White Sox sign first-round pick Tim Anderson; Shortstop to begin career at Advanced Rookie Bristol

CHICAGO - The Chicago White Sox signed shortstop Tim Anderson, their first-round pick (17th overall) in the 2013 First-Year Player Draft, to a minor-league contract with a $2.164-million bonus.

Anderson, a 19-year-old sophomore, was named a First-Team NJCAA Division II All-American in 2013 at East Central Community College in Decatur, Miss. after leading the nation with a .495 (91-184) average and 62 runs scored while finishing second with 41 stolen bases. 

The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Anderson, who bats and throws right-handed, added 18 doubles, 11 triples, 10 home runs, 45 RBI, a .563 on-base and .864 slugging percentage for the Diamond Warriors this season. He is a finalist for the NJCAA Division II Player of the Year award.

Prior to being drafted by Chicago, Anderson signed a National Letter of Intent to play baseball at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. He is a product of Hillcrest High School in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Anderson, who was recommended by White Sox scout Warren Hughes, will begin his professional career with Advanced Rookie Bristol of the Appalachian League.