Stat of the Day/Joe Borowski, Sox history lesson

[StatManDu]

Cleveland closer Joe Borowski was drafted and signed by the White Sox in 1989. The Sox took Borowski in the 32nd round out of Marist High School in Bayonne, N.J., in 1989. This was a draft that also saw them take Frank Thomas in the first round, Brian Keyser in the 19th round and University of Wisconsin punter Scott Cepicky in the 23rd round. If it weren't for Frank, this would have to be considered one of the worst drafts not only in the history of the Sox but in the history of baseball as well. Good thing, Simeon's Jeff Jackson wasn't available (Phillies took him three picks prior to the Sox) because if he were, GM Larry Himes would have taken him.

 

Borowski wasn't signed by the Sox until Aug. 13, 1989 so he did not pitch professionally that season. In 1990, the 19-year old Borowski, who was listed at 6-2, 225 in the 1991 Sox media guide, was a member of the Sox Gulf Coast (Rookie) League affiliate. Playing for manager Mike Gellinger, currently the White Sox Major League Computer Scouting Analyst, the right-hander was 2-8 with a 5.58 ERA in 12 games (11 starts). In 61.1 innings, Borowski gave up 74 hits with 25 walks and a team-leading 67 strikeouts.

 

Borowski's teammates on that squad that went 21-42 included 2nd baseman Ray Durham and pitchers James Baldwin, Jason Bere, Alex Fernandez and Bob Wickman.

 

Borowski went to spring training with the Sox the following season and was traded to Baltimore for infielder Pete Rose Jr. on March 31, 1991.

 

 

[BigEdWalsh]

Borowski went to spring training with the Sox the following season and was traded to Baltimore for infielder Pete Rose Jr. on March 31, 1991.

 

Oddly enough, Pete Rose Jr. is still playing. He's become a fixture in the minor leagues. This past season he batted .342 for the Long Island Ducks.