Jordan Danks among league leaders, Retherford slumping at AFL
There have been a couple roster changes
involving White Sox prospects at the Arizona Fall League, but the Peoria Javelinas are still
rolling. They sit at 13-8, the league's best record. Let's take a look at how the Sox prospects are faring in the Arizona heat.
The most notable change is Brent Morel replacing the injured Dayan Viciedo. Viciedo had right elbow inflammation, which is really disappointing because the AFL was a great opportunity for Viciedo to show he is the elite prospect the Sox paid for. Morel has been unspectacular so far in the Cuban's place. Morel is hitting .280 (7-25), but has no extra base hits and only one walk.
The other addition, reliever Kyle Bellamy, is further proof that Bellamy is the favorite to be the first from the 2009 draft class to make it to the Majors. He's only pitched two innings, but the former Miami Hurricane has yet to allow a run.
As for the original Javelinas, Jordan Danks is leading the way. He was named to the AFL's all-star type Rising Stars game that took place tonight (finishing at time of posting, Jordan 1-5). Hitting .333 (22-66) he is fourth in the league in OBP at .450, second in runs with 20 and tied for fourth in walks with 13. Most importantly for Danks, he's only struck out 14 times in 79 plate appearances. Strike out rate has been a noteworthy concern regarding Danks, but so far so good in the AFL.
Meanwhile, C.J. Retherford has been slumping. He is 1 for his last 18 and his average for the fall is down to .255. Early on he was creating a lot of buzz as a competitor for the second base job, or least the backup at some point next season, but the Chris Getz and Josh Fields for Mark Teahen trade complicates things. Gordon Beckham is supposedly moving to second base, locking down that position, but Retherford still may get a shot to battle Jayson Nix for reserve infielder.
The rest of the pitchers aren't the flashy prospects among the White Sox representatives, but Matt Long has been the best of the group (10.1 IP, 3.48 ERA, 7 K, 1 BB). Sergio Santos (9.1 IP, 6.75 ERA, 12 K, 6 BB) has at least shown the strikeout rate you hope for from a pitcher with plus velocity. Justin Cassel (14.2 IP, 5.52 ERA) and Jacob Rasner (2.1 IP, 27 ERA) have struggled and are fading away into non-prospect territory.
Note: stats are through games of November 5.
The other addition, reliever Kyle Bellamy, is further proof that Bellamy is the favorite to be the first from the 2009 draft class to make it to the Majors. He's only pitched two innings, but the former Miami Hurricane has yet to allow a run.
As for the original Javelinas, Jordan Danks is leading the way. He was named to the AFL's all-star type Rising Stars game that took place tonight (finishing at time of posting, Jordan 1-5). Hitting .333 (22-66) he is fourth in the league in OBP at .450, second in runs with 20 and tied for fourth in walks with 13. Most importantly for Danks, he's only struck out 14 times in 79 plate appearances. Strike out rate has been a noteworthy concern regarding Danks, but so far so good in the AFL.
Meanwhile, C.J. Retherford has been slumping. He is 1 for his last 18 and his average for the fall is down to .255. Early on he was creating a lot of buzz as a competitor for the second base job, or least the backup at some point next season, but the Chris Getz and Josh Fields for Mark Teahen trade complicates things. Gordon Beckham is supposedly moving to second base, locking down that position, but Retherford still may get a shot to battle Jayson Nix for reserve infielder.
The rest of the pitchers aren't the flashy prospects among the White Sox representatives, but Matt Long has been the best of the group (10.1 IP, 3.48 ERA, 7 K, 1 BB). Sergio Santos (9.1 IP, 6.75 ERA, 12 K, 6 BB) has at least shown the strikeout rate you hope for from a pitcher with plus velocity. Justin Cassel (14.2 IP, 5.52 ERA) and Jacob Rasner (2.1 IP, 27 ERA) have struggled and are fading away into non-prospect territory.
Note: stats are through games of November 5.
1 Comment
Jason Gage said:
Danks and Bellamy are the two key guys to look at as both have the most upside of any of the other Sox on the AFL rosters (excluding Viciedo).
Danks could be a premiere CF'er in the Grady/Granderson type of mode. He could also turn into a massive bust due to the longer swing. However, the few times I've watched him I've been very impressed with his approach at the plate. He has a good eye and is able to hit to all fields and ultimately I think that will allow him to adjust and be a potential All Star at the major league level.
I don't know if it will be this year (barring an injury), but barring injuries to Danks or a trade, he'll be starting in Chicago by 2011.
Kyle Bellamy - Saying he's a lock to break camp with the Sox might be an exaggeration, but this guy has a nice arm, good stuff, a funky arm angle, and exactly what it takes to make a great impression on the Sox this off-season and hopefully be a nice component to an improved 2010 bullpen.
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