace. Boston would ideally love to see it get closer to 20 this year.
Even with the Red Sox outfield logjam, Anthony is going to play. He will get every opportunity this season to improve on a solid rookie campaign, and he may just prove Jones right in the process.
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