Minor League Help Anyone?

[Chisoxfn]

Minor League Help Anyone

By Scott Becker

May 8, 2004

FutureSox.com - Courtesy of WhiteSoxCentral

 

Baseball teams make the playoffs for multiple reasons. Some make it because they have long-time stars have continued success; others make it because they have "fringe" starters whom have career years. Or maybe because young players turn "potential" into reality, or just simply the rookies step right in and make valuable contributions.

 

The White Sox have had some success in recent years in all categories except that rookies simply don't contribute out of the gates. Joe Crede had the most success as an "old" rookie in 2003, with a .261 avg., 19 HR's, and 75 RBI's. Mark Buehrle also pitched well as a SP in 2001 going 16-8 with a 3.29 ERA, after throwing 51 1/3 innings the year before.

 

Yet, the Sox have had few rookie call-ups come in mid-season and immediately fill needed holes. Many of last year's playoff teams had minor leaguers come up mid-year and contribute right away to their success. Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis of the Marlins, Rich Harden of the A's, and Jerome Williams of the Giants in particular impacted their teams right away.

 

So that brings me to my point; which current White Sox minor leaguers could step up this year to surprise?

 

Here are a few possible impact rookie call-ups to watch:

 

RHP Felix Diaz:

Since Danny Wright is in AAA trying to get the "mojo" back he showed in spring training, Diaz becomes the frontrunner for the 5th starter's spot. He currently has a 5-0 record, 1.86 ERA, with 31 SO, and 4 BB in 38 2/3 IP. With those impressive numbers, we can't help but to think that Diaz could give the Sox some quality starts.

 

He hasn't been called up, but if he does, as long as he can throw strikes and keep the Sox in games, he'll stick for a while. However, Diaz might not be ready for the playoff rotation if the Sox do in fact make the post-season. On the other hand, he doesn't need to be ready, or even that good. He just has to give the Sox 6 innings per start, and keep the game close. …Easier said than done.

 

OF Jeremy Reed:

Reed could provide the Sox with a solid LH bat that could provide a .300 average, a walk threat another guy that steal some bases for Guillen's small ball. However, Reed might not hit .300, and since his deadly showing at the plate in spring, the word on Reed has cooled off a bit. Yet anything close to .300 alongside his speed and ability to get on base would compliment the Sox' right-handed heavy power hitting crew nicely. While bench guys like Timo Perez and Ross Gload might be decent [hit .250, chip in a few RBI's, OK defense] a guy like Reed could bat .280, get on base, and provide speed and above average defense.

 

Reed seems perfectly suited for the #2 spot…eventually. While it's far-fetched Reed could take over the #2 spot right away, stranger things have happened in baseball. If Reed continues to hit .320 + in June, the Sox should and will find a way to get him playing time whether it be in the OF, at 1B, or DH even.

 

LHP Arnaldo Munoz:

Munoz has been lights out as a SP in AA. After coming through the Sox system as a reliever, the White Sox have been converting him to a starter, starting him five games in the thus far in the minors. Any LHP who can go 4-0 in five starts, with a 1.50 ERA, and only give up 15 hits, 4 BB, and 31 SO in 29 2/3 IP looks ready to help the Sox in some capacity.

 

If Munoz isn't called up as a starter (it's not likely), he certainly can be used as a reliever in the versatile Neal Cotts mold going 1, 2, or 3 innings, or just facing one batter. Soon Sox fans may be saying, Kelly Wunsch who?

 

Most winning teams have veterans who perform well year-round, and carry the main hitting and pitching loads. Yet the special teams, those who get an unexpected boost from unproven rookies, distinguish themselves from mediocre teams in an important way, that is, they often make the playoffs instead of just watching what could have been on TV.