NorthSideSox72

QUOTE (HickoryHuskers @ Feb 24, 2014 -> 02:32 PM) Photos of hot wives/girlfriends of Sox prospects. Maybe a compilation video on the YouTube channel? LOL

QUOTE (raBBit @ Feb 24, 2014 -> 01:32 PM) I definitely think the middle infield may see some turnover over the next year or two with Beckham being Beckham and Alexei being a valuable commodity nearing the end of his deal. Similar to the toolsy outfielders article, there could be some insight on the glut of options we have up the middle. Semien, Sanchez and even Leury Garcia are on the cusp. Micah Johnson needs a little bit more developmental time but isn't too far off. Tim Anderson is an exciting prospect but raw. It does appear the middle infield is becoming a strength in the system. Along those lines, Dan wrote a piece last August comparing Leury Garcia, Carlos Sanchez and former Sox prospect Eduardo Escobar, looking at their seasons at similar ages. Was a pretty cool comparison.

QUOTE (Eminor3rd @ Feb 24, 2014 -> 12:20 PM) I wouldn't mind more draft coverage, considering we're choosing so high. Dan does fantastic work with that, and we'll be doing that this year of course like every year. One of the nice things about picking so high is, we can do some preview pieces before the draft of the 5 or 6 likely candidates for that #3 pick, since it should be pretty narrowed down by then. We will definitely be doing some solid draft coverage this year, count on it.

QUOTE (staxx @ Feb 24, 2014 -> 11:31 AM) Maybe like a "big board" in terms of ST performances or stock? Something like a power ranking type thing for younger players (or could do all). I know ST performances don't mean much, but could be fun to see. Was just trying to come up with something unique. Yeah, ST performances are notoriously sketchy, but it still could be fun to look at the numbers for prospects and minor leaguers. Thanks for the suggestion! As for Big Board stuff, we haven't done one in a while, but we may do an article near the end of ST with a predictive Big Board of minor league rosters to open the season. Then update it when the rosters are actually announced.

If anyone who is going to ST this year feels they have the time, knowledge level, writing ability and interest... FutureSox would love to have someone scout a minor league game or two in AZ for us, maybe take some video. Send me a PM if you are interested. I can get the minor league schedules and details. None of the current writers have plans to get down there this year.

QUOTE (oldsox @ Feb 24, 2014 -> 10:30 AM) Is it possible to get coverage of the minor league ST games? Would love to, but that is going to be tough. None of the writers are local to AZ. Dan and I are both in the Chicago area, Jeff is in the UK. Occasional writers aren't nearby either. We all have full time jobs, and in some cases wives and kids. So travelling is a rarity. We did manage to get myself and Brian to some affiliate games last summer, and hope to get a couple guys out to games this year, but no one has plans for ST. Hopefully next year. Oh also, FS is still looking to take on new writers. We have a couple guys lined up for the daily recaps, but they are also both Chicago folks. If anyone is going to be in AZ and wants to do some scouting for us, please do let me know.

QUOTE (IowaSoxFan @ Feb 24, 2014 -> 08:52 AM) The assignment was terrible, but age really has nothing to do with it. Carlos Sanchez was starting at AAA at the same age, and there have been quite a few phenoms in the majors at the same age. Age is not a qualifier, skill progression is, and I agree the Sox made a terrible decision moving him up, but because his skillset wasn't developed enough, not because of his age. While I agree that developmental level is a much better point here than calendar age, I wouldn't go as far as to say age wasn't a factor at all. There is an aspect to this which involves maturity, as a person, not just as a ballplayer. That doesn't mean it is impossible for a 19 year old to handle A+, but it does increase the risk of struggles. A 19 year old who just left high school simply lacks some maturity and problem-solving skills that a 22 year old does not, on average. That plays a role.

So, Spring Training is right when things start getting going for most White Sox blogs. But for FutureSox, it has tended to be a somewhat down time. We do a ST preview article (which we published here), and around the end of ST we do affiliate previews. In between, we report on any news items, but otherwise don't usually do much. Got any ideas for what to write about during ST, focused on prospects and minor leagers? Already did a piece on the 4 toolsy outfielders. What else would be intriguing? Another guest piece written by a player maybe? Just curious what people would like to see.

Also Greg, I'll throw this out there... best non-airline website for flying information - SeatGuru.com. Without a doubt. You can find the specific plane found for your flight, and see a map of the plane, with info on every seat. It tells you which might have more or less width or leg room, which are exit rows, which have power ports, which might not have tray tables, which are louder, everything you can think of. Then you can select the right seat. Highly recommended.

Unfortunately, the most pleasant experiences are often on niche airlines that don't fly many places - JetBlue is good, I like Frontier a lot as well. AirTran was good, but are being eaten up by Southwest slowly. As far as major airlines, none of the big 3 (AA/US, UAL/CONT, DELTA/NW) are particularly good. I'm 6'3" and leg room matters a lot, so I avoid Delta at all costs, as they consistently have the least leg room. Plus Delta is the one of the big 3 that doesn't hub in Chicago. AA is usually my slight preference over United because I find AA's customer service better when something does go wrong... But, United offers Economy Plus for a little extra, and I take that every time so I'm not so cramped and could, in theory, actually use my laptop. Southwest is a unique animal, and we use it regularly when we fly with your young kids. With little ones you always get, at worst, boarding between groups A and B, so you'll get to pick a row... they don't charge for checked bags, and when flying with little kids, you have a lot of stuff... and when we plop down in a row or two with kids, people almost never take the remaining seat next to us, LOL. And they have far and away the best customer service of any larger carrier. I used to have a job where I travelled every week. Greg, are you saying that AA now has an Economy-Plus type deal, where you can pitch in $30 or so and get more leg room? If so, that's fantastic. I haven't flown much in the past year or two.

QUOTE (GreenSox @ Feb 21, 2014 -> 11:39 PM) The Rule 4 draft is 40 rounds, so teams must jettison 40 players from the minors each season. Now some will move to the majors, others will just decided to find a new profession, some AAAA players won't be offered new contracts...but there are still a lot of cuts to be made. Where do most of the cuts come from? Is there a big fallout rate after the summer Rookie League? Or guys who can't get past low A? Well first of all, the rookie affiliates have big roster room - like up to 35 guys each as I recall. And those rosters are mostly empty (except maybe a few, generally less than 10, as holdovers from the previous season or bench filler org guys). As for when guys get cut, it happens at any time, though we've already seen the Sox release probably over a dozen this offseason already. Not to mention some minor league FA's ended up elsewhere. Also, some players are in the org but not on a team roster, especially at this point. They might be in extended ST, or on a DL, or on the restricted list (though that is usually rare). Then there's the fact that there are "shadow" rosters where teams can keep players who are not on an affiliate, unless/until they become Rule V eligible or somehow else must be protected. Spring Training usually sees a number of releases too, and small time trades. You'll typically see a handful of trades in February and March that go something like "White Sox trade Joe Minorleaguer to the Brewers for Cash Considerations".

Since ST is underway, figure I'd bring this up now... FutureSox will have something new come April - daily minor league game recaps up on the blog. We have two new writers who will be handling those, though Dan may jump in occasionally too. Dan will be working with the new guys to get them accilimated, and get settled on a good format.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Feb 21, 2014 -> 09:18 AM) But it doesn't add to the logjam. It just creates another possibility. It isn't like Dunn is going to be out there an extended time. If he's going well, it's another place to put him. I also think the roster will be different by opening day. QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Feb 21, 2014 -> 10:00 AM) I have to believe this is all about trying to give him some extra value to a NL team. Both good points. Really nothing to complain about in doing this.

Also, in the reliever world, in addition to some of those starters who may become relievers (Bassitt, Mitchell, Montas, Olacio, etc.), you've got Webb and Petricka on the verge, and I think Goldberg (who will start for now) will be a major league reliever and probably pretty quickly.

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Feb 21, 2014 -> 08:23 AM) I think little is the wrong term. They have adequate depth, but I do not believe they have enough high upside talent nor do I believe they have enough pitching. And, while I think that's always going to be true, I think they have a need for it more than most teams. It's not scary though. It's at a suitable level. I agree. I think they have better pitching depth than some other systems, but lack a starter or two who look like #1 or #2 guys in a rotation. They have a few #3-#4, a few more maybe back end guys, and a handful of raw, high-talent, high-bust potential guys. IMO, the starting P's in the system to watch (and who I think are likely to stay starters) that are semi-close right now are Beck, Danish, Snodgress. Bassitt is 50/50 to keep starting but is likely a major leaguer in some form. Andrew Mitchell is intriguing but I'm not convinced he will be a starter yet. Jaye is worth keeping an eye on but I'm not sold on him. Montas and Olacio are likely relievers but some see a starter, but they aren't close the majors - both do have a ton of raw talent though. Hasnen is in a similar vein. Surkamp, if he finds his old self, could be a #4 guy. Braulio Ortiz is my sleeper, I think he's got major league potential. This leaves off Johnson of course, who is slated for the rotation. Rienzo is also no longer technically a "prospect", but is certainly part of the depth picture. There's some good depth there, just no elite pitching talent.

Really not a big deal. Could even up his trade value later. Unless the Sox are miraculously in contention in July, Dunn is getting traded.

QUOTE (winninguglyin83 @ Feb 20, 2014 -> 09:19 PM) Great stuff. enjoyed the research and analysis you put into it. If I had to rank them as most likely to make it to US Cellular Field, I'd go this way: 1. Thompson -- best overall offense to date and chance to be a plus outfielder. 2. Hawkins -- power potential to separate himself from the others. 3. Walker -- ability to play multiple spots and not consumed with HRs. 4. Mitchell -- honestly don't see any way this guy ever becomes who sticks on a big-league roster. Thanks! If I had to order them in how likely they are to be on a 25 man roster AT ALL, I'd go... 1. Thompson 2. Mitchell 3. Hawkins 4. Walker I just think the org is so doggedly focused on Mitchell, they'll find a way to shoe-horn him in there at some point even if he clearly isn't ready. Now, as far as who I think has the best shot of being an every day player for at least a season or two... 1. Thompson 2. Hawkins 3. Walker 4. Mitchell With Thompson and Hawkins nearly interchangeable. And finally, chances of being an above average, possibly even star player... 1. Hawkins 2. Thompson ... 98. Walker 99. Mitchell Big gap there if you are talking about ceiling, in my view.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Feb 20, 2014 -> 01:17 PM) .260 isn't a great "average" paulie, esp. with that number of HR's. You have to be joking. also, as someone else pointed out, I think he meant more of an either-or thing.

QUOTE (flavum @ Feb 20, 2014 -> 10:54 AM) Wow, you talk about 4 guys that need to have good years. Mitchell and Walker---not going to make it. Thompson--maybe, but he needs to put up 5 good months. Hawkins--play well enough to get to Birmingham in 2015. If not, how's his pitching arm? I'd contend that Hawkins and Walker don't even need particularly big years - just improved years. They are both still quite raw and the Sox can afford to be patient with them. Thompson and Mitchell are different. Mitchell requires a darn good 2015 to even stay with the team. Thompson is close to that level, though he's not been as bad as Mitchell anyway. And as I said in the article, I'd actually bet that Walker has the biggest rebound. Problem is, he has the lowest ceiling value.

All four very talented with some plus tools, all came in raw, all had disappointing 2013's but still have pretty high ceilings. I take a look for FutureSox at each and see where things may head for them in 2014. How about you folks in here? Who do you think will have the big rebound year(s)? Who still has a reasonable shot to be a major league starter?

Sort of random... saw a Twitter back-and-forth between Jake Cose and Jordan Guerrero, and the story buried in there is that Cose apparently hurt his back. Enough so that he was looking for a ride to AZ so he wouldn't have to drive. Might be nothing, could just be tight from the offseason, but thought I'd point it out.

QUOTE (oldsox @ Feb 18, 2014 -> 05:29 PM) Primarily because of the presence of Abreu. Yes, and the possibility of Viciedo moving to DH or 1B next year. And while he's a switch hitter, he seems to hit lefties better than righties, so he's not as good a platoon partner with Viciedo as Wilkins would be. It isn't impossible Black could make it with the Sox. If Viciedo is traded or just falls apart, and if Black shows a hammer in AAA, and Wilkins is gone or doesn't do well, with Konerko and Dunn leaving, and especially if there aren't many good 1B options on the FA or trade market next offseason... there's the scenario that gets him a job in Chicago in 2015. That just isn't a highly likely scenario.

He's absolutely not a top 10 player ever. I'm not sure he's top 50 ever. He is a OF'er. The only reasons he's being blown up like he is is A) his off-field and professional demeanor, which has been excellent and B) He led so many Yankees teams to the post-season as their captain. He's vastly overrated, but no doubt a hall of famer. Excellent hitting SS who led the empire to so many post-season wins, a leader in every sense, and an average (at best, across his career) defensive shortstop.

I don't think the Pirates will give up a high level prospect, but they have a lot of talent depth in the minors and would probably be willing to give up something in the 11-20 range, probably lower end of that scale. I mean, Gillaspie provides what I mentioned, and Wilkins is probably a 20's to 30's guy in that system, and it fills a need much more cheaply than they'd pay on the open market. The profile I'd think the Sox would target is a C or SP, somewhere a few years in (therefore within a year or two of the majors) likely but not necessarily, somewhere in the teen's or low 20's in the org's rankings. Not sure who that may be.

MLBTR mentions PIT is still looking for a LHH 1B. I doubt they'd take Dunn without a ton of money (like, all of it), but... they do like cheaper, younger talent... maybe ship them Conor Gillaspie and Andy Wilkins, both for basically the league minimum in salary, hoping one of them pans out. Would solve some problems for the Sox and likely get them a prospect in return, albeit not an elite one. Gillaspie hit RHP last year kinda OK (.738 OPS) for a rookie, and he adds flexibility to also play 3B. Wilkins has hit 17+ HR in each full season through the minors, draws some walks, plays solid 1B defense, and is 25. Also had a strong winter ball run, and hits RHP better than LHP usually (so add some values to his career numbers if you platoon him). I'd think those two would give PIT what they need somehow, possibly even a long term solution if Wilkins develops as the 5th round talent he is. That should net back some sort of prospect in their T20, and they do have a deep system. This also allows Davidson to take over at 3B, removes some of the INF crowding. The only downside, really, is if you trade Wilkins, he is the only guy who seems to have even a small shot move to 1B/DH in 2014 internally. Barnum is years away, Black probably won't be able to get it done enough at that position in the majors. Wilkins is far from a guarantee as well, but he has a shot maybe if he rakes in AAA in 2014. Maybe they'd take just Gillaspie for a lower level prospect, and call it a deal, and the Sox keep Wilkins. But that would be a patch-job for PIT, and they'd probably prefer to have some sort of long term option available, even if it is a gamble. Thoughts?