With the draft on Thursday, the White Sox are bringing their war room together to finalize their list for the No. 3 pick. Dan Hayes gave a list of five possibilities, and we've profiled four of them, but there is one new name in the bunch:
The White Sox are focused on a group that includes prep pitchers Tyler Kolek and Brady Aiken, college pitchers Carlos Rodon and Aaron Nola, and prep shortstop Nick Gordon.
Who is Nick Gordon?
In a thin group of middle infielders, Gordon is the consensus favorite. He's a 6-foot, 180-pound, lefty-hitting, righty-throwing shortstop out of Olympia High School in Orlando, Fla. You could say baseball's in his blood, as he's the son of Tom Gordon and brother of Dee Gordon. It's truly a family affair.
How does he rank?
- Baseball America: No.6
- Keith Law: No.4
- Scout.com: No. 4
- MLB.com: No. 5
What's his game?
Gordon has a strong base of skills for a prep player. Baseball America lists the positives -- a quick swing, good bat-to-ball skills, soft hands, easy actions -- which allow scouts to project bigger things down the road with regards to play-making, as well as his power when his wiry frame fills out some. If he weren't a shortstop, he might be a pitcher, as his fastball can touch 94 mph.
What does he look like?
Why would the White Sox draft him?
You can never have enough up-the-middle talent, and although the White Sox drafted a shortstop last year, it doesn't look like Tim Anderson is likely to stay there. Also, the Sox once employed his dad, but in this case, it would be less pure nepotism, and more the idea that the Gordons know what it takes to make it. He could also sign for less than the pitchers might command, and the Sox might try their hand at an arm in the second round.
Why would the White Sox draft somebody else?
Because they need pitchers with strikeout stuff more than a prep position player, and this would be the year to do it.
Where's he going in mock drafts?
- MLB.com: No. 5 (Twins)
- Baseball America: No. 5
- Scout.com: No. 5
- Keith Law:: No. 5
Podcast: Draft blowout
In case you missed it: The latest episode of the South Side Sox podcast offers plenty of draft talk, including input from White Sox director of amateur scouting Doug Laumann and MLB.com senior writer Jim Callis. You can listen and download here:
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