44) Addison Reed, RHP, Chicago White Sox
72) Nestor Molina, RHP, Chicago White Sox
Hey, more than one Sox prospect! Sickels likes Molina.
February 24, 2012
John Sickels’ 2012 ‘Top 120 Prospects’ list
February 23, 2012
Herm Schneider is in the best shape of his life
The most noticeable change among the Sox’s traveling party was trainer Herm Schneider, who declined to disclose how much weight he lost this winter.
Daryl Van Schouwen says it’s 70 pounds:
Nobody looks better than White Sox trainer Herm Schneider, who lost about 70 pounds over the offseason.—
Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) February 22, 2012
BTW, here’s a picture of Herm from August of 2011:
Good job Herm!
Other White Sox links:
- James looks at Tyler Flowers replacing A.J. Pierzynski, and replays the April 12, 2008 Sox-Tigers game (Gavin Floyd’s breakout).
- J.J. looks at the battle for the last spot in the Sox bench, and contributes to publishing the All-Chicago 2000-2011 baseball team.
- Baseball America released its ’2012 Top 100 prospects’ list. The only Sox prospect on the list is 23-year old RHP Addison Reed at #66.
February 11, 2012
What could go wrong for Addison Reed in 2012?
I say nothing but Jason Parks @ BP takes a look:
What Could Go Wrong in 2012: [Addison] Reed can get a little fastball-dependent, which doesn’t usually matter because his fastball is an explosive pitch with near-elite velocity that he can spot on either side of the plate. He could struggle if his command wavers, or if his slider flattens out a bit, which it did at times in 2011. If he loses the slider, even for a sequence, he becomes more of a one-dimensional arm, and major-league hitters can square up velocity when they know that’s all you have in the tank. To find sustainable success, Reed needs to keep that slider sharp and in sequence while maintaining his command. If that happens—and it should—there is very little to worry about in his immediate future.
And here’s Addison Reed’s player card at BrooksBaseball.net.
February 9, 2012
January 27, 2012
January 26, 2012
Robin Ventura talks about the 2012 Sox
Ventura was asked about a few key matters during an interview session with White Sox beat reporters on Thursday and came up with a few pre-Spring Training solutions. The White Sox starting rotation, which looks to be one of its strongest suits, seems all but set with John Danks, Gavin Floyd, Chris Sale and Jake Peavy. According to Ventura, Philip Humber has the advantage at No. 5 over any of the young newcomers such as Nestor Molina or returnees such as Zach Stewart or Dylan Axelrod.”Phil would be that leader heading into the clubhouse,” Ventura said of Humber, whose breakout 2011 effort resulted in a 9-9 record and 3.75 ERA. “I don’t see anything changing with that at this point. We will see during Spring Training, but I’m confident in Phil in doing that No. 5 position.”Humber posted an 8-5 record with a 3.10 ERA and .218 opponents average against in the first half, but had a 1-4 mark, 5.01 ERA and .287 average against after the All-Star break.
Reliever Matt Thornton‘s season was slightly reversed, as the left-hander posted a 2.45 ERA over 52 games after May 1 following an 8.64 ERA in April. Thornton also had blown saves in his first four chances, although he didn’t have the best of luck behind him. Even with that slow start, Ventura tabbed Thornton on Thursday as his leading 2012 closer candidate over rookie Addison Reed and Jesse Crain. “I’m leaning on Matt doing that,” Ventura said. “I don’t think those type of things are concrete. I would like to see him do that, but we’ll see how that goes in Spring Training with him and how he feels.”
In Ventura’s estimation, the team doesn’t have a true utility infielder at this point. Brent Lillibridge earned high praise from Ventura for his versatility and talent, but he wasn’t identified as a possible backup shortstop. Ventura said that Alex Rios could see time in both left field and center field, and as of now, Alejandro De Aza looks to be the leadoff man. Of course, it’s just late January and things could change by the end of Cactus League action. “Gordon [Beckham] could probably do it depending on how he feels about that and how he looks in Spring Training, as far as getting on base,” Ventura said of the leadoff slot. “He has more power than normal leadoff guys, but he’s one of them.”
BaseballInstinct looks on Sox RHP Addison Reed
The Stuff
His fastball rates plus with mid-to-late 90s velocity and tailing action into right-handed hitters. He spot his heat at both sides of the plate and shows above average command of all his pitches.
The slider has been labeled a plus-plus pitch by some scouts. Terrific downward biting action. He throws it with great confidence. A true swing’ n’ miss offering.
His change-up has been called average. which in fine since his likely destination is the bullpen and the fastball/slider combo is plenty good enough there. It’s a pitch he could show from time to time to give left-handed hitters something to think about. …
January 25, 2012
Good guys wear red
Fans of the late Chuck Tanner’s 1972 White Sox squad, featuring Dick Allen, Bill Melton and Wilbur Wood, to name a few, will get a 40-year memory jog this year on Sundays at U.S. Cellular Field when the 2012 team wears uniforms similar to those that group wore.
The uniforms will feature the red pinstriped jersey with the iconic “Sox” script over the chest, red numbers (front and back) and a White Sox patch on the sleeve, along with the popular red cap with its unique variation of the Sox script. The White Sox will wear the throwback uniforms on 13 Sundays this season, starting with April 15 vs. Detroit.
Other White Sox links:
- James looks at the spring training non-roster invitees, and the Prince Fielder signing by Detroit.
- J.J. looks at what the Prince Fielder signing means to the Sox, and looks back at the 1972 Sox.
- Addison Reed ranked #100 on MLB.com’s Top 100 prospect list compiled by Jonathan Mayo.
- NotHawk details what Hawk’s answers interview to Daryl van Schouwen really mean. Here’s a hilarious point:
DVS: What do you like about this team?
NH: I like that the season hasn’t started yet.
January 20, 2012
John Sickels updates his ‘Top 20 White Sox prospects for 2012′ list
John Sickels updated his ‘Top 20 White Sox prospects for 2012′ list. #1 and #2 were interchanged and Simon Castro was added at #4:
1) Addison Reed, RHP, Grade B+: The best closer prospect in baseball thanks to superior command of 93-97 MPH fastball and devastating slider. One of my favorite prospects.
2) Nestor Molina, RHP, Grade B+: Acquired from the Blue Jays for Sergio Santos, and immediately became Chicago’s first or second-best prospect. I think he can remain a starter. Molina was a big topic of discussion earlier this winter. I like him a lot.
4) Simon Castro, RHP, Grade C+: Acquired from the Padres for Carlos Quentin. Live fastball, but secondary pitches went backwards last year and will need to rebound if he wants to stay a starter. The change of scenery could help him.
…We’ll start with the good stuff first. Both Nestor Molina and Addison Reed are personal favorites. I originally had Molina one spot ahead because I think he can start. Of course, I think Reed could probably start too, but given how well he pitched last year I can understand their desire to keep him in the bullpen. He should be ready to close sometime in 2012, perhaps out of spring training. I went back and forth on this but in the end I ranked Reed slightly ahead.
BTW, here’s the original list:
1) Nestor Molina, RHP, Grade B+: Acquired from the Blue Jays for Sergio Santos, and immediately became Chicago’s first or second-best prospect. I think he can remain a starter. Molina was a big topic of discussion earlier this month.
2) Addison Reed, RHP, Grade B+: The best closer prospect in baseball thanks to superior command of 93-97 MPH fastball and devastating slider. You can make a case to rank him ahead of Molina, if you think Molina will be a reliever.
3) Tyler Saladino, SS, Grade C+: 2010 seventh round pick out of Oral Roberts developed from draft sleeper into solid prospect. Good power for a middle infielder, and has some idea about the strike zone, scouts like his work ethic. Main issue now is if he can stick at shortstop, and I think he has a decent chance to do so.
4) Trayce Thompson, OF, Grade C+: Highest-ceiling bat in system, tapping into his power now and making good progress on defense. Kills lefties but has serious contact problems against right-handed pitching. Struck out 172 times while repeating Low-A. Has the tools to be a star slugger but also carries a high risk of failure.
5) Hector Santiago, LHP, Grade C+: Came out of nowhere to reach the majors (briefly) in 2011 thanks to development of a new screwball to go with 90-95 MPH fastball. Third pitch still needs work and it is unclear if he starts or relieves in the long run, although recent rumors indicate the Sox will continue to start him. Projects as number three/four starter if third pitch develops, or a power relief arm.
Hopefully Coop will help Castro with his secondary pitches in Spring Training.
January 17, 2012
SeedlingsToStars’ 2012 White Sox Team Prospect List
Shortstop: Tyler Saladino. Saladino’s almost a year younger than Wilkins, plays on the other side of the defensive spectrum, and still outpaced his teammate in slugging (.501) and Isolated Power (.231), while maintaining a 90/51 K/BB in 102 games in High-A. He’s not an elite defender at short, but should certainly be fine at second base. He could be a poor man’s Dan Uggla. Grade: B
Starting Pitcher #1: Nestor Molina. Easily the best prospect in the system, Molina is an excellent “performance prospect,” completely dominating High-A and Double-A en route to a 148/16 K/BB ratio. He’s not without stuff though, with a solid low-90′s fastball and very good splitter. A potentially excellent #2/#3-type starter. Grade: A-
Starting Pitcher #2: Dylan Axelrod. Axelrod is already 26, but he pitched well in Double-A, Triple-A, and a September callup. He owns a devastating slider and hits his spots with an 88-92 mph fastball. He should provide several good seasons toward the back of the rotation, starting in 2012. Grade: B-
Relief Pitcher #1: Addison Reed. Reed has a filthy three-pitch mix, with a mid-90′s fastball, tilting 78-83 mph slider, and fading mid-80′s changeup. He blitzed through four minor league levels last year and ended the year with a successful stint in the big leagues; he should make a big impact in 2012. Grade: B
Molina becoming a a #2/#3 starter would be most excellent. More at the link.
January 16, 2012
January 14, 2012
Jake Peavy: I didn’t quit on the White Sox; Ozzie did
Saturday, he said, “I know he had a hard time, saying I quit on him, which couldn’t be further from the truth,” Peavy said. “I would never quit on a team. … Ozzie didn’t finish the season with us the last (two) games. So I don’t know who quit on who.”
As J.J. says it wouldn’t be unreasonable for Peavy to say Ozzie checked out much, much earlier than the last two games.
Other White Sox links:
January 12, 2012
Still Way Too Early CAIRO 2012 Projected Standings
Here’s the 2nd version of the extremely early, unset rosters, AL Central CAIRO projections:
TEAM W L RS RA Div WC 1 WC 2 PL% DET 88.9 73.1 785 702 63.2% 1.78% 14.80% 79.74% CLE 85.0 77.0 749 706 30.6% 3.40% 9.19% 43.14% CHA 75.7 86.3 707 789 4.2% 0.15% 1.82% 6.12% KC 73.5 88.5 682 755 1.8% 0.05% 0.64% 2.44% MIN 67.4 94.6 715 850 0.4% 0.00% 0.06% 0.46%
BTW, Here’s the 1st version of the CAIRO projections:
TEAM W L RS RA Div WC PL Tigers 89 73 780 703 54.3% 4.7% 59.0% Indians 87 75 751 696 40.8% 5.9% 46.6% White Sox 77 85 723 795 3.3% 1.5% 4.8% Royals 73 89 684 760 1.6% 0.2% 1.8% Twins 66 96 698 829 0.0% - -
Seems the loss of Carlos Quentin lowered the White Sox projections a bit. Also, the latest version’s projections feature 2 wildcard teams.
Other White Sox links:
January 11, 2012
Baseball America’s Top 10 White Sox prospects for 2012
1. Addison Reed, rhp 2. Nestor Molina, rhp 3. Simon Castro, rhp 4. Trayce Thompson, of 5. Jake Petricka, rhp 6. Keenyn Walker, of 7. Jhan Marinez, rhp 8. Tyler Saladino, ss 9. Juan Silverio, 3b 10. Ozzie Martinez, ss
January 6, 2012
BaseballInstinct looks at Sox prospects OF Trayce Thompson, SS Tyler Saladino, and RHP Addison Reed
123°. Addison Reed, RHP, White Sox, 12/27/1988 -Chris Sale part deux? It sure seems that way. Clearly, with the White Sox dealing Santos and pushing Sale to the rotation they feel that they have the real deal in Reed. You fantasy baseball types out there may want to remember this come auction/draft day or make a push for trading for him in those keeper leagues with farm systems. ETA 2012.
Reed’s Stats:
Year Age Tm Lg W L G GS GF CG SHO SV IP H R ER HR BB IBB SO HBP BK WP BF Awards 2010 21 CHW-min Rk 1 0 1.000 1.80 13 2 3 0 0 1 30.0 17 7 6 1 6 0 44 2 0 1 115 0.767 5.1 0.3 1.8 13.2 7.33 GRF · PION 2011 22 CHW-min A+,AAA,AA,A 2 1 .667 1.26 43 0 15 0 0 5 78.1 43 14 11 3 14 0 111 3 0 6 293 0.728 4.9 0.3 1.6 12.8 7.93 WSM,CHR,BIR,KAN · CARL,IL,SOUL,SALL 2011 22 CHW AL 0 0 3.68 6 0 2 0 0 0 7.1 10 3 3 1 1 0 12 0 0 0 33 120 1.500 12.3 1.2 1.2 14.7 12.00 1 Season 0 0 3.68 6 0 2 0 0 0 7.1 10 3 3 1 1 0 12 0 0 0 33 120 1.500 12.3 1.2 1.2 14.7 12.00 162 Game Avg. 0 0 3.68 68 0 23 0 0 0 83 113 34 34 11 11 0 136 0 0 0 374 120 1.500 12.3 1.2 1.2 14.7 12.00
and
151° . Tyler Saladino, SS, White Sox, 7/20/1989 - Tyler Saladino has done nothing but hit in his pro career since being drafted out of Oral Roberts in the seventh round of 2010. He boasts unusual power for a shortstop, slugging 16 home runs in just 102 games in the pitcher-friendly Carolina League, ranking third in the circuit in slugging percentage (.501). He also hit 26 doubles and nine triples, and he brings a solid approach to the plate that allowed him to post a .363 OBP. There are some concerns about his defense at shortstop, but he should at least be able to handle second base at a major league level. Saladino remains underrated; he’s not a flashy player, but he has a very good bat for the middle infield. In a system where most of the position players have serious question marks in at least one area of the game, his well-rounded skill-set is refreshing. ETA 2014.
Saladino’s Stats:
Year Age Tm Lg Lev Aff G PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO TB GDP HBP SH SF IBB 2010 18 Bristol APPY Rk CHW 48 187 173 17 44 9 1 1 21 0 2 9 25 .254 .291 .335 .626 58 7 0 5 0 0 2011 19 2 Teams 2 Lgs A-Rk CHW 63 252 234 21 79 16 1 0 34 2 1 14 31 .338 .381 .415 .795 97 2 3 0 1 0 2011 19 Bristol APPY Rk CHW 20 78 73 10 28 7 1 0 13 2 0 2 12 .384 .410 .507 .917 37 2 2 0 1 0 2011 19 Kannapolis SALL A CHW 43 174 161 11 51 9 0 0 21 0 1 12 19 .317 .368 .373 .740 60 0 1 0 0 0 2 Seasons 111 439 407 38 123 25 2 1 55 2 3 23 56 .302 .343 .381 .724 155 9 3 5 1 0 Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table Generated 1/1/2012.
and
156°. Trayce Thompson, OF, White Sox, 3/15/1991 – Trayce Thompson slugged his way to this spot on the list, bashing 24 homers and 36 doubles with Low-A Kannapolis. A very athletic player who is just beginning to harness his potential, Thompson also walks at a good clip, with 60 free passes in 136 games. He may slow down too much to be a center fielder, but he should be a very good defender in right field, and he has the power bat to carry that position as well. His Achilles’ heel is the strikeout, as he whiffed 172 times this past year. Thompson probably has the most upside of any position player in the system, between his power and athleticism, but the strikeouts are a serious problem that will need a lot of work. A comparable player is Dodgers outfielder Kyle Russell, who has a similar build, athletic ability, and statistical profile, and the proverbial jury is still out on Russell even as he’s advanced to Triple-A. ETA 2015.
Thompson’s Stats:
Year Age Tm Lg Lev Aff G PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO TB GDP HBP SH SF IBB 2010 20 2 Teams 2 Lgs A-Rk CHW 60 254 213 47 65 17 1 3 24 5 4 27 56 .305 .390 .437 .826 93 3 5 5 4 0 2010 20 Bristol APPY Rk CHW 13 56 48 7 14 3 0 1 6 1 2 5 12 .292 .364 .417 .780 20 0 1 1 1 0 2010 20 Kannapolis SALL A CHW 47 198 165 40 51 14 1 2 18 4 2 22 44 .309 .397 .442 .839 73 3 4 4 3 0 2011 21 Winston-Salem CARL A+ CHW 102 464 397 75 107 26 9 16 55 7 7 51 90 .270 .363 .501 .864 199 9 9 4 3 1 2 Seasons 162 718 610 122 172 43 10 19 79 12 11 78 146 .282 .372 .479 .851 292 12 14 9 7 1 Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table Generated 1/6/2012.
