Chisoxfn

2004 Midseason All FutureSox Team By Danny Santaromita and Jason Gage July 6, 2004 FutureSox.com The 2004 minor league season has roughly hit a half way point and FutureSox.com is going to compile its list of FutureSox players. The FutureSox honor is bestowed to the players that have been the best at each position over the season. We do not take into account potential when giving this award, rather production. FutureSox.com will wrap up its FutureSox team with the postseason All FutureSox team at the end of the year. 1st Base - Casey Rogowski, 23 – Bats: Left – Throws: Left 2004 Stats (Winston-Salem): .312 AVG, .424 OBP, 12 HR, 56 RBI, 15 2B, 54 BB, 50 K, 12 SB Rogowski started his third season with the Warthogs. His batting average over the previous season and a half in the Carolina League was a far from impressive .250 (this was entering the year). This season he has finally turned it around. With Brian Anderson and Brian Becker both promoted to Birmingham Rogowski’s .312 batting average stands as the best on the team. The lack of 1st basemen is evident in the Sox system, but Rogowski is having a solid season, and should see Birmingham by the end of the year. Another positive development in Rogowski’s season has been the power he’s flashed. Runner Up: Aaron McNeal 2nd Base - Bryant Nelson, 30 – S/R 2004 Stats (Charlotte): .299 AVG, .352 OBP, 27 2B, 14 HR, 52 RBI, 30 BB, 26 K, 9 SB Nelson’s great play earned him a spot on the International League’s All-Star team. After playing in Japan, Nelson has come over and done nothing but hit. Like Rogowski, he leads his team in batting average. Nelson has hit for average, power, and shown speed. He definitely has played well enough to earn a shot with the Sox sometime, even if only as a reserve. Runner Up: Antoin Gray 3rd Base - Micah Schnurstein, 19 – R/R 2004 Stats (Kannapolis): .274 AVG, .320 OBP, 18 2B, 4 HR, 40 RBI, 16 BB, 59 K Schnurstein came into the season as the best 3rd base prospect in the White Sox system, but that changed when Josh Fields was taken in the first round of this year’s draft by the Pale Hose. He hasn’t had great numbers which speaks to how thin 3rd base is for the White Sox for him having been the best season of the bunch. Throughout his young professional career he hasn’t hit many HRs, but he is tied for 2nd on the Intimidators in doubles (18). Micah’s power is expected to further develop. Many expected him to hit for a higher average than he has thus far, but Micah has been hot as of late. Inconsistency has been an issue for him this season. Runner Up: Andy Gonzalez Shortstop - Mike Morse, 22 – R/R 2004 Stats (Birmingham): .287 AVG, .336 OBP, 11 HR, 38 RBI, 9 2B, 15 BB, 46 K Now that Morse is out of town from the Freddy Garcia trade he is no longer the White Sox best shortstop, but he is having too good of a season to leave him off this list. This season is by far his best as a professional. His career best batting average before this season was .257 in 2002. His 11 HRs already topped his previous career high of 10 that he hit last season. Morse is a project that should spend a few years in the minors before cracking the Major Leagues. Morse was sent to San Antonio of the Texas League, the AA affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, after the trade. Runner Up: Pedro Lopez Catcher - Ryan Hankins, 28 – R/R 2004 Stats (Charlotte): .281 AVG, .338 OBP, 14 2B, 6 HR, 16 RBI, 12 BB, 20 K Ryan Hankins has done a good job in his first year as catcher for the Knights. He has replaced Michael Rivera (A’s minor leaguer) and Jamie Burke (White Sox) who started the season as the catchers. Hankins also plays 1st and 3rd and can play outfield. After a slow start he’s emerged as a solid hitter and is improving behind the plate. It is unclear where Hankins sits in management’s eyes, but he has every bit of ability as Jamie Burke, who has become a successful reserve in Chicago. Runner Up: Carlos Maldonado Outfielder - Mike Spidale, 22 – R/R 2004 Stats (Birmingham): .295 AVG, .391 OBP, 3 HR, 24 RBI, 16 2B, 3 3B, 38 BB, 47 K, 20 SB Spidale has been nothing short of impressive for the Barons. Spidale, along with fellow All FutureSox member Mike Morse were the leaders of the Barons offense in the first half. Spidale is hitting for average, draws walks, and plays a good centerfield. The only thing Spidale lacks defensively is a strong arm. Spidale will have to prove he can play a full season though. Last year Spidale had a strong first half with the Warthogs before hitting a 2nd half tell spin that left him hitting . Outfielder - Thomas Brice, 22 – L/L 2004 Stats: Winston Salem: .189 AVG, .259 OBP, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 4 BB, 14 K Kannapolis: .313 AVG, .394 OBP, 16 2B, 6 HR, 31 RBI, 28 BB, 48 K Brice spent the majority of the first half doing what he did last year – clobber South Atlantic League Pitching. However, this year Brice was doing it with more then a good average. He has flashed the power that some scouts felt he could develop while continuing to do a great job hitting for average. Brice, a native of Australia, credits cricket for making him such a good line drive and low ball hitter. Defensively Brice possesses what could be the best arm in an organization with some good outfield arms. He has struggled since being promoted to Winston Salem, but has shown signs as of late. Outfielder - Brian Anderson, 22 – R/R 2004 Stats: Birmingham: .350 AVG, .409 OBP, 1 2B, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 2 BB, 1 K Winston-Salem: .319 AVG, .394 OBP, 8 HR, 46 RBI, 22 2B, 4 3B, 29 BB, 44 K, 10 SB Brian Anderson was snubbed on the preseason list, despite being one of the Sox top prospects. It was my (Jason) belief that Anderson wasn’t quite as ready at the plate as Ryan Sweeney. I was wrong and Anderson has done everything to prove me wrong about his offensive readiness. After a slow start Anderson took off and finally was promoted to Birmingham. At Birmingham he has been hitting well in the 2 hole. Along with good offensive potential, Anderson is a very fluid centerfielder with a strong arm. He has already hit for power this season, but should develop even more power as his body continues to fill out. Runner Up: Joe Borchard, Andres Torres, Nate Murphy Designated Hitter - Brian Becker, 30 – R/R 2004 Stats: Birmingham: .255 AVG, .306 OBP, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 6 2B, 5 BB, 10 K Winston-Salem: .310 AVG, .362 OBP, 12 HR, 41 RBI, 16 2B, 20 BB, 54 K Becker played DH more than anyone in the Sox organization so we at FutureSox thought he should be given the spot as the DH. He has played at 1st 21 times this season. Becker is having a great year between Winston-Salem and Birmingham. He was batting .310 for the Warthogs before being promoted. He hasn’t faired as well for Birmingham. Starting Pitcher - Brandon McCarthy, 20 – R/R 2004 Stats: Winston Salem: 0-0, 5.40 ERA, 5.0 INN, 5 H, 5 K, 0 BB Kannapolis: 7-5, 3.78 ERA, 88.0 INN, 73 H, 103 K, 21 BB Brandon McCarthy made his first start for Winston Salem on Monday, giving up 3 runs in limited action. Minus that start, as of late McCarthy has been the best pitcher in the Sox organization. His sneaky good stuff and fantastic control have led to a 3-0 run with 17 hits, 3 earned runs, 36 strikeouts, and 2 walks in 27 innings of work (His final four starts in Kannapolis). It appears that McCarthy will once again be the frontrunner to lead the Sox minor leagues in strikeouts and could once again be amongst the minor league leaders in strikeouts and strikeouts/walks. Starting Pitcher - Arnie Munoz, 22 – L/L 2004 Stats: Charlotte: 0-1, 9.49 ERA, 12.1 INN, 21 H, 17 K, 6 BB Birmingham: 7-2, 2.05 ERA, 74.2 INN, 52 H, 68 K, 22 BB Munoz has been a mystery of late, but you can’t overlook what he did for the Barons in his first year as a starter. He started the season 6-0, as part of a Southern League record 12 consecutive wins. At the time of his promotion to Chicago, he was one of the best 3 pitchers in the league. Unfortunately things got bad after going to Chicago. Munoz was ripped in his only start (against the Expos) and was since sent to Charlotte. In Charlotte things haven’t gotten much better and you have to think Munoz is a little shaken up mentally. Struggles aside, Munoz was tremendous for the Barons and should be one of the aces in Charlotte the rest of the season. Starting Pitcher - Jon Rauch, 25 – R/R 2004 Stats (Charlotte): 6-2, 2.30 ERA, 70.1 INN, 49 H, 60 K, 23 BB Rauch has since been called up to Chicago and a month ago he may not have made the list. But since his demotion and short fall out in the organization, Rauch was dominate. He is the International league leader in ERA and picked up a rare win for a Sox 5th starter in his last start for the White Sox. Rauch is now pitching out of the pen in Chicago, but could be back in Charlotte when Magglio Ordonez comes off the disabled list. However, Ken Williams kick in the butt is looking like the proper prescription for Rauch. Runners Up: Felix Diaz, Sean Tracey, Rafael Flores Relief Pitcher - Jeff Bajenaru, 26 – R/R 2004 Stats (Birmingham): 1-0, 12 SV, 1.16 ERA, 31.0 INN, 17 H, 10 BB, 49 K Bajenaru has simply dominated as the Barons’ closer. His performance this year demands a promotion to either Charlotte or the White Sox. With no room to put him in Charlotte and the White Sox bullpen pitching well of late it would appear he is staying in Birmingham for a little while longer. Next season Jeff should be competing for a spot with the big league team, and if he fails to make the team he will be sent to AAA. Still, he should see Charlotte, at the very least, by the end of the season. Relief Pitcher - Gary Majewski, 24 – R/R 2004 Stats (Charlotte): 2-3, 13 SV, 3.22 ERA, 36.1 INN, 24 H, 16 BB, 35 K Majewski is also having a great season as the closer for the Knights. Similar to Bajenaru, Majewski’s name has been thrown around by some as an addition to the White Sox bullpen. Majewski is in his 2nd straight season with Charlotte, but wasn’t a closer until late last season (following the Roberto Alomar trade involving Royce Ring and Edwin Almonte). He had 8 saves in his career before saving 12 games this year for Charlotte. If he does not get called up late this season to the Sox he will be given a good chance to make the team next spring. Runners Up: Ehren Wasserman, Josh Fields

If Crede is in the deal, then I'd think the Sox would be getting someone like Spiezo in return (although I think he's hurt) with the Mariners eating some of the contract. I don't see the Sox dealing Crede though, even though its been publicized that Bavasi wanted him.

The only other person I can see going is Cotts, but I really really hope he doesn't go anywhere. I really like Cotts long term potential. I think he'll slide into the rotation next year and pitch very effectively and I could see him being an all star a few times too.

This would be a tremendous move. Him, Marte and Shingo gives us a fantastic bullpen. I think Shingo would probably move to the setup slot with Marte with Everday Eddie doing the closing, but I could be wrong. Eddie is signed to a fair contract, 4-5 mill a year if I recall, and would be an asset to the pen. I wonder what it would cost prospect wise to get him though. I mean will it be someone like Borchard or would the Sox give up one of their young arms like Rauch/Diaz plus another prospect. I'd love to see Everday Eddie on the southside though.

Thanks for the recap and its great to hear that KW told that to Maggs. For whatever reason, I do think KW is a pretty straight shooter.

Cripes, this is fantastic news if its true.

Happy Bday to one of the best and one of the longest posting members of the site. I always enjoy reading your posts and have long thought you are one of the hearts and soul of the site. Hope you rock up the black hills

I'll say one thing, other than that one report on the 3 yr 24 mill deal its been very quiet in the terms of Garica. One thing I"ve long noticed is the Sox usually just sign a guy and its pretty much straight out of the blue, no report, nothing.

Sounds to me like the Sox chose to kept Joe over Jeremy. Thats what I was lead to believe, but hearing it from Wilder, tells me my speculation was right

One thing about Anderson is that he projects to have a good amount of power compared with Reed. Both have similar speed and other attributes though. I'm really starting to get very high on Anderson.

This would be fantastic if he accepts it. I got a feeling that Garcia will counter and ask for 4 years. I think the money per year is about right though.

Guys, Belliard has been a lot better then Uribe this season. Harvey and Ortiz are fine over Frank and Konerko, but its crap that Jeter and Giambi are in. I will say this, I think Torre did a pretty poor job. Elo was the 3rd best pitcher on this staff. Buehrle was better with the Sox and Garcia has been better all year. I could make a case that Garland (whose had some tough luck) has been one of the Sox best pitchers, possibly better then Elo).

Josh Hamilton is probably going to comeback next spring. I think the latest on him was that he was still in rehab or something along those lines.

I'd say all of it is plus, although I'll give a better report after seeing him play a couple games next week We all know I am looking forward to seeing him play.

Was 10-20 entering todays game and he had another two hits. I am convinced this guy has the potential to be a .330 hitter.

I say they should go with VEnom, but I have no idea how many spiderman movies they plan on making.

I say they should go with VEnom, but I have no idea how many spiderman movies they plan on making.

Personally, as someone that doesn't follow superman, I thought it was really lame that he's gonna basically be the same character that was in the 1st movie. I want to see some new characters. Ya, sure I may not of followed the story, but whats the point of the same person keep being the evil doer. You want to see newer badguys. I mean if Spiderman could kill the original one, what makes these others ones supposedly more difficult. Just my 2 cents. Of course I am one of the few that liked the 1st one more.

Had Hitler not tried to create Genocide, he probably would of went down as one of the greatest world leaders ever. The fact that he could go into his speaches and motivate people the way he did and get Germany to recover from the sheer economic losses they suffered from WWI (with all the reperations and what not) was amazing. Of course the guy was a complete f***tard and is the worse person to ever of lived.

My flaw with this movie was it seemed like a very far reaching conspiracy trying to tie the Bush's going to war on them trying to profit. To me thats apalling because George Sr. to me is one of the most respected and most patriotic americans I've ever seen. Also in the movie Moore makes this big deal that Bush reads over the FBI reports and what not and is the only president who does so (even though any fprmer president can access them). Of course he forgets to say the reason is because Bush was freaking in charge of it prior to becoming Regans VP.

No way Hillary would ever not run. Its quite obvious that Hillary or the Clinton's single handedly took out Howard Dean because they thought Kerry would be less likely to win and then Hillary would have a pretty good shot at running for president four years from now. I heard Dick Morris refer to the democrat attacks on Dean and he said their was no way it was Dean stepping on himself. It was him making a mistake and then the Clinton and their people doing whatever they could to knock Dean completely out of the race. It was a really good interview and it happened after Dean got knocked out. He was completely smeared and assaulted by the democrats during the primaries.

Its Hob Goblin I think. I'm not into spiderman but thats what all my friends were eluding too when he stumbles into his dads costume area.

I should add, I'm not trying to attack teachers, a good teacher is one of the most important things in a childs life. Unfortunately it seems with the not so fare pay they get, its getting harder and harder to find good teachers, at least in my high school (which was supposedly a good one).