2004 Winter League Analysis

[Chisoxfn]

2004 Winter League Analysis

By Jason Gage

FutureSox.com

 

The winter leagues aren’t near as hyped as the Arizona Fall league, but it’s a place where numerous prospects and major leaguers go to get some extra at bats, innings pitched or just have some fun. Jose Valentin is one of those players that plays in the winter leagues specifically to have fun.

 

Now that the winter leagues are over, lets take a closer look at what the members of the Sox organization did.

 

Puerto Rican League

1. Jose Valentin, 34 – SS – S/R – Mayaguez

Stats: .115 AVG, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 5 BB, 10 K

Valentin, whose $5 million option was recently picked up, struggled mightily. After constantly saying he wouldn’t give up switch hitting, Jose strictly hit left handed at winter-ball and the results were disappointing to say the least. Valentin hit a whopping .115.

 

2. Ryan Meux, 25 – LHP, Reliever - Caguas

Stats: 0-2, 1 SV, 4.82 ERA, 9.1 INN, 10 H, 6 K, 3 BB

Meaux was one of the Sox best relief prospects last season, spending part of the season with Winston Salem and the other part with the Birmingham Barons. Meaux pitched solidly overseas and will likely start the season in Birmingham, possibly as the Barons closer, although Rick Hummel may have something to say about that.

 

3. Mike Rivera, 27 – C/1st – R/R - Carolina/Santurce

Stats: .254 AVG, .324 OBP, 2 HR, 23 RBI, 21 K, 10 BB

Rivera was picked up last season from the San Diego Padres. A former highly touted prospect in the Tigers organization, Rivera has played in the majors and was rather successful in Charlotte. After a solid winter campaign, Rivera will once again handle some of the catching duty at Charlotte and should be a key piece to their offense.

 

4. Dennis Ulacia, 22 – LHP, Starter/Reliever - Mayaguez

Stats: 0-1, 6.23 ERA, 17.1 INN, 20 H, 4 BB, 9 K

Coming off another disappointing and injury riddled season, Ulacia went to the winter leagues to get back into pitching shape. While his numbers aren’t impressive, the fact that he was able to get innings in and help get his body into shape for the upcoming season is a definite plus. If Ulacia can get himself straightened he has the shot to once again be on the fast track to US Cellular. He’ll likely start the season in Birmingham, but could quickly be promoted to Charlotte.

 

5. Andy Gonzalez, 22 - SS – R/R - Ponce

Stats: .114 AVG, .139 OBP, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 7 K, 1 BB

This past season Robert Valido replaced Gonzalez as the top shortstop prospect in the organization. Now Gonzalez is going to have to answer questions of whether he’s even a prospect anymore. Gonzalez has the raw tools to be a very good player, but his swing is very long and awkard and has led to poor appearances at the plate. Gonzalez still rates as a very good defensive shortstop, but if he doesn’t learn to hit soon, he may make the move to pitcher, ala Jason Dellaero (no longer in the organization). Gonzalez could repeat Kannapolis, but with Robert Valido the likely shortstop in Kannapolis, it is more likely that Gonzalez will be promoted to Winston Salem.

 

6. Chris Amador, 21 - IF – R/R – Santurce

Stats: .333 AVG, .333 OBP, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 5 K, 0 BB

Amador didn’t play too often last year for Kannapolis and Winston Salem, but when he did he could rarely hit. Amador put up solid numbers in limited action (15 AB) for Santurce and the Warthogs would love to get that type of production off the bench from Amador this season.

 

7. Aaron Rowand, 26 – OF – R/R - Santurce

Stats: .250 AVG, .378 OBP, 6 HR, 20 RBI, 18 K, 16 BB, 3 SB

Despite a rough start to the winter league, Rowand rebounded putting up strong numbers while working on improving his eye. The results were a rather impressive .378 OBP and very good power numbers (6 HR). Rowand remains the favorite in centerfield this year, but will battle Willie Harris, Jeremy Reed and Joe Borchard in spring training.

 

Dominican League

1. Ruddy Yan, 21 – 2nd – S/R - Gigantes

Stats: .300 AVG, .300 OBP, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 6 K, 0 BB, 2 SB

Yan started the season in Winston Salem read hot, but cooled off during the middle season. He heated back up near the end of the season. One thing Yan never cooled off on was his stolen base. Yan is the fastest player in the organization and if he can get on base consistently he’d be the best leadoff hitter in the majors. Unfortunately he has yet to show he can hit for an average, although he does have solid strike zone judgement. Yan will likely start the season in Birmingham and is the most major league ready 2nd baseman in the minors (Willie Harris doesn’t count).

 

2. Jamie Burke, 32 – C/1st – R/R – Leones

Stats: .275 AVG, .320 OBP, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 3 K, 5 BB

Burke spent the majority of last season in Charlotte, but did make the big show on a few occasions. Burke will once again be slotted to get extended playing time in Charlotte, playing both first and catcher, but with injury prone Sandy Alomar in Chicago, Burke could quickly be playing for the Sox.

 

3. Juan Uribe, 23 – SS – R/R - Leones

Stats: .275 AVG, .333 OBP, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 15 K, 5 BB, 3 SB

Uribe was recently acquired from the Colorado Rockies for second baseman Aaron Miles. Uribe’s weakness has always been the bat and his mental approach. Known for mental lapses Uribe is a spectacular defensive shortstop, who at times has shown that he could hit. Uribe will likely be the utility infielder for the Sox, but will have a shot to beat out second baseman Willie Harris this spring.

 

4. Jon Adkins, – RHP, Starter/Reliever – Leones

Stats: 0-3, 5.32 ERA, 22 INN, 37 H, 13 K, 4 BB

Adkins made a few appearances with the Sox last season, while playing the rest of the season with the Charlotte Knights. Adkins flipped between starter and reliever in Charlotte, but pans out as a reliever at the major league level. Armed with a tremendous fastball, Adkins lacks great movement, but the Sox like his potential. Adkins will have an opportunity to earn the final slot in the bullpen this spring.

 

5. Emencio Pacheco, 25 – RHP, Starter - Leones

Stats: 0-0, 8.44 ERA, 5.1 INN, 6 H, 3 K, 5 BB

Pacheco broke out and emerged as one of the Sox top prospects last season. Despite a disappointing Mexican league, Pacheco only pitched 5 innings and will be counted on heavily in Charlotte next season. There is an outside possibility that Pacheco could break camp as the 5th starter for the White Sox.

 

6. Felix Diaz, 22 – RHP, Starter – Tigres

Stats: 1-0, 3.48 ERA, 31.0 INN, 27 H, 18 K, 6 BB

Diaz followed a strong season in Charlotte with a very impressive stint in the Dominican league. In fact, the Sox are starting to get very excited about Diaz and he will be given every opportunity to earn the 5th spot in the rotation or a back end bullpen position. Diaz always has had plus stuff, but has never utilized it properly and has battled minor injuries.

 

7. Vic Darensbourg, 33 – LHP, Reliever - Tigres

Stats: 0-0, 1.93 ERA, 4.2 INN, 2 H, 4 K, 0 BB

Darensbourg recently signed a minor league deal with the White Sox and will likely report to Charlotte. He has an outside shot of earning one of the final bullpen slots. Darensbourg appears to be healthy and from his limited action in the winter league, his control seems to be improving. If Darensbourg can keep the walks down next season, he could turn into a very good pickup.

 

8. Arnie Munoz, 21 – LHP, Reliever – Aguilas

Stats: 3-1, 4.50 ERA, 14.0 INN, 13 H, 19 K, 7 BB

Munoz struggled out of the gate for the Knights this season after being hyped as one of the Sox top prospects. As the season progressed Munoz progressed nicely as many forgot he was one of the younger prospects in AAA. During the winter league Munoz flashed more of his potential with an impressive K/IPP ratio. Munoz has a very good shot of breaking with the White Sox as one of their relievers, but a little more time in Charlotte wouldn’t hurt.

 

Mexican Pacific League

1. Carlos Castillo, 28 - RHP, Reliever – Culiacan

Stats: 1-0, 4.09 ERA, 11.0 INN, 12 H, 6 BB, 5 K

Castillo re-joined the White Sox late last season and was sent to Winston Salem. While Castillo doesn’t have much of a chance to make it back to the majors, he should be a productive reliever for the Knights next season. Castillo may also assist the Sox as a scout in the near future and I think once he retires, you will see him get a job within the organization.

 

2. Ross Gload, 27 - 1st/OF – L/L - Hermosillo

Stats: .328 AVG, .388 OBP, 12 HR, 51 RBI, 28 K, 23 BB

Last season Gload put up monster numbers for the Charlotte Knights. Despite those tremendous numbers, Gload has yet to shake his AAAA reputation he’s received after hitting the cover off for the Cubs minor league system as well as the Rockies. During his short stints in the majors, Gload, has struggled mightily. This time things may be different. Gload has a sweet, short, compact swing and can hit for average and power. In my opinion, size (height) is the only thing that’s kept him from getting consistent playing time at the major league level. This spring he will be given the chance to earn a position on the White Sox bench.

 

3. Francisco Campos, 31 - RHP, Starter/Reliever - Mazatlan

Stats: 10-2, 2.19 ERA, 90.1 INN, 79 H, 68 K, 29 BB

Campos dominance of the Mexican league got him a contract with the Chicago White Sox. Campos will likely be invited to spring training, but seems destined for Charlotte. If Campos can pitch like he did down in Mexico, he could quickly reach the Sox starting rotation, which appears to have plenty of question marks.

 

Venezuelan League

1. Magglio Ordonez, 29 - OF – R/R – Oriente

Stats: .111 AVG, .333 OBP, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2 K, 3 BB

Now before you jump off the ledge, this was only over 3 games and Magglio was just playing to get a few at bats in before spring training. Whether Ordonez is a White Sox during spring training has yet to be seen, but the numbers he put up mean nothing, he is still one of the most productive right fielders in the majors.

[DBAHO]

Good to see Diaz pitch well down there. Rite now I think he's prob fav for da #5 spot in da rotation IF Dan Wright is moved to da pen. Also Rowand put up some ok numbers and I think that's prob what we'll get out of him this year.

[maggsmaggs]

Although, I think Diaz has a great shot at the spot, IMO he is third right now in the line. This is assuming the rotation is:

Buerhle

Loiaza

Garland

Shoenweis

???

 

Before Diaz I would say Robert Person and Jon Rauch are one-two respectively just from experience. Person as a major league Vet and Rauch time in AAA and a little in the majors. I also think Campos is a wild-card, like last year the 5th spot will be interesting to watch in spring training.

[JoshPR]

Forgot Ryan Hankins.

 

Arizona League has killed the winter League in the Carribean. I wish they would be like 15 -20 years ago when the teams send there best to our league. Ahhh Memories Of Wally Joyner winning the Triple Crown here, Don Mattinly, Dave Cone, Ron Gant.... Sorry...

[Chisoxfn]

Wasn't Hankins in the Arizona league? Here is the write up I did on that about a week ago: http://www.futuresox.com/modules.php?op=mo...order=0&thold=0

[SuperSteve]

Diaz excites me...I am pleasently surprised by Campos...Who will be our third catcher? Rivera or Burke?

[DBAHO]

Diaz excites me...I am pleasently surprised by Campos...Who will be our third catcher? Rivera or Burke?

Rivera couldn't hit the ball a lick when he was a catcher with the Detroit Tigers. But I think it will depend on who has the better spring training, it's good they've both had major league experience though.

[Chisoxfn]

Rivera has always struggled once making the majors, but if i recall he had at least a few seasons in the high minors in the TIgers organization where he whalloped the ball.

[Rex Hudler]

Castillo re-joined the White Sox late last season and was sent to Winston Salem. While Castillo doesn’t have much of a chance to make it back to the majors, he should be a productive reliever for the Barons next season. Castillo may also assist the Sox as a scout in the near future and I think once he retires, you will see him get a job within the organization.

Jason, where did you get info that he could be a scout?? Also, if healthy, Castillo will be in Charlotte, not Birmimgham. I have heard a rumbling that he is hurt again, although I am not sure to what degree.

 

Who will be our third catcher? Rivera or Burke?

Why would we have a 3rd catcher? If one of them is not released, look for both back in Charlotte.

[Rex Hudler]

Why do Maggs 9 AB's not matter, yet Pacheco's 5 IP are rated a disappointment? And do Jose's 52 AB's make that much more of a difference?

 

Those are awfully small sample sizes.....

[Chisoxfn]

Jason, where did you get info that he could be a scout??  Also, if healthy, Castillo will be in Charlotte, not Birmimgham.  I have heard a rumbling that he is hurt again, although I am not sure to what degree.

 

Why would we have a 3rd catcher?  If one of them is not released, look for both back in Charlotte.

No specific source on him being a scout, although I have heard rumblings that he has recommneded a few players to the White Sox and other teams. I also noticed him doing a lot of "scout" type work when he was in Winston Salem, but for all I know thats something most of the pitchers do. I could be completely wrong.

Thanks for informing me about him being in Charlotte

 

As far as a 3rd catcher, are you referring to something I said? The only thing I remember writing was mentioning how either Burke or Rivera could replace Sandy Alomar if he was injured, otherwise I assume both will be handling the duties in Charlotte while ocassionally dh'ing and playing first base.

[Chisoxfn]

Why do Maggs 9 AB's not matter, yet Pacheco's 5 IP are rated a disappointment?  And do Jose's 52 AB's make that much more of a difference?

 

Those are awfully small sample sizes.....

Pretty much I consider all of those stats meaningless. I don't pay much attention to winterball stats. When I was writing that I even thought about how few innings Pacheco pitched. Only reason I put it as dissapointing, was because the numbers weren't all that good and I'm sure the Sox had higher expectations for him, although I don't really know why he was playing winterball since he had a full workload with the Barons.

 

The only stats I really heavily noticed was that Munoz had a very impressive strikeout ratio and that Jon Adkins was absolutely lit up. I'll also give Ross Gload, Felix Diaz, Campos and Aaron Rowand some credit for what they did.

 

The other reason I don't think those stats are overly important is becasue quite often the players over there are working on one aspect of their game specifically and it could really effect their stats, but in the long run make them better.

[SuperSteve]

As far as a 3rd catcher, are you referring to something I said?  The only thing I remember writing was mentioning how either Burke or Rivera could replace Sandy Alomar if he was injured, otherwise I assume both will be handling the duties in Charlotte while ocassionally dh'ing and playing first base.

That is more what I was asking. No way I want to carry three catchers, but who would be next in line if there is an injury or something else happens here we need to call a catcher up is all I was asking. Sorry for the mix up.

[Chisoxfn]

That is more what I was asking. No way I want to carry three catchers, but who would be next in line if there is an injury or something else happens here we need to call a catcher up is all I was asking. Sorry for the mix up.

I think it would be whichever of the two (Rivera/Burke) is playing better in Charlotte. But if you follow the way the Sox have handled it, Burke did get some playing time last season with the Sox and I don't think Rivera did (At least I don't remember him receiving a call up).

[SuperSteve]

I think it would be whichever of the two (Rivera/Burke) is playing better in Charlotte.  But if you follow the way the Sox have handled it, Burke did get some playing time last season with the Sox and I don't think Rivera did (At least I don't remember him receiving a call up).

I remember that now. Rivera didn't get called up. Thanks.

[Chisoxfn]

I have heard a rumbling that he is hurt again, although I am not sure to what degree.

If the injury is serious, I'd assume his playing career with the Sox would be over with.

[Rex Hudler]

If the injury is serious, I'd assume his playing career with the Sox would be over with.

Don't know any details at this point or even if it is completely true....

 

Jason, I don't see Castillo as a scout. All pitchers chart between starts and video tape hitters. Every game, there are three starters in street clothes charting and/or shooting video. The Sox found Tetsu Yofu because they saw him working out with Castillo as Carlos was trying to get in throwing shape to make a comeback. It wasn't really a recommendation.

[JoshPR]

Jason, Yes Hankins Played in Arizona but he played the last month and the Round Robin Down here with Wally Backman