SB Nation - Dayan Viciedo

Chicago WhiteSox Top 20 Prospects for 2010

John Sickels — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 04:15:07 -0000

More photos » by Charles Krupa - AP

3 months ago: Chicago White Sox' Gordon Beckham dashes down the first base line on his two run home run in the third inning against the Boston Red Sox during their baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston, Monday Aug. 24, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

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Chicago White Sox Top 20 Prospects for 2010.

All grades are EXTREMELY PRELIMINARY and subject to change. Don't get too worried about exact rankings at this point, especially once you get beyond the Top 10. Grade C+/C guys are pretty interchangeable depending on what you want to emphasize. Complete reports on these and over 1,000 other players will be in the2010 Baseball Prospect Book, now available for pre-order, shipping on February 2^nd!

1) Dan Hudson, RHP, Grade B+: A personal favorite, since I rated him as a big sleeper pre-season and he really broke through.

2) Jared Mitchell, OF, Grade B: Grade A tools, refinement is a Grade C/C+ right now.

3) Tyler Flowers, C, Grade B: Power and patience are plusses, defense has improved a great deal according to all reports.

4) Brent Morel, 3B, Grade B-: I think he's underrated. Only questions about power at higher levels keep him from a Grade B. Now blocked behind Mark Teahen, a long-term signing I don't understand.

5) Jordan Danks, OF, Grade C+: Borderline Grade B-, as I like the tools and think the bat may still come around.

6) Dayan Viciedo, 3B, Grade C+: Cutting him some slack since he was young for Double-A and was pushed fast, but this is a good example of why we need performance data rather than just hype and team propaganda/scouting reports when evaluating players.

7) David Holmberg, LHP, Grade C+: Will the fastball get faster? If it does his stock could go up quickly.

8) C.J. Retherford, 2B, Grade C+: He can hit despite unimpressive tools. Not sure how he fits into long-term plans.

9) Christian Marrero, 1B-OF, Grade C+: Looks underrated to me. Could be a good platoon player.

10) Santos Rodriguez, LHP, Grade C+: Gotta love the strikeouts, but a long way from being ready to help. High ceiling though.

11) Miguel Gonzalez, C, Grade C+: Interesting catcher with good hitting in the Appy League and good glove rep, could rise quickly up the list in '10.

12) Jhonny Nunez, RHP, Grade C+: Power relief arm could help sometime soon.

13) Josh Phegley, C, Grade C+: Borderline Grade C; defensive questions still present and he had trouble transitioning from metal to wood, but can't ignore Indiana numbers completely yet.

14) John Ely, RHP, Grade C: I know scouts hate him but he just keeps getting people out. Passed Double-A Finesse Pitcher Test with flying colors.

15) John Shelby, OF, Grade C: Good speed, good glove, some power, on-base skills still sketchy despite increase in walk rate.

16) Tracye Thompson, OF, Grade C: Great tools, horrible hitting skills at this point. High risk of bust, but physical potential is impressive.

17) Clevelan Santeliz, RHP, Grade C: I know he throws hard and has the pretty ERA in Double-A, but his walk rate remains too high for me to trust him at this point.

18) Lucas Harrell, RHP, Grade C: Another guy with a decent arm but unattractive component ratios.

19) Brandon Hynick, RHP, Grade C: Nice pickup from the Rockies, possible inning-eater type though stuff is marginal.

20) Carlos Torres, RHP, Grade C: Old for a prospect at 27, but pitched well in Triple-A and could be a useful staff asset.

Others of Note (all grade C): Kyle Bellamy, RHP; Ryan Buch, RHP; Nick Ciolli, OF; Justin Collop, RHP; Tyson Corley, RHP; Eduardo Escobar, SS; Stefan Gartrell, OF; Jon Gilmore, 3B; Nevin Griffith, RHP; Gregory Infante, RHP; Nathan Jones, RHP; Jon Link, RHP; Charlie Leesman, LHP; Dan Remenowsky, RHP; Sergio Santos, RHP; Joe Serafin, LHP; Brady Shoemaker, OF; Taylor Thompson, RHP.

This is a very thin farm system, thanks in part to frequent trades and major league graduations like Gordon Beckham. I like the four guys at the top: Hudson and Mitchell are both personal favorites, though both still have enough questions to keep them from getting B+ ratings. Flowers seems to have come around defensively and has a good bat. Morel is another guy I like quite a bit and he has breakout potential in '10.

After that things thin out fast. Danks, Viciedo, and Holmberg all have good potential but even bigger questionmarks than the top guys. Marrero strikes me as an underrated player. Rodriguez and Gonzalez are intriguing but we need to see them at higher levels. After that we have a bunch of potential role players, possible bullpen arms, or guys with big ceilings but gigantic holes in their game (Trayce Thompson).

If Mitchell begins to fulfill his potential he'll be the clear number one next year.

White Sox Sign Teahen to 3-Year Extension

The Cheat — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:53:21 -0000

More photos » by Pat Sullivan - AP

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It looks like the White Sox weren't involved in the Winter Meeting's first big blockbuster, but that doesn't mean they weren't making suprising moves, signing Mark Teahen to a 3-year extension. The Sox lone position of depth appears to be third base, the position that Mark Teahen was supposedly brought in to play. They moved Gordon Beckham off third to bring in Teahen, and have both Dayan Viciedo and Brent Morel at the hot corner in the upper minors next year.

When Teahen was brought over from the Royals, the thought was that he was a passable stop-gap, that he could give the Sox a year of average-bat, below-average defense at the hot corner and not cost too much in terms of talent or actual money. But by signing him to a 3-year, $14M extension, the Sox are committing themselves to a player who, with the exception of a breakout 2006 campaign, has proven to be moderately above replacement level everywhere he's played.

I wouldn't go so far as to call Brent Morel trade bait, but this deal makes his name sure to be brought up by any team seeking to make a deal with the Sox.

This Month in White Sox Minor League Baseball

larry — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:28:16 -0000

Jordan Danks does it for the kids.

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This month:

Jordan Danks has been the outstanding performer so far for the White Sox winter ballas. Shaking off his poor, potentially injury induced, second half of 2009, he's gone .333/.450/.485 in 18 games. Watch him this Saturday at 7:15pm on MLB Network in the AFL Rising Stars Game.
The White Sox originally sent a bunch of junk to pitch in the AFL. Two junk removals have provided opportunities to a couple interesting guys. One, Sergio Santos, is simply that: interesting. A former first round pick of the Diamondbacks as a high school SS, he spent 7 seasons in the minors, never fulfilling his promise. After being invited to Spring Training this season by the White Sox and not impressing them with his hitting, either, he was converted to pitcher and, while very raw, showed some promise on the mound with a 9.4 K/9. Of course, that came with 6.4 BB/9 and a slew of wild pitches and hit by pitches. The story has been much the same in the AFL, with 6 BB and 12 K in 9.1 IP.
Also recently added from the instructional leagues was Kyle Bellamy, who is actually a prospect. A 2009 5th round selection, as a college closer, he's a fast track type and his appearance in the AFL confirms this impression. A tall, right-handed side-armer, some think he could be on the South Side next season and a good showing in the AFL would go a long way in raising his status in the organization.
As most of you know, Dayan Viciedo was shut down due to tendinitis in his right elbow after just four games. The injury is not considered at all serious and can arguably be chalked up to simple overuse in a player not used to a season stretching from February into November. He's an expected attendee at Camp Cora this January.
The injury to Viciedo opened up an opportunity for larry favorite Brent Morel. So far, .280/.296/.280.
C.J. Retherford: .255/.309/.392.
They do play baseball in places other than Arizona and the White Sox have a couple other notable participants. Jon Link is pitching for Tiburones de La Guaira in the Venezuelan Winter League where he's taken his usual high strikeout/high walk act: 15.1 IP, 11 H, 10 BB, 15 K. Clevelan Santeliz is playing for Navegantes del Magallanes in the VWL and is continuing his 2009 transformation into a high strikeout/low walk pitcher: 12.2 IP, 5 H, 2 BB, 16 K. Look for him to get a serious look for the opening day roster.
High A affiliate Winston-Salem will finally be getting their new ballpark completed. After a year delay which forced them to play at the stadium they had sold to Wake Forest, the Dash's new home in downtown Winston-Salem is set to open on April 13. Hopefully this means the club will draw more than the putrid 901 fans per game they averaged last season.
And, for the first time in more than a decade, the White Sox will take on their AAA affiliate, the Charlotte Knights, in a pre-season exhibition on April 1, 2010.

Happy Anniversary! or, Viciedo Injured.

larry — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:45:26 -0000

White Sox playoff hero Orlando Hernandez.

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On this date four years ago, the White Sox won the World Series. Where were you?

White Sox link roundup:

Dayan Viciedo has been pulled from the Arizona Fall League ~~with an undisclosed injury~~, per ESPN's Jason Grey (h/t to chisox2691 for asking the question). Update: Merkin says it's inflammation in his throwing elbow. ~~No word as of yet on his replacement.~~ Could be an opportunity for Brent Morel. Update: And it is Morel who will be coming out of the Instructional League to replace him.
JJ continues his player reviews with Jayson Nix.
The always entertaining mailbag, this time from Scott Merkin.
Continuing the Sporcle bender, there's a White Sox first round draft pick quiz.

Arizona Fall League: Stephen Strasburg Makes AFL Debut

raygu — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 03:27:53 -0000

More photos » by Lenny Ignelzi - AP

4 months ago: FILE - In this April 3, 2009 file photo, Stephen Strasburg, of San Diego State University, pitches during a game in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi, FILE)

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Took a one day sabbatical after Thursday nights NLCS game kept me up till after midnight, and let me just say, I had trouble sleeping. The Nationals Stephen Strasburg made his AFL debut on Friday night and he was impressive.

Here's a look at the top performances from the last two days:

Friday's Action:

Stephen Strasburg, SP, WAS-3.1 Inn, 2 H, 1 BB, 2K

Chris Heisey, OF, CIN-2-4

Dustin Ackley, OF, SEA-1-1, 2B

Dayan Viciedo, 3B, CHW-2-5, 3 RS, RBI

Russell Mitchell, 1B, LAD-2-5, 2RS, 2B, HR, 4 RBI

Casper Wells, OF, DET-3-5, 3 RS, HR, 3 RBI

Andrew Lambo, OF, LAD-4-5, 2B, 3B, RBI

Michael Stanton, OF, FLA-3-4, SB(3)

Josh Vitters, 3B, CHC-0-3, BB

Brandon Laird, 3B, NYY-1-5, HR, 3 RBI, 3 K

Thursday's Action:

Mike Moustakas, 3B, KC-3-5, 2 2B, HR, 7 RBI

Andrew Lambo, OF, LAD-3-5.=, HR, 4 RBI, SB

Brandon Laird, 3B, NYY-5-5, 3 RS, 2B, RBI

Darryl Jones, OF, STL-2-4, 2 SB, 2 RS, RBI

Scott Sizemore, 2B, DET-2-4, 2 RS, 2 HR, 3 RBI

Russell Mitchell, 1B, LAD-2-3-, 3 RS, HR, 4 RBI

Dustin Ackley, OF, SEA-2-5, SB, RS

Jason Heyward, OF, 1-4, BB

Chris Heisey, OF, CIN-2-4, 2 RS

Yonder Alonso, 1B, CIN-1-4, HR, 2 RBI

The Official SSS Top Ten White Sox Prospects

larry — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:00:44 -0000

More photos » by Nam Y. Huh - AP

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The White Sox did a pretty good job this year in terms of graduating homegrown talent to the big league level. Gordon Beckham, Chris Getz and Clayton Richard all played important roles. Per usual, the system also permitted Kenny Williams to acquire major league talent, as Aaron Poreda, Dexter Carter, RIchard, and Brandon Allen were traded away. Any system would be hurt by the "loss" of those six players; however, for a White Sox system that was only beginning to strengthen itself, both in terms of quality and depth, this has put the White Sox back in the position of having one of the worst farms in baseball. While the top five will probably be essentially a consensus amongst listmakers, after that, the depth drops off precipitously. It was a real struggle to complete the list. You could include any of about fifteen players in the next five and make a solid argument for all of them. The upper levels are full of fringe types and the lower levels, while having some interesting players, isn't all that inspiring to me at this point.

It is good for the club that they have a pretty well set starting five for next season because, outside of Daniel Hudson, there is an alarming lack of starting pitching prospects. Like every organization, there are a number of arms that could be relievers, some, like Jhonny Nunez, ready for opening day in 2010. Where the White Sox have improved is position player talent up the middle. Tyler Flowers looks like a legit catcher to me. And Jordan Danks and Jared Mitchell both look like they'll be able to handle centerfield defensively.

List after the jump.

1. Daniel Hudson: 2009 MiLB line: 147.1IP, 105 H, 34 BB, 166 K at Kannapolis, Winston-Salem, Birmingham and Charlotte. MLB: 18.2 IP, 16 H, 9 BB, 14 K. The Cheat covered him extensively here so I won't give yet another explication of his repertoire here. Suffice to say, his rise through the system last season was meteoric and well-deserved. Like any young pitcher, he still has things to work on but the talent is there. His ceiling is probably a #2 starter, depending upon how his offerings, particularly his slider, develop. I love the movement he generates on his pitches. ETA: Early 2010. The White Sox may want to play the service time game and start him in Charlotte. Barring injury or trade, there isn't a spot in the starting rotation for him. He could be a valuable arm out of the bullpen right away.

2. Tyler Flowers: 2009 MiLB line: .297/.423/.516 at Birmingham and Charlotte. Going into the season, his major question mark was whether he would stick at catcher, both because of his (in)abilities and injury history. He answered that question affirmatively by vastly improving his defense and staying healthy. And, oh yeah, he continued to hit the ball very well. While his strikeout rate is high (30%), he draws plenty of walks and hits for power. Don't expect his batting average to remain high, though, particularly since his BABIP was inflated. His ceiling is probably an average defensive catcher with an above average bat; in other words, a very valuable commodity. ETA: Mid-2010. With the White Sox continuing to implement their new policy of pushing players more quickly through the minors, he may be starting next season on the South Side. Though I think it would be a mistake to limit his repetitions at catcher by having him fill-in for A.J. Pierzynski once a week, it wouldn't surprise me if he found himself doing that along with playing some first and DH. On the other hand, Ozzie took a shot at Flowers' inability to "play small ball" and high K rate so shielding Flowers from such insanity for as long as possible would be prudent.

3. Jordan Danks: 2009 MiLB line: .266/.359/.405 at Winston-Salem and Birmingham. It was a tale of two halves for the left-handed hitting Danks. He tore up the Carolina League before a promotion to Birmingham where he continued to hit very well. Then he was sidelined by a wrist injury, followed by a finger injury and saw his offensive numbers diminish significantly. The question remains which is the true Danks. Was the slugging he initially showed a fluke or did injuries simply impede the awakening of his long projected power? The answer to that will dictate his future because, without some pop, that 26% K rate looks a whole lot scarier. ETA: 2011. Talked up as a possible September call-up in the summer, the poor second half took the sheen off his rapidly rising star. A return to Birmingham for a couple months and then a promotion to Charlotte will be his path next year.

4. Jared Mitchell: 2009 MiLB line: .296/.417/.435 at Kannapolis. His performance was exactly as expected: lots of walks, lots of strikeouts and lots of defense. Quite toolsy but also quite raw, it will be very interesting to watch his development over the coming seasons. Guys like Mitchell tend to either succeed spectacularly or fail spectacularly. The ceiling of a plus defensive CF with good power, plus contact and plus on base skills is certainly tantalizing. ETA: 2012. Will probably start at Winston-Salem and then move to Birmingham when Danks is promoted.

5. Dayan Viciedo: 2009 MiLB line: .280/.317/.391at Birmingham. I can sugarcoat ii as much as I like but there's no denying that Viciedo was not very good this year. Yes, at 20 he was young for the league. And, yes, he was acclimating to a new culture. But, no, his beisbol wasn't very good. First, his defense is terrible at third so he's going to need to find a new position. Second, while scouts will still tell you that he has quick hands and power potential, his pitch recognition is poor. Finally, questions about his fitness still linger. All that said, he gets a mulligan from me for last season, particularly since he showed some signs of life in the second half. But he's going to need to show improvement soon - starting in the Arizona Fall League next week - in order to justify his price tag. ETA: 2011. Back to Birmingham and then on to Charlotte.

6. Brent Morel: 2009 MiLB line: .281/.335/.453 at Winston-Salem. I'm a big fan of Morel. He doesn't strike out a lot, he's got gap power, his defense is fantastic, he's got good speed (25 for 34 in SBs) and his makeup is excellent. If you can get past the fact that his bat will be less than average for third base, you can see the makings of an average to solid player. The Joe Randa comparison still rings true to me. ETA: 2011. Will start in Birmingham and may spend the whole season there.

7. C.J. Retherford: 2009 MiLB line: .297/.340/.473 at Birmingham. The guy just puts up numbers. He was a doubles machine this year, racking up 46 in 128 games. There's nothing overwhelming in his tool box but average or so at a lot of things can get you to the majors and that appears to be the case with Retherford. Most scouts don't think he'll be more than a utility player - he played mostly 2B this year but has experience at multiple positions - but I could see him slotting in as a somewhat below average starter with the right team. ETA: Late 2010. Will start in Charlotte and could find himself as the first infield call-up when Chris Getz inevitably injures himself.

8. David Holmberg: 2009 MiLB line: 40 IP, 40 H, 18 BB, 37 K for Bristol. He's got good velocity for a lefty, hitting the low 90s, and a plus curve. He's a scouts' favorite with a clean delivery and makeup to boot. Development of a changeup is essential. Fresh out of high school, he's a long way away but his potential makes him an interesting prospect. ETA: 2013. Extended spring training and then a return to Rookie ball before moving up to Kannapolis.

9. Christian Marrero: 2009 MiLB line: .308/.348/.501 at Winston-Salem and Birmingham. The 23 year old lefty had a a very good season offensively and deservedly has begun to receive some attention as a prospect. He's got some issues to overcome, however, starting with his defense. He's essentially split time between RF and 1B in his career but, despite a plus arm, he probably isn't good enough to stick in the outfield. That means his bat is going to need to be good enough to merit consideration at 1B. The decline in walks from 11% at Kannapolis last year to about 6% this year suggests he may not quite have the bat. ETA: 2011. A return to Birmingham for a couple months and then a promotion to Charlotte.

10. Clevelan Santeliz: 2009 MiLB line: 56.1 IP, 43 H, 35 BB, 52 K at Birmingham. Santeliz improved his control markedly as the season wore on. In the first half, he walked 27 in 35 innings. In the second half, just 8 in 21.1. If that improvement is real, the 23 year old righty could find himself and his mid-90s fastball and plus slider in the bullpen role sooner rather than later. ETA: Mid-2010. Will be in Charlotte and probably will be the first choice for a reliever call-up.

This Week in White Sox Minor League Baseball

larry — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 16:48:00 -0000

Jared Mitchell (via Sox Machine)

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This week:

The material for TWIWSMiLB is becoming more threadbare. September call-ups have taken the likes of Daniel Hudson, Tyler Flowers and Carlos Torres. Minor league rehab assignments appear to be over for the season. And, just to further deplete things, Jared Mitchell and Christian Marrero hit the DL.
The minor league playoffs begin next week. Great Falls begin on the 12th against a TBD opponent. Kannapolis start against Lakewood on the 9th. Winston-Salem also go on the 9th against a TBD opponent. Birmingham open on the 10th against Jacksonville.
Bristol completed their season and sent a good bit of their roster to Charlotte to replace call-ups and players competing in the World Cup. The results for most of these Rookie-leaguers has been predictable, including permitting Rays' top prospect Desmond Jennings to go 7-7. It does, however, provide a few more games for these guys so that's helpful. Two notables are Brady Shoemaker and Miguel Gonzalez. Shoemaker was named an Appalachian League surprise by Baseball America. As noted, this list is for guys who are old for the league but, nevertheless, deserve attention for putting up excellent numbers. The right-handed outfielder had a .351/.426/.585 line and hit a home run for Charlotte last night. Gonzalez, on the other hand, is a legitimate prospect. The catcher has been a favorite of mine since he put up good numbers in the Dominican Summer League last year and, at 18 years old, is very age approporiate for the Appy League. The Venezuelan hit .311/.385/.503 this season and, while he's described as having "a bit of a thick body", he's definitely one to watch. Expect to see him continue his season in the Venezuelan Winter League (VWL).
One Bristol player who didn't make the jump to AAA is 2009 second round pick Trayce Thompson who, instead, is getting a preview of his likely destination next season, Great Falls. His adjustment to pro ball has been difficult but, as a very raw high schooler, that isn't unexpected.
Brent Morel: .278/.333/.445.
When Clevelan Santeliz was added to the 40-man roster last year in order to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft, I scratched my head. While he had good stuff, he had little control and his stint in the VWL hadn't been impressive, either. However, Santeliz has made good on the White Sox' confidence by improving his control markedly as this season wore on. In the first half, he walked 27 in 35 innings. So far in the second half, he's walked 8 in 20 innings while also improving his K rate. Assuming this isn't just a small sample size aberration, he's certainly put himself into the mix for a bullpen role for sometime next season.
Birmingham Roundup: Jordan Danks: .250/.344/.366; Dayan Viciedo: .280/.318/.393; C.J. Retherford: .302/.345/.476; Christian Marrero: .301/.340/.520; John Shelby: .243/.320/.395; John Ely: 150.1 IP, 137 H, 48 BB, 118 K, 1.44 GO/AO; Charlie Shirek: 90.1 IP, 97 H, 17 BB, 32 K, 1.43 GO/AO; Henry Mabee: 28.2 IP, 20 H, 10 BB, 21 K, 1.65 GO/AO.
Josh Phegley: .233/.288/.423.

As always, the Minor League Update fanpost on the right rail provides a place for daily updates and commentary and the opportunity to vote in the weekly poll.

This Week in White Sox Minor League Baseball

larry — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 15:42:18 -0000

Cole Armstrong asks his manager whether he'll be the ceremonial third catcher next month. (via Sox Machine)

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This week:

Daniel Hudson looks like he won't be making the majors this season, which is the correct move. He certainly does not look out of place in AAA, though: 4 GS, 21 IP, 21 H, 8 BB, 19 K. You'd be hard-pressed to find a more meteoric single season rise, particularly from a non-highly-touted prospect.
Rosters for the Arizona Fall League were announced. This year, White Sox prospects will be playing for the Peoria Javelinas. The pitchers are uninspiring - Henry Mabee, Jacob Rasner, Justin Cassel and Johnnie Lowe. The position players, however, include two of the system's best, Dayan Viciedo and Jordan Danks, and Hawk's (and larry's) favorite C.J. Retherford. The AFL begins play on October 13.
Danks returned to game action this week and went 5-20 with 5 BB. In addition to the K rate concerns which never left, the concerns about his power have returned. .249/.347/.358 for Birmingham.
Kannapolis roundup: Jared Mitchell: .296/.417/.435; Jon Gilmore: .270/.314/.343 (and finally hitting this month); Josh Phegley: .222/.278/.432; Nevin Griffith: 54.2 IP, 62 H, 23 BB, 29 K; Dan Remenowsky: 57.1 IP, 35 H, 13 BB, 100 K; Charlie Leesman: 149 IP, 150 H, 57 BB, 111 K; Stephen Sauer: 129 IP, 153 H, 19 BB, 112 K, 2.77 GO/AO.
On September 1, major league active rosters can expand to any player on the 40-man roster. While this usually brings to mind teams calling up prospects to make debuts, for the White Sox, the most prominent players will be guys coming off the disabled list: Chris Getz, Dewayne Wise and, most notably, Jake Peavy. Because the minor league season does not end on September 1, players will trickle in over the next week or so. However, a few others who may make an immediate appearance upon eligibility are Josh Fields, Wes Whisler (Ozzie can't have enough lefties), Carlos Torres and Cole Armstrong.
The Charlotte Rehabilitation Group last week: Getz 0-7, BB; Wise 5-10, 2B, 3B, BB; Peavy 5 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 3 K. Peavy gets the start tonight in what will likely be his final rehab appearance.
Viciedo: .278/.313/.383. He's cooled off significantly after a very good July.
Winston-Salem reliever Nathan Jones received some favorable press this week. Jones has always had nice stuff (especially his mid-90s fastball) but - you guessed it - control was a problem. This season, though, he's limited the walks while keeping the strikeout rate high, which is the surest way to be successful. Jones is still a reliever in A ball so there's a long way to go but the progress he's made this season makes him one to watch.
Playoff Update: Kannapolis have a 5 game lead with 10 games remaining and look certain to join Birmingham, Winston-Salem and Great Falls as a playoff team.
Tyler Flowers: .277/.360/.426 for the Knights; full season blended line of .295/.422/.513.

This Week in White Sox Minor League Baseball

larry — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 15:57:43 -0000

Daniel Hudson via Sox Machine.

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This week:

Daniel Hudson had a decent, though inefficient, outing: 5 IP, 6 H, 2 BB, 4 K, 1 WP while also permitting four stolen bases. Ben Badler has an extensive scouting report on this outing (Jon Link report, too). The Tribune profiled Hudson and Kevin Goldstein declared Hudson his minor league breakout pitcher of the year - though don't expect to see him on the South Side until mid-2010.
Jordan Danks has not played since August 14. While not officially placed on the DL, presumably to keep him eligible for the Arizona Fall League, it has been reported that he is indeed injured. Here's some video of him from Sox Machine. (Update: Danks will be back tonight.)
Jake Peavy dampened expectations for his big league return with both a mediocre outing and his own words: 4 IP, 5 H, 0 BB, 5 K, 1 HBP. He threw 67 pitches, 44 for strikes. His next start is ~~Sunday~~ Monday, again for Charlotte.
Brent Morel has continued his late season surge and was voted best defensive 3B in the Carolina League. .285/.343/.470.
Wrapping up the draft, the White Sox did not sign anyone else. The team will receive a compensatory third round pick in next year's draft for failing to sign Bryan Morgado. The Sox signed ten of their twelve picks in the first ten rounds and spent $3,892,100 on them, which is about middle of the road.
The "18"year old Juan Silverio continues to rake in the DSL: .321/.366/.547. Others putting up good numbers include Daurys Mercedes (.319/.410/.473), Julio Alcala (.295/.392/.454), and Darwin Matos (69 IP, 59 H, 34 BB, 82 K). The DSL's season ended on Friday.
Tyler Flowers took a foul ball off his hand and missed most of the week. .278/.337/.430 in Charlotte.
You can expect that the rosters for the Arizona Fall League will be announced next week. Last year saw the likes of Gordon Beckham, Jordan Danks, Aaron Poreda and Carlos Torres participate. The eligibility rules are straightforward. If I were assigning for the organization, and without regard to the position constraints and so on which inevitably arise during the "draft" process, the players I would send are: Tyler Flowers; Jordan Danks; Dayan Viciedo (foreign); C.J. Retherford; Daniel Hudson; Jon Link; and John Ely. The White Sox have usually sent four pitchers but the depth in position talent is greater and I don't really see a more deserving pitcher, though Charlie Shirek may get the opportunity based upon the numbers game.
Jared Mitchell: .304/.427/.461. 18% BB rate, 34.1% K rate.
Bristol roundup: Trayce Thompson: .216/.255/.255; Leighton Pangilinan: .304/.322/.411; Miguel Gonzalez: .273/.353/.463; David Holmberg: 30 IP, 31 H, 17 BB, 29 K; Matt Heidenreich: 17 IP, 10 H, 11 BB, 9 K.

As always, check the White Sox Minor League Update fanpost on the right sidebar for daily updates and commentary, and to participate in the weekly poll. If you're interested in White Sox minor league updates, follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry.

This Week In White Sox Minor League Baseball

larry — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 14:33:16 -0000

Christian Marrero in the on deck circle.

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This week

Jake Peavy began his White Sox organization career with a very good 43 pitch outing: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K. His next start will be August 18, likely for the Knights again. Sox Machine has video from his start. Word is that September 3 against the Cubs is the target for his first White Sox start.
Sox Machine has been touring the White Sox minor league affiliates. For a report on Kannapolis and Jared Mitchell, go here; for a report on Birmingham and Dayan Viciedo, go here; for a report on Charlotte and Tyler Flowers, go here.
Freddy Garcia looks like he's the next Starter Candidate 5 (election set for August 18) after a good outing in Charlotte: 6 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 9 K.
Daniel Hudson didn't have a good AAA debut: 4 IP, 8 H, 1 BB, 2 K, 1 HBP. His second start was much, much better and what we've come to expect from Hudson: 7 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 6 K. Sox Machine once again provides video and analysis of this start (teaser: he thinks Hudson is not ready for the big leagues and I agree).
Jordan Danks: .249/.342/.367 for the Barons. Most of the wind has come out of the "Danks will be ready next year" sails. Whether it was the wrist injury or just coming back to earth, Danks is looking far more mortal. The Rios acquisition may have lessened the urgency on his progress. Expect him to return to both the Arizona Fall League this year and Birmingham next season.
The August 17 deadline for signing draft picks is quickly approaching. There hasn't been much information regarding whether the Sox will be signing anyone else. One could posit that KW's recent shopping may have consumed any cash the club could have put towards signings. The latest news I heard was that Tennessee's coach was "cautiously optimistic" about Bryan Morgado returning to school. Baseball America leaves open the possibility that an over-slot bonus would get him; however, they suggest Justin Jones will indeed be attending California. No new information on Dane Williams and Brian Goodwin, though both are very likely to attend UNC. Gonzales observes that the Sox would get a pick in 2010 if they don't sign Morgado.
Tyler Flowers: .292/.354/.444 in AAA. He was voted by the Southern League managers as having the best strike zone judgment and as the best defensive catcher(!). C.J. Retherford garnered the best defensive 2B accolade. Why the White Sox acquired Andy Cannizaro (along with the other filler already there) to play for the Knights instead of just promoting Retherford is beyond me.
Jared Mitchell: .288/.435/.425. He's basically been as advertised, lots of walks and lots of strikeouts.

You wouldn't have found Christian Marrero on many prospects lists going into the season. He had a solid but unspectacular season at Kannapolis and the lefty was old for the league. He began the year at Winston-Salem and put up some good numbers (.314/.357/.482) and earned a promotion to Birmingham. He had a slow start for the Barons but has heated up and now has a line of .303/.343/.517 in AA. While he's a RF, he was playing some 1B for the Dash and began in that position for the Barons, as well, reportedly because the organization wanted to see more positional flexibility. He's recently returned to the outfield. Obviously, he has more value if he can hold down a corner outfield spot - where his plus arm can be more useful - and his bat is starting to look like it might actually be good enough, though more walks would be helpful.
Dayan Viciedo: .278/.313/.388.
Brent Morel has continued to have a solid season for the Dash: .276/.333/.463. I'm beginning to think the White Sox may use their "under AA" slot in the Arizona Fall League on Morel.