Prospect Retro

Josh D. Fields, 3B, Chicago White Sox

Bats: R Throws: R HT: 6-2 WT: 210 DOB: December 14, 1982

It may cause some confusion, but there are two players named “Josh Fields” in the White Sox system. This is the third base version, Josh D. Fields, drafted in the first round in 2004 out of Oklahoma State. A top-notch overall athlete, Fields is still learning how to play baseball. He has excellent raw power, but his swing can be mechanical, and he doesn’t drive the ball for distance as well as he should or could. His strike zone judgment is also a problem, and he strikes out an awful lot. His OPS was just +2 percent last year, inadequate for a corner player. Fields’ defense is like his hitting: you can see the natural talent (a strong arm, good range) but he needs more polish. He is at least a year away from being ready for the majors.

Grade C+.

John Sickels' 2006 Book.