Jordan Danks does it for the kids.

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This month:

• Jordan Danks has been the outstanding performer so far for the White Sox winter ballas.  Shaking off his poor, potentially injury induced, second half of 2009, he's gone .333/.450/.485 in 18 games.  Watch him this Saturday at 7:15pm on MLB Network in the AFL Rising Stars Game.
  
• The White Sox originally sent a bunch of junk to pitch in the AFL.  Two junk removals have provided opportunities to a couple interesting guys. One, Sergio Santos, is simply that: interesting.  A former first round pick of the Diamondbacks as a high school SS, he spent 7 seasons in the minors, never fulfilling his promise.  After being invited to Spring Training this season by the White Sox and not impressing them with his hitting, either, he was converted to pitcher and, while very raw, showed some promise on the mound with a 9.4 K/9.  Of course, that came with 6.4 BB/9 and a slew of wild pitches and hit by pitches.  The story has been much the same in the AFL, with 6 BB and 12 K in 9.1 IP.
• Also recently added from the instructional leagues was Kyle Bellamy, who is actually a prospect.  A 2009 5th round selection, as a college closer, he's a fast track type and his appearance in the AFL confirms this impression.  A tall, right-handed side-armer, some think he could be on the South Side next season and a good showing in the AFL would go a long way in raising his status in the organization.
  
• As most of you know, Dayan Viciedo was shut down due to tendinitis in his right elbow after just four games.  The injury is not considered at all serious and can arguably be chalked up to simple overuse in a player not used to a season stretching from February into November.  He's an expected attendee at Camp Cora this January.
• The injury to Viciedo opened up an opportunity for larry favorite Brent Morel. So far, .280/.296/.280.
  
• C.J. Retherford: .255/.309/.392.
• They do play baseball in places other than Arizona and the White Sox have a couple other notable participants. Jon Link is pitching for Tiburones de La Guaira in the Venezuelan Winter League where he's taken his usual high strikeout/high walk act: 15.1 IP, 11 H, 10 BB, 15 K. Clevelan Santeliz is playing for Navegantes del Magallanes in the VWL and is continuing his 2009 transformation into a high strikeout/low walk pitcher: 12.2 IP, 5 H, 2 BB, 16 K.  Look for him to get a serious look for the opening day roster.
  
• High A affiliate Winston-Salem will finally be getting their new ballpark completed.  After a year delay which forced them to play at the stadium they had sold to Wake Forest, the Dash's new home in downtown Winston-Salem is set to open on April 13.  Hopefully this means the club will draw more than the putrid 901 fans per game they averaged last season.
• And, for the first time in more than a decade, the White Sox will take on their AAA affiliate, the Charlotte Knights, in a pre-season exhibition on April 1, 2010.

More photos » by Nam Y. Huh - AP

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The White Sox did a pretty good job this year in terms of graduating homegrown talent to the big league level.  Gordon Beckham, Chris Getz and Clayton Richard all played important roles.  Per usual, the system also permitted Kenny Williams to acquire major league talent, as Aaron Poreda, Dexter Carter, RIchard, and Brandon Allen were traded away.  Any system would be hurt by the "loss" of those six players; however, for a White Sox system that was only beginning to strengthen itself, both in terms of quality and depth, this has put the White Sox back in the position of having one of the worst farms in baseball.  While the top five will probably be essentially a consensus amongst listmakers, after that, the depth drops off precipitously.  It was a real struggle to complete the list.  You could include any of about fifteen players in the next five and make a solid argument for all of them.  The upper levels are full of fringe types and the lower levels, while having some interesting players, isn't all that inspiring to me at this point.

It is good for the club that they have a pretty well set starting five for next season because, outside of Daniel Hudson, there is an alarming lack of starting pitching prospects.  Like every organization, there are a number of arms that could be relievers, some, like Jhonny Nunez, ready for opening day in 2010.  Where the White Sox have improved is position player talent up the middle.  Tyler Flowers looks like a legit catcher to me.  And Jordan Danks and Jared Mitchell both look like they'll be able to handle centerfield defensively.

List after the jump.

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John Shelby: unlucky or bad?

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The progression of a minor league player is rarely an uninterrupted straight line to the majors.  Instead, players plateau at some level along the way.  Even those few who make the majors usually experience a plateau or even a regression along their way.  This week, I'm looking at some players who were either on some top ten lists prior to this season or hyped as possible risers but, instead, had seasons in which they plateaued or regressed.  Note that while some of these guys probably have maxed out their talent, it's likely that at least one of those mentioned will recover in 2010 and continue onwards and upwards.

John Shelby:  Treybone made just about all the top ten lists before this season.  A usual criticism was that he needed to develop more patience.  He did that, bringing his BB rate up to 10.3% while also cutting the strikeouts a bit.  However, he stopped getting hits and saw his power drop.  It's possible that this was simply a matter of bad luck - his BABIP was .276, well below his career average (and league average).  Of course, it may also be that AA pitching is too much for him.  The speed is still impressive (30 for 39 in SBs) and the potential positional versatility is a plus - however, you have to hit some to make the majors.  And more flyballs in Birmingham is not the way to do it.

Jon Link:  The lack of a September call-up for this member of the 40-man roster is telling.  I previewed Link before the season and pointed out that while he strikes out a good amount, he also walks a good amount.  Literally, nothing changed this season at Charlotte from last season at Birmingham as he had identical 2.44 K/BB ratios.  While the 10.5 K/9 is sexy, you just can't walk that many guys and expect to be successful in the majors.  The scouting reports remain encouraging but, at some point, you have to match with performance.

Jon Gilmore:  This Jon has been a whole lot of projection without a whole lot of substance.  A piece in the Vazquez trade, scouts gush about his athleticism.  The evolution to a baseball player, however, hasn't happened.  He did have a very encouraging finish to the season in August and September and a recent scouting report still raves about the potential.  But .274/.322/.361 overall in Kannapolis isn't much about which to write home.  At 21 - and probably returning to low A for part of a third season - he'll need to produce next season to avoid the bust label.

Steven Upchurch:  An overslot signing out of the 12th round in 2008, Upchurch had a solid pro debut at Bristol last season: 30.1 IP, 23 H, 10 BB, 28 K.  After being assigned a return engagement there, he seemed to expect a promotion to Kannapolis in short order.  That never came because the 19 year old had a terrible season: 66 IP, 94 H, 17 BB, 42 K.  There's nothing to suggest injury but he certainly became very hittable.  As he turns 20 today, he's got plenty of time to correct whatever the problems may be.

Brian Omogrosso:  He had the talent, he could just never stay healthy.  He put together a pretty good season for Birmingham and earned a promotion to Charlotte.  After four ineffective relief outings, he hit the disabled list and we later learned he had a torn labrum.  It's probably a career-ender, especially considering his injury history and age.

Gregory Infante:  This is for you, rdf8585, who chided me in my season preview for not including Infante.  He started well enough for Kannapolis.  However, after a midseason promotion to the Dash, he started walking people and stopped striking them out.  Then he hit the DL twice, reportedly with some blister issues - though one suspects there may be something else going on.  He'll be 23 next season so I guess I can consider him for my 2010 preview.

Nevin Griffith (via Sox Machine)

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With the wrapping up of the minor league seasons, prospect list season is upon us.  Before I unveil the Official SSS Top Ten White Sox Prospects List, I'm going to highlight some of the players who didn't make the list.  This week, I'm looking at some of the players at the low levels of the White Sox minor leagues who may be making the end of season list after next season. 

Miguel Gonzalez:  You knew my personal favorite would top this list.  18 year old catchers who hit .311/.385/.503 in the Appalachian League, however, deserve it.  The Venezuelan is still quite raw behind the plate.  While I don't like passed balls as a statistic, particularly at the lower levels of the minors where pitchers often have zero control, 9 in 41 games is a lot.  His CS% is a least encouraging, however, and he still has plenty of time to develop behind the plate.

Nevin Griffith: This second round pick in 2007 missed almost all of last season after Tommy John surgery and has largely abandoned the slider which he credits with causing the injury.  The results this season, mostly at Kannapolis, were not sparkling for the 20 year old - 76.2 IP, 79 H, 33 BB, 42 K - and he exhibited some serious issues with left-handed batters.  However, his velocity was reportedly back and his secondary pitches - now largely his curve and change - were works in progress prior to the injury.  Further command refinement could lead to a leap forward next season.

Dan Remenowsky:  We've covered his exploits before.  An undrafted free agent out of Division III Otterbein College, all he did this year was strike out 109 in 63.1 IP while walking only 16.  His H/IP is also strong.  Sure, he's 23 years old and in the South Atlantic League but those are numbers that can't be ignored.  The righty features a four seam fastball and splitter and mixes in a curve.  It is worrisome for his prospect status that his velocity is only about 90ish - some attribute his success to a deceptive delivery - and it will be interesting to see how he performs at higher levels next season.

David Holmberg:  This year's second round supplemental pick out of Florida high school had an adequate debut for Bristol: 40 IP, 40 H, 18 BB, 37 K.  He's got good velocity for a lefty, hitting the low 90s, and a plus curve.  He's a scouts' favorite with a clean delivery and makeup to boot.  The White Sox will be cautious with him, starting him in extended spring training next season and then on to a short season rookie-level assignment again.  Keep an eye on how his changeup develops.

Santos Rodriguez:  There wasn't much to quibble with this lefty's season.  The 20 year old came over in the Vazquez trade and impressed in stints at Bristol and Kannapolis: 31 IP, 21 H, 18 BB, 50 K.  His fastball/slider combination could make him a fast riser in an organization which needs some left-handed relief depth.

Others I like but maybe for 2011: Trayce Thompson, Nick Ciolli, Andre Rienzo and Darwin Matos.

Jared Mitchell (via Sox Machine)

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This week:

• The material for TWIWSMiLB is becoming more threadbare.  September call-ups have taken the likes of Daniel Hudson, Tyler Flowers and Carlos Torres.  Minor league rehab assignments appear to be over for the season.  And, just to further deplete things, Jared Mitchell and Christian Marrero hit the DL.
• The minor league playoffs begin next week.  Great Falls begin on the 12th against a TBD opponent.  Kannapolis start against Lakewood on the 9th.  Winston-Salem also go on the 9th against a TBD opponent.  Birmingham open on the 10th against Jacksonville.
• Bristol completed their season and sent a good bit of their roster to Charlotte to replace call-ups and players competing in the World Cup.  The results for most of these Rookie-leaguers has been predictable, including permitting Rays' top prospect Desmond Jennings to go 7-7.  It does, however, provide a few more games for these guys so that's helpful.  Two notables are Brady Shoemaker and Miguel Gonzalez.  Shoemaker was named an Appalachian League surprise by Baseball America.  As noted, this list is for guys who are old for the league but, nevertheless, deserve attention for putting up excellent numbers. The right-handed outfielder had a .351/.426/.585 line and hit a home run for Charlotte last night.  Gonzalez, on the other hand, is a legitimate prospect.  The catcher has been a favorite of mine since he put up good numbers in the Dominican Summer League last year and, at 18 years old, is very age approporiate for the Appy League.  The Venezuelan hit .311/.385/.503 this season and, while he's described as having "a bit of a thick body", he's definitely one to watch.  Expect to see him continue his season in the Venezuelan Winter League (VWL).
• One Bristol player who didn't make the jump to AAA is 2009 second round pick Trayce Thompson who, instead, is getting a preview of his likely destination next season, Great Falls.  His adjustment to pro ball has been difficult but, as a very raw high schooler, that isn't unexpected.
• Brent Morel: .278/.333/.445.
• When Clevelan Santeliz was added to the 40-man roster last year in order to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft, I scratched my head.  While he had good stuff, he had little control and his stint in the VWL hadn't been impressive, either.  However, Santeliz has made good on the White Sox' confidence by improving his control markedly as this season wore on.  In the first half, he walked 27 in 35 innings. So far in the second half, he's walked 8 in 20 innings while also improving his K rate.  Assuming this isn't just a small sample size aberration, he's certainly put himself into the mix for a bullpen role for sometime next season.
• Birmingham Roundup: Jordan Danks: .250/.344/.366; Dayan Viciedo: .280/.318/.393; C.J. Retherford: .302/.345/.476; Christian Marrero: .301/.340/.520; John Shelby: .243/.320/.395; John Ely: 150.1 IP, 137 H, 48 BB, 118 K, 1.44 GO/AO; Charlie Shirek: 90.1 IP, 97 H, 17 BB, 32 K, 1.43 GO/AO; Henry Mabee: 28.2 IP, 20 H, 10 BB, 21 K, 1.65 GO/AO.
• Josh Phegley: .233/.288/.423.

As always, the Minor League Update fanpost on the right rail provides a place for daily updates and commentary and the opportunity to vote in the weekly poll. 

Cole Armstrong asks his manager whether he'll be the ceremonial third catcher next month. (via Sox Machine)

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This week:

• Daniel Hudson looks like he won't be making the majors this season, which is the correct move.  He certainly does not look out of place in AAA, though: 4 GS, 21 IP, 21 H, 8 BB, 19 K.  You'd be hard-pressed to find a more meteoric single season rise, particularly from a non-highly-touted prospect.
• Rosters for the Arizona Fall League were announced.  This year, White Sox prospects will be playing for the Peoria Javelinas. The pitchers are uninspiring - Henry Mabee, Jacob Rasner, Justin Cassel and Johnnie Lowe.  The position players, however, include two of the system's best, Dayan Viciedo and Jordan Danks, and Hawk's (and larry's) favorite C.J. Retherford.  The AFL begins play on October 13.
• Danks returned to game action this week and went 5-20 with 5 BB.  In addition to the K rate concerns which never left, the concerns about his power have returned. .249/.347/.358 for Birmingham.
• Kannapolis roundup: Jared Mitchell: .296/.417/.435; Jon Gilmore: .270/.314/.343 (and finally hitting this month); Josh Phegley: .222/.278/.432; Nevin Griffith: 54.2 IP, 62 H, 23 BB, 29 K; Dan Remenowsky: 57.1 IP, 35 H, 13 BB, 100 K; Charlie Leesman: 149 IP, 150 H, 57 BB, 111 K; Stephen Sauer: 129 IP, 153 H, 19 BB, 112 K, 2.77 GO/AO.
• On September 1, major league active rosters can expand to any player on the 40-man roster.  While this usually brings to mind teams calling up prospects to make debuts, for the White Sox, the most prominent players will be guys coming off the disabled list: Chris Getz, Dewayne Wise and, most notably, Jake Peavy.  Because the minor league season does not end on September 1, players will trickle in over the next week or so. However, a few others who may make an immediate appearance upon eligibility are Josh Fields, Wes Whisler (Ozzie can't have enough lefties), Carlos Torres and Cole Armstrong.
• The Charlotte Rehabilitation Group last week: Getz 0-7, BB; Wise 5-10, 2B, 3B, BB; Peavy 5 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 3 K. Peavy gets the start tonight in what will likely be his final rehab appearance.
• Viciedo: .278/.313/.383. He's cooled off significantly after a very good July.
• Winston-Salem reliever Nathan Jones received some favorable press this week. Jones has always had nice stuff (especially his mid-90s fastball) but - you guessed it - control was a problem.  This season, though, he's limited the walks while keeping the strikeout rate high, which is the surest way to be successful.  Jones is still a reliever in A ball so there's a long way to go but the progress he's made this season makes him one to watch.
• Playoff Update: Kannapolis have a 5 game lead with 10 games remaining and look certain to join Birmingham, Winston-Salem and Great Falls as a playoff team.
• Tyler Flowers: .277/.360/.426 for the Knights; full season blended line of .295/.422/.513.

Daniel Hudson via Sox Machine.

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This week:

• Daniel Hudson had a decent, though inefficient, outing: 5 IP, 6 H, 2 BB, 4 K, 1 WP while also permitting four stolen bases. Ben Badler has an extensive scouting report on this outing (Jon Link report, too). The Tribune profiled Hudson and Kevin Goldstein declared Hudson his minor league breakout pitcher of the year - though don't expect to see him on the South Side until mid-2010.
• Jordan Danks has not played since August 14. While not officially placed on the DL, presumably to keep him eligible for the Arizona Fall League, it has been reported that he is indeed injured. Here's some video of him from Sox Machine. (Update: Danks will be back tonight.)
• Jake Peavy dampened expectations for his big league return with both a mediocre outing and his own words: 4 IP, 5 H, 0 BB, 5 K, 1 HBP. He threw 67 pitches, 44 for strikes. His next start is Sunday Monday, again for Charlotte.
• Brent Morel has continued his late season surge and was voted best defensive 3B in the Carolina League. .285/.343/.470.
• Wrapping up the draft, the White Sox did not sign anyone else. The team will receive a compensatory third round pick in next year's draft for failing to sign Bryan Morgado. The Sox signed ten of their twelve picks in the first ten rounds and spent $3,892,100 on them, which is about middle of the road.
• The "18"year old Juan Silverio continues to rake in the DSL: .321/.366/.547. Others putting up good numbers include Daurys Mercedes (.319/.410/.473), Julio Alcala (.295/.392/.454), and Darwin Matos (69 IP, 59 H, 34 BB, 82 K). The DSL's season ended on Friday.
• Tyler Flowers took a foul ball off his hand and missed most of the week. .278/.337/.430 in Charlotte.
• You can expect that the rosters for the Arizona Fall League will be announced next week. Last year saw the likes of Gordon Beckham, Jordan Danks, Aaron Poreda and Carlos Torres participate. The eligibility rules are straightforward. If I were assigning for the organization, and without regard to the position constraints and so on which inevitably arise during the "draft" process, the players I would send are: Tyler Flowers; Jordan Danks; Dayan Viciedo (foreign); C.J. Retherford; Daniel Hudson; Jon Link; and John Ely. The White Sox have usually sent four pitchers but the depth in position talent is greater and I don't really see a more deserving pitcher, though Charlie Shirek may get the opportunity based upon the numbers game.
• Jared Mitchell: .304/.427/.461. 18% BB rate, 34.1% K rate.
• Bristol roundup: Trayce Thompson: .216/.255/.255; Leighton Pangilinan: .304/.322/.411; Miguel Gonzalez: .273/.353/.463; David Holmberg: 30 IP, 31 H, 17 BB, 29 K; Matt Heidenreich: 17 IP, 10 H, 11 BB, 9 K.

As always, check the White Sox Minor League Update fanpost on the right sidebar for daily updates and commentary, and to participate in the weekly poll. If you're interested in White Sox minor league updates, follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry.

Christian Marrero in the on deck circle.

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This week

• Jake Peavy began his White Sox organization career with a very good 43 pitch outing: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K. His next start will be August 18, likely for the Knights again. Sox Machine has video from his start. Word is that September 3 against the Cubs is the target for his first White Sox start.
• Sox Machine has been touring the White Sox minor league affiliates. For a report on Kannapolis and Jared Mitchell, go here; for a report on Birmingham and Dayan Viciedo, go here; for a report on Charlotte and Tyler Flowers, go here.
• Freddy Garcia looks like he's the next Starter Candidate 5 (election set for August 18) after a good outing in Charlotte: 6 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 9 K.
• Daniel Hudson didn't have a good AAA debut: 4 IP, 8 H, 1 BB, 2 K, 1 HBP. His second start was much, much better and what we've come to expect from Hudson: 7 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 6 K. Sox Machine once again provides video and analysis of this start (teaser: he thinks Hudson is not ready for the big leagues and I agree).
• Jordan Danks: .249/.342/.367 for the Barons. Most of the wind has come out of the "Danks will be ready next year" sails. Whether it was the wrist injury or just coming back to earth, Danks is looking far more mortal. The Rios acquisition may have lessened the urgency on his progress. Expect him to return to both the Arizona Fall League this year and Birmingham next season.
• The August 17 deadline for signing draft picks is quickly approaching. There hasn't been much information regarding whether the Sox will be signing anyone else. One could posit that KW's recent shopping may have consumed any cash the club could have put towards signings. The latest news I heard was that Tennessee's coach was "cautiously optimistic" about Bryan Morgado returning to school. Baseball America leaves open the possibility that an over-slot bonus would get him; however, they suggest Justin Jones will indeed be attending California. No new information on Dane Williams and Brian Goodwin, though both are very likely to attend UNC. Gonzales observes that the Sox would get a pick in 2010 if they don't sign Morgado.
• Tyler Flowers: .292/.354/.444 in AAA. He was voted by the Southern League managers as having the best strike zone judgment and as the best defensive catcher(!). C.J. Retherford garnered the best defensive 2B accolade. Why the White Sox acquired Andy Cannizaro (along with the other filler already there) to play for the Knights instead of just promoting Retherford is beyond me.
• Jared Mitchell: .288/.435/.425. He's basically been as advertised, lots of walks and lots of strikeouts.
• You wouldn't have found Christian Marrero on many prospects lists going into the season. He had a solid but unspectacular season at Kannapolis and the lefty was old for the league. He began the year at Winston-Salem and put up some good numbers (.314/.357/.482) and earned a promotion to Birmingham. He had a slow start for the Barons but has heated up and now has a line of .303/.343/.517 in AA. While he's a RF, he was playing some 1B for the Dash and began in that position for the Barons, as well, reportedly because the organization wanted to see more positional flexibility. He's recently returned to the outfield. Obviously, he has more value if he can hold down a corner outfield spot - where his plus arm can be more useful - and his bat is starting to look like it might actually be good enough, though more walks would be helpful.
• Dayan Viciedo: .278/.313/.388.
• Brent Morel has continued to have a solid season for the Dash: .276/.333/.463. I'm beginning to think the White Sox may use their "under AA" slot in the Arizona Fall League on Morel.

As always, check the White Sox Minor League Update fanpost on the right sidebar for daily updates and commentary, and to participate in the weekly poll. If you're interested in White Sox minor league updates, follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry.