FutureSox’s 2012 Preseason Top 25 White Sox Prospects

Matt Cassidy:

1. Nestor Molina, RHP     [NEW]
2. Addison Reed, RHP     [Previous Rank: 2nd, no change]
3. Simon Castro, RHP     [NEW]
4. Tyler Saladino, SS     [Previous: 9th, +5]
5. Trayce Thompson, OF     [Previous: 3rd, -2]
6. Jacob Petricka, RHP     [Previous: 4th, -2]
7. Hector Santiago, LHP     [Previous: 16th, +9]
8. Keenyn Walker, OF     [Previous: 7th, -1]
9. Eduardo Escobar, SS     [Previous: 6th, -3]
10. Dylan Axelrod, RHP     [Previous: 19th, +9]
11. Jared Mitchell, OF     [Previous: 5th, -6]
12. Andre Rienzo, RHP     [Previous: 11th, -1]
13. Jhan Marinez, RHP     [NEW]
14. Gregory Infante, RHP     [Previous: 14th, no change]
15. Erik Johnson, RHP     [Previous: 17th, +2]
16. Charlie Leesman, LHP     [Previous: 15th, -1]
17. Pedro Hernandez, LHP     [NEW]
18. Andy Wilkins, 1B     [Previous: 13th, -5]
19. Scott Snodgress, LHP     [Previous: UNR]
20. Brandon Short, OF     [Previous: 12th, -8]
21. Jeff Soptic, RHP     [Previous: UNR]
22. Kevan Smith, C     [Previous: 24th, +2]
23. Ozzie Martinez, SS/2B     [NEW]
24. Ryan Buch, RHP     [Previous: 18th, -6]
25. Michael Blanke, C     [Previous: 32nd*, +7]

Kevin Goldstein’s 2012 Top 11 White Sox prospects

Kevin Goldstein @ BP:

System in 20 Words or Less: Two words: Not good.

Four-Star Prospects
1. Addison Reed, RHP
Three-Star Prospects
2. Nestor Molina, RHP
3. Trayce Thompson, OF
4. Jake Petricka, RHP
5. Simon Castro, RHP
6. Keenyn Walker, OF
Two-Star Prospects
7. Eduardo Escobar, SS
8. Jhan Marinez, RHP
9. Myles Jaye, RHP
10. Tyler Saladino, SS
11. Andre Rienzo, RHP

Goldstein has 9 more Sox prospects (Juan Silverio, 3B; Jared Mitchell, OF; Brandon Short, OF; Pedro Hernandez, LHP; Gregory Infante, RHP; Erik Johnson, RHP; Michael Blanke, C; Dylan Axelrod, RHP; Osvaldo Martinez, SS) more and his scouting report on Addison Reed at the link.

John Sickels’ Top 20 White Sox prospects for 2012

John Sickels:

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.

“The best closer prospect in baseball” comment helps explain Sergio Santos’ trade.

Fangraphs’ Top 15 2012 White Sox prospects

Marc Hulet:

2. Nestor Molina, RHP

BORN: Jan. 9, 1989
EXPERIENCE: 5 seasons
ACQUIRED: 2006 non-drafted free agent (Toronto)
2010-11 TOP 10 RANKING: Off

SCOUTING REPORT: I came very close to ranking Molina No. 1 overall in the White Sox system. As a Jay, he would have ranked in the six to eight range – which tells you a little bit about the depth of the two systems. Some online publications have referred to Molina as a “control pitcher” which has a negative connotation and implies that his stuff is below average. While the Venezuelan has plus control, his stuff is at least average – if not better. He has an 87-93 mph fastball and a potentially plus splitter that is his out-pitch. He also has a decent slider.

YEAR IN REVIEW: When his breaking ball improved to the point where the Jays organization felt it could be at least MLB average, Molina was moved into the starting rotation for good in 2011. He had a breakout season and reached double-A. The 22-year-old hurler spent the majority of the season in high-A where he posted a 2.45 FIP (2.58 ERA) in 108.1 innings. He showed his outstanding control by posting a walk rate of 1.16 BB/9. Molina also sent a large number of batters back to the dugout shaking their heads (9.55 K/9).

YEAR AHEAD: Molina received five late-season starts in double-A and showed that he was far from over-matched: 0.47 FIP, 0.82 BB/9, 13.50 K/9. He probably needs about half a season at double-A before moving up to triple-A and could be ready for the Majors by the end of the season. Chicago tends to be overly aggressive with some of its pitchers so I wouldn’t be shocked to see Molina in triple-A to begin 2012.

CAREER OUTLOOK: Molina has the makings of a No. 3 starter at the MLB level. The big question for him is his durability. Originally an outfielder, he was moved to the bump permanently in 2008 and has pitched more than 100 innings just once (2011). There is also some concern over his delivery and that, unless it gets smoothed out, he’ll be a high-leverage reliever at the MLB level.

For the other prospects hit the link.

Considered for promotion [UPDATE #2]

Mark Gonzales:

Teams can expand their 25-man rosters Sept. 1. Among the Sox minor leaguers who might be considered for a promotion are outfielder Dayan Viciedo, infielder Eduardo Escobar and pitchers Gregory Infante, Shane Lindsay, Hector Santiago and Addison Reed. Viciedo left Triple-A Charlotte’s game Wednesday at Norfolk after 3 1/2 innings because of an undisclosed injury.

From tonight’s AAA-Charlotte opponent:

Changes for the Knights to accommodate the departure of Dayan Viciedo who was a little shaken up after diving for a ball last inning.—
Norfolk Tides (@NorfolkTides) August 18, 2011

UPDATE: X-rays were negative. Viciedo is day-to-day.

UPDATE #2: Merkin says:

Ozzie said Sept. callups have been talked about but not finalized. He would like another catcher, for sure, a pitcher and an infielder—
Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) August 21, 2011

Dayan Viciedo and Gregory Infante were selected to play in the Futures Game [UPDATE]

Casella @ CWS:

As some fans continue to wonder when Dayan Viciedo will be called up from Triple-A Charlotte, it was announced on Thursday that he, along with teammate Gregory Infante, will play on the World team and represent the White Sox in this year’s XM All-Star Futures Game at Chase Field in Phoenix.

Viciedo, the White Sox No. 1 prospect per MLB.com, has the International League’s fourth-highest batting average, at .324. The third baseman/outfielder has slugged 11 home runs and is third in the league in RBIs, with 49. He also played in the 2009 Futures Game, going 1-for-2 with an RBI double.

With the White Sox offense struggling to find consistency this season, the question of calling up Viciedo to the Majors has been posed to both general manager Ken Williams and manager Ozzie Guillen, especially over the past couple of weeks. Guillen, however, while acknowledging Viciedo’s success and talent, simply wouldn’t know who to replace on the current 25-man roster to make room for the 22-year-old. …

Here Ozzie.

UPDATE: Reifert:

OF Dayan Viciedo (Cuba) and RHP Gregory Infante (Venezuela), both at Class AAA Charlotte, have been selected to play for the International team in this year’s All-Star Futures Game on Sunday, July 10, at Pheonix’s Chase Field.

The 13th annual Futures Game can be seen live on MLB.TV and ESPN2, and can be followed live on MLB.com’s Gameday.  Game time is 5 pm CT.

Current Sox Mark Buehrle, John Danks, Gavin Floyd, Edwin Jackson, Adam Dunn, Brent Lillibridge, Alex Rios and Ramon Castro appeared in the game.

FutureSox looks at the White Sox relieving pitching prospects

The relieving pitching prospects looked at were Chris Sale, Gregory Infante, Kyle Bellamy, Ryan Buch, and Santos Rodriguez:

Infante was recently cut from Major League camp, but figures to get some innings with the Sox at some point in 2011. After transitioning to the bullpen last season he showed major heat. His fastball sits mid to high 90s and has been clocked hitting triple digits. His curve is a good pitch, but Infante needs to be more consistent with it. He has the potential for a one-two punch of plus pitches. Of course, control is key and that will probably be the No. 1 thing to watch in Charlotte this year.

Alejandro De Aza optioned to AAA Charlotte

Seems Merkin’s report that the 25th spot is between Lastings Milledge and Brent Lillibridge was accurate. Here’s today’s Merkin:

Optioned to Triple-A Charlotte prior to Tuesday afternoon’s Cactus League game against the Mariners were outfielder Alejandro De Aza, right-hander Gregory Infante and catcher Tyler Flowers.

Also reassigned to Minor League camp were six players who had been in the big league camp as non-roster invitees: right-handed pitchers Brian Bruney, Jeff Gray, Josh Kinney and Shane Lindsay; infielder Dallas McPherson; and outfielder Jordan Danks.

… Milledge was in the starting lineup for Tuesday’s game in Peoria, Ariz., as he continues his competition with Brent Lillibridge for the last seat on manager Ozzie Guillen’s bench.

Jonathan Mayo’s 2011 Top 10 White Sox prospects (video)

Mayo @ MLB:

Rank	Player	ETA
1.	Chris Sale, LHP	2011
2.	Brent Morel, 3B	2011
3.	Dayan Viciedo, 3B/OF	2011
4.	Eduardo Escobar, SS	2012
5.	Jared Mitchell, OF	2013
6.	Greg Infante, RHP	2011
7.	Brandon Short, OF	2013
8.	Trayce Thompson, OF	2014
9.	Tyler Flowers, C	2011
10.	Josh Phegley, C	2013

And here’s Mayo’s White Sox OMG (One More Guy): Jacob Petricka, RHP.

http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=13144373&c_id=cws

Here’s Brent Morel’s description:

More of a right-handed Wade Boggs type than a power hitter at the hot corner, Morel is ready to take over at third for the White Sox. He’ll hit for average, as his .305 career mark shows, and he’s an outstanding defender, one who could even play shortstop if needed.

Wade Boggs? Did Kenny Williams made a deal with the devil?

JJ predicts who will be the 7th and last bullpen pitcher

JJ looks into his crystal ball and predicts the last pitcher in the Sox bullpen:

After struggling as a starter for the first four years of his professional career, Carter saw success after being moved to double-A Birmingham’s bullpen in 2010. The 24-year-old right-hander posted a 3.91 FIP and struck out about a batter per inning with the Barons before striking out 16 and walking none in 10 Arizona Fall League innings. He features a typical power arm repertoire, throwing a mid-90′s fastball, a good slider, and a good changeup. …

Good stuff!

Fangraphs introduces pitcher heat maps

Appelman @ FG:

At FanGraphs we’re big fans of the heat map. And now customizable heat maps are now available in the pitchf/x sections for all pitchers. Much thanks to Dave Allen for helping me out!

Here are the heat maps for Mark Buehrle, John Danks, Gavin Floyd, Edwin Jackson, Chris Sale, and Jake Peavy. Also, Jesse Crain, Gregory Infante, Will Ohman, Tony Pena, Sergio Santos, and Matt Thornton.

Baseball-Intellect’s 2011 Top 15 White Sox prospects (6-15)

Eisenberg @ BI:

6. Addison Reed | RHP | Age – 23 | Grade – C+
7. Eduardo Escobar | SS | Age – 22 | Grade – C+
8. Tyler Flowers | C/1b | Age – 25 | Grade – C+
9. Greg Infante | RHP | Age – 23 | Grade – C+
10. Thomas Royse | RHP | Age – 22 | Grade – C+
11. Andre Rienzo | RHP | Age – 22 | Grade – C+
12. Tyler Saladino | SS | Age – 21 | Grade – C+
13. Brandon Short | OF | Age – 22 | Grade – C+
14. Anthony Carter | RHP | Age – 25 | Grade – C
15. Matt Heidenreich | RHP | Age – 20 | Grade – C 

The following was the comment for Andre Rienzo: “Intriguing sleeper…report contains a breakdown of his mechanics, which are pretty Tim Lincecum-esque.” That’s a hell of a teaser!

For comments on all 10 prospects as well as a scouting report on Addison Reed hit the link. Here are Prospects 1-5.

Kevin Goldstein’s 2011 Top 11 White Sox prospects [UPDATE]

Goldstein @ BP:

Five-Star Prospects
1. Chris Sale, LHP
Four-Star Prospects
2. Eduardo Escobar, SS
3. Brent Morel, 3B
Three-Star Prospects
4. Dayan Viciedo, 1B/3B
5. Jared Mitchell, CF
6. Jacob Petricka, RHP
7. Greg Infante, RHP
8. Trayce Thompson, OF
Two-Star Prospects
9. Addison Reed, RHP
10. Thomas Royse, RHP
11. Andre Rienzo, RHP

9 more and Goldstein’s scouting report on Chris Sale at the link.

UPDATE: Goldstein discusses the White Sox Top 11/20 on Episode 25 of his podcast (mp3). The White Sox discussion is at the 72:30 mark and runs for about 12 minutes.

John Sickels’ White Sox Top 20 Prospects for 2011

Sickels:

1) Chris Sale, LHP, Grade A: I don’t see how I can give him anything but a Grade A considering how his debut went. Starter or closer, either way he looks great to me.

2) Brent Morel, 3B, Grade B: Should be a solid regular, very good glove, bat will be enough, Joe Randa comps are common and accurate, in my view.

… 9) Andre Rienzo, RHP, Grade C+: This guy is a huge sleeper. You won’t see him on many other lists, but he has good stuff and good numbers. From Brazil.

The rest at the link.

Diamond Futures’ 2011 White Sox Top 12 prospects

Baseball Numbers @ Diamond Futures:

Grade A

1) Chris Sale, LHP (2010 Performance Scores– Dominance 80; Control 60; HRrate 29; Stamina 27)

We believed Chris Sale was the best college arm available in the 2010 draft. His 2010 College Performance score trailed only Texas A&M’s Barrett Loux. So we were as shocked as the White Sox likely were when he was still available at #13. The Sox fast-tracked Sale to the Big Leagues in a relief role, and he only continued to make favorable impressions once arriving—ending the season as the team’s best option at closer. Coming out of the bullpen allowed Sale to consistently throw his fastball in the mid-90s—a few ticks higher than he had worked as a starter. The relief work also allowed him to focus on his slider—the pitch that offered greatest concerns coming into the draft. What the bullpen did not allow him to do was showcase his plus-plus change—the pitch that is the main reason why we believe that he is ideally suited for a starting role.

At a slight 6’6”, we believe Sale could ‘beef-up’ and work in the mid-90s as a front of the rotation starter with a solid three-pitch repertoire. Unfortunately, word out of Chicago is that Sale is likely to once again find himself in the bullpen in 2011. This isn’t a two-pitch Neftali Feliz, that we advocated a bullpen role for. Therein lies the paradox with the White Sox decision to make a run at the Central division in 2011—as it likely means that Sale is the de facto closer vs. working on being a difference maker at the top of the rotation. Still just 21yo, the White Sox are unlikely to harm his development in any significant way, but this is a special arm that should be developed as such.

Hit the link for the other 11 reports.