royoung

QUOTE (CyAcosta41 @ Mar 31, 2014 -> 08:55 AM) Joshua ... And, in return, I didn't suggest you actually hoped that they didn't sign their pick. Rather, I thought I carefully avoided arguing with you, but concentrated on my personal opinion. Namely, the Sox have an improving, but still barely adequate farm. ... one that is sorely lacking in legit high-ceiling guys. For any team with a system like that -- e.g., the White Sox system -- I personally believe it would indeed be truly horrible to let a draft pass you by without bringing into the system, A.S.A.P. (meaning, NOW) the kind of high-ceiling talent that the #3 pick in the entire draft should bring in. Understood that current rules provide something of a consolation prize in next year's #4 if we aren't able to sign this year's #3. Sure, that is something. And it's possible that next year's #4 could net a better player than this year's #3. But not a single person on Earth knows that answer. What we do know, is that not signing this year's #3 means we had a chance to bring in one of the top 3 players available in the entire draft this year (and who knows, it could be the VERY TOP player based on the team's subjective analysis) and we let it get away. Not as improved overall this year as we could be. (And yes ... someone could make an argument that foregoing a high first round pick this year opens the budget for going with multiple overslot picks in later rounds ... but the viability of a strategy like that is way outside of our discussion here). A team with a currently or perennially strong farm might consider this a glancing blow, but for a team like the White Sox, I'd be hard-pressed to consider it as anything other than a "horrible" result (even though MLB protects us against ourselves, somewhat, in the following draft). And full-circle back to my original point: such a scenario turns from "horrible" to "inexcusable" if this happens because we decided to play ball with The Evil Prince himself, Scott Boras. If the Sox refuse to deal with Scott Boras at all, they shouldn't be a franchise. I think his reputation is inflated at this point. If Rodon is there at three and he's the BPA in the Sox's eyes, I am all for pulling the trigger. The difference between 1-3 slot money and 1-1 slot money isn't huge like when Appel fell to 1-8.

QUOTE (Lillian @ Mar 29, 2014 -> 08:02 AM) This alleged "deep draft" doesn't appear to contain a true potential "Ace" pitcher, at least not from the early season performances. It had seemed that the Sox would have almost a guarantee to get a great pitcher, drafting third. I was hoping for a right handed, top of the rotation arm, to compliment Sale. The way it's been going, I'm not sure that any of these pitchers are worthy of a #1. Now that Rodon has come back to the pack, Kolek and Aiken seem like the only ones with true Ace potential, and the Sox don't appear to be inclined to draft a high school arm. If the top two picks are pitchers, and the Sox are left to select the best of the remaining arms, might they be better off going with the best position player in this year's draft? I understand the concern but it is very early in the process to be skittish. The Sox have been pretty clear that they are targeting an impact BPA (best player available) player with this pick and it just so happens to be strong in pitching. As far as worrying about a "true potential ace" being available, in the past 10 years I can only see Strasburg and Price being that guy who everybody knew was going to be a #1. It's extremely rare. I would argue the Sox are in a very good position. There seems to be a fairly strong top 5 of arms (Aiken, Rodon, Kolek, Beede, and Hoffman) and the Sox will be guaranteed to have three of them sitting on the board when they are on the clock. Aiken has a ton of helium right now, definitely #1 starter potential, same with Kolek and Rodon. Hoffman hasn't blown anyone away, but he is an uber athlete, which has been compared to Verlander in his athleticism and body type. He is a potential frontline workhorse, with the right type of coaching I could definitely see him taking off in the minors. Beede has struggled with his control but has the "best swing and miss stuff in the draft." His control might hold him back from being a true ace, but think a solid 2 or 3 is very reasonable.

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Mar 28, 2014 -> 10:19 AM) What I read between the lines for that #3 pick is that it is going to be a pitcher. Frankly, it doesn't pay to have a scout watch every single game for hitters, even if you get a better scouting report, simply because there are going to be times they tee off on lesser competition. You want to see how they do against the good pitchers. The Sox have scouted every game of their top 5. That is extremely possible wit pitchers. Also, I took it very much that they've done their initial homework and they've narrowed that #3 pick down to five potential guys. Yes I would be incredibly shocked if they picked a position player. Prediction on who will be first off the board? Jackson? Gatewood? Nobody has really emerged like some of the pitchers have.

QUOTE (IowaSoxFan @ Mar 27, 2014 -> 05:45 PM) I didn't take it as they limited it to 5, just that they have a top 5. Right but effectively when they are on the clock they will have a top three, unless the Astros or Marlins don't take someone in their top five. It's good they've pinpointed an upper echelon of prospects anyway, it seems there is a top 4-5 that I wouldn't be terribly surprised whichever order they go.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Mar 27, 2014 -> 03:34 PM) Read highlights here. Interesting guy. Interesting and exciting they've limited their draft targets at #3 to just five players. Obviously at the point the Sox are picking it goes to down to three players on that list so surprising to me they didn't have a few more. I have to speculate that it's Rodon, Kolek, Hoffman, Beede, and Aiken? It's frustrating they've asked Courtney Hawkins to make all these adjustments while playing in a league way above his head. Hopefully he can get back on track this year.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Mar 26, 2014 -> 01:41 PM) But there goes your mid-tier contract money on a player not on the roster. Shame, can't sign that mid-tier player you want. BUT WHY ISN'T THERE MONEY FOR EVERYTHING I WANT?? JERRY IS CHEAP!! And around we will go.

QUOTE (robinventura23 @ Mar 26, 2014 -> 01:27 PM) So if he is on the big league roster, I wonder who is the odd man out. Most likely Webb. He could probably use more time in AAA anyway, he ascended quickly.

Bernie Pleskoff ‏@BerniePleskoff 3m #WhiteSox have claimed Javy Guerra off waivers from the #Dodgers. That's a big addition to the bullpen. Good move. I like it. Nice to have surplus arms. It's a long season.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Mar 25, 2014 -> 05:41 PM) People are putting WAY to much stock into early season statistics. It's not about the stats, scouts are saying his fastball has been average and his control has been below average all year. I'd still be fine with Hoffman if our scouts believed he is still flashing/capable of plus stuff and his numbers are awful. Rodon has to show it at some point or somethings gone very wrong.

QUOTE (StRoostifer @ Mar 25, 2014 -> 11:41 AM) That's exactly what I'm thinking as well. I never liked the idea of the Sox trading Gio away, twice no less. I'm no scout but I think Aiken could end being every bit as good as Gio if not better. Again, I'm just a fan and no scout. I wouldn't have a problem taking a hs kid like this for the #3 pick. Yes its a risk but one I'm willing to take. Would you take Aiken over Rodon at this point?

QUOTE (Marty34 @ Mar 24, 2014 -> 07:04 PM) It's unlikely that all of these prospects turn out well, that said aside from catcher and probably another LH hitter somewhere I'm willing to roll dice on the position players. I think it's still debatable whether Quintana is a #2 or #3 on a playoff team with the contract he signed though it doesn't matter because if nothing else that boosted his trade value. If Quintana settles in as a #3, he may be able to be packaged with a Beck or Bassit for an established #2 with Johnson hopefully sliding in at #3. For the sake of the argument, let's assume Q "settles in as a #3," which I am not agreeing to. But if he's a #3 starter, why in the world would you trade a #3 starter with a very team friendly contract for a slightly better pitcher and throw one of our top pitching prospects??? If Johnson slides in at #3 and you trade Beck who would be our #4 and #5 in that scenario? Hahn gave Q this contract because he is going to pitching with Sale at the top of our rotation for a long time. He's not going anywhere.

QUOTE (raBBit @ Mar 24, 2014 -> 03:45 PM) I really hope everyone doesn't expect our #3 pick to be on the OD '15 roster. Even Rodon or Beede wouldn't contribute meaningfully until 2016 at the earliest. If we take Kolek or Aiken extend that to 2017 or 2018.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Mar 24, 2014 -> 02:44 PM) Bruce Levine ‏@MLBBruceLevine 14m Manager Robin Ventiura will not commit to a closer. ( he waited until opening day 2012 to bring in Hector Santiago without fanfare -opener Hoping for a closer by committee approach. Ride the match-ups and the hot hand. Also would keep Webb/Jones arbitration costs way down.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Mar 24, 2014 -> 10:42 AM) The difference is the proper caveot is being used there. "Future core" is different from "core". Right. Theo and Hahn are VERY aware of service times and windows of opportunities. The Cubs are simply targeted 2016-2021 as their window to compete and are working towards achieving that. Hahn is doing the same thing effectively with a quicker time table.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Mar 24, 2014 -> 10:21 AM) Yes, but you said that after the fact. You included him him your original White Sox core. I hope the Cubs suck forever. The fact is, if their pieces were White Sox pieces, you would be talking them up more than you are talking up Matt Davidson right now. Some of these guys on both teams are going to not amount to much. Right now, the Cubs have more room for error just because they have more highly thought of prospects in quantity if not quality. I think we are arguing semantics are this point. Hahn referenced Eaton, Abreu, Garcia, and Davidson as the White Sox "future core." He can say that even though between the four players only one has ever put on Sox uniform and that was briefly. I am sure the Cubs consider Baez, Almora, and Bryant part of their future core as well.

QUOTE (SoxPride18 @ Mar 23, 2014 -> 08:28 PM) Parks was loving what he saw from Anderson and Jaye today. "SS Tim Anderson: Body beautiful; plus athlete; swing is silky smooth, loose and easy; a hands hitter who attacks the ball out front and can drive it; very impressive hand-eye at the plate; natural ability to square up the ball; hit tool is going to be plus; power could be late to arrive but could also be plus; defense at short is shaky despite quick-twitch athleticism; wasn’t quick in his reactions to the ball; actions were a little stiff; arm looked average to solid-average; not as fast as I originally thought, more 55/60 run." That's all I can see as a unsubscribed reader, does anyone have the rest of the content?

QUOTE (DirtySox @ Mar 23, 2014 -> 03:38 PM) I'd wager that Rodon will demand 1-1 money even at if selected 3rd. Boras is his advisor and he has the option to return to school for his senior year a la Appel if he so wishes. That's a good point. If it's actually true that he's falling down draft boards and is no longer the 1-1, it's very possible he could fall like Appel due to contract demands. It did work out for Appel so it wouldn't surprise me if Boras tries it again. In that case, I would be conflicted if Rodon is on the board at pick #3 demanding 1-1 money and theoretically Beede and Hoffman are available willing to take slot or below. There seems to be consensus that Rodon isn't as impressive a prospect as he once was considered.

QUOTE (QuickJones81 @ Mar 23, 2014 -> 07:45 PM) Pretty sure that picture for Sanchez isn't Sanchez. Yep. That's Carlos Sanchez of the Cincinnati Reds. Fail MLB.com http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?s...&pid=570614

QUOTE (Eminor3rd @ Mar 21, 2014 -> 11:17 AM) He's got Turner all the way down at 20 I tend to agree. He's got three extra base hits this year. What's his upside? Juan Pierre? Odds are he won't hit enough to make much of an impact with his speed. Give me a guy with a shot to be a front line starter.

QUOTE (IowaSoxFan @ Mar 21, 2014 -> 11:10 AM) It is an insider article. http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/...-2014-mlb-draft Thanks! I happen to be *puts on sunglasses dramatically* an insider.

FYI, Jim Callis of MLB.com will be chatting about the White Sox system on twitter @mlbpipeline at noon. http://jimcallis.mlblogs.com/ He posted on his blog five additional prospects, a sleeper, and an interview with Tim Anderson.

QUOTE (IowaSoxFan @ Mar 21, 2014 -> 09:28 AM) Law has his first prospect rankings (top 50) for the draft up: 1 Brady Aiken 2 Kolek 3 Rodon 4 Beede 5 Grant Holmes - Plus fastball that he can run up to 98 with great feel and control. 6 Hoffman 7 Jackson Others of notw 15 Newcomb 19 Gatewood 20 Turner 39 Toussaint Do you have a link? Interesting how far Hoffman has fallen in his list, especially considering how high he was on him. I don't know much about Grant Holmes..HS arm? Looks like we have our choice of arms, fantastic news because I think that would be great value selecting that high.

Well Keith Law has a new draft crush... "Between this spring and last summer I've seen all of the top prospects for this year's draft, including Carlos Rodon, Tyler Beede, Jeff Hoffman, Alex Jackson, Tyler Kolek, and Jacob Gatewood, and I'd take Aiken over all of them. " He says that he showed four pitches, two of them plus, and projects he will have three grade 60 or better pitches when it's all said and done. 6'4'' lefty, solid build and clean delivery, could be in the mix? I'd still be shocked if the Sox go HS pitcher, but who knows.

QUOTE (IowaSoxFan @ Mar 18, 2014 -> 08:25 AM) If I were to project a top 5 today it would be: 1 - Houston - Rodon - Rodon is down a little, but pairing him with Appel will be very appealing 2 - Miami - Kolek - Miami loves HS players with big upside, Kolek is that 3 - Sox - Hoffman - Pedestrian numbers this season, but the stuff is elite and he has the frame to be successful over the long hall. 4 - Cubs - Beede - Beede's arrow is pointed up and the Cubs are starved for pitching. Beede could be the fastest riser as a pro. 5 - Minnesota - Alex Jackson - Twins continue their trend of selecting prep players grabbing the top prep bat in the class. If Hoffman turns his season around I think that's an ideal situation for the Sox. I believe Rock said that Hoffman aced his interview with the Sox and there is big organizational love for him. If he continues to struggle, I wouldn't be surprised if Beede wouldn't surpass him, if he hasn't already.

QUOTE (IowaSoxFan @ Mar 16, 2014 -> 06:30 PM) Through this weekend Rodon - 6.2 IP 5H 2R 2ER 4BB 12K 1HBP Season - 2.45 ERA 36.2 IP 27H 15R 10ER 11BB 42K Beede - 7.1 IP 3H 2R 0ER 1BB 7K Season 0.84 ERA 32.1 IP 14H 6R 3ER 6BB 40K Hoffman - 6.1 IP 7H 6R 5ER 2BB 5K Season - 4.06 ERA 31 IP 23H 17R 14ER 15BB 37K Newcomb - 7 IP 2H 0R 0ER 3BB 8K Season - 0.00 ERA 24.2 IP 10H 1R 0ER 12BB 31K (four starts) Beede looks like he has found an answer for the questions around his control. Watched Rodon Friday night and wasn't all that impressed though maybe it was an off night, through too many pitches out of the zone and that will not work in pro ball. Throws too many pitches as it is. I am thrilled that Beede has emerged to strengthen the top of the draft. Unless Hoffman completely tanks the rest of the year away, Rodon, Hoffman, and Beede make a strong top three overall players who happen to project to be exactly what the Sox are reportedly looking for. I would be very happy with any of those three.