NorthSideSox72

Our Ken does some great analysis here of what happened to Alec Hansen, and where he goes from here. Includes quotes from Matt Zaleski (his pitching coach in Winston-Salem) and a scout, a few videos and more information. Definitely a good read.

That is correct, and that is certainly possible. It might explain why many lower round picks - who only got like $5k bonuses - were less present on the roster.

We already discussed the AFL, but the "other" fall league starts sooner and instead of 6 Sox prospects, there are 42 in this other one. Here is our preview of Instructs for this year, including the full roster and schedule, a look at why certain types of players are there, and what's different versus last year in the approach by the team.

Yes I know who Bannon is and I know the story. That doesn't make it any less disturbing to me.

I know I'm really late replying to this but I have to say... while everyone is probably focused on the fact that the Interior Secretary would say something that stunningly idiotic, I am just as disturbed by "Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke went on Breitbart". I mean, really? Did any of Obama's cabinet members ever go do an interview with Occupy Democrats?

Yeah, again, this SSS series is a good idea and sometimes hits the right notes, but the person who writes them isn't super-knowledgeable on how all this works. They also in some of the early versions were throwing out scouting info that clearly wasn't theirs without citing a source, and I had to send a note to their Editor because it was pretty clear some of it was ours.

The latest episode of the FutureSox Podcast features two Adams. One is McInturff of 2080 Baseball, talking scouting reports on a bunch of Sox prospects from the full season leagues. The other is Chalifoux, Chicago-area native turned TV sports guy in Montana, talking about the prospects in Great Falls (which is always hard info to get). All the details, links and download, right here.

So, following up on our discussion of the Woodward book recently... I ordered a copy over the weekend on Amazon. It hit the stores earlier this week. My expected shipment date is early October - nearly a month after ordering. I'd say that book is selling quite well. Looking forward to reading it.

The fact that adding a complex team would be such a small investment tells me that the money isn't what is stopping them. I think they may just not feel like it's going to pay dividends. I don't necessarily agree, but that's my take. Or, maybe, they just haven't given it much thought.

If the White Sox are serious about this rebuild, it's high time they added a 7th US affiliate team. Here I make the case for why, and how it could work. What are everyone's thoughts on this?

I wrote an extended piece on this topic for FutureSox a few years ago, making the business case for it. We've also had minor leaguers write for our site over the years, and here is one example where a minor league pitcher (Mike Recchia) was essentially forced to retire because of these circumstances. And another one from Matt Cooper that was much the same. By the way, no one here will be offended if you link other sites. I know what you are referring to - SSS is publishing some posts from former player Eric Sim. They're pretty fun!

Here's our final Prospects of the Month for 2018, this one covering August and September. The hitter is a guy who was on the radar, kinda disappeared, but has had a pretty huge comeback. The pitcher is, well, Dylan Cease. See who the hitter is and which hitters and pitchers came close to winning!

The latest FutureSox podcast (sorry it wasn't sooner) is up, and features NBC Sports' Chuck Garfein. Go here for links and details. We'll have more pods coming up as well.

Ken wrote a feature piece on Spencer Adams, a pitcher who's kind of dropped off the radar for many but still has a real shot to be a contributor on the next contending Sox team. It includes quotes from Spencer, as well as Chris Getz. Adams' quote on Kopech is pretty amusing. Give it a read!

This one an eight-day edition, highlighted by three Sox affiliates headed for the playoffs. Plus the usual transactions, news links, etc. From here into the offseason, these N&N articles will become less frequent. After a post-post-season edition in late September, it will run approximately monthly from October thru mid-February,

The Arizona Fall League rosters were announced today, Find out which six Sox prospects are going, why they are going, and what to watch for on each player.

I wonder if you could read the bolded to yourself a couple times. Let it sink in. How does that phrase make any kind of sense?

Statistically it looks only mildly bad, but from in-person reports he's missing the zone by a lot. The stuff and velo are still present, which is good, but he's lost all semblance of command.

Hansen has been awful. He's all over the place, not finding the zone at all. Dunning went to AZ, but the AZL season is now over so he won't be pitching in games there. Not sure if he pitches at all before Instructs/AFL.

Lots of hot bats and filthy relievers to choose from in the last two weeks. Eloy of course has been red hot, but he's actually 2nd in OPS on the farm in that period. Who was first? Who else has been hot? Find out here.

CORRECTION TO ARTICLE: While the MiLB website shows AZL as being eliminated from the playoffs for both halves, I'm now told by a local contact that they are actually in position for the Wild Card. Will know for sure by late tonight. Article updated as such.

This week's edition includes the usual transactions and prospect highlights, but also provides affiliate playoff status, and some really good news links. Enjoy!

Both true. That article was total trash. Forgot Burdi, went on about guys who are maybe not among the top 20 relievers in the system while ignoring actual prospects, and used ERA and other reliever-useless stats to make a case. It's sad how far Sickels' site has fallen. Used to be so good. Speaking of which, the new guys at South Side Sox are really struggling too. They are writing these articles about guys they consider off the radar, which is a good idea. But they do things like talk about pitcher velos and scouting info with no references or links, and they aren't actually seeing the players themselves. Writing 101 stuff.

Detailed write-up on Paulino, including video

Certainly seems possible. Very good bat to ball skills, minimal power, defense is coming along pretty well.