Mitchell Blurb

[DBAHO]

Saw this yesterday, apologies if posted already;

 

I have two questions regarding White Sox outfielder Jared Mitchell. First, what player would you compare his skill set and speed to? Second, how soon could we see him at the major league level?

 

Dan Christenson

Aurora, Ill.

 

When I was working on our draft coverage this spring, one of the scouts I spoke to likened Mitchell to Carl Crawford. Crawford is a little bigger (6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, versus 6 feet and 192 pounds for Mitchell), but both jump out at you with their game-changing athleticism and speed. Crawford could have been an option quarterback at Nebraska, while Mitchell played wide receiver on a national championship football team for Louisiana State. He also won another national title at the 2009 College World Series, where he was named Most Outstanding Player.

 

The 23rd overall pick in the draft, Mitchell signed for $1.2 million. Though he has hit .393 in his first eight games at low Class A Kannapolis, he may not race to the majors. He split time between two sports at Louisiana State, and while he's obviously gifted, he's also in need of a lot of polish. He put an emphasis on taking pitches to get on base, but he often falls behind in the count, leading to strikeouts. He needs more balance in his stance and less uppercut his swing, and he shows more speed than savvy on the bases and in the outfield.

 

At the same time, Mitchell wouldn't be the first gifted athlete who took off once he focused solely on baseball. Realistically, he's at least two years away from joining the White Sox, who have been searching for an answer in center field since trading Aaron Rowand.

[RockRaines]

Mitchell will not play CF at the big league level. I wish people would stop thinking that just because he has speed he is a CF'er. With him in a corner and JorDanks in CF, we will cover a TON of ground.

[Palehosefan]

Mitchell will not play CF at the big league level. I wish people would stop thinking that just because he has speed he is a CF'er. With him in a corner and JorDanks in CF, we will cover a TON of ground.

 

I think that's pretty uncertain at this point. Mitchell hasn't had a ton of time in the OF, but he clearly has the tools to be an above average CF. He has an average arm, and make-up speed. Danks has a plus arm, and average speed for a CF. I think Mitchell in CF and Danks in RF will be our best set of defensive OF, but we will see.

[RibbieRubarb]

In a few years our outfield should be Mitchell LF, Danks CF, and Quentin RF.

[BigEdWalsh]

And DeWyane Wise.

[danman31]

I think that's pretty uncertain at this point. Mitchell hasn't had a ton of time in the OF, but he clearly has the tools to be an above average CF. He has an average arm, and make-up speed. Danks has a plus arm, and average speed for a CF. I think Mitchell in CF and Danks in RF will be our best set of defensive OF, but we will see.

Mitchell might be better tools wise for center, but Danks is really good out there. I'd be shocked if Mitchell forces Danks to a corner. Danks won't be going there on his own.

[southsider2k5]

Mitchell will not play CF at the big league level. I wish people would stop thinking that just because he has speed he is a CF'er. With him in a corner and JorDanks in CF, we will cover a TON of ground.

 

Does anyone really believe that both Danks and Mitchell with both end up as everyday players for the Chicago White Sox? Between normal failure rates for prospect, and Kenny Williams love of the deal, it is a problem I am sure not worried about.

[chisoxpride2]

And DeWyane Wise.

 

 

I mean obviously... i can't imagine ANY outfield scheme for the next 7-10 years without him...

[Palehosefan]

Mitchell might be better tools wise for center, but Danks is really good out there. I'd be shocked if Mitchell forces Danks to a corner. Danks won't be going there on his own.

 

Yeah, there's no doubt we would be fine with Danks in CF for years to come. I just believe that Mitchell has the potential to be an elite CF with more experience with full-time baseball. Brandon Short is another guy that could be a good one in a few years.

[maggsmaggs]

Yeah, there's no doubt we would be fine with Danks in CF for years to come. I just believe that Mitchell has the potential to be an elite CF with more experience with full-time baseball. Brandon Short is another guy that could be a good one in a few years.

It's possible, but CF is more than just range. I would say Danks is range is very good, maybe Mitchell's is great, but still so much is dependent on getting great reads, which Jordan is excellent at. He also has a good 3-4 inches on Mitchell, which can help in the OF. Danks' arm is probably a notch better, too. Jordan can be a GG out there. I just hope these guys make is the big leagues because their range in the OF would be a huge asset.

[scenario]

And DeWyane Wise.

 

He's destined to stay with the organization and eventually replace Greg Walker.

 

[OilCan]

I would like to see more of Mitchell in CF...having said that I really think his future is in LF, unless his arm is suited for RF.

[CanOfCorn]

Has anyone done any research on this tidbit:

 

while Mitchell played wide receiver on a national championship football team for Louisiana State. He also won another national title at the 2009 College World Series, where he was named Most Outstanding Player.

 

Pretty interesting to win two nat'l championships in two high-profile sports like that.

[Palehosefan]

Has anyone done any research on this tidbit:

 

 

 

Pretty interesting to win two nat'l championships in two high-profile sports like that.

 

I don't know if you were kidding or not, but Jared was a back-up WR on that LSU squad, but took last years football season off to focus on baseball thankfully. He was just another athletic WR on the LSU roster, but his talent stood out on the baseball field.

Edited July 29, 2009 by Palehosefan

[dyuen]

Yeah, there's no doubt we would be fine with Danks in CF for years to come. I just believe that Mitchell has the potential to be an elite CF with more experience with full-time baseball. Brandon Short is another guy that could be a good one in a few years.

 

 

I think there is significant doubt that Danks will be the CF of the future. I think this board is way too high on him and he has a lot to prove as to whether he would be a good enough hitter to be a full time player. He could very well end up being Brian Anderson part deux.

[ILMOU]

I think there is significant doubt that Danks will be the CF of the future. I think this board is way too high on him and he has a lot to prove as to whether he would be a good enough hitter to be a full time player. He could very well end up being Brian Anderson part deux.

 

Unfortunately, I tend to agree with this. His numbers remind me too much of the BA's and Sweeney's of the world.

[Chisoxfn]

I think there is significant doubt that Danks will be the CF of the future. I think this board is way too high on him and he has a lot to prove as to whether he would be a good enough hitter to be a full time player. He could very well end up being Brian Anderson part deux.

Welcome aboard. I think Danks has all the defensive ability and offensively he's hit. He definitely strikes out more than you like and that might be his issue going forward which hinders him from hitting at the big league level. I feel that most outsiders underrate Danks because he didn't hit for the power everyone expected him to at Texas.

 

With that said Mitchell is a phenomenal athlete and there is no reason he shouldn't also be getting groomed for CF.

[Chisoxfn]

Unfortunately, I tend to agree with this. His numbers remind me too much of the BA's and Sweeney's of the world.

That isn't a bad thing, the question is what there swings are like. Plenty of guys have put up BA and Sweeney's minor league numbers and went on to great success. In fact, both Sweeney and Anderson were at one time guys that could have been the centerpiece of a big trade. So if Danks gets to the point where he has that sort of value I say heck yes.

 

Still, he needs a full year in Bham but I've always heard that the Sox are really high on him and that Buddy Bell believes he's near ML ready.

[NorthSideSox72]

Mitchell will not play CF at the big league level. I wish people would stop thinking that just because he has speed he is a CF'er. With him in a corner and JorDanks in CF, we will cover a TON of ground.

You cannot possibly know that now, or even a year or two from now. The declarative, absolute statement that he won't is sort of ridiculous.

 

Just curious, though, what make you think that he won't? What gives you your opinion?

 

[dyuen]

Welcome aboard. I think Danks has all the defensive ability and offensively he's hit. He definitely strikes out more than you like and that might be his issue going forward which hinders him from hitting at the big league level. I feel that most outsiders underrate Danks because he didn't hit for the power everyone expected him to at Texas.

 

With that said Mitchell is a phenomenal athlete and there is no reason he shouldn't also be getting groomed for CF.

 

Thanks! I think Danks has a shot but hes far from a sure thing. I bet Mitchell is more likely to be the CF than Danks, at least offensively. Besides KW doesn't seem to value defense too highly.

[dasox24]

I think there is significant doubt that Danks will be the CF of the future. I think this board is way too high on him and he has a lot to prove as to whether he would be a good enough hitter to be a full time player. He could very well end up being Brian Anderson part deux.

Oh s***, for a second when I glanced at your username I thought someone hacked into my account.