This week, we check in with some of the White Sox' draft picks:
- Jared Mitchell OF (1st Rd), Kannapolis: .400/.478/.600. He signed a bit late and then was placed on the DL to ease his way into pro ball so that line is only from six games. Historically, the Sox have pushed their highly drafted advanced position players and Mitchell is a strong candidate for some time with the Dash to close out the season.
- Josh Phegley C (1st Supp. Rd), Kannapolis: .171/.205/.343. The offensive-minded catcher hasn't seen that translate to the pro level yet.
- Trayce Thompson OF (2d Rd): The high schooler out of California hasn't signed yet, though the rumors have been that he will. (Edit: Rumor confirmed: He's signing this weekend and will be on his way to Bristol.) Players who are unsigned at this point usually are going to get above slot if they do sign and that means teams generally won't announce anything until close to the signing deadline.
- David Holmberg LHP (2d Rd), Bristol: 12.2 IP, 13 hits, 8 BB, 9 K. The pick out of Florida HS has held his own so far. The lefty will finish out the year in Bristol and likely will return to a short-season affiliate next year, as well.
- Bryan Morgado LHP (3d Rd): The power lefty out of Tennessee has also not signed and has performed well for the Bourne Braves in the Cape Cod League (20 IP, 11 hits, 11 BB, 32 K). As a red shirt sophomore last season, he has a strong option to return to college. His most recent start showed some of the command issues he experienced in his college season.
- Matthew Heidenreich RHP (4th Rd), Bristol: 7 IP, 10 hits, 10 BB, 2 K. This high schooler is having a bit more trouble adjusting. Obviously, that's some serious control issues.
- Kyle Bellamy RHP (5th Rd), Bristol/Kannapolis: 6 IP, 1 hit, 0 BB, 4 K. Would like to see more strikeouts from this college closer but he's been impressive in each of his outings. Could be on a fast track as a polished reliever.
- Justin Collop RHP (6th Rd), Great Falls: 20.2 IP, 14 hits, 14 BB, 15 K. Another guy having trouble with walks, though he's done well to limit the damage.
- Justin Jones LHP (7th Rd): Seems to be up in the air whether he is going to honor his commitment to the University of California.
- Ryan Buch RHP (8th Rd), Great Falls: 4.2 IP, 4 hits, 10 BB, 4 K. One of the least impressive performers so far, having been pulled before completing the inning in two of his six appearances and yet to have a decent outing.
- Matthew Hopps RHP (9th Rd), Great Falls: 6 IP, 11 hits, 5 BB, 7 K. He's kept the ball on the ground very, very well so far and it looks like his hitability is due to bad luck/poor defense more than anything.
- Nick Ciolli OF (10th Rd), Great Falls: .330/.404/.477. He's having no trouble so far for the Voyagers, as one would expect from a good collegiate player.
- J.R. Ballinger RHP (11th Rd), Bristol/Kannapolis/Great Falls: 15.1 IP, 23 hits, 11 hits, 11 K. He's made the tour so far and hasn't been very good. Got beat up in his only performance for Bristol before moving to Kanny where he was smacked around in four appearances. We'll see if Montana agrees with him.
- Kyle Colligan OF (12th Rd), Great Falls: .271/.387/.531. As a four-year college player, one would expect him to be doing this.
- Dan Black 1B (14th Rd), Bristol/Kannapolis: .244/.330/.326. The bat is pretty good. Whether there's a position for him is the real question.
- Dane Williams RHP (15th Rd): Committed to NC State and unlikely to sign.
- Brian Goodwin OF (17th Rd): Will keep his committment to North Carolina. Not to mention his advisor is Boras.
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Brady Shoemaker OF (19th Rd): .418/.464/.633. Leading the Appy League in OPS and has hit safely in all 25 games.