maggsmaggs Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 1. Brian Anderson 2. Ryan Sweeney 3. Brandon McCarthy 4. Josh Fields 5. Sean Tracey 6. Chris Young 7. Gio Gonzalez 8. Francisco Hernandez 9. Pedro Lopez 10. Kris Honel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Palehosefan Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 I have to disagree with them about Honel being on the list and how high Tracey is on the list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danman31 Posted November 24, 2004 Share Posted November 24, 2004 Well I got 8 of the guys right, which is ok. The only guy I correctly placed was Anderson, that's bad. SoxAce correctly predicted 9 of the top 10, that was best. Nobody correctly placed more than 3 right. Nobody had Tracey higher than 8. Overall, Tracey at 5 is simply poor research. There is no way, in my mind, that he can be that high. That's ridiculous. I'm a little surprised by Lopez making the list as well. I'm sure age was a major factor in his selection. Overall our minors suck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JimH Posted November 24, 2004 Share Posted November 24, 2004 Somebody likes Sean Tracey at BA, I hope they're right. Francisco Hernandez has become the White Sox prospect to watch. The pressure is now on. I wonder how fast they'll move him up the food chain. The first four were a slam dunk, and BA likes Chris Young and Gio. More interesting will be the chat on BA, to see who's doing it and what they think of some other guys. We should get Rex to do it for them, he sees more guys than whatever BA person does. Rex, put in your application! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gene Honda Civic Posted November 24, 2004 Share Posted November 24, 2004 Somebody likes Sean Tracey at BA, I hope they're right. 108 hits allowed in 148 innings generally moves you pretty swifly up the list... I'm a bit reserved on Tracey... He was completely off of my radar until about midway through the season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JimH Posted November 24, 2004 Share Posted November 24, 2004 108 hits allowed in 148 innings generally moves you pretty swifly up the list... I'm a bit reserved on Tracey... He was completely off of my radar until about midway through the season. You are right, the stats are rather eye popping. He still walks a lot of guys though. They really like his arm, one of the minor league guys said he was almost like a freak of nature, they said he's got a rubber arm and loves to pitch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chisoxfn Posted November 24, 2004 Share Posted November 24, 2004 I like Tracey that much. I think him and Bmac are going to be one of the better minor league duo's in all of baseball (in terms of pitching prospects within an organization). Tracey has a very very high upside. I just figured BA would hold him a few slots lower, but Tracey has a fantastic arm. Great movement and he's just learning how to pitch. As far as his arm goes, he pitches pretty much every day on the side. Like Jim says they say he's got a rubber arm (knock on wood). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JimH Posted November 24, 2004 Share Posted November 24, 2004 He pitches inside. Big plus in this organization, I don't know if they just don't teach that or what. You cannot win if you don't pitch inside consistently. This kid does, that's for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winninguglyin83 Posted November 24, 2004 Share Posted November 24, 2004 Thought they would cool on Anderson after his flat performance in the AFL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gene Honda Civic Posted November 24, 2004 Share Posted November 24, 2004 I don't subscribe to BA, but I figured they would have a little write-up on Anderson, as the #1 prospect, but it says the Sox top 10 list doesn't come out until the 29th.... Phil? is that you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Palehosefan Posted November 24, 2004 Share Posted November 24, 2004 Its either Phil or he receives the paper edition of BA which sometimes has info faster than the website. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoxAce Posted November 24, 2004 Share Posted November 24, 2004 SoxAce correctly predicted 9 of the top 10, that was best. I'm damn good aren't I. Also glad my boy Lopez made the list as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southsider2k5 Posted November 24, 2004 Share Posted November 24, 2004 Serious question here. When does Jim Bullard get some props. I never realized it until I researched him for the AAP, but he has put up good numbers everywhere that he has been in the minors. He has never had a season era over 4.00 since the Sox drafted him, even with being forced to do everything from closing to starting, and everything in between. Is he just flying under the radar now, or what is his story? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rex Hudler Posted November 24, 2004 Share Posted November 24, 2004 Serious question here. When does Jim Bullard get some props. I never realized it until I researched him for the AAP, but he has put up good numbers everywhere that he has been in the minors. He has never had a season era over 4.00 since the Sox drafted him, even with being forced to do everything from closing to starting, and everything in between. Is he just flying under the radar now, or what is his story? Bull is a guy that may get a chance at the big leagues if he is in the right place at the right time, but he doesn't really fit the prospect mold. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southsider2k5 Posted November 24, 2004 Share Posted November 24, 2004 Bull is a guy that may get a chance at the big leagues if he is in the right place at the right time, but he doesn't really fit the prospect mold. Yeah, I have always read that he was solid, but nothing special. But his numbers are always good. It will be interesting to see what happens next year with him adding the cutter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chisoxfn Posted November 24, 2004 Share Posted November 24, 2004 Bull kind of fits the same bill as Josh Fields. Both have put up good numbers everywhere they go but are overlooked by scouts because they don't have that amazing fastball that people like to drool over. I think Rex was pretty much right on in what he said. I hope Bull makes it though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBAHO Posted November 29, 2004 Share Posted November 29, 2004 Ok the list has been released on BaseballAmerica.com. There's a live chat today with Phil Rogers at 2 p.m on the site as well, so lets get some FutureSox and SoxTalk questions in. Winning now is the goal for the White Sox. That’s why general manager Ken Williams traded for veterans Carl Everett and Roberto Alomar in midseason deals in both 2003 and 2004. That’s right, two years in a row Williams has added Everett and Alomar. To acquire Everett twice, the White Sox have given up five prospects, including righthanders Frankie Francisco and Jon Rauch, to the Rangers and Expos. Williams didn’t stop there. He made one of baseball’s biggest deals in 2004, acquiring Freddy Garcia from the Mariners for catcher Miguel Olivo and two of Chicago’s top prospects, outfielder Jeremy Reed and shortstop Michael Morse. Williams has traded 17 players who have ranked among the team’s top 30 prospects in the last three years. And he’s not about to apologize for it. “Two words: nineteen seventeen,” Williams said, referring to the last year the White Sox won the World Series. “How many more generations of fans are going to have to wait? I don’t want to wait.’’ It’s a risky course of action for an organization that operates on a tight budget. Yet Williams feels he has little choice but to aggressively pursue trades because he hasn’t been successful in signing free agents. The White Sox have moved Joe Crede, Willie Harris and Aaron Rowand from their farm system to their lineup, while Jon Adkins and Neal Cotts have claimed bullpen roles. But Chicago expected a bigger harvest, only to see high hopes for outfielder Joe Borchard and pitchers Kris Honel, Corwin Malone and Rauch dashed by injuries and inconsistency. Borchard, who signed for a record $5.3 million in 2000, had another disappointing year in 2004. He started the season at Triple-A Charlotte and batted .174 in 63 big league games after being promoted to replace the injured Magglio Ordonez. His strikeout woes extended into the offseason, when his Mexican Pacific League club released him because of his lack of production. Honel made just two starts because of a sore shoulder, while Malone had Tommy John surgery before the season started. Rauch angered Williams by leaving U.S. Cellular Field early after getting hit hard in a May start, then was exiled to Montreal two months later. There were some positive developments, however. Righthanders Brandon McCarthy and Sean Tracey took huge steps forward. McCarthy led the minors with 202 strikeouts in 172 innings, while Tracey started to harness the best fastball in the system. Chicago’s last two drafts have provided an infusion of talent. Outfielders Brian Anderson and Ryan Sweeney, the club’s first two picks in 2003, played well in big league camp and then had solid 2004 seasons. Anderson advanced to Double-A and may not be that far away from contributing in the majors. Third baseman Josh Fields, the No. 18 overall pick in 2004, contributed immediately in high Class A. The White Sox had six picks in the first two rounds and used four of them to stock up on lefthanders. Gio Gonzalez made the top 10 list, while Tyler Lumsden, Wes Whisler and Ray Liotta weren’t far behind. BEST TOOLS Best Hitter for Average Ryan Sweeney Best Power Hitter Josh Fields Best Strike-Zone Discipline Casey Rogowski Fastest Baserunner Chris Young Best Athlete Chris Young Best Fastball Sean Tracey Best Curveball Gio Gonzalez Best Slider Dwayne Pollok Best Changeup Brian Miller Best Control Brandon McCarthy Best Defensive Catcher Chris Stewart Best Defensive Infielder Pedro Lopez Best Infield Arm Andy Gonzalez Best Defensive Outfielder Brian Anderson Best Outfield Arm Ryan Sweeney TOP PROSPECTS OF THE DECADE 1995 Scott Ruffcorn, rhp 1996 Chris Snopek, ss/3b 1997 Mike Cameron, of 1998 Mike Caruso, ss 1999 Carlos Lee, 3b 2000 Kip Wells, rhp 2001 Jon Rauch, rhp 2002 Joe Borchard, of 2003 Joe Borchard, of 2004 Jeremy Reed, of TOP DRAFT PICKS OF THE DECADE 1995 Jeff Liefer, 3b 1996 *Bobby Seay, lhp 1997 Jason Dellaero, ss 1998 Kip Wells, rhp 1999 Jason Stumm, rhp 2000 Joe Borchard, of 2001 Kris Honel, rhp 2002 Royce Ring, lhp 2003 Brian Anderson, of 2004 Josh Fields, 3b *Did not sign LARGEST BONUSES IN CLUB HISTORY Joe Borchard, 2000 $5,300,000 Jason Stumm, 1999 $1,750,000 Royce Ring, 2002 $1,600,000 Brian Anderson, 2003 $1,600,000 Josh Fields, 2004 $1,550,000 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperSteve Posted November 29, 2004 Share Posted November 29, 2004 Anyone have BA's top 10 in all of baseball? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JimH Posted November 29, 2004 Share Posted November 29, 2004 If anyone is a BA subscriber, can you kindly post the scouting reports for the Top 10 White Sox guys? Thanks ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
False Alarm Posted November 29, 2004 Share Posted November 29, 2004 here you go. didn't know b-mac had changed his name. 1. BRIAN ANDERSON, of Age: 23 Ht: 6-3 Wt: 200 B-T: R-R Drafted: Arizona, 2003 (1st round) Signed by: John Kazanas Background: Anderson had a roller-coaster career at Arizona, where he earned Freshman All-America honors as a two-way star in 2001. But he tailed off as a sophomore, in part because of knee and wrist injuries. When he gave up pitching and was fully healthy in 2003, his stock soared and the White Sox made him the 15th overall pick in the draft. After signing for $1.6 million, he launched his pro career by hitting .388 at Rookie-level Great Falls, only to have his pro debut end after 13 games when a recurrence of the wrist injury required minor surgery. He bounced back so strongly in 2004 that the White Sox had enough confidence to include outfielder Jeremy Reed—who preceded Anderson as the No. 1 prospect in the organization a year ago—in a midseason trade for Freddy Garcia. Anderson played a strong center field at high Class A Winston-Salem and Double-A Birmingham, hitting well at the lower level and holding his own while making adjustments following his promotion. He missed the last two weeks of the season with a groin strain. Strengths: Anderson is a good athlete who knows how to use his tools. He uses the entire field, showing both the ability to launch balls to left field and the willingness to go to right. He came out of college with solid plate discipline and has had no difficulty making consistent contact as a pro. If he has to move to an outfield corner, he projects to hit with enough power to be an asset at that position. Anderson runs well and has enough speed to play center field. He has enough arm to play anywhere in the outfield, as he threw in the low-90s as a reliever at Arizona. He thrives on competition and was not intimidated by the stiffer competition when he moved up to Double-A. Weaknesses: Minor injuries have continually bothered Anderson, who was limited at the end of the regular season and in the AFL by a groin strain. He appears to have a high-maintenance body. He needs to get more at-bats so he can continue to lock in the swing changes he started to incorporate as a junior under the guidance of Wildcats coach Andy Lopez. Anderson may not be more than adequate in center field, a position where adequate usually isn’t good enough. Some scouts actually rate him as a below-average runner, and he needs to improve routes to balls. The Future: Anderson could get to the big leagues in the second half of 2005 if the White Sox have an outfield opening. But they’d prefer for him to spend a full season at Triple-A Charlotte and prepare to become a regular at U.S. Cellular Field in 2006. Having seen $5.3 million man Joe Borchard struggle to establish himself, Chicago might take it a little slower with Anderson in hopes that he can stick around when he gets his first taste of the big leagues. Whether he plays in center or right field likely will depend on whether Aaron Rowand can maintain the offensive and defensive productivity he showed in 2004. 2004 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB Winston-Salem (Hi A) .319 .394 .531 254 43 81 22 4 8 46 29 44 10 Birmingham (AA) .270 .346 .416 185 26 50 9 3 4 27 19 30 3 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. RYAN SWEENEY, of Age: 20 B-T: L-L Ht: 6-5 Wt.: 205 Drafted: HS—Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 2003 (2nd round) Signed by: Nathan Durst Background: The White Sox stole Sweeney in 2003’s second round after a lackluster showcase performance on the eve of the draft hurt his stock. When injuries created a need for an outfielder in big league camp last spring, they summoned Sweeney—who responded by batting .367. Sox executive adviser Roland Hemond says he gets the same goosebumps watching Sweeney that he once did watching a young Harold Baines. Strengths: Sweeney is athletic as well as a natural hitter with a textbook swing. He has few holes and uses the entire field. He has gap power and should add pop as he climbs toward Chicago. He also has a plus right-field arm. Weaknesses: Some scouts in the high Class A Carolina League questioned Sweeney’s bat speed. He opened the season slowly and made matters worse by pressing, causing concerns about his patience. He’s still improving as a right fielder. The Future: Sweeney should advance to Double-A after holding his own as one of the youngest players in the Carolina League. He could get to Chicago quickly because manager Ozzie Guillen and hitting coach Greg Walker are absolutely in love with his potential. 2004 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB Winston-Salem (Hi A) .283 .342 .379 515 71 146 22 3 7 66 40 65 8 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. BRENDAN McCARTHY, rhp Age: 21 B-T: R-R Ht: 6-7 Wt: 190 Drafted: Lamar (Colo.) CC, 2002 (17th round) Signed by: Joe Butler/John Kazanas Background: Scouts John Kazanas and Joe Butler did an excellent job when they locked onto McCarthy after he had gone 12-0 and struck out 14 per nine innings in junior college in 2002. He led the Rookie-level Arizona and Pioneer leagues in strikeouts in his first two pro seasons, then topped the entire minors with 202 whiffs in 2004. Strengths: McCarthy’s best pitch is a two-seam fastball that generally parks around 90 mph, and he has a four-seamer that hits 92-93. He also has a plus curveball. His height allows him to deliver pitches on a steep downward plane, and he throws strikes at will with an easily repeatable delivery. Weaknesses: McCarthy has sailed to Double-A without a hitch. He can get better with his changeup, and he has started to make progress and use it more often. The Future: Chicago couldn’t find a fifth starter in 2004, and McCarthy could jump into consideration with a strong spring. He’ll probably return to Double-A but won’t stay long if he picks up where he left off. 2004 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG Kannapolis (Lo A) 8 5 3.64 15 15 3 0 94 80 10 21 113 .232 Winston-Salem (Hi A) 6 0 2.08 8 8 0 0 52 31 3 3 60 .168 Birmingham (AA) 3 1 3.46 4 4 0 0 26 23 2 6 29 .235 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. JOSH FIELDS, 3b Age: 22 B-T: R-R Ht: 6-2 Wt: 210 Drafted: Oklahoma State, 2004 (1st round) Signed by: Alex Slattery/Nathan Durst Background: A two-sport star at Oklahoma State, Fields set a school record for career passing touchdowns (55) and a Cotton Bowl mark for passing yards (307). He comes from athletic stock as his mother Rhonda was the first female athlete to earn a full scholarship to Oklahoma State. He gave up football to sign for $1.55 million as the 18th overall pick in the 2004 draft. He made a smooth transition to pro ball, helping Winston-Salem recover from a poor first half to reach the playoffs. Strengths: Fields is a potentially dynamic hitter, combining strength and bat speed to generate power. He drives the ball to all fields and should hit for average as well as extra bases. He has a hard-nosed approach and strong work ethic. He has a plus arm at third base. Weaknesses: Fields spent just two seasons as a third baseman in college and needs work on his fielding, especially his footwork and his release. He can get impatient at the plate and pile up strikeouts. He’s a below-average runner. The Future: He likely will spend 2005 in Double-A. The White Sox are growing increasingly disappointed with Joe Crede and are looking to Fields to provide an alternative—the sooner the better. 2004 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB Winston-Salem (Hi A) .285 .333 .445 256 36 73 12 4 7 39 18 74 0 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. SEAN TRACEY, rhp Age: 24 B-T: L-R Ht: 6-3 Wt: 210 Drafted: UC Irvine, 2002 (8th round) Signed by: Joe Butler/Matt Hattabaugh Background: No one in the system has a better arm than Tracey, considered something of a project coming out of UC Irvine. He flashed his potential in his first two seasons but also had control problems. He turned a corner in 2004, thanks largely to his work with Winston-Salem pitching coach J.R. Perdew. Strengths: Though Tracey can run his 93-94 mph fastball up to 97, his biggest asset may be his competitiveness. Winston-Salem manager Nick Leyva calls him an animal, saying he’d pitch “every night if I let him.’’ He has the basic Kevin Brown package: a hard sinker that gets grounders and a four-seam fastball that gets strikeouts up in the zone. He also uses a hard slider. Tracey smoothed out his mechanics and gained confidence as the season went on. Weaknesses: Tracey led the Carolina League in walks and hit batters (23) but showed improvement over 2003. His mechanics require attention and make it difficult for him to throw a consistent slider or changeup. A better changeup would complement his power stuff. The Future: A full season at Double-A is the next step for Tracey. He has the arm strength to become an impact starter or power closer. 2004 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG Winston-Salem (Hi A) 9 8 2.73 27 27 0 0 148 105 5 69 130 .210 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6. CHRIS YOUNG, of Age: 21 B-T: R-R Ht: 6-2 Wt: 180 Drafted: HS—Bellaire, Texas, 2001 (16th round) Signed by: Joe Butler/Paul Provas Background: A star at national high school power Bellaire, Young lasted until the 16th round of the 2001 draft because he was rail-thin. He signed late that summer and spent two years in Rookie ball before making his full-season debut in 2004. He was inconsistent but his final numbers were proof he’s worth the effort that will be required to smooth out his rough edges. Strengths: While Young still hasn’t bulked up, he’s extremely strong and has nearly as much raw power as anyone in the system. He uses his top-of-the-line speed to turn singles into doubles and to put pressure on pitchers. Some White Sox officials already consider him a major league-caliber center fielder. Weaknesses: Young often gets overly aggressive at the plate, exacerbating his difficulties at making contact. He has struck out in 27 percent of his pro at-bats and must reduce that number to make better use of his speed and power. His arm strength is below average. The Future: Ticketed for high Class A, Young is somewhat reminiscent of former White Sox farmhand Mike Cameron. Chicago would love to see him reach the majors in 2007. 2004 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB Kannapolis (Lo A) .262 .365 .505 465 83 122 31 5 24 56 66 145 31 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7. GIO GONZALEZ, lhp Age: 19 B-T: L-L Ht: 6-0 Wt: 170 Drafted: HS—Miami, 2004 (1st round supplemental) Signed by: Jose Ortega Background: A top pitching prospect since he won Florida 6-A state title games at Miami’s Hialeah High as a freshman and sophomore, Gonzalez transferred to private Monsignor Pace High for his senior season. The White Sox might not have been able to grab him with the No. 38 pick had he not been dismissed from the team following a dispute between his mother and the coach over his brother’s lack of playing time. He signed for $850,000. Strengths: Gonzalez has an advanced feel for pitching for someone so young, with good command of a nice collection of pitches. His 87-90 mph fastball peaks at 94, but his out pitch is a tight curveball he throws in any count. He also has a decent changeup. Weaknesses: Because he does not have a powerful build, some scouts wonder about Gonzalez’ durability. He carries himself with an air of cockiness that could get tiresome, especially if he struggles. The Future: Gonzalez handled low Class A in his pro debut but probably will begin 2005 back in Kannapolis. He should move faster than most high school pitchers. 2004 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG Bristol ® 1 2 2.25 7 6 0 0 24 17 0 8 36 .198 Kannapolis (Lo A) 1 1 3.03 6 6 0 0 33 30 1 13 27 .244 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8. FRANCISCO HERNANDEZ, c Age: 19 B-T: B-R Ht: 5-9 Wt: 160 Signed: Dominican Republic, 2002 Signed by: Denny Gonzalez/Miguel Ibarra Background: After Hernandez batted .297 with six homers in his pro debut in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League in 2003, he was rewarded with a visa. He flashed tremendous potential in his first season in the United States, ranking second in the Rookie-level Appalachian League in batting and throwing out basestealers (33 percent). Strengths: Though he’s slightly built, Hernandez is a skilled switch-hitter with a strong arm. He’s solid from both sides of the plate and has surprising power for his size. He has the ability to make adjustments, which should keep him out of slumps. His receiving, blocking and game-calling also earn praise. Weaknesses: Hernandez needs polish behind the plate. Chicago is trying to get him to quicken his release. He sometimes chases bad pitches, something more advanced pitchers can exploit more easily. The Future: The White Sox believe Hernandez can be an all-star catcher, something they haven’t had since 1991 (Carlton Fisk) and something they’ve never developed on their own. He’s ready for a full season in low Class A. 2004 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB Bristol ® .326 .372 .492 181 32 59 13 1 5 30 13 32 0 Kannapolis (Lo A) .333 .333 .417 12 0 4 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9. PEDRO LOPEZ, ss Age: 20 B-T: R-R Ht: 6-1 Wt: 160 Signed: Dominican Republic, 2000 Signed by: Denny Gonzalez Background: Because he always played alongside Andy Gonzalez, Lopez spent much of his first three pro seasons as a second baseman. Farm director Dave Wilder decided it was time to separate the two in 2004, allowing them both to play shortstop. Lopez made the most of that chance, flashing plus fielding skills while continuing to show promise as a hitter. Strengths: Lopez’ advanced bat control had been his calling card, but now his fielding skills draw him more attention. He has plus range and reliable hands. He has shown the ability to hit for average, make contact and use the whole field, and he started to drive more pitches during instructional league. Weaknesses: He won’t impress anyone with his arm strength, but Lopez’ quick release allows him to make plays. While he has decent speed, he doesn’t have much basestealing aptitude. He rarely swings and misses, but his walks and extra-base hits are infrequent as well. The Future: Birmingham’s leading hitter (.357) during the Southern League playoffs, Lopez will return to Double-A. He should get lots of big league attention in spring training, and possibly in September. 2004 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB Winston-Salem (Hi A) .288 .328 .347 430 62 124 13 0 4 35 23 35 12 Birmingham (AA) .217 .379 .304 23 3 5 0 1 0 0 5 2 2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10. KRIS HONEL, rhp Age: 22 B-T: R-R Ht: 6-5 Wt: 180 Drafted: HS—New Lenox, Ill., 2001 (1st round) Signed by: Ken Stauffer/Nathan Durst Background: The organization’s top pitching prospect a year ago, Honel took the mound just three more times after an Opening Day start in Double-A. Initially expected to miss about a week, he struggled with shoulder tendinitis all season. Strengths: Honel’s knuckle-curve made him the 16th overall pick in 2001, the earliest an Illinois high school pitcher was drafted since Bob Kipper went eighth 19 years earlier. It has a sharp break and he generally can throw it for strikes in any count. He has good command and challenges hitters. Weaknesses: Velocity seems to be a constant struggle for Honel. He pitched in the high 80s in 2002 before climbing to the low 90s in 2003. Chicago thinks his shoulder problems stemmed from bulking up and overthrowing. He developed bad habits that put stress on his shoulder. His changeup is a clear third pitch. The Future: The White Sox are crossing their fingers that Honel comes to spring training healthy and ready to pitch in Double-A. They’ve lowered their expectations for him, counting on him being no more than an end-of-the-rotation starter, no earlier than mid-2006. 2004 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG Birmingham (AA) 0 1 9.00 3 1 0 0 6 4 1 5 7 .200 Bristol ® 0 0 108.00 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 3 0 .500 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JimH Posted November 29, 2004 Share Posted November 29, 2004 Great job FalseAlarm. Thanks very much for posting this, it is appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cerbaho-WG Posted November 29, 2004 Share Posted November 29, 2004 The Future: Ticketed for high Class A, Young is somewhat reminiscent of former White Sox farmhand Mike Cameron. Oh, really? I never noticed! Thanks, Phil! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperSteve Posted November 29, 2004 Share Posted November 29, 2004 Great job FalseAlarm. Thanks very much for posting this, it is appreciated. I agree. A good read. Thanks FA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rex Hudler Posted November 29, 2004 Share Posted November 29, 2004 Live chat finally going........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rex Hudler Posted November 29, 2004 Share Posted November 29, 2004 who is farmteam and how is he related to Phil Rogers?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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