Beckham Signs with ChiSox

The Chicago White Sox have agreed to terms on a minor-league contract with infielder Gordon Beckham, the club s 2008 first-round choice (eighth overall) from the University of Georgia.

Beckham, 21, hit .411 (113-275) with 22 doubles, 28 home runs, 77 RBI and 17 stolen bases during his junior season in 2008, leading the Bulldogs to the College World Series finals. In the three-game CWS loss to Fresno State, Beckham went 7-12 (.583) with two home runs and five RBI.

He ranked among the NCAA Division I leaders in home runs (T1st), runs scored (2nd, 97), total bases (2nd, 226), hits (4th, 113) and slugging percentage (5th, .804). Beckham also finished his Georgia career with a school-record 53 home runs.

The 6-foot-0, 190-pounder was a finalist for the USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award and the Dick Howser Award, garnered First-Team All-America accolades and was named SEC Player of the Year. Beckham also was ranked by Baseball America as the third-best collegiate athlete in the draft and the No. 6 draft prospect overall.

Beckham, who was recommended by White Sox scouts Kevin Burrell and Nick Hostetler, will report to Class A Kannapolis tomorrow.