This offseason, we are going to experiment with doing a weekly News and Notes type column. As there is plenty going on, but not a lot on any one day, this seems like the best way to consolidate all the news - transactions, offseason league performances, links to related stories, etc.

 

Here is the first edition.

 

Tell us what you think! Anything you think we should change or add? The plan is for these to come out around the beginning of each week.

 

This offseason, we are going to experiment with doing a weekly News and Notes type column. As there is plenty going on, but not a lot on any one day, this seems like the best way to consolidate all the news - transactions, offseason league performances, links to related stories, etc.

 

Here is the first edition.

 

Tell us what you think! Anything you think we should change or add? The plan is for these to come out around the beginning of each week.

 

One thing that I would recommend is putting a list of the players and their slashlines at top of article and then the narrative underneath. For me, it's easier to digest, as I like to pick and choose who I'm following anyway. Small recommendation not a big deal.

One thing that I would recommend is putting a list of the players and their slashlines at top of article and then the narrative underneath. For me, it's easier to digest, as I like to pick and choose who I'm following anyway. Small recommendation not a big deal.

Good call, thanks!

 

Also I said article but I just meant above each paragraph nugget.

Blurb from Eric Longenhagen's Fall League Superlatives article:

 

White Sox LHP Louie Lechich, a converted outfielder, has only been pitching in games since July 28th and is already flashing a plus changeup…

Blurb from Eric Longenhagen's Fall League Superlatives article:

 

White Sox LHP Louie Lechich, a converted outfielder, has only been pitching in games since July 28th and is already flashing a plus changeup…

That echoes the 2080 report linked from the article. Fastball is 87-92 but with life, and he can already command it. Change-up showing plus. Slider showing potential. Already has good overall command and repeatability. Should get stronger as he adjusts to pitching.

 

He may be a legitimate prospect. It's way early, but it's very impressive he's done what he has so far in such a short period.

 

I like it!

Lechich another 2 scoreless tonight

Courtney Hawkins turns 23 in a few weeks. He's probably a release candidate if he's reached the point of having to be added to the 40-man.

Courtney Hawkins turns 23 in a few weeks. He's probably a release candidate if he's reached the point of having to be added to the 40-man.

 

Why? It isn't like someone is going to take him the Rule 5 or something. There is no onus to release him.

Why? It isn't like someone is going to take him the Rule 5 or something. There is no onus to release him.

 

Let's put it this way, he's not good enough to add to the 40-man. If he has the option to become a free agent, they should let him.

 

Let's put it this way, he's not good enough to add to the 40-man. If he has the option to become a free agent, they should let him.

 

Dude is going to make like 30 or 40k if he isn't on the 40 man, maybe less. I still don't see what the big deal is. He isn't blocking anyone, and he isn't holding a 40 man roster spot.

Dude is going to make like 30 or 40k if he isn't on the 40 man, maybe less. I still don't see what the big deal is. He isn't blocking anyone, and he isn't holding a 40 man roster spot.

 

Um yeah, I get he can stay and toil at AA again. Point is, he's not worthy of adding to the 40-man if it's that time. Release him, expose him to other teams, let him be a free agent, whatever.

Um yeah, I get he can stay and toil at AA again. Point is, he's not worthy of adding to the 40-man if it's that time. Release him, expose him to other teams, let him be a free agent, whatever.

 

Why? What is the need to get rid of him?

Why? What is the need to get rid of him?

 

We're done talking.

We're done talking.

 

Honestly it sounds vindictive. I see no other real reason. Again, he isn't blocking anyone, he isn't making a lot of money, and he isn't taking a needed roster space... So why release him?

There is no reason to release Hawkins. He's still 22/23, and a gamble on his very long shot is still better than a number of other outfielders in the system.

 

That said, if some team wants to do a failed for failed trade, change of scenery, sure. Go for it.

 

As a prospect he's virtually done. But he's not a Rule 5 risk, and he's not a minor league FA for another season or two. Might as well give him one more look in AA.

 

Louie Lechich with 1 scoreless inning today, 1 H, 1 K.

 

Collins went 1/4 with a K. Hawkins went 1/4, HR, 2 RBI.

 

Collins actually leads the 3 Sox players who played today with a .222 average. Yikes.

There is no reason to release Hawkins. He's still 22/23, and a gamble on his very long shot is still better than a number of other outfielders in the system.

 

That said, if some team wants to do a failed for failed trade, change of scenery, sure. Go for it.

 

As a prospect he's virtually done. But he's not a Rule 5 risk, and he's not a minor league FA for another season or two. Might as well give him one more look in AA.

 

Rather give him a shot on the mound then try and and trade him.

 

His mlb.com draft profile said - "The young man also can pitch, carrying a 5-2 record with a 0.96 ERA, 57 strikeouts over 36 1/3 innings and a velocity ranging from 92-96 mph when he pitched Carroll to a regional championship."

 

With the success some position players have had transitioning into pitching, Santos, Jansen, Lehich, it would be worth a try to salvage some value.

 

 

Rather give him a shot on the mound then try and and trade him.

 

His mlb.com draft profile said - "The young man also can pitch, carrying a 5-2 record with a 0.96 ERA, 57 strikeouts over 36 1/3 innings and a velocity ranging from 92-96 mph when he pitched Carroll to a regional championship."

 

With the success some position players have had transitioning into pitching, Santos, Jansen, Lehich, it would be worth a try to salvage some value.

 

Honestly not a bad idea at some point.

Rather give him a shot on the mound then try and and trade him.

 

His mlb.com draft profile said - "The young man also can pitch, carrying a 5-2 record with a 0.96 ERA, 57 strikeouts over 36 1/3 innings and a velocity ranging from 92-96 mph when he pitched Carroll to a regional championship."

 

With the success some position players have had transitioning into pitching, Santos, Jansen, Lehich, it would be worth a try to salvage some value.

 

 

Honestly not a bad idea at some point.

 

Yeah that's maybe not a bad idea, given his struggles.

 

Rather give him a shot on the mound then try and and trade him.

 

His mlb.com draft profile said - "The young man also can pitch, carrying a 5-2 record with a 0.96 ERA, 57 strikeouts over 36 1/3 innings and a velocity ranging from 92-96 mph when he pitched Carroll to a regional championship."

 

With the success some position players have had transitioning into pitching, Santos, Jansen, Lehich, it would be worth a try to salvage some value.

Would you mind if I used this idea for an article on FutureSox?

 

I'd like to credit you with the idea, so can you PM me your actual name? Maybe twitter handle? Thanks!