2011 White Sox Top Prospects

[Leonard Washington]

QUICK PRIMER ON GRADE MEANINGS:

 

Grade A prospects are the elite. They have a good chance of becoming stars or superstars. Almost all Grade A prospects develop into major league regulars, if injuries or other problems don't intervene. Note that is a major "if" in some cases.

 

Grade B prospects have a good chance to enjoy successful careers. Some will develop into stars, some will not. Most end up spending several years in the majors, at the very least in a marginal role.

 

Grade C prospects are the most common type. These are guys who have something positive going for them, but who may have a question mark or three, or who are just too far away from the majors to get an accurate feel for. A few Grade C guys, especially at the lower levels, do develop into stars. Many end up as role players or bench guys. Some don't make it at all.

 

A major point to remember is that grades for pitchers do NOT correspond directly to grades for hitters. Many Grade A pitching prospects fail to develop, often due to injuries. Some Grade C pitching prospects turn out much better than expected.

 

Also note that there is diversity within each category. I'm a tough grader; Grade C+ is actually good praise coming from me, and some C+ prospects turn out very well indeed.

 

Finally, keep in mind that all grades are shorthand. You have to read the full comment for my full opinion about a player, the letter grade only tells you so much. A Grade C prospect in rookie ball could end up being very impressive, while a Grade C prospect in Triple-A is likely just a future role player.

 

Chicago White Sox Top 20 Prospects for 2011

 

1) Chris Sale, LHP, Grade A: I don't see how I can give him anything but a Grade A considering how his debut went. Starter or closer, either way he looks great to me.

 

2) Brent Morel, 3B, Grade B: Should be a solid regular, very good glove, bat will be enough, Joe Randa comps are common and accurate, in my view.

 

3) Dayan Viciedo, 1B, Grade B-: I respect the fact that he can hit decently with plate discipline this bad, but I expect that he will be streaky.

 

4) Addison Reed, RHP, Grade B-: I seem to like him more than other people do, but what's not to like? Good stuff, knows how to pitch, main question is long-term role.

 

5) Jared Mitchell, OF, Grade C+: This assumes he returns to full health. He didn't look right in the Arizona Fall League. If his speed (and confidence in his legs) don't fully return, it would be a great shame.

 

6) Jacob Pericka, RHP, Grade C+: Very live arm from 2010 draft, but rather raw, future role undefined.

 

7) Eduardo Escobar, SS, Grade C+: Great glove, but will he hit enough for it to be relevant?

 

8) Gregory Infante, RHP, Grade C+: Another hard-thrower who could fit nicely into bullpen.

 

9) Andre Rienzo, RHP, Grade C+: This guy is a huge sleeper. You won't see him on many other lists, but he has good stuff and good numbers. From Brazil.

 

 

10) Thomas Royse, RHP, Grade C+: Inning-eating ground ball specialist, possible number four starter eventually.

 

11) Tyler Saladino, SS, Grade C+: Infielder out of Oral Roberts in the 2010 draft, good bat, glove can possibly stick at shortstop.

 

12) Mike Blanke, C, Grade C+: Hit well in the Pioneer League with decent defense, like Saladino a sleeper from this year's draft to watch.

 

13) Santos Rodriguez, LHP, Grade C+: Borderline C, Power lefty arm is rare, needs to cut walks.

 

14) Brandon Short, OF, Grade C: Interesting bat, but strike zone judgment was weak in the Carolina League and Double-A transition could be difficult.

 

15) Trayce Thompson, OF, Grade C: Would rank higher on tools alone, but is approach needs a lot of work.

 

16) Anthony Carter, RHP, Grade C: Another potentially good relief arm.

 

17) Jordan Danks, OF, Grade C: Good glove, but hope for his bat is fading.

 

18) Tyler Flowers, C, Grade C: Stock has dropped massively, but this may be a "buy low" case where he ends up midway between '09 and '10 eventually.

 

19) Charles Leesman, LHP, Grade C: Erratic lefty has a good fastball and slider combo, but all over the map last year in performance.

 

20) Josh Phegley, C, Grade C: Weird medical condition, strike zone issues, and shaky defense have kept him from living up to college production.

 

OTHERS OF NOTE: Spencer Arroyo, LHP; Kyle Bellamy, RHP; Ryan Buch, RHP; Justin Collop, RHP; Terry Doyle, RHP; Miguel Gonzalez, C; Nevin Griffith, RHP; Deunte Heath, RHP, Matt Heidenreich, RHP; Kevin Moran, RHP; Rangel Ravelo, RHP; Dan Remenowsky, RHP; Charlie Shirek, RHP; Andy Wilkins, 1B.

 

This system is not in good condition.

 

Chris Sale is excellent and Brent Morel is solid and I like Addison Reed, but after that you have nothing but questions. Can Viciedo develop even adequate plate discipline? Where does he fit on the roster? You have the makings of a nice relief corps but you need some starting pitchers, too. There are some intriguing tools guys but most of them have flawed approaches. No one seems to know if Mitchell will ever be the same after his ankle injury.

 

Three sleepers that I like a lot are Rienzo, Saladino, and Blanke, but we need more data about all of them.

 

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2011/1/5/19...-2011#storyjump

[DirtySox]

Bad farm system is bad. I imagine it's between the Brewers and the White Sox for worst in baseball.

 

The system definitely needs a player or five to breakout next season. I'm on the Blanke and Petricka train currently.

 

I'll also continue my hoping for the Sox to go over slot to sign some falling talent in the draft, especially without a first rounder in the coming draft. Signing a costly first round talent with their Supplemental pick would be ideal. (Like the Tigers did with Castellanos last year)

[Leonard Washington]

Yeah, we don't pick until 45th overall, so hopefully Jerry is open to going overslot. He's done it before, but it's definitely a rarity.

 

I imagine we'll rank ahead of the Brewers, but that's it.

 

I like Petricka and Blanke too, as well as Trayce, Miguel Gonzalez, and Jose Martinez.

[DirtySox]

Yeah, we don't pick until 45th overall, so hopefully Jerry is open to going overslot. He's done it before, but it's definitely a rarity.

 

I imagine we'll rank ahead of the Brewers, but that's it.

 

I like Petricka and Blanke too, as well as Trayce, Miguel Gonzalez, and Jose Martinez.

 

 

I'd sell my soul for a blue chip catching prospect. Lord knows the Sox want one. They would have taken Grandal if he was available it seemed. One of Blanke, Gonzalez, Phegley, or Flowers suceeding would be nice.

[Jordan4life_2007]

I'd sell my soul for a blue chip catching prospect. Lord knows the Sox want one. They would have taken Grandal if he was available it seemed. One of Blanke, Gonzalez, Phegley, or Flowers suceeding would be nice.

 

I'd sell my soul for any one of a blue chip catching, infield, outfield or SP prospect. And Infante being in the top 10 is a joke.

[Jordan4life_2007]

Yeah, we don't pick until 45th overall, so hopefully Jerry is open to going overslot. He's done it before, but it's definitely a rarity.

 

I imagine we'll rank ahead of the Brewers, but that's it.

 

I like Petricka and Blanke too, as well as Trayce, Miguel Gonzalez, and Jose Martinez.

 

The Brewers have an excuse. Their system sucks because they've snagged two CY award winners, one who single-handedly led them to the playoffs in 2008 and another numbers 2 starter who will flourish in the NL Central. The Astros and Cardinals should battle it out for worst system on the planet with the Sox.

[Leonard Washington]

Excuse or not, the Brewers are worse than anybody IMO. They had a weak system coming into the offseason, and traded (according to BA's mailbag) their top 3 prospects this offseason.

[DirtySox]

Excuse or not, the Brewers are worse than anybody IMO. They had a weak system coming into the offseason, and traded (according to BA's mailbag) their top 3 prospects this offseason.

 

They also failed to sign their first round pick from the 2010 draft.

[ChiliIrishHammock24]

Im on the Addison Reed, Jacob Petricka, and Andy Wilkins train my self.

[Jordan4life_2007]

Excuse or not, the Brewers are worse than anybody IMO. They had a weak system coming into the offseason, and traded (according to BA's mailbag) their top 3 prospects this offseason.

 

Yes, but they've used their system to supplement their major league team. They already had homegrown stars such as Fielder, Braun, Weeks, Hart and Gallardo. Now they've built a top 5 pitching staff in all of baseball because they had the assets in the farm to do so. That's what a system is for. Not just for one or the other. But for a combination of both. And I will never be satisfied until the White Sox realize this.

[witesoxfan]

Yes, but they've used their system to supplement their major league team. They already had homegrown stars such asSm Fielder, Braun, Weeks, Hart and Gallardo. Now they've built a top 5 pitching staff in all of baseball because they had the assets in the farm to do so. That's what a system is for. Not just for one or the other. But for a combination of both. And I will never be satisfied until the White Sox realize this.

 

You've perfectly described exactly what the White Sox do, and then say that you wish the White Sox did that.

 

You've also stated that you want the White Sox to have legitimate replacements at all positions on the field (which they do - they have replacement level quality all around the diamond, and better at some spots, and that's really all you can ask for), yet then state that you want the White Sox to use the system to supplement the major league roster - WHICH THEY DO AND HAVE DONE FOR 10 YEARS.

 

I'm going to dive into the well of cliches, but I legitimately think at this point in time that the White Sox could have the best farm system in the majors, win 120 games, and win 3 straight World Series and you'd still find something to be unsatisfied about. Quit being such a goddamn downer. The White Sox signed Adam Dunn and Jesse Crain and while the Paul Konerko resigning isn't as exciting, he's still a good hitter. And they traded Linebrink, got a live arm for him, and they didn't have to pay the full $5.5 mill he was due. Pour another drink, sit back, and relax. You have like 10 more months to b****. Enjoy what has been a successful offseason.

[Leonard Washington]

OK cool. But when exactly did the weakness of a farm system have to be taken in context when ranking them? They aren't, and the ranking was what it being discussed.

Edited January 6, 2011 by Pale Sox

[Jordan4life_2007]

You've perfectly described exactly what the White Sox do, and then say that you wish the White Sox did that.

 

No, they haven't. They trade away young talent for broken down, past their prime vets for the most part. Jim Thome being the only real exception. Or if you want to go back to '04 you can say Freddy Garcia.

 

You've also stated that you want the White Sox to have legitimate replacements at all positions on the field (which they do - they have replacement level quality all around the diamond, and better at some spots, and that's really all you can ask for), yet then state that you want the White Sox to use the system to supplement the major league roster - WHICH THEY DO AND HAVE DONE FOR 10 YEARS.

 

Wite, you know I respect you. But WTF are you talking about? I challenge you to give me just three examples in the last 5 years or so in which a regular went down or underperformed and the Sox were able to call up a player from the system and he performed at a replacement level. We have nobody that could do that if a regular went down.

 

I'm going to dive into the well of cliches, but I legitimately think at this point in time that the White Sox could have the best farm system in the majors, win 120 games, and win 3 straight World Series and you'd still find something to be unsatisfied about. Quit being such a goddamn downer. The White Sox signed Adam Dunn and Jesse Crain and while the Paul Konerko resigning isn't as exciting, he's still a good hitter. And they traded Linebrink, got a live arm for him, and they didn't have to pay the full $5.5 mill he was due. Pour another drink, sit back, and relax. You have like 10 more months to b****. Enjoy what has been a successful offseason.

 

I will not do cartwheels over signing Jesse Crain to a 3-year, 13 million dollar deal. I just won't. Chances are it will end badly. Yes, I love the Dunn signing and have made that well known. And will all due respect, I don't care if people think I'm a perpetual whiner and that I'm never satisfied. I'm sick of getting butt-f***ed by the same team over and over and over and over and over again. If the Sox fall short to the Twins again, BLOW IT UP.

Edited January 6, 2011 by Jordan4life

[southsider2k5]

No, they haven't. They trade away young talent for broken down, past their prime vets for the most part. Jim Thome being the only real exception. Or if you want to go back to '04 you can say Freddy Garcia.

 

 

 

Wite, you know I respect you. But WTF are you talking about? I challenge you to give me just three examples in the last 5 years or so in which a regular went down or underperformed and the Sox were able to call up a player from the system and he performed at a replacement level. We have nobody that could do that if a regular went down.

 

 

 

I will not do cartwheels over signing Jesse Crain to a 3-year, 13 million dollar deal. I just won't. Chances are it will end badly. Yes, I love the Dunn signing and have made that well known. And will all due respect, I don't care if people think I'm a perpetual whiner and that I'm never satisfied. I'm sick of getting butt-f***ed by the same team over and over and over and over and over again. If the Sox fall short to the Twins again, BLOW IT UP.

 

Um, John Danks?

[Jordan4life_2007]

Um, John Danks?

 

Well I no longer considered B-Mac a prospect at the point of that trade. But I can give you that. My point was Wite, for some reason unknown, thinks we'd have viable replacements if a player or two went down in-season. I challenged him to give some examples.

[ptatc]

Well I no longer considered B-Mac a prospect at the point of that trade. But I can give you that. My point was Wite, for some reason unknown, thinks we'd have viable replacements if a player or two went down in-season. I challenged him to give some examples.

 

Why not? He had a heck of a run in August and Sept. to help the sox make the playoffs. There were many people really angry, on this board and in the papers, that KW traded away a pitcher who has some success at the MLB level for a few guys who hadn't.

 

How about Bobby Jenks and Gordon Beckham?

[Chisoxfn]

Why not? He had a heck of a run in August and Sept. to help the sox make the playoffs. There were many people really angry, on this board and in the papers, that KW traded away a pitcher who has some success at the MLB level for a few guys who hadn't.

 

How about Bobby Jenks and Gordon Beckham?

I can't possibly believe this (not what you said PTAC, but what J4L said). At the time the deal was made, Brandon McCarthy was a very very hot name in baseball.

[bigruss]

Prospect is different, and usually less valuable, than a young MLB starter (in this case, ready to be starter but at the time reliever).

 

Not labeling him as a "Prospect" in no way signifies he had no value. Atleast that's how I took it.

[southsider2k5]

I can't possibly believe this (not what you said PTAC, but what J4L said). At the time the deal was made, Brandon McCarthy was a very very hot name in baseball.

 

He was a WAY bigger name than Dan Hudson, thats for sure.

[witesoxfan]

No, they haven't. They trade away young talent for broken down, past their prime vets for the most part. Jim Thome being the only real exception. Or if you want to go back to '04 you can say Freddy Garcia.

 

Jake Peavy, Edwin Jackson, Nick Swisher, Javy Vazquez...there are more than that too, but Jim Thome was more of an example of the Sox trading for a past his prime vet, it just so happened that Thome aged well. Some of those guys didn't work out as well as would have been hoped, but there was a legitimate reason for making the move.

 

Wite, you know I respect you. But WTF are you talking about? I challenge you to give me just three examples in the last 5 years or so in which a regular went down or underperformed and the Sox were able to call up a player from the system and he performed at a replacement level. We have nobody that could do that if a regular went down.

In 2010, Sergio Santos and Chris Sale could both qualify.

In 2009, Gordon Beckham and Jayson Nix could both qualify.

In 2008, Alexei Ramirez started in CF on Opening Day, but he was then relegated to the bench for a while until he took Uribe's spot at 2B. Dewayne Wise was also more than respectable in his time up after playing in Charlotte all year. I would also say that DJ Carrasco fits in there too.

In 2007, Josh Fields came up and hit 23 homers, Danny Richar came up and had a .700 OPS, Terrero came up and put up .724, Ehren Wasserman came up and put up a sub 3 ERA over 23 innings, and Gavin Floyd came up and had a 5.27 ERA over 70 innings (and that included the 07-06-07 massacre against the Twins).

In 2006, the Sox didn't have a ton actually come up from the minor league system - I'm not going to use Brian Anderson as an example - but they used their minor league system to bring in MacDougal, Riske, Cintron, and Thornton, and then had Gload and Ozuna perform really well as well (though they originally came up in 04 and 5 respectively).

 

 

I will not do cartwheels over signing Jesse Crain to a 3-year, 13 million dollar deal. I just won't. Chances are it will end badly. Yes, I love the Dunn signing and have made that well known. And will all due respect, I don't care if people think I'm a perpetual whiner and that I'm never satisfied. I'm sick of getting butt-f***ed by the same team over and over and over and over and over again. If the Sox fall short to the Twins again, BLOW IT UP.

 

You will inevitably get your wish, because there is no way they can afford to do this again if they fail.

[SoxAce]

The system definitely needs a player or five to breakout next season. I'm on the Blanke and Petricka train currently.

 

I love me some Michael Blanke. Also a big fan of Ryan Buch's arm. Saladino is my boy too.

Edited January 9, 2011 by J.Reedfan8

[scenario]

In 2010, Sergio Santos and Chris Sale could both qualify.

 

And Viciedo

 

 

[NorthSideSox72]

Interesting his little bit on Rienzo - our FS Top 25 had him similarly high.

 

System is pretty bad, but with all the injuries last year (Mitchell, Thompson, Phegley, Royse, Remenowsky), I think we'll see some improvement in 2011. Bad draft position makes things bad again though.

 

[Springfield Soxfan]

Interesting his little bit on Rienzo - our FS Top 25 had him similarly high.

 

System is pretty bad, but with all the injuries last year (Mitchell, Thompson, Phegley, Royse, Remenowsky), I think we'll see some improvement in 2011. Bad draft position makes things bad again though.

I agree about the bad draft position, but very happy with the Adam Dunn signing and it was worth the picks.