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White Sox Minor League Update's Semi-Perilous Life

"Did somebody really ask you when Harper will get to the big leagues?" bemused one front-office official. "How would you know that? How would anyone know? Mike Rizzo couldn't answer that.

 

"How Harper performs, that's an unknown. How fast he moves, that's an unknown. And then there is how much they need him, and where the team is as far as the winning cycle goes. Any sort of timetable thrown out right now is a guess, and a barely educated one at that."

 

Performance and how fast a player moves are somewhat connected, but it's not a completely symbiotic relationship. A perfect example is Drew Pomeranz, the Cleveland Indians' top pitching prospect and the fifth overall pick in the 2010 draft. In his first three professional starts for High-A Kinston, the left-hander has struck out 22 while allowing just six hits over 15 innings. It's a dominant statistical performance, and one that has led to the unavoidable questions about when he'll move up. However, this is one of those times when knowing how a player is doing something is far more important that what he's actually doing.

 

Armed with a fastball and curveball that are both plus and often even better pitches, Pomeranz is carving up Carolina League hitters, but he's rarely using his changeup, which is easily his least-effective offering. Allowing him to dominate for a while with just the fastball/curve combination is a good move for his confidence, but it doesn't mean he's ready for Double-A. He won't move up until the third pitch in his arsenal is better and a more frequent part of his sequencing. Pomeranz looks like he's ready to move up based on the box scores, but the way he's winning won't get him to the big leagues.

 

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=13646

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the sox minors updates are on the front page weekly

this is just to teach us more about the minors and how to compare scouting reports with numbers

I hope Kotsay gets hit by a dump truck and slips into a coma where he is stuck forever in Baseball purgatory having to bat against a three-headed, six-armed Lefty Hydra consisting of Billy Wagner, Damaso Marte, and Randy Johnson. - Shoeless In SC
It's like trying to sneak the sun past the rooster. - Hawk Harrelson

by blackoutsox on Apr 24, 2011 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions  

Charlotte 1, Gwinnett 12

De Aza 0-4, 4 K
Milledge 2-4
Viciedo 1-4
Danks 0-3, BB, 2 K
Escobar 1-3, BB

Carter 1 IP, 4 H, 1 BB, 0 K, 1 HBP

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=t494&t=g_box&gid=2011_04_24_gwiaaa_chraaa_1

by larry on Apr 24, 2011 5:37 PM CDT reply actions  

He's creeping back...

I don’t mind the K’s if they are swinging. I want him to be aggressive.

don't worry you’ve got plenty of time left by the tomb

by winningugly on Apr 24, 2011 7:17 PM CDT up reply actions  

i put him on my minor league roster

this season in a keeper league. cant wait till i can call him up to the show

"I wonder if converting Peavy to a closer role would be best? Help keep him healthy and help solidify the pen a bit." - Bent Over Beckham

by BoeJouma on Apr 26, 2011 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions  

also, nice to see the speed is still there

"I wonder if converting Peavy to a closer role would be best? Help keep him healthy and help solidify the pen a bit." - Bent Over Beckham

by BoeJouma on Apr 26, 2011 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions  

Awesome!

Thanks Larry. Sucks about the Indians’ prospect. I know KC is loaded too (shocker). Maybe someday we can have something like that. JMitch been pickin things up, eh?

by phan8787 on Apr 24, 2011 6:27 PM CDT reply actions  

Charlotte 3, Gwinnett 4

De Aza 2-4, 2B, PO
Viciedo 1-3, SF
Flowers 1-4, 2B, K
Milledge 0-2, SF
Danks 1-3, 2 K
Escobar 0-3

Harrell 6 IP, 6 H, 1 BB, 7 K
Nunez 1 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 1 K

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=t494&t=g_box&gid=2011_04_25_gwiaaa_chraaa_1

by larry on Apr 25, 2011 9:40 PM CDT reply actions  

All things considered

A decent effort against Teheran.

Oh hey! You snuck up on me there! I was just making some homemade pudding! It's me, Roger Maris, inventor of the asterisk. Son of a bitch.

by Jim Margalus on Apr 25, 2011 10:11 PM CDT up reply actions  

Is it lower than Danks' and/or T-Flow's?

don't worry you’ve got plenty of time left by the tomb

by winningugly on Apr 26, 2011 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions  

TY.

don't worry you’ve got plenty of time left by the tomb

by winningugly on Apr 26, 2011 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions  

yuk x3

UZR: Oh the underwear I’ve seen.

by e-gus on Apr 26, 2011 2:02 PM CDT up reply actions  

For Flowers, sure.

At least Mitchell’s is coming down. Flowers is very disappointing.

don't worry you’ve got plenty of time left by the tomb

by winningugly on Apr 26, 2011 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions  

over 25% in the minors is butt

supporting link here.

UZR: Oh the underwear I’ve seen.

by e-gus on Apr 27, 2011 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions  

It's coming down after an injury.

And your face is butt.

don't worry you’ve got plenty of time left by the tomb

by winningugly on Apr 27, 2011 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

CHI-LITES

• To replace Jerry Krause as their director of international scouting, the White Sox will train several evaluators—including Dominican academy coordinator Rafael Santana, Dominican scout Guillermo Reyes and Venezuelan scout Amador Arias—in the “White Sox way,” general manager Ken Williams said. Those scouts will work with amateur and pro scouts and prepare in case a worldwide draft becomes part of the next Basic Agreement, Williams said.

• Third baseman Jon Gilmore and shortstop Tyler Saladino were in extended spring training recovering from hand injuries. Gilmore could resume playing by the end of April, while Saladino was expected to return in May.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/online/majors/organization-reports/chicago-white-sox/2011/2611629.html

by larry on Apr 26, 2011 12:49 PM CDT reply actions  

W-S 3, Frederick 2

Martinez 2-4, 2B
Mitchell 1-4, K, CS
Wilkins 1-3, 2B

Rienzo 5.2 IP, 8 H, 2 BB, 6 K, 1 WP
Reed 2 IP, 1 H, 0 BB, 1 K

http://winstonsalem.dash.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=t580&t=g_box&gid=2011_04_26_frdafa_wswafa_1

by larry on Apr 26, 2011 9:21 PM CDT reply actions  

Charlotte 5, Scranton/WB 8

De Aza 0-4, HBP
Viciedo 1-4, HR
Flowers 0-3, BB, 3 K
Milledge 1-3, BB, SB
Danks 2-3, 2B, BB
Escobar 0-3, BB

Marquez 4 IP, 8 H, 2 BB, 3 K, 1 HBP
Carter 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 K

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=t494&t=g_box&gid=2011_04_26_swbaaa_chraaa_1

by larry on Apr 26, 2011 9:46 PM CDT reply actions  

ughh

"Do you guys think you know more about sports than MJ or Kobe?"

by Tdogg on Apr 27, 2011 6:13 AM CDT up reply actions  

Where's your boy T-Flow now?

(Said in my best Edward G. Robinson voice.)

don't worry you’ve got plenty of time left by the tomb

by winningugly on Apr 27, 2011 7:11 AM CDT up reply actions  

Trayce Thompson, OF, White Sox (Low-A Kannapolis): 3-for-4, HR (6), 2 R, 3 RBI. Might be figuring some things out in repeat of Low-A; seven hits in last three games and .276/.345/.553 in 17 overall. If he doesn’t grow out of center field, he’s especially intriguing.

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=13724

by larry on Apr 27, 2011 1:21 PM CDT reply actions  

That, plus

his strikeout rate has become more palatable this year (so far)

by ceverettsdinosaurs on Apr 28, 2011 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions  

he's more valuable in center

"Many people need desperately to receive this message: 'I feel and think much as you do, care about many of the things you care about, although most people do not care about them. You are not alone.'"

by U-God on Apr 28, 2011 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions  

Carlos Quentin was a center fielder in college, I believe.

Oh hey! You snuck up on me there! I was just making some homemade pudding! It's me, Roger Maris, inventor of the asterisk. Son of a bitch.

by Jim Margalus on Apr 28, 2011 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions  

Adam Dunn played short.

That might be my favorite.

Oh hey! You snuck up on me there! I was just making some homemade pudding! It's me, Roger Maris, inventor of the asterisk. Son of a bitch.

by Jim Margalus on Apr 28, 2011 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions  

that is pretty awesome

"Many people need desperately to receive this message: 'I feel and think much as you do, care about many of the things you care about, although most people do not care about them. You are not alone.'"

by U-God on Apr 28, 2011 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions  

It happens

Some feel that Starlin Castro is going to outgrow SS and have to move to third

by 815Sox on Apr 28, 2011 10:31 PM CDT up reply actions  

I did not know Miguel Negron was pitching in Kannapolis.

I bet it’s the Brian Anderson Memorial Nobody-Suggested-This-But-I’m-Gonna-Do-It-Anyway Career Path.

Oh hey! You snuck up on me there! I was just making some homemade pudding! It's me, Roger Maris, inventor of the asterisk. Son of a bitch.

by Jim Margalus on Apr 27, 2011 3:12 PM CDT reply actions  

Chicago White Sox
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Justin Collop, RHP Johnnie Lowe, LHP Wes Whisler, C Adam Ricks
Reinstated from DL: RHP Leroy Hunt, RHP Henry Mabee, OF Michael Restovich

http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/2011/04/minor-league-transactions-april-20-26/

by larry on Apr 28, 2011 12:27 PM CDT reply actions  

Jose Martinez, OF, White Sox (High-A Winston-Salem): 2-for-4, HR (1), R, RBI. Former highly-ranked prospect is now interesting sleeper; finally goes deep, but three straight multi-hit games have him back over .400 at .403/.452/.571 in 19 overall.

Dayan Viciedo, OF, White Sox (Triple-A Charlotte): 2-for-5, 2B, HR (3), 2 R, 2 RBI, K. Home runs in back-to-back games but still at just .243/.278/.419 in 19 games; playing exclusively in right field.

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=13738

by larry on Apr 28, 2011 12:28 PM CDT reply actions  

for all you jon gilmoreaniacs

he’s in the lineup tonight for the barons at DH.

by larry on Apr 28, 2011 5:03 PM CDT reply actions  

There are two things wrong with that sentence.

Albeit not factually.

Oh hey! You snuck up on me there! I was just making some homemade pudding! It's me, Roger Maris, inventor of the asterisk. Son of a bitch.

by Jim Margalus on Apr 28, 2011 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions  

Charlotte 6, SWB 3

De Aza 2-5, 2B
Viciedo 1-5
Flowers 2-2, HR, BB, HBP
Milledge 1-3, BB
Danks 0-4, K
Escobar 1-4, 2B

Carter 1 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 0 K

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=t494&t=g_box&gid=2011_04_28_swbaaa_chraaa_1

by larry on Apr 28, 2011 9:35 PM CDT reply actions  

Birmingham 5, Mobile 3

Short 1-4
Phegley 0-3, HBP
Gilmore 1-3, SF

Griffith 5 IP, 4 H, 3 BB, 3 K
Remenowsky 1 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 2 K
Infante 1 IP, 1 H, 0 BB, 2 K

http://birmingham.barons.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=t247&t=g_box&gid=2011_04_28_mobaax_biraax_1

by larry on Apr 28, 2011 9:44 PM CDT reply actions  

2008 Amateur Draft Review: The AL Central
The Chicago White Sox
1st. Gordon Beckham, IF, Georgia
2nd. None
3rd. Brent Morel, 3B, Cal Poly
7thx- Jordan Danks, OF, Texas

Notes: The White Sox organization potential found half of its infield of the future if Beckham and Morel reach their potential. Morel has struggled early in the Majors, but hopefully the club won’t give up on him too quickly if he plays solid ‘D.’ The team has already received a pretty good return for a club lacking a second round pick (due to free agent compensation), but right-hander Daniel Hudson was a steal in the fifth round. Unfortunately, he was flipped to Arizona in the deal for Edwin Jackson. He could settle in as a solid No. 3 starter for The Snakes. The club’s sixth round pick was, and continues to be, a joke with the club picking Kenny Williams Jr., a player no other club probably had on its draft board for another 10 rounds. He’s already in double-A thanks to swift promotions despite the fact he’s never topped .700 OPS in any one season. Outfielder Danks’ (seventh round) defense could help him carve out a career as a fourth outfielder but his bat has been a huge disappointment in both college and pro ball. Pitcher Charlie Leesman (11th round) and outfielder Brandon Short (28th) were also astute picks. This is an underrated draft.

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/2008-amateur-draft-review-the-al-central/

by larry on Apr 29, 2011 10:06 AM CDT reply actions  

Martinez
FutureSox FutureSox.com
Those two hits bring Jose Martinez’s average to .400. He’s struck out just eight times in 85 at-bats. #timeforapromotion

What do you think, larry, should Martinez be in Birmingham? Are promotions common this early?

by Ryno on Apr 29, 2011 10:47 PM CDT up reply actions  

no, he shouldn't.

unless he’s hitting for real power, i don’t care if he’s batting .400. when he starts hitting home runs, he can be promoted.

and ask jordan danks about early promotions. worked out great for him.

by larry on Apr 29, 2011 11:03 PM CDT up reply actions  

any worth in dropping danks back down?

or does his place in the org preclude that?

rather, if it was anyone else, would they drop him back to AA?

by craigws on Apr 29, 2011 11:19 PM CDT up reply actions  

i was referring to his promotion to AA in 2009, if that wasn't clear.

he’s playing better in charlotte this year than last year. that would be quite a punishment for somewhat better performance. a prospect really has to be playing poorly to be demoted.

by larry on Apr 30, 2011 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions  

I don't think the Sox promote anymore

They graduate. Regardless of grades. Teachers just don’t want to see them for another year.

Oh hey! You snuck up on me there! I was just making some homemade pudding! It's me, Roger Maris, inventor of the asterisk. Son of a bitch.

by Jim Margalus on Apr 30, 2011 6:58 AM CDT up reply actions  

Charlotte

the box score is messed up right now and i wasn’t keeping score. anyway, peavy looked fine. never in any trouble until the 6th, which you can probably chalk up to fatigue. fastball velocity about 90. i’ll update later with the hitters and other pitchers once the box is fixed.

Peavy 5.2 IP, 7 H, 0 BB, 8 K (85 pitches)

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=t494&t=g_box&gid=2011_04_29_swbaaa_chraaa_1

by larry on Apr 29, 2011 10:57 PM CDT reply actions  

Charlotte 6, SWB 5 (10 innings)

De Aza 0-2, HBP, 2 S
Viciedo 1-5
Flowers 1-3, HR, 2 BB, 2 K
Milledge 0-4
Danks 1-3, HR, BB
Escobar 1-2, 2 BB

Nunez 1 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 2 K

by larry on Apr 29, 2011 11:11 PM CDT up reply actions  

Flowers' OPS is back up to .830.

Still not enough, but he’s sidestepped the awful start.

Oh hey! You snuck up on me there! I was just making some homemade pudding! It's me, Roger Maris, inventor of the asterisk. Son of a bitch.

by Jim Margalus on Apr 30, 2011 7:00 AM CDT up reply actions  

"Here he comes here comes speed racer"

"Do you guys think you know more about sports than MJ or Kobe?"

by Tdogg on Apr 30, 2011 8:40 AM CDT up reply actions  

Can Peavy freaking hit?

:-)

So if no further issues two more starts before he joins the big club?

"Do you guys think you know more about sports than MJ or Kobe?"

by Tdogg on Apr 30, 2011 8:42 AM CDT up reply actions  

Drew Lee

Have any opinion/insight on him? Other than that he’s too old for Kanny?

by DirtySox on Apr 30, 2011 12:36 AM CDT reply actions  

he sure was excited to be back home in kentucky.

he can actually play 2B, so that’s good. and he’s a switch who can hit a little bit. but i wasn’t impressed with his performance at bristol. .282/.308/.435 isn’t what you want to see from a 22 year old in the appy who has four years of college. baseball america did a write up on him that didn’t make their book when he wasn’t a top 31 prospect:

Drew Lee, 2b/ss, White Sox

Born: March 22, 1988. B-T: B-R. Ht.: 5-11. Wt.: 185. Drafted.: Morehead State, 2010 (12th round). Signed by: Phil Gulley.

Many scouts considered Lee a metal-bat creation—until he got a wood bat in his hands. The all-time leader in hits and RBIs at Morehead State, he hit .413 as a junior and .412 as a senior before the White Sox drafted him in the 12th round last June and signed him for $5,000. He batted .324 in his first month in pro ball before tiring late and finishing at .282. He earned all-star honors in the Rookie-level Appalachian League and topped the circuit with 24 doubles, showing enough at the plate to suggest Chicago may have found a bargain. Lee is still growing into his body and wouldn’t stand out at a showcase, but he knows how to hit and play the game. A switch-hitter, he has a compact swing that looks similar from both sides of the plate. He’s a smart hitter with surprising pop for his size. Most of his power comes from the left side of the plate. Lee played mostly shortstop in college but has a second baseman’s arm and spent most of his time as a pro at the keystone. He has the tools to be a solid defender there, with the ability to fill in at short. He’s a good baserunner, though he has just average speed. Whether Lee becomes a regular or utility infielder will depend on how much he hits. He’ll be tested with a full-season assignment in 2011, likely at high Class A Winston-Salem because he’s already 23.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/organization-top-10-prospects/2011/2611192.html

by larry on Apr 30, 2011 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions  

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