2003 Draft Breakdown: 30-21
By Randy Brace, Chris Conger, Mike Doyle, and Jason Gage
July 17, 2003
FutureSox.com
FutureSox.com will take a closer look at all of the White Sox draft picks. These draft picks are the future of the organization and many will be reporting to their minor league teams after they signed. While many will sign, there are plenty that won't sign as they have opportunities to still play in school or may have another profession in mind. Today, FutureSox will continue with picks 30-21. Coming up next is 20-11.
30. Brandon Lowe, 18 - Bats: Left – Throws: Right – 1B – Vidalia High School (Georgia)
Brandon Lowe is a potential power-prospect if he re-routes some of his swing mechanics. Lowe is a big kid with good pop in his bat, but he might need to cut down on some pre-swing movement if he wants to progress further.
29. Gerrardo Cabrera, 19 – R/R – CF – Miami Dade Community College (Florida)
Gerardo Cabrera was born on December 23, 1983. He’s a right-handed outfielder with the ability to play all three outfield positions, though he played centerfield this season, his first at Miami Dade. He is a classic draft-and-follow pick. He was named to the Florida Community College Southern Conference Second Team. He has a decent build with average speed and good instincts. He was clocked at 89 mph from right field in the Perfect Game Showcase with an easy and loose action. He has excellent bat speed at the plate and has very intriguing power potential, despite not having an aggressive stance at the plate. He doesn’t really step into the pitch, but still manages to have decent weight shift. Overall, he is a pretty raw tools player. The White Sox can sit back and let him play next season before making a decision. If he has a very good season and is not signed, he is likely to be picked on the first day of the 2004 draft.
28. Peter (Van) Pope, 19 – R/R – 3rd – Meridian Community College (Misssissippi)
Peter, also known as Van, Pope was drafted to play third base, although he was also a pitcher for Meridian. Pope has a very strong arm for a third baseman and has a lot of power potential. He and teammate and fellow draft pick Joshua Morgan (32) took part in the JUCO world series. Pope hit .400 with a team best four RBIs. He also pitched in one game, giving up two runs in an inning of work. Pope, a freshman, isn’t expected to sign, but could be a draft-and-follow signee. If he doesn’t sign he should have the opportunity to play division one baseball.
27. Dwayne Pollock, 22 – RHP – Texas A&M (Texas)
Dwayne Pollock was used as a reliever the majority of the time at Texas A&M. Despite being a college pitcher, Pollock is very raw. He only pitched 29.3 innings over three seasons at Texas A&M and 24.3 of them came this past season. In 2003, he went 2-1 with a 4.06 ERA, while striking out 16. He has a solid fastball, but has a lot of work ahead of him, if he wants to make it to the majors. Pollock has signed and is playing for the Bristol White Sox ®.
26. Logan Williamson, 18 – LHP – Pensacola Catholic High School (Florida)
Logan Williamson is yet another lefty pitcher who was drafted by the Sox. Williamson doesn’t have overpowering velocity, but has great command of his pitches, which move a bunch. It is doubtful that Williamson will sign, as it would be beneficial for him to go to college and improve his draft status.
25. Antoin Gray, 22 – R/R – 3rd – Southern University (Louisiana)
Antoin Gray, born May 19, 1981, stands 5’10” 200 pounds. After spending two years at Meridian CC, he moved on to Southern University, where the right-handed hitter played alongside 2nd overall pick Rickie Weeks. While not the prototypical size of a third baseman, he is physically strong. He has a good glove and a plus arm. 5’10 200 pounds may be a little on the generous size, but that seems to be his biggest drawback. He can play second base if needed as he has the defensive actions to play either position. Coming into his senior season, he was listed as a Louisville Slugger Preseason First Team All-American after a junior season where he hit .449 with 18 doubles, 19 homers, 77 RBIs and was honored as the SWAC Newcomer of the Year. Gray’s stock was sky-high. However, he followed that impressive season with a .369 average his senior year. His power numbers dropped drastically, as he only posted six homers, 18 doubles, and 50 RBIs in 48 games (179 AB). He made contact more often than not as he had a nice 30:21 BB:SO ratio. If Gray can regain the stroke and power he displayed in 2002, it will be a good value-pick this late in the draft. Gray has signed with the Sox and is playing for the Great Falls White Sox ®.
24. Burke Baldwin, 18 – LHP – Neuqua Valley High School (Illinois)
Burke Baldwin is an intimidating figure on the mound at 6’5, 215 pounds, but he also is a very talented pitcher. Burke was named to Chicago Sun-Times All-Area team and led his team to the Northern Illinois Supersectional. He was 10-1 this season with 120 strikeouts in 86 innings. He also held opponents to a miniscal .164 avg. Baldwin already has a good fastball which tops out at 88 MPH. He also has a good slider and a developing changeup, something he worked on over the summer. Baldwin also worked hard on improving his leg strength. Baldwin already has good stamina, as his manager would let him go about 100 pitches per outing. Baldwin has a lot of upside and could develop into a big, strong, power throwing lefty. The good news for the Sox is that Baldwin has given indications that he wants to play pro ball. If he doesn’t sign he is slated to pitch for Kishwaukee Junior College where another Sox draft pick, Paul Moviel plays. It is also the same school that Jerry Manuel’s son, Anthony plays at.
23. John Hurd, 20 – RHP – Southern Idaho (Idaho)
John Hurd, the White Sox 23rd round pick is a 6 foot 190 pound right-handed closer for Southern Idaho Junior College. His fastball is in the low 90s consistently. Hurd projects as a closer in the Sox system if he can add a reliable breaking ball. Hurd has signed with the White Sox.
22. Travis Doyle, 19 – RHP – Grand Rapids Community College (Michigan)
Travis Doyle was one of 12 draftees from a Junior College or Community College selected by the Sox. Doyle showed good promise with a K/IP ratio of over 1, as well as his OBA, which stood at .219. Could become a draft-and-follow.
21. Matt Lenderman, 19 – R/R – C – Plano East High School (Texas)
Matthew Lenderman, born on April 18, 1984, stands 5’11 and 205 pounds. The right-handed catcher slid to the 21st round despite clubs knowing that he preferred to play pro ball than go to college. He has a catcher’s build and is strong for his age. He is a good defensive catcher for a high school kid. He plays hard every game. At the plate, he has quick hands, with a slightly open and upright stance. Despite committing to Grayson College, he has already signed and been assigned to Bristol. He received a $20,000 signing bonus and four years of college tuition if he chooses to pursue a degree at any point. He was co-offensive MVP in his HS District after hitting .371 with eight homers and 37 RBIs. "It's going to be fun," Lenderman said. "I've been wanting this since I was a kid. Everyone that plays baseball has this dream." Lenderman added, "they told me they were weak on catching. Hopefully, I can keep putting the bat on the ball and move through the ranks pretty quick." He has one thing right, the White Sox are weak in catching.
