CHICAGO WHITE SOX: I already mentioned catcher Kevan Smith a few days ago, so today I’ll bring up lefty Blair Walters, drafted in the 11th round from the University of Hawaii. He went 9-0, 4.03 in the Pioneer League with a sharp 72/17 K/BB in 74 innings. He has a low-90s sinker and is tough on lefties, but was mostly a reliever in college and is still polishing his breaking ball and changeup. He could develop into a fourth starter or possibly a LOOGY.
BTW, here’s the Kevan Smith mention:
Kevan Smith, C, White Sox: Seventh round pick in 2011 from University of Pittsburgh, annihilated short-season pitching at Bristol (Appy League, .396/.482/.740) and Great Falls (Pioneer League, .318/.417/.523). Drew 28 walks against just 30 strikeouts in 203 at-bats. Power bat and physical strength are well-respected, but he needs more polish with defense, and at age 23 he needs to show this wasn’t just a fluke generated against younger competition.
