The Young and the Restless

[Heads22]

I've got a real tough time putting that label on Young.

[Chisoxfn]

I've got a real tough time putting that label on Young.

Young is quite possibly the most talented outfielder in the system, although you could make that same case for Anderson. Anderson has similar tools although he would rate about a notch below in terms of power potential. However Anderson is a little more fluid and has a much stronger arm.

 

Aside from that, there tools rank relatively even across the board. Anderson also projects to hit for a little better average than Young.

 

However, I'm starting to think the Sox have two special OF prospects between Anderson and Young and I'm hoping come the deadline KW can sell Sweeney's potential and past spring and find a way to hold onto Anderson/Young, although I tend to think after the trade deadline one of these 3 outfielders will be gone.

[Heads22]

I'm gonna put an "Untouchable" label on a little bit more of a sure thing. Nothing against Young, but the high risk makes me wary. I'm feeling too many Borchard vibes with the bat.

[Heads22]

Jason, is Young's mom there right now? You're very flowery toward him (more than usual) tonight.

[Chisoxfn]

I'm gonna put an "Untouchable" label on a little bit more of a sure thing. Nothing against Young, but the high risk makes me wary. I'm feeling too many Borchard vibes with the bat.

Borchard may of flopped but I'd of s*** a brick if the Sox had dealt him after he had that monster year in Bham. It turned out to flame, but it was the right call to make Joe Borchard untouchable. Its too bad he couldn't get things straight. He is doing a solid job in Charlotte and I wish him the best. He'll be in another org next year and maybe he'll get a shot to be a role player somewhere else.

 

However, Young is incredibly explosive. He's got a shot to be very very special. Of course I've been oozing over Young for quite a while.

[Chisoxfn]

Jason, is Young's mom there right now? You're very flowery toward him (more than usual) tonight.

Whats there to say about a guy who has totally raked the crap out of the ball (Xbase hits wise) after skipping a level. He also has plus tools and can just make things happy. Sure he's raw, but the ability is there.

 

I'd rather see the Sox deal Sweeney as opposed to Young. Even though I happen to think Sweeney will have a strong 2nd half and we will see his average in the .300 range or right near it by the end of the year.

[Heads22]

Yes, I know. I was also the one wondering about the obsession. I know batting average isn't the be-all and end-all, but his still worries me. Does he go to the opposite field much? I wonder if BHAM could help with that...

[Chisoxfn]

Yes, I know. I was also the one wondering about the obsession. I know batting average isn't the be-all and end-all, but his still worries me. Does he go to the opposite field much? I wonder if BHAM could help with that...

He can hit the ball with authority to all parts of the field. His average will never be great, but I think he's one of those guys that will hit for power no matter where he goes. He's also semi tough to pitch to because he can hammer good pitches.

 

Still, he needs to work more on hitting the breaking ball cause thats the one spot that could potential reak havoc on him at the major league level, imo. He's making strides though.

[Heads22]

We're all over the place tonight...

 

Kinda spilling over to the other thread....

 

I'm not doubting Chris can put it all together, nothing would make me happier. I'm just saying that if I had to pick one Sox OF prospect to get excited over, it's not him. Of course, you've known I'm high on Anderson and Sweeney, and if I had that untouchable tag, it'd go on Brian. Things can definitley change in a year, and I am excited abotu Chris and his power numbers. I just want to see that average go up. Hell, the Sox proved this year you don't need power to win, and I'm excited as to the prospects of Anderson fitting into that mold. Doesn't mean that a Young, Anderson and Sweeney/Owens OF in Charlotte next year shouldn't be fun as heck to watch. But that's a year away.

[Chisoxfn]

We're all over the place tonight...

 

Kinda spilling over to the other thread....

 

I'm not doubting Chris can put it all together, nothing would make me happier. I'm just saying that if I had to pick one Sox OF prospect to get excited over, it's not him. Of course, you've known I'm high on Anderson and Sweeney, and if I had that untouchable tag, it'd go on Brian. Things can definitley change in a year, and I am excited abotu Chris and his power numbers. I just want to see that average go up. Hell, the Sox proved this year you don't need power to win, and I'm excited as to the prospects of Anderson fitting into that mold. Doesn't mean that a Young, Anderson and Sweeney/Owens OF in Charlotte next year shouldn't be fun as heck to watch. But that's a year away.

Sorry Alex, but the Sox proved that you need pitching to win. They still are amongst the major league leaders in HR's (top 7 I think) and are scoring runs at a decent clip as well. Pods gives them an extra dimension in terms of creating runs, but the reason this team is winning (the big reason) is the play from both the rotation and the bullpen.

 

If the Sox had this sort of production from their staff last year, they'd be in a similar place.

[Heads22]

I think I'm gonna split out our little Young discussion.

 

With your having seen Young, that's something I cannot really comment on. Personally, I'd like to see the year in AA, with the average climbing.

 

 

I'll definitley keep my eye on the Futures Game. I want to see both him and Jenks.

[Chisoxfn]

Good idea splitting this Alex. I just can't look past the way he plays center mixed with the fact that he's an extra base hit machine. When he hits the ball, there's a good shot its gonna be a big time hit.

 

Heck Young could turn into a right handed version of Jim Edmons. Ie, when he makes contact he just crushes the ball. Thats probably a stretch, but when I talk explosive, I mean a guy that can just make things happen on the field. He's the type of guy that can have huge huge games. He'll also hit some funks.

 

All that said I do agree he has a greater chance of flopping than other prospects. I'm really looking forward to seeing Jenks curveball and if its where it was when he was healthy with the Angels. If it is and Jenks is mentally stable, he should be at the major league level at some point this year, even if it is at Baj's expense.

 

I love Baj, but Jenks is a total stud and is near ready, if not ready, to contribute at the major league level. Baj is also ready, but Jenks has the ability to be an explosive reliever while I think of Baj more as a serviceable reliever (something all teams need).

[DBAHO]

I'd be interested to hear people's thoughts on Chris Young vs. Ryan Sweeney prospect wise right now taking into consideration their collective performances so far this season.

[Heads22]

Our discussion is kind of two-fold.

 

Is Young the one player I wouldn't deal, no matter what? As of right now, no. It's exactly that greater chance of a flop.

 

Can he turn into a productive MLB player? Sure. I just want to reserve judgement til after some more minor league experience,w hich both you and i know he needs anyways. By no means am I saying he will flop. I'm just saying that his chances at "high reward" don't overwhelm me as much as they do you.

 

Of course, I'm never gonna hear the end of it from you when he recieves his first all-star bid.

[Heads22]

I'd be interested to hear people's thoughts on Chris Young vs. Ryan Sweeney prospect wise right now taking into consideration their collective performances so far this season.

 

You guys already know my stance on Sweeney. I'm a little bit more in his corner than others. That being said, it sure seems like he could use another week off to try and get 100%.

[Chisoxfn]

Our discussion is kind of two-fold.

 

Is Young the one player I wouldn't deal, no matter what? As of right now, no. It's exactly that greater chance of a flop.

 

Can he turn into a productive MLB player? Sure. I just want to reserve judgement til after some more minor league experience,w hich both you and i know he needs anyways. By no means am I saying he will flop. I'm just saying that his chances at "high reward" don't overwhelm me as much as they do you.

 

Of course, I'm never gonna hear the end of it from you when he recieves his first all-star bid.

My thoughts are this. Untouchables are guys that can become total stars. I'm less likely to say that Sweeney is going to be a total star. He's just not matched his potential with production. He has good tools across the board and has a nice swing, but the numbers aren't there. If Sweeney starts raking I could put him back into that category and he has been rushed a bit, but this year will be the time where he's given the opportunity to settle in (next year could be a year in which he explodes and I know a few people think he'll do so in the 2nd half).

 

When it comes to Young he skipped WS and is still clubbing the hell out of the ball. He plays an awesome CF and is very fast. Plus he has the ability to hit 30 HR's and 40-50 doubles. The guy is an xtra base machine and could be like Andruw Jones. Ie, never hit for much average, but just hit tons of xtra base hits. Not saying he'll be like Andruw defensively either, but he's definately an above average CF.

 

Anderson rates ahead of both, although once again Young may be the best talent wise of the group. Its hard to say though because Anderson has the stronger arm, but a little less power. Both are very good and Anderson is a lot closer and much more of a "sure thing". Not that he is a sure thing cause there is no such thing as that.

 

When it comes to pitchers the only untouchable I'd list would be Bmac. Even then he wouldn't be untouchable for a stud player that would be here for more than just this year. Same can be said for every prospect in the system.

[DBAHO]

My thoughts are this.  Untouchables are guys that can become total stars.  I'm less likely to say that Sweeney is going to be a total star.  He's just not matched his potential with production.  He has good tools across the board and has a nice swing, but the numbers aren't there.  If Sweeney starts raking I could put him back into that category and he has been rushed a bit, but this year will be the time where he's given the opportunity to settle in (next year could be a year in which he explodes and I know a few people think he'll do so in the 2nd half). 

 

When it comes to Young he skipped WS and is still clubbing the hell out of the ball.  He plays an awesome CF and is very fast.  Plus he has the ability to hit 30 HR's and 40-50 doubles. The guy is an xtra base machine and could be like Andruw Jones.  Ie, never hit for much average, but just hit tons of xtra base hits.  Not saying he'll be like Andruw  defensively either, but he's definately an above average CF. 

 

Anderson rates ahead of both, although once again Young may be the best talent wise of the group.  Its hard to say though because Anderson has the stronger arm, but a little less power.  Both are very good and Anderson is a lot closer and much more of a "sure thing".  Not that he is a sure thing cause there is no such thing as that. 

 

When it comes to pitchers the only untouchable I'd list would be Bmac.  Even then he wouldn't be untouchable for a stud player that would be here for more than just this year.  Same can be said for every prospect in the system.

You wouldn't have Gio Gonzalez as an untouchable Jason?

[Heads22]

I guess i don't even think of McCarthy now that he's with the team.

 

I don't think you can put that untouchable tag on Sweeney either.

 

How old is Chris? If he does come along, I don't see him sniffing Chicago til 2007.

[Chisoxfn]

You wouldn't have Gio Gonzalez as an untouchable Jason?

No. I like Gio a lot as a prospect, but no way am I going to list an A ball pitcher as untouchable. He has a lot more to prove before I'd mark him as untouchable.

 

Plus if the Sox are getting a guy like AJ Burnett and are willing to sign him for another couple years, than ya, I'd deal him in a heartbeat. Just throwing out a random name, but if they are getting a major leaguer that will help them now and in the future years, I'd deal him and wouldn't think twice.

 

IF he was putting up those numbers in AA or AAA, another story, but A ball is still a ball. He's still got a long way to go.

[Heads22]

You wouldn't have Gio Gonzalez as an untouchable Jason?

 

I pretty much agree with Jason's standard of AA production and chances of success. If Gio keeps dominating through AA ball, it will be tough not to put him in that group.

[DBAHO]

I pretty much agree with Jason's standard of AA production and chances of success. If Gio keeps dominating through AA ball, it will be tough not to put him in that group.

I just find it interesting to compare Gonzalez this season and B-Mac with last season. They both started at Kanny, dominated, Gio's at WS, while B-Mac eventually made his way up late to B-Ham. I guess I just like Gio a bit more as a prospect than other people.

[GoodAsGould]

as our OF's go I know everyone seems to love Chris Young and everything, he kind of reminds me of Mike Cameron a bit... anyways although he is far from untouchable my favorite OF of our 4 would be Jerry Owens... I think he has Podsenick written all over him and we know how valuable a good leadoff man is. Best part is we basicly got him for free... claimed Escobar from the indians for nothing and traded him for owens.

[Rowand44]

as our OF's go I know everyone seems to love Chris Young and everything, he kind of reminds me of Mike Cameron a bit... anyways although he is far from untouchable my favorite OF of our 4 would be Jerry Owens... I think he has Podsenick written all over him and we know how valuable a good leadoff man is.  Best part is we basicly got him for free... claimed Escobar from the indians for nothing and traded him for owens.

Owens and Sweeney are my two favorite hitters down at the minor league level. Owens for the exact reason you said, one of the hardest things in baseball to find is a good leadoff hitter, we have one at the big league level and a good solid prospect as a leadoff hitter as well with Owens. With Sweeney I just think he's going to be so good, I think his swing is absolutely beautiful.

[danman31]

No fair, you guys started a prospect talk thread and I wasn't here to keep up. Now I have a lot to touch on.

 

However, I'm starting to think the Sox have two special OF prospects between Anderson and Young and I'm hoping come the deadline KW can sell Sweeney's potential and past spring and find a way to hold onto Anderson/Young, although I tend to think after the trade deadline one of these 3 outfielders will be gone.

I can't believe you of all people said that. I was talking about wharris1 about this yesterday on AIM and we both figured that most people would think of it as blaspheme but Sweeney's lack of power is definitely a concern. His 2nd half should be a big indicator, bigger than the 1st half. I'd imagine Sweeney's stock is probably as low as it's going to get.

 

Doesn't mean that a Young, Anderson and Sweeney/Owens OF in Charlotte next year shouldn't be fun as heck to watch. But that's a year away.

Anderson won't be in Charlotte next season. One of two things will happen. 1. He makes it with the Sox due to a move of some sort in the offseason opening things up for him. 2. He is traded to another team this deadline (which is my pick) or in the offseason. I highly doubt he will get held back and be forced to stay in AAA.

 

I'd be interested to hear people's thoughts on Chris Young vs. Ryan Sweeney prospect wise right now taking into consideration their collective performances so far this season.

Right now Young is the new hotness and Sweeney is the old and busted. Young is outperforming Sweeney on the same level right now. That and the fact that Sweeney hasn't shown people something at AA like everyone wants.

 

You guys already know my stance on Sweeney. I'm a little bit more in his corner than others. That being said, it sure seems like he could use another week off to try and get 100%.

What in the hell are you talking about?

[Rex Hudler]

I have to disagree with you on Sweeney, dan.......

 

Sweeney's numbers may not be opening eyes, but those that watch him play see a future major league baseball player. I too am concerned about the lack of run production, but Sweeney is the 2nd youngest player in the league and is a season behind Chris Young, yet still playing at the same level after playing at a higher level last year.

 

The Sox have pushed Sweeney, probably a little faster than he is ready for in terms of production. But if he has the maturity to deal with the struggles and the ability to make adjustments, then Sweeney will take off soon. I really think that Sweeney should repeat AA next year and you will see a totally different player.

 

Scouts that watch him play, see this and know this. I guarantee you that Sweeney's stock has much less to do with numbers at this point than what the eyes can see.

 

----------------------------------

As far as comparing the two, I think it is difficult because they are different players and because of Sweeney's youth. Sweeney is a year and a half younger. Young has great potential and I think he is somebody worth getting excited about, as long as you are willing to risk being disappointed. I think Young has the potential to be the best of the three Sox OF prospects, but also the greatest chance of failing to reach his potential.

 

We have three really solid OF prospects and another sleeper in Owens. If one is traded, I don't think it will really be a reflection on which the Sox liked least.