Leon Halip - Getty Images
8 months ago:
DETROIT - SEPTEMBER 04: Addison Reed #43 of the Chicago White Sox pitches in the fourth inning during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on September 4, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
- Tier 1 (4 points): Major League Star -- Number One Starter
- Tier 2 (3 points): Stand Out/Above Average Regular -- Number Two/Exceptional Three Starter
- Tier 3 (2 points): Solid, Average, Every Day Regular -- Number Three/Solid Four Starter
- Tier 4 (1 point): Bench/Below Average Regular -- Borderline Four/Number Five Starter/Relief Pitcher
Although the White Sox contain arguably the least amount of impact talent of the thirty organizations in baseball, a case can be made that system has improved since last year. In
Nestor Molina and
Addison Reed, the Sox have at least two viable candidates to impact the major league roster in 2012 and, if things go as expected, the Sox could net a few more impact prospects at the July 31st trading deadline. Before we jump to that conclusion, let's take a look at what the Sox already have.
The system is probably the worst in baseball, but as I said before, it isn't completely barren. There aren't any 1st tier prospects, but then again that could be said for many teams. Also, the system's best prospects hold little upside, and that's mostly because of the organization's unwillingness to branch away from college players in last year's draft. If I'm correct, the White Sox selected only college players with their first twenty-one selections last year. The White Sox should target high school kids in the upcoming draft, but with the guys they already have in the lower levels of the system their progression will be integral for the club's sake. With little depth and huge holes, the Sox system easily ranks as one of the worst in the game. We'll see how things work out once the season starts.
Tier 2:
Nestor Molina: RHP
Keenyn Walker: OF
Tier 3:
Addison Reed: RHP
Tier 4:
Ozzie Martinez: INF
Previously ranked organizations:
Surprised to not see Trayce Thompson
What led you to keep him off?
Chris St. John - January 23, 2012
I understand what you are trying to do here with this system.
And there will invariably be holes in any system. However, any system that values Keenyn Walker over Addison Reed (at least at this point in time) is in need of an adjustment.
polodude017 - January 24, 2012
Why's that?
You think a reliever should be ranked ahead of a toolsy athlete?
Dave Gershman - January 25, 2012
Yes
Absolutely. Addison Reed projects as a solid closer who is close to being an established major leaguer. Keenyn Walker is a toolsy but raw athlete, and there are a large number of those guys in the minors that are more developed skill-wise and still flame out in AA – the chances of Walker becoming a major league regular are slim. Just because Reed is a reliever doesn’t mean his prospect status should be totally diminished – look at Craig Kimbrel last year. He was a reliever prospect, and was quite valuable to his major league club in his rookie season. If I’m a GM, sign me up for a prospect like that any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
BenMc5 - January 26, 2012
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