BA

[LDF]

CHICAGO–Control problems have stalled Corwin Malone’s rise through the White Sox farm system.

 

The White Sox’ No. 3 prospect heading into the 2002 season, Malone was expected to arrive in the majors this year. Instead, he’s back in Birmingham for his third stint with the Barons.

 

The White Sox’ ninth-round pick in 1999, Malone caught everyone’s attention when he went 13-5, 1.98 between three levels in 2001.

 

But a return trip to Double-A Birmingham in 2002 didn’t go nearly as well, as Malone went 10-7, 4.71. He walked 89 in 124 innings before being shut down with a sore elbow as the playoffs approached.

 

Sent back to Birmingham to start this season, Malone is trying to solve some mechanical problems.

 

"My timing has been off," the 22-year-old lefty said. "Last year I kind of lost my consistency as far as my timing goes. I’ve spent some time watching film, working with coaches, and I feel like I’m getting back to where I want to be."

 

Malone was 1-1, 4.19 with 19 walks in 19 innings to begin the season.

 

"An impressive thing about a guy like Malone is how he’s been able to pitch without his best stuff," farm director Bob Fontaine said. "He was struggling at times last year and he was still a winning pitcher. That shows us what we might have once he gets it all together."

 

Chi-Lites

 

• Lefthander Neal Cotts, acquired from the Athletics in the Billy Koch trade, has made a terrific impression. He allowed four hits while striking out 16 in 10 scoreless innings in his first two starts with Birmingham.

 

• High Class A Winston-Salem second baseman Ruddy Yan, who led Organized Baseball with 88 stolen bases last season, has a new birthday and a new name. Yan, who went by Edwin Yan last season, aged only six weeks. His birthday had been listed at Feb. 18, 1982, but is now Jan 13, 1982.