royoung

Charlotte Knights ‏@KnightsBaseball 57s Also, Tommy Hanson placed on DL, Parker Frazier promoted to #CLT from @BhamBarons Tommy Hanson placed on DL, Parker Frazier promoted to Charlotte. Frazier had 2.62 ERA over 34.1 innings for the Barons.

Charlotte Knights ‏@KnightsBaseball 48s ROSTER MOVES: Michael Taylor officially added to #CLTKnights, takes Jared Mitchell's roster spot. Mitchell sent to @BhamBarons. Taylor takes Mitchell's spot in Charlotte's outfield. Mitchell demoted to Birmingham

http://insider.espn.go.com/fantasy/basebal...ll?refresh=true It's an insider piece on ESPN about relevent fantasy prospects, but focuses on Matt Davidson. If you aren't a insider, the content is posted below: When the Chicago White Sox traded closer Addison Reed to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for third baseman Matt Davidson, the assumption was that they were not only getting their third baseman of the future, but also the player who was going to man the hot corner for the White Sox in 2014. Chicago sent him down a week before the regular season started, but the assumption was that he would be a full-time member of the White Sox in a relatively short amount of time. Unfortunately for the White Sox -- and Davidson's fantasy owners -- things haven't gone as planned for the right-handed-hitting third baseman. His overall OPS of .608 at Triple-A Charlotte is 223 points below what it was in 2013 for Triple-A Reno in the Diamondbacks system, and his 85 strikeouts lead the International League. He has particularly struggled against right-handed pitching, as his OPS against righties is just .550, and he's striking out in more than a third of his at-bats against said pitchers. Matt Davidson is hitting just .180, with 85 K's in 61 games, at Triple-A Charlotte. "He isn't making adjustments at all," one NL area scout said. "I was expecting [Davidson] to be one of the better hitters in my area. A hitter of his talent should be crushing the mediocre pitchers he sees in those third and fourth at bats, but that hasn't been the case at all. I don't like to use the word regression, but I think we've seen that." Last year Davidson showed above-average to plus power to all parts of the field, with a smooth swing and above-average bat speed that has just enough natural loft to project 20-25 homer seasons. He wasn't a walk machine, but the 2009 first-round pick worked counts into his favor, and he was showing improved pitch recognition. He's an average defender at third base who has below-average speed, but his instincts were quick enough to project that he wouldn't have to move over to first for several seasons. Outside of the defense, 2014 has seen very few of those qualities carry over. And yet despite his struggles, there's still reason for optimism with Davidson. He has hit four homers in the month of June, and at the age of 23, there's still plenty of time for him to become the regular that many thought he would be at this point. "There's no reason to give up on him yet," an NL Central scout said. "To me, this is still the best hitting prospect in the White Sox system, and I've still seen enough in 2014 to make me think he's going to be a quality big leaguer. He might not be a middle-of-the-order hitter, but I still see a third baseman who can give you 30-40 extra-base hits and get on base at a reasonable rate." Those of you who own Davidson in keeper leagues should hang on to Davidson, as you'd be selling low on a hitter who still has talent. Those of you who have him on your bench for 2014, however, should probably look elsewhere if you're looking for a corner infielder to help you at some point this summer.

QUOTE (raBBit @ Jun 16, 2014 -> 01:32 PM) While all of these hitters you mention need to make contact more frequently, Thompson and Mitchell have always been able to take walks. Mitchell (Ravelo being right there with him) may even be the best in our system at drawing the walk. Semien was/is an OBP beast. Other than that, not many patient hitters on our prospect lists.

QUOTE (dayan024 @ Jun 16, 2014 -> 01:35 PM) Baseball America ‏@BaseballAmerica 3m #WhiteSox have $6.58 million to sign Carlos Rodon without losing a future pick. Draft DB has all this info and more: http://ow.ly/y6hAe Technically correct, but extremely doubtful they go over the 6.107 million # because they never have. I just want them to announce the deal with Rodon so we all know what is possible with Montes de Oca. Rodon is signing for sure, MDO is very much up in the air.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Jun 16, 2014 -> 09:26 AM) 39th round pick Davison says he will not sign. Not a surprise, just noting it. A few guys are tweeting out affiliate assignments now too. Some guys are already headed out, rookie teams start in LESS THAN A WEEK. Well this draft is an abject failure

QUOTE (thxfrthmmrs @ Jun 15, 2014 -> 06:20 PM) He's only 21 years old as well, decent ERA and all. If he can finish the year strong in Kanny, he can be a real sleeper heading into next year. http://www.chicagonow.com/future-sox/2014/...ues-to-impress/ Recap posted highlighting Leyer.

QUOTE (Heads22 @ Jun 15, 2014 -> 03:17 PM) Only 6 errors for the Dash Two more for Anderson (#27 and #28) and #12 for Barnum. Which, considering he's strictly a first basemen, might be worse.

QUOTE (fathom @ Jun 13, 2014 -> 10:11 PM) Ramirez has been incredible so far as a reliever. It will be interesting to see who ends up being better, Montas or Edwards. People were incredibly high on Edwards last year. MLB had him as the #34 overall prospect, which is insane in my opinion. I've never seen anyone project him as more than a #2-3 and that's if he can stay healthy with his small frame.

QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ Jun 13, 2014 -> 09:40 AM) And that is fine with me. I am in no rush. He's thrown a lot of innings / pitches already and it would be foolish to rush him. The time off should be good for his arm. I'm thankful NC State didn't make the tournament so it put a cap on his innings. He only pitched 98 innings this season, he could probably throw another 30 in pro ball and still be under what he's done in previous seasons and that's including the nice break he's had.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Jun 13, 2014 -> 09:28 AM) I didn't take a ton of time when I did this one, but I do remember debating Adams anywhere from 5 to 9. One way to think of it is, Tyler Danish was seen early-on as a Top 10 guy out of high school... and I think Adams has better stuff and a higher ceiling, based on the reports I have read so far. I think he's got a #2 type starter as a "ceiling", and that's higher any pitcher in the org right now other than Rodon, IMO. That said, honestly, you could slide him to 8 or so and I wouldn't argue it. It's very tough ranking a guy like Adams against a guy like Sanchez, or even Davidson - just so different in so many ways, it is hard to pin down value. Maybe the easier way is to rank pitchers only, for example. I think a couple guys you could compare to Adams are Frank Montas and Tyler Danish. Danish was a 2013 2nd round pick out of high school, didn't come into the system as highly touted as Adams is, but you have to love his results thus far. He's struggled a bit in Winston-Salem, but he just turned 19 and it's the first time he's really been challenged. Montas is a bit older, but he's dominating A+ at 21 and has front of the rotation potential. I am reserving serious judgement on him until he logs more innings, but if he continues pitches at the level he's shown so far, I think he's got an excellent argument to be the #2 pitching prospect in the system behind Rodon.

QUOTE (knightni @ Jun 13, 2014 -> 09:21 AM) Yes, but you're the first one to reply which means that you pay attention to the internet more and would be more active. Haha I am not going to argue that I'd be an active and excellent manager, I am, but he did beat me to the punch originally. I defer to Soxpride, if he still wants it.

QUOTE (Eminor3rd @ Jun 13, 2014 -> 09:09 AM) Your lists are always the best and this is no exception -- but I'm still so shocked at how highly Adams is ranked at this point. I'd be curious to hear you elaborate on how he's higher than Davidson/Sanchez despite not having thrown a professional inning. I have to agree, Rodon has been a dominate college pitcher in a power conference for three years, so it's an easy choice to slot him at #1. Adams has potential no doubt, but that's a bit high for my taste.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Jun 13, 2014 -> 09:01 AM) Now THAT part I don't really care about. Whether or not the guy pitches a couple September games this year is pretty irrelevant to me, unless the team is in contention that late in the season. I just want the guy signed and getting started in his pro career. It's only relevant to us because Hahn could include a spot on the 40 man roster as an incentive for him to take less money and allow us to possibly sign Montes de Oca. If MDO isn't interesting in signing, even at a half a million, then I guess it really doesn't matter if we sign Rodon for slot or 6 million, considering we already have all our other other important picks signed.

QUOTE (knightni @ Jun 12, 2014 -> 08:24 PM) Looks like, at the moment, we only have one opening. Have either of you had fantasy baseball experience? He called dibs first, he can do it.

QUOTE (knightni @ Jun 12, 2014 -> 12:41 PM) I'm the commissioner in Soxtalk Keeper #1 and I'm looking to replace a couple absentee owners. You can take over right away and continue indefinitely as long as you're active. We keep one hitter, one pitcher, and one wild card into next season. I'd do it

QUOTE (Ozzie Ball @ Jun 12, 2014 -> 02:02 PM) Agreed on Ravelo. I was hopeuful for a nice power outbreak this year and it looked like it may be coming in April, but he's back to normal again now. Ravelo's ISO per month: April- .242 May- .105 June- ..075 Overall- .143 I do like Ravelo and hold some hope for future power, but he's borderline top 10 right now at best for me. In a weak system, I think he's solidly in the top 8 for me, even without the power numbers. He's young for AA, and he's hitting .295/.398/.427 there. His ceiling would be a poor man's Eric Hosmer, which is just fine with me.

Chris (KC) Do you think Bukauskas will sign? How about Montes de Oca? Klaw (2:05 PM) No to both. I think the WSox took BMdO as a backup plan in case Rodon doesn't sign - offer the kid a million bucks and make him turn it down. If that was the plan, I don't think many people would be consoled by Bryce Montes de Oca if we miss on Rodon.

QUOTE (HickoryHuskers @ Jun 12, 2014 -> 11:15 AM) I never wanted to do either thing. Hey I didn't either! We are rational fans!

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Jun 12, 2014 -> 11:14 AM) I agree overall, and I don't think there's a great chance that he's back, but completely ruling it out at this point seems premature. Agreed and Ravelo just turned 22 and still hasn't hit for the type of power you would want out of a full time 1B/DH type. So even if Dunn is back on a 1-2 year deal, it's no big deal. Ravelo isn't the type of prospect where you HAVE to make room for him on the major league roster.

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Jun 12, 2014 -> 10:40 AM) Konerko definitely won't anyways. We'll see what happens with Dunn. I think it's funny that a few months ago people were screaming for us to cut Dunn, guys have countdowns on their profile until his contract ends, etc and now we want to extend him. I love that he's having a nice season, but he will be 35 next year, doesn't exactly fit into our future/core plans.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Jun 11, 2014 -> 10:48 PM) But can he catch or play LF? He rules the world from 1B. Dunn and Konerko aren't going to be around next year.

QUOTE (raBBit @ Jun 11, 2014 -> 01:11 PM) I think a lot of Sox fans are underplaying the type of prospect Dylan Cease is. His stock fell of a bit right before the draft but this guy was once considered a surefire 1st rounder. I don't love the Cubs strategy and would have taken Nola or Jackson #4, but I wouldn't be surprised if it works for them. I know Epstein has became a rag doll of sorts recently, but he's always been great in the draft. Originally I scoffed at what they did, but after thinking about it, it makes a lot of sense. It's basically playing the system and increasing your odds of hitting on more quality prospects. While I love the Sox first two picks, it seems like it was a bunch of "meh" after that, especially since it seems highly unlikely we sign Montes de Oca. If Rodon and Adams hit their ceiling nobody will care of course, but just seems like a lot riding on those two arms. I am looking forward to seeing the Cubs and Sox 2014 draft class develop.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/06/marl...yler-kolek.html Very interesting to see what total he signs at. I am guessing it's going to fall lower than Aiken's 6.5. If it's less then 6 million, I would think it would help us with Rodon's negotiations.

I figured this was as good a place to put this considering it's concerning our prospect rankings. Keith Law wrote an article titled "Five teams with new no. 1 prospects" and naturally we were one of them. His write up is below: http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/mlb-draft/...ts?refresh=true "Chicago White Sox: Carlos Rodon, LHP The White Sox's top two prospects coming into 2014, Erik Johnson and Matt Davidson, have disappointed thus far. (Johnson has also lost eligibility for the list by passing the 50-inning threshold.) That makes the top of their list muddled. There's Courtney Hawkins, who is having a strong second go with Winston-Salem of the high-Class A Carolina League; Tim Anderson, who is hitting for average (.309) and playing good defense at shortstop for Winston-Salem but has shown poor plate discipline; and Micah Johnson, now up in Triple-A after a brief but successful run with Double-A Birmingham. Rodon passes all three as a near-MLB-ready starter with a grade-70 slider and above-average fastball. Issues with Rodon's delivery have led to command problems and slightly reduced velocity, but the White Sox have an excellent track record of working with pitchers with unusual or difficult arm actions. Getting Rodon better extension out front and a cleaner finish will help him throw more strikes and maybe add more to his fastball. If all goes well, he should be in their rotation by this time next year -- perhaps with Micah Johnson playing somewhere behind him." A couple of interesting tidbits in here... very surprised he said Tim Anderson is playing "good defense" for Winston-Salem. Is he seeing/hearing something about his range, fluidity, play, that we aren't by just scouting his error total? Also, glad to hear he at least considers Courtney Hawkins for the no. 1 spot, he was a big fan of his pre-draft and was just as disappointed by his aggressive assignment as we were.