This Week in White Sox Minor League Baseball

by larry on May 30, 2009 8:40 AM CDT in Minors Comment 81 comments

Brian Omogrosso

This week:

The big story, of course, was the promotion of Gordon Beckham to Charlotte. After hitting .303/.363/.503 in 37 games for Birmingham, he didn't have a great deal left to prove with his bat. The move to AAA, however, permits the White Sox to get him time at third without having to move Dayan Viciedo to another position. Josh Fields should be looking over his shoulder.
A guy on the Barons who hasn't received a lot of attention because of all the talent on that roster is Brian Omogrosso. He was a reliever in college and, in the past, has stated a preference for that role. Likely at least in part because of repetitions missed due to injuries, the Sox have him starting for Birmingham and he's pitched well enough: 59 IP, 47 hits, 30 BB and 51 K with a 1.11 GO/FO rate. Long-term, he's probably bullpen material considering his mid-90s fastball and less than complete secondary stuff.
Tyler Flowers: .256/.436/.451.
Brent Morel, last year's third round pick, missed the week with a hamstring injury.
Justin Greene doesn't get a lot of attention because Sox fans no longer need to scour the system for a centerfield prospect. He's a bit old for Kannapolis but he's a plus defender, has good speed, and is showing some surprising power so far this year. He'll need to prove himself at the higher levels - he's likely headed to the Dash next month - but his .300/.385/.500 gives some hope that the Sox got something in the 20th round last year. He has that hard-nosed style that the Sox like, as well, evident in his ejection on Thursday after plowing over the catcher.
Brandon Allen: .296/.368/.484.
Jon Link, the closer for Charlotte, was one of the lone bright spots for the Knights prior to the ascension of the savior into AAA. Although he hasn't had many save opportunities, in 21.1 IP he's given up 14 hits, walked 9 and struck out 28. I'd expect to see him in the majors sometime this season. Looks like Kenny got a nice return from the Padres for Rob Mackowiak.
Jose Contreras made a couple starts this week: 11.2 IP, 12 hits, 4 BB and 14 K. It's rumored that he'll be called up to pitch in the June 8 doubleheader against the Tigers.
Sox Machine interviewed Barons broadcaster Curt Bloom. Discusses all the top prospects.
Daniel Hudson hasn't found High A quite so easy. In a couple starts this week, 9 IP, 12 hits, 7 BB and 8 K. He's kept the strikeout rate high since his promotion but his walk rate has ballooned, which suggests that more advanced hitters are laying off his slider down and out of the zone.
A question was asked on last week's post regarding MiLB.tv. It is pretty much AAA teams with no Birmingham games. However, you can expect that more of the top prospects will be joining Beckham in Charlotte soon so it may be worth the investment for those interested.
Jordan Danks is making people stop wondering where the power is: .347/.440/.472 since his promotion.

As always, check the White Sox Minor League Update Fanpost on the right sidebar for daily updates and commentary. Additionally, I twitter White Sox minor league news so, if you're interested in that or my other random baseball thoughts, follow me: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry.

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Who do you see being promoted to AAA

In the coming weeks? Allen, Retherford, and Gartrell?

Is Poreda likely remain in AA to stay with Perdew?

by DirtySox on May 30, 2009 10:02 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

want a preview of the post-draft shuffling post, huh.

i think allen is a certainty. retherford maybe. gartrell is organizational filler so he’ll go wherever. poreda is an interesting case so i’m not sure, partly for the reason you mention. a reliever, like hernandez, may go, too.

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 30, 2009 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i should add

omogrosso is another possibility. and i understand gartrell and poreda are buddies so if the latter goes, expect the former to go. and cook, despite the low batting average, is playing pretty well so he may be the one to be moved up if charlotte needs an OF.

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 30, 2009 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

As long as something happens by, oh, June 13, it's cool.

EVERYBODY PICK US FOR 3RD OR 4TH SO I DINK WE DOIN POOTY GOO
Sox Machine

by Sox Machine on May 30, 2009 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't omogrosso have a pretty funky delivery?

Maybe my info is wrong/outdated, but he always screamed reliever from what I recall

Formerly Crede's Crew

by Q!'s Qrew on May 30, 2009 10:04 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

i believe he's moved away from the "sidearm" delivery to more three quarters.

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 30, 2009 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

ah ok, yeah the pic does seem to indicate that. Thanks

Formerly Crede's Crew

by Q!'s Qrew on May 30, 2009 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

this one is a better illustration.

http://blog.al.com/birmingham-news-sports/2009/05/barons_blast_mississippi.html

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 30, 2009 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

appreciate that....thanks lar

Formerly Crede's Crew

by Q!'s Qrew on May 30, 2009 9:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

All kidding aside

You do a fantastic job with this shit. Oh yeah that guy with the fake website also does a really good job too.

"I'm just here to provide street cred"

by Tdogg on May 30, 2009 10:15 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Website???

(joking)

Formerly Crede's Crew

by Q!'s Qrew on May 30, 2009 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Now my questions

Who would Link replace? Or are you thinking normal Sept call ups?
What is the long term projection for Carter now?
I am obviously goo goo over Flowers, more so than Allen. What kind of OBP would you expect from him in the big show after a few years?

"I'm just here to provide street cred"

by Tdogg on May 30, 2009 10:24 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

seems like wes whisler is currently in the white sox bullpen.

that’s a start. bullpens rarely go through a whole season without an injury or ineffectiveness. pick any of the backend-ish guys and there’s a possibility.

and don’t think carter’s projection has changed. he needs to develop his change and sharpen his curve if he wants to start. otherwise, with that fastball, he’s a good reliever.

flowers may be hurt by a low BA but he should be approaching .400.

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 30, 2009 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is Link your typical mid-90s fastball, hard slider type reliever?

Also — regarding Richard’s Clayton — was last night the best slider he’s featured? And is he throwing a curveball as well as a slider, or is he — like with his fastball — just adding and subtracting speed?

by CWSKeith on May 30, 2009 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

that's how i'd describe link.

wait, i did describe him that way!

http://www.southsidesox.com/2009/2/18/763355/masset-theory-in-practice

the slider has always been the key for clayton. i’ve seen him flash it better for a few innings but, in terms of consistency, i’d say yes – certainly in the majors. looks like his curve to me.

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 30, 2009 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

as a minor minors note,

should be interesting to see what corky does. i’d suspect the white sox may want to keep him. if so, cole armstrong may be packing his bags.

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 30, 2009 10:32 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

good stuff. Thanks Larry.

Flowers continues to rake, which is encouraging. I just hope he sticks as a mediocre catcher and not a mediocre corner player.

by madvillian on May 30, 2009 10:43 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

hed be a great catcher and a good corner player

R.I.P. Nick Adenhart

by Jbasic89 on May 30, 2009 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yes.

that bat is going to be good, wherever you play him.

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 30, 2009 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yea i strictly meant defensively

by madvillian on May 30, 2009 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

if flowers becomes a mediocre defensive catcher, that will be a huge coup.

the sox should be hoping that he’s merely bad.

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 30, 2009 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Barons' radio guy likes his "D".

We got that going for us.

We’re a pack of a-holes.
by rhythm on Apr 14, 2009 1:45 PM EDT

by winningugly on May 30, 2009 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

that's the spirit!

The greatest trick the White Sox ever pulled was convincing their fan base that "Ozzieball" ever existed.

by The Wizard on May 30, 2009 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for your updates larry

and thanks for answering my question about MiLB.tv. I think i might be ordering it soon since it will now feature our star prospect for what I am guessing is the remainder of the season.

Any word on the timetable for Jeffrey Marquez’s return? I am wondering if this injury is what was hindering his ability and when he is fully healthy he will be able to bloom on that team. Especially as the cream of the crop keeps getting promoted through the system.

by airnjp on May 30, 2009 10:52 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

it's like $7 if you just want a month.

so, even if you don’t think beckham is long for AAA and don’t think charlotte will be getting many great prospects, it’s probably worth it just to get it for june or something.

well, i’m not a marquez fan. and i had heard the elbow is not good, which i took to mean TJ surgery was in the cards. but, since we haven’t heard anything further on that front, perhaps surgery is being avoided. i’m hoping to have some more info on marquez next week.

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 30, 2009 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Im not the biggest marquez fan either

I was just hoping something good would come out of that trade. On the plus side, at least we dont have to listen to Swisher anymore, I got tired of seeing he and Toby Hall put a pie in the face of everybody after a win. Funny how both of those guys are gone after a season of antics.

by airnjp on May 30, 2009 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i just looked at the knights schedule for the next month and i'm not seeing a lot of games scheduled to be on milb.tv.

sometimes they add games late but just be sure to check the schedule if you’re going to spend the money.

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 30, 2009 10:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I almost feel like we have some depth in the minors

This is new.

by TheFunkle on May 30, 2009 10:52 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

today's post certainly lists most of the likely fodder for such trades.

According to several more major-league scouts, White Sox general manager Ken Williams continues to aggressively send his troops to ballparks around baseball as he works to bring a front-line pitcher to the South Side.

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/whitesox/1599302,CST-SPT-sox30.article

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 30, 2009 11:17 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Oswalt? Halladay? Try Peavy again? Matt Cain?

Where are the names dammit

Kenwo4life=ratings

by KenWo4LiFe on May 30, 2009 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

if you heard the names, that would mean the deal wasn't happening.

you know how KW operates.

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 30, 2009 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

R.I.P. Nick Adenhart

by Jbasic89 on May 30, 2009 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't see the point

they have five good starters and a couple more options in the minors. No need to rape your future for the umpteenth time. Unless they want to DFA Colon, but is that really necessary yet?

by Daniel Berlyn on May 30, 2009 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

since when do we complain about upgrading pitching?

R.I.P. Nick Adenhart

by Jbasic89 on May 30, 2009 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

remember, this is really a rebuilding year.

sure, a trade for an oswalt could be spun as a “win-now” move (and this division stinks enough that KW can maybe even get away with his favored strategy of rebuilding and competing at the same time). but it isn’t just a win-now move. he’s under control until 2011, at least. there are other pitchers out there who are under multi-year deals and teams that can’t handle the payroll will be willing to trade.

as for the pitching now, sure, it’s fine. but who really trusts colon or contreras. heck, floyd and richard have questions. there are going to be some bargains to be had out there because of the economy. exploring them should be a top priority of a club that can still spend some money due to a large(ish) market and smart fiscal policy in the past.

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 30, 2009 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The way I see it

any starter acquired has to be ideal for both now and the future in terms of upside and salary. Which narrows it down to very, very few.

by Daniel Berlyn on May 30, 2009 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

so basically a front-line pitcher.

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 30, 2009 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

pretty much

I don’t think the time is right to make a move, either. The pitching has been awesome recently.

by Daniel Berlyn on May 30, 2009 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know I'm in a better frame of mind to negotiate a car deal when I have a fully functioning car.

I’m pretty sure it works the same way here.

EVERYBODY PICK US FOR 3RD OR 4TH SO I DINK WE DOIN POOTY GOO
Sox Machine

by Sox Machine on May 30, 2009 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs

the white sox are in a position of strength if they choose to be buyers.

they can take on payroll not only for this year but the future (lots of money coming off the books next year). and, of course, KW has some chips.

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 30, 2009 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

We need to keep with the same policy

Do you think anyone would want to take Buehrle? I think some team might trade 2-3 good prospects for him.

Rebuild and Restock.

by trademaker on May 30, 2009 7:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

why the fuck would we trade buehrle?

you think trading broadway was a bad idea but advocate trading mark (who has full no-trade rights btw)?

really?

" You know...
I think this technique of using the ninth inning of close ballgames as extended spring training for pitchers who’ve missed time due to injury might not be a great idea."
by eponymous_coward on May 14, 2009 1:16 PM PDT

by U-God on May 30, 2009 8:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You just hate me

it was an idea, not like I made a fanpost about it, chill

Your suit is black.............................................................................................NOT

by trademaker on May 30, 2009 8:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i wouldn't say i hate you

i just don’t like your horrible ideas

by U-God on May 30, 2009 8:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

and you don't like me... how about this idea

A-Roid and Jeter for Buehrle would you take it
OH YEAAAHHHH

Your suit is black.............................................................................................NOT

by trademaker on May 30, 2009 8:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

how about it's entirely unrealistic

so why even bother posting it

by U-God on May 30, 2009 8:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am unadopting this kid.

We’re a pack of a-holes.
by rhythm on Apr 14, 2009 1:45 PM EDT

by winningugly on May 30, 2009 8:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

sorry it had to come to an end

by U-God on May 30, 2009 9:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm sorry

but u-god got on my nerves

Your suit is black.............................................................................................NOT

by trademaker on May 30, 2009 9:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

go to your room, mister.

and don’t come out until you’ve learned some manners.

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 30, 2009 9:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

ok....

Your suit is black.............................................................................................NOT

by trademaker on May 30, 2009 9:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

ah. Seeing this after my other comment re: MB/unadopting. Very good.

by homesickalien on May 30, 2009 11:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

if it's a deal like the peavy deal

there’s not much downside. if you can get an “ace” type starter for richard and poreda, that’s a no-brainer in my book. for all of richard’s recent success, he’s still a question mark and certainly doesn’t profile as more than a back of the rotation guy. and poreda’s not a can’t miss prospect at this point either. so you trade two unknowns for a proven high-level performer who’ll be on the club for the next few years. works for me.

by Ryno on May 30, 2009 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's Oswalt

Link

by Option27 on May 30, 2009 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

respect my authoritay!

Damn Larry, you really stepped your game up. I suppose it helps that we actually have something to look forward to down on the farm and I suspect blog night elite provided some motivation as well.
Whatever the driving force is, good job man.

I deleted it because of the misspselling. -the Cheat

by e-gus on May 30, 2009 11:20 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

yes. i may be a decent writer but you can only dress up shit so many times.

good material is a big help.

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 30, 2009 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Justin Greene

A friend I work with played with Justin Greene, who was a walk-on at Francis Marion University in my hometown of Florence, SC.

Said he is a real gamer, a 5-tool guy. He also just got a new agent. My friend, coincidentally also named Justin, spoke with Greene the other day. Scouts have told him he has 80 speed. If he is indeed a real 5-tool guy we may have something, but he is a bit old for his levels.

Greene also told him that his coach in A ball was actually trying to win games… bunting people over and calling for sac flies, and not giving people the green light to steal. Either word came down from above to stop this behavior or the coach was replaced… I’m not sure. Sounds kind of ridiculous. I’ll try and find out more about that.

"God knows I gave my best in baseball at all times and no man on earth can truthfully judge me otherwise."

by Shoeless In SC on May 30, 2009 11:58 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

TBC lists his speed as 99

http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/G/Justin-Greene.shtml

by Ahillock on May 30, 2009 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

TBC doesn't go by the 20-80 scale, just fyi.

But yeah, 99 is pretty impressive by their standards. He needs to learn to be a better hitter, imo, or we’re looking at fourth outfielder type.

"God knows I gave my best in baseball at all times and no man on earth can truthfully judge me otherwise."

by Shoeless In SC on May 30, 2009 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jose martinez - what is he up to?

He was a name bandied about as being a decent prospect.

by hoodlight on May 30, 2009 12:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

he was hurt badly almost a year ago to the day

and hasn’t appeared yet. which is rather concerning at this point. don’t know anything more.

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 30, 2009 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

just found something from KG - I'm sure you can read more into it than me

Kevin Goldstein: Well, anyone who loves BP is ok in my book. As for Martinez — his rehab has gone a little slower than expected. He’s in extended spring training.

by hoodlight on May 30, 2009 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

that's what i know.

however, like i said, slow rehab, more than a year out…doesn’t usually add up to anything good.

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 30, 2009 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's a pity if the injury has finished him

must be very upsetting for a young player

by hoodlight on May 30, 2009 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Any chance we see J. Danks play CF towards the end of the season?

Or is 2010 the earliest he would be called up?

by Ahillock on May 30, 2009 12:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

can't imagine there's any chance he hits the bigs in '09....

by stanchar on May 30, 2009 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

any chance?

always a chance. more than that, though, i doubt it. if he keeps raking in AA, though, one would have to push up his timetable to earlier in 2010. a ways to go before one would do that, of course.

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 30, 2009 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

by omnipotent grab on May 30, 2009 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

right. i'm not sure what you're getting at. the rap on danks was that he never developed the power people expected from him. it appears that it has appeared.

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 30, 2009 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh, i see. you probably didn't actually read the link.

if you’re doing what danks is doing, no one gives a shit if your ISO is a buck twenty-five.

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 30, 2009 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jon Link

I remember when people were fussing over the Jon Link for Rob Mackowiak trade. Now I bet the Padres wish they had Link back. Yet I bet they don’t care at all too.

Rebuild and Restock.

by trademaker on May 30, 2009 3:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs