Everyone was extremely excited about the baseball season getting under way. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has taken precedence in these times and we’re all scrambling to think about what could have been. The White Sox were about to embark on a season of contention for the first time in many years. The foundation has been laid and the bearing of fruit has begun. Some of the organization’s top prospects were expected to descend upon Chicago, while others are knocking on the doorstep of the major leagues.
Some top prospects were expected to chase Rookie of the Year honors, while others were anticipating their first taste of professional baseball. Certain hitters will enjoy the launching pad in Charlotte, whereas others will endure the challenge of the Southern League once again. The organization is littered with high-upside pitchers returning from injury, and hitters looking to rebound from offensive struggles. Can once-promising prospects rebound and improve some of their prospect shine once and for all? Will the White Sox as an organization be healthier than ever once baseball actually begins?
Ulnar collateral ligaments have been repaired, hamate bones have been fixed and achilles tendons are now fully attached. The franchise is finally in a solid place in regards to injuries and time appears to be on their side for once. Which of the young players will ascend and put themselves on the map? Can some of these pitchers with high leverage upside fly through the system? How will the player development and coaching staff alterations affect change positively throughout the organization? Will more international talent be added to the organization and will the draft philosophy start to look different?
These are just some of the storylines that our writers were looking forward to seeing unfold prior to the world stopping in its tracks.
MICKER ADOLFO’S PROSPECT STATUS
In 2017 and 2018, playing for Kannapolis and Winston-Salem, it appeared that the 6’3” 225-pounder was well on his way to developing into the prototypical right-fielder that White Sox scouts dreamed of when they signed him to a $1.6 million signing bonus as a 16-year-old. But with nearly two years off due to elbow troubles, the future of the prospect from the Dominican Republic is questionable. Ranked as high a 6th on our Top 30 list, injuries and recent struggles have dropped him to 10.
With a hole you can drive a truck through at the MLB level in right field (sorry, Nomar Mazara fans), whether the big-bodied, big bat, strong-armed Adolfo could develop into someone capable of filling that void is something to watch in 2020. The early signs have not been positive, upon return from injury, he posted a slash line of .167/.262/.389 in 61 plate appearances in the Arizona Fall League in late 2019. In camp this Spring, his numbers dropped even further slashing .077/.250/.154 with a .404 OPS. Observers indicated that his bat looked slow, and there hasn’t been much news out of the Southwest regarding if he can regain the prodigious throwing arm he once brandished. Hopefully, the layoff will give Adolfo additional time to rehab. Either way, he’s one of the more intriguing storylines in 2020.
YEAR TWO FOR LUIS GONZALEZ AT BIRMINGHAM
The 24-year-old out of Hermosillo, Mexico raked at lower levels of the minors before a rough 2019 at Double-A Birmingham. After a slow start, the 2017 third-round draft pick from the University of New Mexico steadily improved his numbers, capping them off with an OPS of .768 in August. Luis Gonzalez’s late resurgence gave prospect watchers the hope that the versatile outfielder could develop into the well-rounded left-handed bat the organization covets.
If Spring Training numbers are an indication (they typically aren’t), Gonzalez is headed for a big year in 2020. With a whopping OPS of 1.113 in 20 plate appearances, the thought is Gonzalez could capitalize on his solid late 2019 and earn an early ticket to Charlotte. From a big picture standpoint, he hasn’t demonstrated the power to become a full-time right-fielder at the MLB level. Barring disaster, it’s doubtful he could supplant Luis Robert in center field. His strong defense at all three outfield positions, good speed, and solid bat, make him a solid candidate to become a useful fourth outfielder or a valuable trade chip.
LENYN SOSA’S PROMOTION TO WINSTON-SALEM
As a 19-year-old, Lenyn Sosa was overmatched at the plate in Kannapolis for much of 2019, but a big August likely earned him an assignment to Winston-Salem. A versatile middle infielder with power, the Venezuelan has been fast-tracked through the organization.
The White Sox have typically been conservative in their promotions, providing insight into how much faith they have Sosa will ascend through the prospect rankings. He makes consistent contact (19% K rate) with few walks, and his 35 doubles and six stolen bases provide evidence of speed. The question ‘Will he struggle initially in High-A or has he adjusted to life in the USA to untap his potential?’ is an exciting storyline going into 2020.
JAKE BURGER RESURFACES
Full disclosure, I had severe doubts that Jake Burger would ever take the field in a professional role again. One Achilles tear is tough to overcome, much less two, and his mysterious disappearance with a bruised heel left me wondering if it was only a matter time before he was released or announced his retirement. But he recently resurfaced on the White Sox Talk podcast with Chuck Garfien, indicating he has been making a stealth recovery.
On the podcast, Burger was hopeful he could return to an affiliate in a DH-role this season and start fielding drills. Nationally recognized prospect observers have placed Burger high on their prospect lists, citing his skills at the dish as a reason for optimism if he can overcome injury. Burger was solid at the plate in his 2017 White Sox debut in Kannapolis, and these pundits expect the same on his return.
High first-round draft picks are essential to a successful rebuild, and with 2016 number one picks Zack Burdi and Zack Collins also facing a career crossroads in 2020, Burger’s reemergence gives reason for optimism.
CAN DANNY MENDICK STICK IN CHICAGO?
With Yolmer Sanchez’s release this Spring, it’s criminal that Danny Mednick did not receive more at-bats in his call-up last September. In 39 at-bats in Chicago last season, the longshot middle-infielder put up respectable numbers posting a .787 OPS and 20% strikeout rate. Given Nick Madrigal’s slow Spring, it appeared that Mendick would have made the trip North as a utility infielder to start the season. The question is: could he have maintained that role? That is difficult to answer, as it is dependent on so many external factors.
One factor is the play of others. If Madrigal lit up Charlotte, it would be tough to keep the number four overall pick in the 2018 draft in the minors for long. Another factor is injuries. Assuming Leury Garcia would have been the opening day second baseman, given his versatility, he could be asked to fill another role should an injury occur. Garcia also could be used in a trade. All these situations would necessitate Mendick retaining a spot on the roster.
Despite the various external factors, ultimately, Mendick’s fate lies in his performance. With a slash line of .235/.278/.294 and a .572 OPS, he didn’t distinguish himself this Spring. However, Mendick has been overachieving his entire career. I would expect the 5’10” 189 pound former 22nd round draft pick out of the University of Massachusetts to find a way to scratch out a place on the roster. It’s what he does.
Photo Credit: Sean Williams/FutureSox
Nice post to get me through another day without sports games. I think Lindgren makes his mark this season(if there is one).