steveno89

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Jun 12, 2017 -> 12:16 PM) I really doubt it. I highly doubt he gets drafted day 1 by any organization. Far too many other players that do not have that level of baggage associated with them.

QUOTE (beautox @ Jun 12, 2017 -> 12:03 PM) pipe dream scenario 1(11) - Adam Haseley 2(49) - Brendon Little 3(87) - Brent Rooker 4(117) - Luis Gonzalez 5(147) - Will Toffey If Rooker is on the board at #49 I would be shocked. No way the Sox pass him up if he is there in the second round.

QUOTE (kevo880 @ Jun 12, 2017 -> 10:24 AM) Can someone refresh my memory on what the leaked trade was in the offseason that got nixed? Washington sends Luzardo and Ward to the White Sox for Robertson and cash Nixed by Washington's ownership due to money issues. I would argue that Robertson's value has increased, both due to good performance and the money owed to him being less with each passing month.

QUOTE (ChiSox59 @ Jun 12, 2017 -> 11:32 AM) Would Beck be a guy we could get underslot at 11? Austin Beck? Definitely not. Tristan Beck? We could get for incredibly under slot as he does not project as a first round talent.

QUOTE (bmags @ Jun 12, 2017 -> 11:28 AM) Well we previously drafted him, so that always shows interest and often seems to reconnect. He lost about a year in Missouri to an injury (not TJ), and struggled enormously to control anything. This year he was better, but I've seen nothing that projects him as more than a reliever. He would be a great relief prospect, but good arm, no control relief prospects don't seem like round 2/3 guys, especially with TJ already. I don't get the Montes do Oca hype at all, especially not in the second or third round with better talent on the board. Well below average control and a reliever profile just does not excite me all that much.

QUOTE (Sleepy Harold @ Jun 12, 2017 -> 11:09 AM) Beck 1st Rooker 2nd No way Rooker lasts until our second round pick. I actually suspect he could go late first round. He put up monster numbers in the SEC this season.

QUOTE (smalls2598 @ Jun 12, 2017 -> 11:01 AM) Today's Baseball America mock has the Sox taking Pavin Smith: http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/2017-...UDeI7U6gv2Lp.97 I'm not really down for the Pavin Smith selection, as he is a 1B/DH only player which grow on trees. The approach is solid, but I would argue that Brent Rooker appears to be the better bat than Smith

QUOTE (iamshack @ Jun 12, 2017 -> 10:54 AM) Ack, I just can't get behind choosing a 1b here without more power than these guys. I get the lack of good hit tools in our org, but IMHO, you want to use your 1st round choice to select the player with the chance to be really special, particularly if you are rebuilding and envision having a lot of money to spend on payroll. Spend the money for the high OBP 1b in free agency, please. If the Sox select White it would clearly be with the intention of having him move to the outfield, where his tools actually profile pretty well. Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 50 | Run: 60 | Arm: 55 | Field: 70 | Overall: 55 are MLB.com's scouting grades on him as a 1B. 70 field = good hands, 55 arm is plenty for the outfield and 60 speed gives him solid range abilities. Think of him as a 55 hit, 50 power, 60 speed, 55 arm, 50/55 field outfielder and see if that changes your opinion?

QUOTE (DirtySox @ Jun 12, 2017 -> 10:50 AM) Ray's cutting an underslot deal with Bubba Thompson with their first round pick. Not sure why a team drafting in the top 5 would want to reach that far back for a player, even if well underslot?

QUOTE (DirtySox @ Jun 12, 2017 -> 10:32 AM) Frankie Piliere @FPiliereD1 22s Not a reach for White, but I think they'd prefer Haseley or Smith if they can get them Alan @ProfessorFog @FPiliereD1 Any ChiSox buzz? Is White a reach? White seems like he could be a solid pick as the bat seems to be improving and he doesn't have nearly the swing and miss concerns that Kendall does. If White can play average to above average outfield he could be a solid player.

QUOTE (GermanSock @ Jun 12, 2017 -> 09:19 AM) Ks are OK if you hit the ball exceptionally hard and if you take a ton of walks (like dunn). Kendall definitely has power but his college K rate point to mid 30s plus k rate in pro ball if not high 30s. The guys who make mid 30s work all have at least 70 power if not 80 (Sano, gallo). Even with 60 power (high 20s home runs in mlb) 35% definitely does not work long term. I think kendall has power but I'm not sure he has Sano kind of power (hitting 450+ foot homers all the time). Now I read he focused on baseball late so there might be room to improve but imo you only take him if you believe you can significantly improve his contact by making adjustments. Regarding bukauskas I don't see it. Most reports have him fall out of the top10 and probably to about 15 to 20. The contact issues are a big concern for me with Kendall the more I look at it. He's only going to face better pitching as he moves along, and a 28% K rate in college will only go up in the minors. I'm sure I could talk myself into the upside if we select him, but the hit tool is too much of a red flag for me at #11 overall.

QUOTE (beautox @ Jun 11, 2017 -> 09:46 PM) No doubt they could move him or Fowler for a TOR but as you said Q isn't pitching at that level. Crazier things have happened Q could easily go on a run, hes got 8 starts before the deadline. Side note: What the heck are the Astros doing with Francis Martes??? He has been awful so far in AAA this season posting a 2.10 WHIP in 32 1/3 innings and they reward him with a call up? I get wanting to showcase a player, but they arguably are doing greater damage to the young player's value than helping it.

QUOTE (TheFutureIsNear @ Jun 10, 2017 -> 01:17 PM) Evan White a right handed version of Cody Bellinger? What does everyone think of that comp and the value at pick #11? Bellinger has 60 to 65 grade or more power. White has not shown much power at all. I don't think it's a great comp because of that.

QUOTE (SoxAce @ Jun 9, 2017 -> 10:23 AM) Gonna be interesting to see some of the reactions on this board if the sox pass on Bukauskas for Kendall. I think the organization feels that the #11 pick is likely best spent on a position player this year, although Bukauskas would be interesting if still on the board at #11

QUOTE (reiks12 @ Jun 9, 2017 -> 09:54 AM) Astros fanbase would crucify him if he gave up anything for Q right now. Quintana's FIP of 4.10 is really not that bad. That shows he has been pretty unlucky this season and his numbers should improve. 3 1/2 seasons of a quality left handed starter should not come cheap. The Astros are very much a contender right now, and for the next few seasons. Tucker, Martes and Musgrove might be too much for them to stomach, but a deal could still be built around their prospects.

QUOTE (Lip Man 1 @ Jun 6, 2017 -> 11:45 AM) With his agent it is almost 100% guaranteed that he'll be hitting the open market and asking for a lot...probably much more than the Sox are going to be willing to pay (unless by that time they are under new ownership.) Taking all that into account you move him if there is a very good offer on the table. The issue is that I don't think Rodon has ever been healthy and contributed for a full season in his short career. That certainly could limit trade opportunities...at least getting something making a deal worthwhile in my opinion. As of right now Rodon has not earned any sort of big payday though. He has a long ways to go in order to establish himself as a true #2 or #1 starter in the mlb. He's under team control for awhile, I wouldn't really worry about his contract status and/or trading him

QUOTE (bmags @ Jun 8, 2017 -> 02:14 PM) Seems a little far fetched. Would be somewhat surprised if Faedo goes top 10, would be very very surprised if both Faedo and Canning go top 10, just from aggregating all the other rumors. BUt who knows. I'd be surprised if Haseley, Beck and Kendall are all still on the board for us. Haseley is unlikely to fall out of the top ten given how good his season was. Although considered a "safe" pick, I would not draft Pavin Smith in the top 10. First base is such an easy position to fill that I would be looking for more upside with a top ten selection. Smith does not have the necessary speed to play in the outfield either.

QUOTE (bmags @ Jun 6, 2017 -> 09:42 AM) Dealing with Boras is mainly annoying because you know he'll suck up every bit of bonus but good for him. But I just can't say that I'd want signability after 6.5 years of mlb control to be a driving factor. If Kendal gave us two 4-5 WAR seasons that drove him out of our range to re-sign him that means we had a hell of a player for 2 years and that is worth going for. If he never makes it to the league...then it didn't matter. I understand your argument CWS but to me it was worse with Rodon because he seemed so certain to drive himself into the MLB early while still developing. We see that now. But for Kendall I think it's less of a concern, there is low rationale to fast track him like Rodon. When drafting a player I don't think who his agent is should have a significant impact on whether you draft him or not. With the way draft slotting works now there's really not much argument for a player taken #11 overall that they deserve anything over slot when ten teams passed on said player. If a player performs well enough that resigning him after 6 1/2 seasons becomes a concern I would say that is an excellent problem to have because you squeezed some serious production out of that guy on the cheap.

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Jun 6, 2017 -> 08:54 AM) It's not about avoiding Boras for me, it's about selecting a guy with serious boom-bust potential in the first round who is unlikely to ever agree to an extension. I was 100% for selecting Rodon with the understanding we'd probably only control him for 6 1/2 years. He provided a rare mix of floor & ceiling and was hands down the BPA at his spot. The same can't be said about Kendall, who may have the loudest tools but also has some serious question marks. If he was hands down the BPA or we were talking about a 2nd round pick, I'd be fine with it. But when comparable overall talents should be available at #11, I'd rather avoid the Boras risk if possible. In the mlb draft who is not a risk though? Even many first round draft picks never make it to the major league level, either due to lack of ability or injury. Every potential pick is a risk when drafting that high, but we need to weight both potential risk vs. potential upside and go for the best overall option. I obviously have concerns about the swing and miss in Kendall's game, but there's no denying that the rest of his game is average or well above average.

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Jun 6, 2017 -> 07:54 AM) I think you have to be open to trading him if he won't consider an extension, but you need to wait until he establishes himself as a legit TOR starter and one capable of being that over the course of the full season. We still have control over him for another four seasons, so there's absolutely no reason to rush into trading him. His value can still expotentially improve with one dominant season. Rodon still has plenty of control left, and it's far too early to think about trading him. He needs to prove that he is healthy and get back to pitching this season to have much trade value.

QUOTE (maggsmaggs @ Jun 5, 2017 -> 03:33 PM) Because putting these thoughts to paper so to speak will allow me to one day see how poorly I performed (or how well I suppose), I decided to post who I think the Sox should draft at 11. Trying to be realistic about who will be available (basically excluding MLB Pipeline’s Top 5), I will list one high school pitcher, a high school hitter and a college hitter, but no college pitchers because I am not impressed with that collection this year. High School Pitcher Sam Carlson, RHP, Minnesota I love his classic pitcher’s build at 6’4” and 195 lbs and his deep repertoire. According to MLB Pipeline, he throws in the mid-90s with life and sink and commands the pitch well. He also has a solid change-up which he uses frequently and an improving slider. Watching some Youtube highlights, his delivery looks a little rushed, but that seems like an easy fix in pro ball. High School Hitter Nick Pratto, 1B, California Just love everything about his bat, and although he will likely be a first baseman in pro ball, he is said to be excellent there. I know he is relatively unathletic and does not play a premium position, but I think the combination of elite bat and defense at first base would be very valuable regardless. College Hitter Adam Haseley He surpassed Pavin Smith for me as the guy I want from the college hitter ranks in large part because he can play the outfield and play it well, at least the corners. He has walked twice as much as he has struck out this year and hit 14 HRs in a notoriously tough hitter’s park. I just love that type of plate discipline with emerging power. Sure, the downside is that his power does not translate to the pros and he is relegated to left field due to an average arm, but I am willing to take that risk, especially when you juxtapose him with Smith who has the same concerns but as a first baseman and Kendall who has serious swing-and-miss concerns. College Pitcher Not really a huge fan of the college pitchers that might be available at 11 (Bukauskas, Faedo, Lange, Peterson or Houck). In my perfect world, I would get Haseley, but, because he will likely be gone by the time the Sox pick, I would go Pratto as 1A and Carlson as 1B. Given the timeline of the White Sox rebuild, I do not think it is likely that that draft a high school player in the first round. Best case of development timeline for a high school player would be 4-6 years in the minors before they are ready to contribute at the mlb level. Sox are likely wanting to select a college arm or bat in the first round that could jive with the timeline of other prospects like Moncada, Collins, Giolito, Lopez, Kopech, Dunning, Adams, Robert, etc. Haseley will likely be gone by #11 given how strong his season was. Carlson looks solid, but see above regarding timeline. I'm not a fan of drafting a prep 1B only player in the top 15 overall as the 1B position is pretty easy to fill. Not knocking Pratto, but I'd much rather go with an arm or skill position player prospect that high.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Jun 5, 2017 -> 02:51 PM) Scott Merkin‏Verified account @scottmerkin 17m17 minutes ago Avisail evolving on mental side of the game http://atmlb.com/2rLYrLB via @mlb It's not easy to compare Schwarber and Garcia, because they are different players. Schwarber was rushed to the mlb and I would argue will be the better offensive player long term than Garcia, but Garcia has improved his running. and defense to be at least average I would say. Long term Schwarber will not be able to remain in the outfield as he does not have the speed or instincts to even be average in left. Catching is out of the questions, especially after the knee injury. I do not think Schwarber is necessarily as bad as his current slump, but I do also think he is not quite as good as the hero Cubs fans make him out to be. His BABIP is unsustainably low at .193 this season and eventually will rise, but he is unlikely to ever be a high BABIP player due to below average speed. Although unpopular, the Cubs should have considered selling high on Schwarber this past offseason to an American League club. Long term his bat will have to be outstanding for him to have value beyond a 2 WAR per year player given how poor his defense is. I do not buy that his defense will improve, as his stocky frame is not going to get any quicker as he ages. A move to the American League would do him wonders. Garcia is playing better than ever, is looking to be in considerably better shape and is making better contact. All are encouraging signs and he could very well be a late bloomer.

QUOTE (miracleon35th @ Jun 5, 2017 -> 05:13 AM) I wish Hahn had insisted on Benintendi instead of Moncada ...even without Kopech. Or just hung on to Sale and traded him to another team. Sox Draft picks the last few years have not been game changers. Collins, Fulmer, Rodon, Courrtney Hawkins. Boston beats us out for Benintendi and we get Fulmer with the next pick. Unreal. And we could have Drafted Trea Turner instead of Rodon. Maybe KW is wrong about Luis Robert as well. Tank? For what? Another high Draft pick that turns out like some of those guys? Sox futility with the Draft has been a combination of poor talent evaluation , very bad luck and some bad judgment. I highly doubt Benintendi was ever made available in the offseason by Boston. Moncada and Kopech look very promising, and Basabe and Diaz are solid depth prospects with some upside. Hard to say it was not a good deal for both teams.

QUOTE (Soha @ Jun 5, 2017 -> 01:12 PM) What about Keston Hiura? It's been said he might be the best hitter in this draft,. The thing is, you might have to do TJ surgery on him and lose him for a year+ after you draft him. If any team can wait that out, it's the Sox in their current stage of rebuilding. Huira has a plus hit tool, but aside from that there's not much else that stands out. His arm and fielding are both graded a bit below average. I would rather take a more well rounded player at #11 overall. Huira as a underslot signing? Perhaps, but I'd rather go for higher upside.

QUOTE (IowaSoxFan @ Jun 5, 2017 -> 02:41 PM) I can't believe that would come anywhere close to getting deal done based on the leaks from the winter that Hahn was looking for orgs top three prospects, especially with a Milwaukee system that is not all that good due to a pattern of reaching at high ceilings that haven't developed. Ray/Hader/Gatewood/ and Meideros. That provides a combination of proximity along with some high(ish) ceilings and doesn't affect Milwaukee's ability to compete over the short term as none of the players are in their immediate plans. Agreed. The sample Brewers deal would be selling ourselves very short on Quintana. That, and the fact that the Brewers are not going to make such a splashy move and deplete their farm.