2015 Kannapolis Intimidators Season Preview

Pitching

The White Sox are doing something unusual at Low-A this season, apparently going with a six-man starting rotation. Headlining that sextet is Spencer Adams, who will be finding out whether full-season hitters are as easy to cut down at those in the Arizona League. I suspect he'll find it pretty easy. Building up the righty's innings will be a main goal for the season.

Two Marco Paddy signings, Luis Martinez and Yelmison Peralta, are also in it. Martinez is a tall, lanky 20-year-old righty who just looks like he should be a good pitcher. His fastball sits low 90s and he can reach back for mid 90s. His main secondary pitch is a slider that has the potential to be above average.

Peralta is a 20-year-old righty who pitched well in both the AZL and in a cameo for Great Falls. Like Martinez, he's got a pretty good fastball that sits low 90s and he can dial it up to around 95. The command and secondary pitches have a long way to go, however.

Rounding out the rotation are LHP Jordan Guerrero, RHP Thad Lowry and probably RHP Kelvis Valerio. Or maybe RHP David Trexler. Or maybe someone else. Six-man rotations are weird.

Position Players

No one really stands out from a prospect perspective. Eddy Alvarez, the Olympic silver medalist speed skater, is always going to be an interesting story. At 25, the switch-hitter is really old for Low-A but his background obviates that some. He hit well for both the AZL White Sox and Kannapolis last year, so he's not just a novelty act. Considering how raw his overall game is -- his defense at short and second base is bad and he doesn't translate his speed into stolen bases well - his bat-to-ball skill was pretty impressive. It's not likely that he'll ever get above Double-A, though.

Carlos Rodon's catcher at N.C. State, Brett Austin, is also with the Intimidators. His .234/.314/.314 last season with them doesn't really suggest much of a future but, as a switch-hitting catcher, he's going to get his chances.

Full roster here.