Now, He’s Just Insurance

 

CHICAGO–Jorge Nunez has left behind his days as a ranked prospect but could play a role as a utility infielder for the White Sox.

 

Acquired in the three-team, seven-player deal that brought Bartolo Colon to Chicago, Nunez must first earn playing time in a crowded Triple-A Charlotte infield. He has much to prove after a disappointing 2002 season, which began with him being rated as the No. 10 prospect in the Dodgers organization.

 

But then it was one bad thing after another. He aged three years overnight in the crackdown on Dominican birthdates, going from 24 to 27. He was traded to the Expos along with reliever Matt Herges.

 

Nunez landed in Triple-A but couldn’t hang on to the job at shortstop, instead shuttling back and forth between short and second base. He hit .290-0-20 with just a .322 on-base percentage and didn’t receive a big league callup.

 

White Sox scouts nevertheless saw a useful commodity in Nunez’s speed. He was 27-for-34 in stolen base attempts, giving him 176 steals over the last four seasons.

 

"Nunez is a slick-fielding middle infielder who can run," Sox general manager Ken Williams said. "He projects for us insurance at a utility spot in the big leagues. Unless we carry an extra utility infielder, he more than likely will end up at Triple-A."

 

Nunez is considered a good fielder, largely because of his plus arm. Originally signed by the Blue Jays, Nunez is a career .279 hitter as a pro but has become a high-strikeout, low-walk hitter. He hit .306 for Escogido in the Dominican League but had 17 strikeouts and no walks in 72 at-bats.

Now, He’s Just Insurance

 

CHICAGO–Jorge Nunez has left behind his days as a ranked prospect but could play a role as a utility infielder for the White Sox.

 

Acquired in the three-team, seven-player deal that brought Bartolo Colon to Chicago, Nunez must first earn playing time in a crowded Triple-A Charlotte infield. He has much to prove after a disappointing 2002 season, which began with him being rated as the No. 10 prospect in the Dodgers organization.

 

But then it was one bad thing after another. He aged three years overnight in the crackdown on Dominican birthdates, going from 24 to 27. He was traded to the Expos along with reliever Matt Herges.

 

Nunez landed in Triple-A but couldn’t hang on to the job at shortstop, instead shuttling back and forth between short and second base. He hit .290-0-20 with just a .322 on-base percentage and didn’t receive a big league callup.

 

White Sox scouts nevertheless saw a useful commodity in Nunez’s speed. He was 27-for-34 in stolen base attempts, giving him 176 steals over the last four seasons.

 

"Nunez is a slick-fielding middle infielder who can run," Sox general manager Ken Williams said. "He projects for us insurance at a utility spot in the big leagues. Unless we carry an extra utility infielder, he more than likely will end up at Triple-A."

 

Nunez is considered a good fielder, largely because of his plus arm. Originally signed by the Blue Jays, Nunez is a career .279 hitter as a pro but has become a high-strikeout, low-walk hitter. He hit .306 for Escogido in the Dominican League but had 17 strikeouts and no walks in 72 at-bats.

so i take it if graffy knee's doesnt heal or harris is a complete bust this guy is it???...is he better defensively then dellareo???....if we just want a defensive replacement he should be it..especially if we have harris on the bench as the speed guy...

Isn't Dellareo just a shortstop? Or is he capable of being "utility"?

Isn't Dellareo just a shortstop?  Or is he capable of being "utility"?

i figure if a guy can play SS he can play 3rd or 2nd....gheez if he hits like dellareo he better..lol