I saw this posted over at Cheat's blog.

 

http://www.minorleagueball.com/story/2006/2/28/105432/870

Chicago White Sox Top 20 Prospects

 

By John Sickels

 

1.  Ray Liotta, LHP, Grade B+

2.  Bobby Jenks, RHP, Grade B

3.  Brian Anderson, OF, B

4.  Lance Broadway, RHP, B

5.  Ryan Sweeney, OF, B

6.  Francisco Hernandez, C, B

7.  Jerry Owens, OF, C+

8.  Josh D. Fields, 3B, C+

9.  Robert Valido, SS, C+

10.  Sean Tracey, RHP, C+

11.  Ricky Brooks, RHP, C+

12.  Aaron Cunningham, OF, C+

13.  Clayton Richard, LHP, C+

14.  Chris Getz, 2B, C+

15.  Casey Rogowski, 1B, C

16.  Tyler Lumsden, LHP, C

17.  Jeff Bajenaru, RHP, C

18.  Dan Cortes, RHP, C

19.  Brandon Allen, OF, C

20.  Chris Carter, 3B, C

 

Not a deep farm system by any means. Winter trades of Chris Young, Gio Gonzalez, and Dan Haigwood reduce system depth considerably.

 

Grade B for Bobby Jenks may seem low. On pure talent alone, he has a Grade A arm. When his head is on straight, and his command is in gear, he can put up Grade A performance as well. But his track record is mixed, at best. Even on good days he's a "high maintenance" guy, and I don't trust his elbow not to explode. So you have Grade A talent mixed with Grade C/C- "intangibles." I compromised on Grade B, but your mileage may differ.

 

Just about everyone else on the list has questions too, even if not to Jenks' extent. Brian Anderson is a decent prospect but I'd rather have Chris Young. Lance Broadway's average fastball will have to hold up at higher levels. Ryan Sweeney is very young but could be an outfield version of Sean Burroughs as a hitter. Francisco Hernandez didn't hit his first shot at full-season ball. Jerry Owens lacks power. Etc.

 

It's not to say that these guys aren't prospects; they are. But they all have a question mark or three.

 

How long can the White Sox hold off the Indians and Twins?

Edited February 28, 200620 yr by SSH2005

Im suprised by Liotta being number one. his guy also tends to look at the negatives in every player.

Ray Liotta number 1? I think he has been way overhyped recently... top5 but Idonno about 1.

I didnt realize we had Clayton Richard. Didnt he play QB for Michigan. What kind of prospect is he.

I didnt realize we had Clayton Richard. Didnt he play QB for Michigan. What kind of prospect is he.

Ya, was a QB at Michigan (I don't think he really played though).

 

He's a pretty solid prospect. Good arm, a little raw, but had a pretty good debut.

I expect Lumsden to be higher after this year. Same with Valido.

Ray Liotta number 1?  I think he has been way overhyped recently... top5 but Idonno about 1.

 

Considering all we lost, it's not that surprising.

Considering all we lost,  it's not that surprising.

 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

However, replacing prospects in the cupboard is a nice piece of hardware . . .

pretty low grade it seems like for some of the guys in the B range.

how is Jenks a B prospect?

pretty low grade it seems like for some of the guys in the B range.

how is Jenks a B prospect?

 

'Cause he's a relief pitcher, so even when he's at his best, his impact will always be limited.

 

'Cause of his storied past.

 

'Cause of his injury past.

 

Tell me why any of the other players should get an 'A'?

 

Broadway and Liotta seem to be limited ceiling guys, Sweeney didn't slug above .400 last year, and Anderson really didn't dominate AAA -- he did well, but he didn't dominate the level.