caulfield12

QUOTE (DirtySox @ Jun 6, 2013 -> 09:43 PM) My sentiments exactly. Perhaps the Sox are now truly picking who they think is the BPA as opposed to what's relatively safe and will move through the system fast. Certainly seems that way with Hawkins, Anderson, and now Danish. Walker and Mitchell to an extent as well. One also wonders if this is alluding to the dismantling of the major league roster, as these certainly aren't reinforcements that are going to contribute soon. Don't forget Trayce Thompson.

OYALS Royals pull surprise by choosing shortstop Hunter Dozier in first round June 6 BY BOB DUTTON The Kansas City Star To hear the Royals tell it, their decision Thursday to take shortstop Hunter Dozier with the eighth overall pick in baseball’s annual first-year player draft shouldn’t be viewed as a surprise. “He is who we are,” scouting director Lonnie Goldberg said. "He fits who we are. He’s a ballplayer. He loves to play. You will not go to the ballpark and see him not working on something. "It’s what we’re taught in scouting -- go out and find the big bodies with the big tools and plus makeup. Then let them reach their ceiling, whatever that is. "We think he’s on the rise. He might not have been known publicly or nationally as much as some of the other players, but in our draft room he very much was." Dozier, 21, is a 6-foot-4, 220-pound shortstop from Stephen F. Austin State in Nacogdoches, Texas. He offers the promise of power, with 17 homers in 55 games. That power was important. "Big-time power to all fields," Goldberg said. "He’s not just a pull hitter. He’s got power the opposite way. And he’s athletic. He’s played the middle of the diamond. So we know he’s got flexibility to move around." But Dozier was also ranked by Baseball America as the No. 38 prospect in the draft, which fueled immediate speculation the Royals had an agreement in place for a signing bonus below the slotted amount of $3,137,800. If so, the club would have additional money in their bonus pool to overspend on subsequent picks. They will likely spend some of that money on Sean Manaea, a left-handed pitcher from Indiana State who was their 34th overall selection and first pick in the first competitive-balance round. Manaea, 6-5 and 235 pounds, was ranked as high as No. 10 by Baseball America in recent weeks. But he rolled his ankle in March, which has led to subsequent hip problems. According to Baseball America, Manaea hasn't been able to hold his velocity deep into games this spring, mostly pitching between 88-93 mph. His numbers were still good (1.61 ERA, .192 opponent batting average), but nothing compared to what he did last summer in the Cape Cod League. He was its pitcher of the year, striking out 85 in 52 innings and holding opponents to a .119 average. The Royals also had their regular pick in the second round (No. 46 overall) on Thursday and selected left-handed pitcher Cody Reed out of Northwest Mississippi Junior College, who was ranked No. 104 by Baseball America. "Obviously, we have 41 selections," general manager Dayton Moore said, "and we’re going to try to maximize the allotted dollar amount that we received based on our slot...the best we can." While Moore and Dozier said no agreement is yet in place, Moore noted: "We have a pretty good feel for what the dollars are going to be." Dozier’s size makes him a logical candidate to switch positions, most likely to third base, and he expressed a willingness to embrace any change. "Wherever they need me to play," he said, "I will give 100 percent. If they want me to play third, if they want me to play outfield or stay at short...I am down for whatever." Assistant general manager J.J. Picollo, who oversees the scouting and player-development departments, said Dozier is likely to start his pro career in a short-season league -- either Idaho Falls or Burlington (N.C.). "Our goal this first summer," Picollo said, "is to get his feet on the ground and get acclimated with playing every day. And get to know our system. "We all know we’ve got depth at our shortstop position, but we believe in his ability to play (shortstop)...I would anticipate he’ll get time at shortstop." Baseball America characterized Dozier as a "Jeff Kent-style player in a Drew Stubbs body," but he likened himself to Colorado shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and Tampa Bay third baseman Evan Longoria. "I’m a big guy who can move a little bit," he said. "I have some power when I hit, and I feel like my fielding is getting better each and every year. Hopefully, I can grow into a complete five-tool player." Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2013/06/06/42778...l#storylink=cpy no idea where the MLB draft thread went to...

Well, at least he gave it a ride. On the radio, it seemed like the A's announcers thought it was going out. 7 games back again. One game away from starting to think about tearing the team apart and looking more towards 2014.

Amazingly, the A's would be only 1/2 game behind the Rangers if they win this one. Gee. Odds of Dunn coming back from 0-2 are about 1.2%

Should have played for the knockout. Stupid to just tie it with our bullpen in the shape it's in... Sometimes you have to throw out the "cardinal rules of baseball book." Dumb. Dumb. Dumb.

QUOTE (professa @ Jun 6, 2013 -> 08:09 PM) Actually like our prospects for the future in terms of our offense and Pitching Few years down the road... C:Phegly/Flowers/FA 1B: Viciedo 2B:Beckham/Sanchez SS: Anderson 3B: Gillaspie/Sanchez LF: FA CF: FA/Thompson RF: Hawkins DH:FA SP 1:Sale 2:Quintana 3: Santiago 4: Johnson/Beck/Snodgress 5:Danks/FA/Draft Pick/ Diamond in the Rough Pen Reed Jones FA's/Minor leaguers Obviously a few holes to fill but honestly not as bad as some people make it out to be. We do have some good assets and with the right management we could see some future success. The infield and rotation is pretty much set barring injuries/busts/fallbacks(Gillaspie/Beckham). We always do a pretty good job assembling a pen so that shouldn't be an issue. All we need is some power in LF/CF/DH and we should have a pretty athletic and dynamic team. However, if guys like Hawkins and Anderson falter we could have some problems. That's why it's so important the next couple years to build up org. depth through the draft and hopefully this upcoming trading deadline. Could be a cornerstone player away from seriously competing in the next 4-5 years. Gotta have some optimism for the future, esp the way this season is going. Alright, gotta stop procrastinating and write this 2,000 word term paper. Wish me luck... The Professa I think FA needs to be at catcher as well. Or trade return from Peavy/Rios/Crain, etc. Everyone's penciling in Daniel Webb for now in future Sox bullpens....Castro, Rienzo, Santos Rodriguez (if he ever figures out how not to walk people)...lots of bullpen openings, especially if Crain/Thornton/Lindstrom are all dumped. It's not completely out of the realm of possibility they deal Addison Reed, although it would be a huge surprise nevertheless.

Great job, Dunn. Showing off his lack of mobility at 1B, lol. Would have loved to have seen him playing HS quarterback...

Except if Viciedo is moved to 1B/DH or traded, Reddick would be a starter anyway on the 2014 White Sox team. Lindstrom warming. Or you trade Rios and make Reddick your RFer. Well, it doesn't matter...crying over spilled milk.

QUOTE (DirtySox @ Jun 6, 2013 -> 08:05 PM) Yep. You sure like to make absolute proclamations Caul. Tim Anderson will be an integral part (somewhere) of the next White Sox playoff team. LOL.

QUOTE (fathom @ Jun 6, 2013 -> 08:04 PM) Isn't it a little too early to make any prediction about him? Just basing it on his frame and projections. Yeah, it's early....just like all the scouts who have deemed him a 2B or CFer before he's played a day of professional baseball. It's hard to tell with the transition to wood bats as well...I'm sure Anderson was never in the Cape Cod League. You could see low 20's for homer numbers...but it's hard to call him someone you would count on hitting 30-40 homers per season like Hawkins (when drafted and still today).

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Jun 6, 2013 -> 07:55 PM) I couldn't agree more. A guy like Hawkins probably hasn't had to deal failure very often, so I'm guessing he's going to be a bit hesitant to make adjustments initially. That doesn't mean he's not capable of doing so. The physical tools are elite and we all saw what he did last year. I still think he's our top prospect. I would probably go with this personally for our top 5: 1) Courtney Hawkins 2) Erik Johnson 3) Tim Anderson 4) Trayce Thompson 5) Micah Johnson (if plays well at A+ upon promotion) I do think one of Beck, Snodgress, Jaye, & Bassitt could get hot and break into the top 5 though. Hawkins has the ability to be something closer to a superstar, if everything clicks. With Anderson, he's never going to hit more than 15-18 homers...so you have to go with Hawkins at #1 unless he completely falls apart and goes down to Kanny. There's still a LOT of time left to play this season and the AFL to re-establish himself.

QUOTE (fathom @ Jun 6, 2013 -> 07:57 PM) Jeez Q, keep it in the park. Who would have thought the A's would be the big slugging team and the Sox the team that can't hit it over the fence? Well, Cespedes and Reddick, yes. Especially last year. Cespedes is white hot right now.

QUOTE (BigHurt3515 @ Jun 6, 2013 -> 07:55 PM) All their runs on home runs? Jesus Rosales had an RBI double. 3.18 home ERA for the White Sox at home, that's pretty incredible. 3.84 overall...difficult to explain why we're so bad on the road, except the cold weather/rain in April/May helping our pitchers and hurting the offense (not that it can be hurt much more, in actuality) That shouldn't stand up through the next 4 months.

SIGH. Reddick could have been ours for Santos, supposedly. 3 solo homers for the A's. Tied at 4-4. Always happens when the White Sox blow opportunities offensively to put games away. Remember the days when we were leading the AL in ERA? Now we're all the way down to 7th.

from bleacherreport.com (will be interesting to see how correct this report is two or three years from now....2B or CF would seem more likely destinations from everything we're seeing) mage courtesy of East Central Community College Player: Tim Anderson Drafted by: Chicago White Sox (No. 17 Overall) Position: SS DOB: 6/23/1993 (Age: 19) Height/Weight: 6'1"/180 lbs Bats/Throws: R/R School: East Central Community College (Decatur, Miss.) Previously Drafted: Never drafted Background One of the few true shortstops in this draft, Tim Anderson isn't getting a ton of pre-draft hype simply because it is hard for casual fans to take a look at him. He plays at a small community college in Mississippi, which also makes him incredibly volatile. When you draft a college player, you hope to draft someone with polish and experience against advanced stuff. Anderson really doesn't fall into either category simply because he hasn't been properly tested. He has the package of skills to play shortstop in the big leagues, but there is a much higher risk with him than a typical college-aged player. Full Scouting Report Note: Numerical scores are on the conventional 20-80 scouting scale, where 50 is average, with the current score first and projected score second. Hitting: 40/50 Overall hit tool and approach will need refinement; line-drive, contact swing without a ton of muscle or load limits power projection; quick wrists get head through zone; doesn't have great bat speed, but solid enough; lack of experience against top-tier college stuff puts him behind; likely won't be better than average in big leagues. Power: 35/50 Present swing doesn't lend for much power against professional pitching; very little load, no uppercut, wiry frame; small adjustments with hands and legs should lead to more solid power; plus-plus speed and athleticism could lead to a lot of extra-base hits; should have better-than-average shortstop pop at peak. Plate Discipline: 30/50 Biggest weakness will be adjusting to top-tier pitching; has bat speed to hit plus velocity; off-speed stuff is biggest problem; advanced stuff has the potential to carve him up until he adjusts; will depend on ability to put the ball in play to keep average and OBP up in the beginning; could take two full seasons before he gets comfortable against quality stuff. Speed: 60/65 Very quick out of the box and on the field; capable of legging out infield singles hit hard to the right side of the field; body has already filled out, so top speed isn't going to diminish anytime soon; has the instincts and feel for baserunning that helps speed play up. Defense: 45/55 Fringy range with below-average footwork and instincts; ability to use speed makes up for deficiencies right now; needs to position himself better to get better reads off the bat; average arm strength makes it difficult to throw from the hole; quicker release and repetitions could make him average or better in the big leagues. Arm: 50/50 Average arm strength; transfer from glove and release are solid, but overall velocity leaves plenty to be desired; chance lack of arm necessitates move to second base or center field, with the latter maximizing his overall skill set; with better positioning, could stay at short in pro ball. MLB Player Comparison: Orlando Hudson/Brandon Phillips Projection: Average starting shortstop on first-division team. MLB ETA: 2016 Chances of Signing: 85% The combination of talent and ability to stay at shortstop, which is a big weakness in this draft class, as well as the fact that Anderson probably won't be able to improve his stock anymore than he has in the last year, make him a near-lock to sign with a drafting team. It is telling how much his tools translate at the next level, considering the level of competition Anderson is facing at East Central, that he would be in the mix for a first-round pick leading up to draft day. That is not something you want to mess with.

Why can't we have Puig or Cespedes? SIGH. Of course, White Sox blow the chance to run the A's out of the stadium, and it comes back to bite them the next 1/2 inning. Wow...almost lost the lead when it looked like the game was about to be over 5 minutes ago.

Would the White Sox dare take Manaea at 55 and hope Don Cooper can sell him on the Sox? If he goes in the 2nd round, he's giving up SO much money if he could come back and prove himself healthy next year.

QUOTE (fathom @ Jun 6, 2013 -> 07:36 PM) What a bad decision to challenge Reddick Shows how desperate McEwing and the coaching staff are to put runs on the board...if it's not the players making mistakes this year, it's the coaching staff (largely because of the way that the players are not performing). It's a vicious cycle. Quintana with only 69 pitches heading into the 6th.

Back to typical White Sox, they manage to have 1st and 3rd, no outs....and not come close to scoring. And you just KNOW the bullpen will be a HUGE factor tonight, with the advantage completely with the A's. Could have put the game away there.

Dunn/Konerko with yet another chance this season to be a hero.

Great job, Ramirez. Oh well. He's been decent recently, and isn't one of the biggest problems. And the 12 steals look good. Nice to see DeAza finally hitting and running...

QUOTE (Jake @ Jun 6, 2013 -> 07:26 PM) That says more about Hawkins than it does Anderson. Hawkins has 3 more months and possibly the AFL to re-establish his value. Being jumped all the way to High A one year out of high school only happens about 1-2% of the time.

QUOTE (danman31 @ Jun 6, 2013 -> 07:24 PM) Absolutely, at least recently. With Hawkins having an awful year Anderson has an argument. It's him vs. Erik Johnson. I'd lean towards the guy who is probably going to pitch in the Majors this year against the CC pick. FS article on Tim Anderson Who would be 4 and 5 now? Would be hard to choose anyone that's standing out....I would guess, Thompson? Daniel Webb? Snodgress? Sanchez still? You certainly can't argue Beck's moved up significantly....he should be near the back end of the Top 10.

Well, it would be better if Anderson could stick at SS, but we need help everywhere. 2B, CF, LF..wherever.

Have the Cubs been declared winners of the 2017 World Series yet in the Tribune? We've given up a lot of two-out RBI's this season. Rosales was only hitting .213 coming into that at-bat.