Chisoxfn Posted March 12, 2004 Share Posted March 12, 2004 2004 Spring Training Analysis: The Bullpen By Jason Gage March 11, 2004 FutureSox.com The White Sox bullpen has the potential to be the one of the best bullpens in the majors. It also has the potential to be a big dud. In FutureSox.com’s second spring training spotlight article, we will take a look at some of the minor-leaguers fighting for what appears to be two available slots. Assuming the White Sox carry seven relievers, they will have two openings. Billy Koch is slated as the closer with Damaso Marte and Shingo Takatsu as the set up men. Kelly Wunsch and Cliff Politte round out the guys pretty much assured a roster spot. Dan Wright Wright, who is competing for the fifth starter’s spot, is the front-runner to grab one of the final spots in the bullpen. Wright started off last spring by getting plastered on the mound and finished the spring injured. That injury kept him out for part of the first half of the season and led him to being one of the major disappointments on the 2003 Sox. Despite Wright’s struggles in the rotation, he excelled out of the pen last season, going 1-0 with a save and a 3.24 ERA in 16.2 innings. Final Stance: If healthy, Wright should be one of the front-runners for the rotation, but also has a bright future in the pen. Jason Grilli Grilli, who was selected by the White Sox in the Rule V Draft, is a front-runner for both the bullpen as well as a candidate for the fifth spot in the rotation. If the Sox like what they see in Grilli, they will have to find a way to carry him or try to acquire him from the Marlins. As a Rule V pick, the Sox don’t have the ability to send him to the minors, their only other option is to send him back to the Marlins (The Sox are given $25,000). Final Stance: Grilli has good stuff and has been considered a top prospect in the past, but injuries got in his way. If healthy, Grilli could be a major sleeper. Matt Ginter Ginter has found himself going between Charlotte and Chicago for the past few seasons, but has yet to stick with the Sox. His experience should give him the nod if he puts up good numbers. This will likely be Ginter’s final shot with the Sox out of spring training. Final Stance: Ginter has yet to give the Sox reasons to keep him on the major league roster, but he has flashed plenty of potential in Charlotte. Arnaldo Munoz If the Sox want a lefty for one of the remaining slots, they will look no further then Munoz. He is the Sox top relief prospect and features a knee buckling curve-ball and a sneaky fastball. Munoz has put up great numbers the past two years, and at 21, his best years are still ahead of him. Final Stance: Munoz probably has the best potential out of the group. While young, he has experience at higher levels and a good arm. If he puts up good numbers, he could propel ahead all the other candidates. Sleepers Gary Majewski Majewski has quietly been one of the Sox better relievers the past few seasons. In 2003 he went 6-4 with a 3.96 in the bandbox known as Charlotte. He gave up 62 hits in 72.2 innings while striking out 72. Majewski has one of the best fastballs in the system, as well as a good slider. Final Stance: The Sox may give him another year in the minors, but Majewski has a major-league fastball and a closer’s mentality, which could make him a sleeper for the pen this spring. Francisco Campos Campos, a Rule V draft pick, wasn’t considered a contender for the bullpen, but that changed after his first outing. Campos went three innings, striking out seven, and has emerged as a potential fifth starter candidate as well. Final Stance: Campos is a poised veteran who has experience pitching. Stuff wise, he isn’t as good as some of the others, but he has solid control, and if he continues to mix his pitches well, he could be successful. Other Candidates: Felix Diaz and Jon Rauch (See Starters Column) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dasox24 Posted March 12, 2004 Share Posted March 12, 2004 Great article Jason! I know that I, as well as everyone else on the board, appreciates you and the others that write articles for Future Sox. It's y'all that allow us on the board that are busy with school, sports, work, or whatever else to keep up with spring training, minor leagues, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CSF Posted March 12, 2004 Share Posted March 12, 2004 Nice article. Looks like plenty of viable candidates to choose from. I still wouldn't be surprised if Mike Jackson grabbed one of those bullpen slots, though he's a longshot for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBAHO Posted March 12, 2004 Share Posted March 12, 2004 Nice article there Jason, there are certainly the most contenders for the bullpen, and I think Munoz could really be sumthin in a few years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southsider2k5 Posted March 12, 2004 Share Posted March 12, 2004 I agree good write up, and I also wouldn't be surprised if Mike Jackson emerged in our pen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EvilJester99 Posted March 12, 2004 Share Posted March 12, 2004 I wouldn't mind seeing Campos get a spot wether it be in the pen or starting. I think he could be very good for the Sox. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chisoxfn Posted March 12, 2004 Author Share Posted March 12, 2004 Thanks guys. Tonight I'm going to get up DBAHO's latest piece on the Outfield Now I'm heading off to get to Tuscon to catch the Sox and then tonight A's-Rangers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoxAce Posted March 12, 2004 Share Posted March 12, 2004 I wouldn't mind seeing Campos get a spot wether it be in the pen or starting. I think he could be very good for the Sox. Yea, but I'm going for Diaz to make the team. BTW, good article Jas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EvilJester99 Posted March 12, 2004 Share Posted March 12, 2004 Diaz has also been pretty good so far me thinks. Anyone have the #'s on Diaz and Campos handy?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBAHO Posted March 13, 2004 Share Posted March 13, 2004 Thanks guys. Tonight I'm going to get up DBAHO's latest piece on the Outfield Now I'm heading off to get to Tuscon to catch the Sox and then tonight A's-Rangers. You'll probably hav to edit it a little Jason, since the Sox released Benard this week as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
awesomefan Posted March 13, 2004 Share Posted March 13, 2004 Way to go Jason! Great article! Glad to see the site back up & runnin' & ready for a new awesome White Sox season. Really lookin' forward to joinin' fellow Sox fans in the Chat Room during Sox games this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chisoxfn Posted March 13, 2004 Author Share Posted March 13, 2004 Thanks Judy...good to see ya around. I saw Milkman tonight for the Rangers. He started at 1st against Zito and the A's. As far as the person who asked about Campos...my few words to say about him is that he's horrible. He has absolutely no stuff. Of course it didn't help that I saw him pitch today when he was absolutely shelled. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texsox Posted March 13, 2004 Share Posted March 13, 2004 At best, I'm seeing an above average pen. I am very disappointed in Koch so far. Over all thought it is better than most. For many fans, the set up is an overlooked facet of play. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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