Interesting White Sox Prospects to Watch in 2010

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, Stephen Sauer and Darwin Matos.