Welcome back to your weekly article covering all the happenings in the White Sox minor league system. The past week-plus hasn’t had a ton of news, but there were some transactions, and the hot stove continues to simmer. Trade talks around Jose Quintana and a few other current White Sox seem to be heating up again. And there was some very good content both on FutureSox and other sites you might have missed.
Transactions
- Signed:
- 1B Cameron Seitzer: Cam is the son of former major leaguer Kevin Seitzer, and was drafted in the 11th round in 2011 by Tampa Bay. The 26-year old has substantial raw power, but struggled to hit in his first two shots at AA and recently has done the same in brief AAA stints.
- C Nate Causey: Drafted in 19th round in 2014 by the Rockies, Causey played just 67 games in Rookie and A-ball across 2014 and 2015 before being released. He played in 2016 for Traverse City in the independent Frontier League, but only played 13 games there and hit .208. He’s played almost as much at first base as catcher in his pro career, so he may not end up a catcher in the Sox system.
- OF Zach Kapstein: This 2010 44th round selection by the Red Sox played up through A+ in his 7 years as a pro, seeing only part time play. He looks to be a bench outfielder in the mid-minors.
- Re-signed:
- RHP Chris Volstad: Volstad threw 176.2 serviceable starter innings in Charlotte in 2015, somehow managing to maintain a 4.76 ERA in a band box while striking out just 4.3 batters per nine innings. The 30-year old is likely to be in the same role in 2017, taking up innings in AAA and serving as a give-or-take 7th starter for emergency depth to the rebuilding club.
- Released:
- LHP Carlos Daniel Diaz: This lefty played four years in DSL putting up seemingly strong numbers, but got hammered stateside with AZL in 2016 as a 22-year old (7.36 ERA, 2.05 WHIP).
Offseason Winter Leagues
Dominican Republic
Rymer Liriano (.258/.350/.342 in 37 games)
Liriano’s numbers have stabilized around this line, as the DR season nears a close.
Mexico
Jason Bourgeois (.255/.310/.280 in 41 games)
K.C. Hobson (.125/.125/.500 in 2 games)
Terance Marin (18.1 IP, 29 H, 17 ER, 7 BB, 10 K in 4 starts)
Bourgeois is still playing in Mexico at the tail end of their season, but his numbers have been sliding back. He’s technically a free agent and it’s not for sure that he’ll be back with the Sox. Marin and Hobson haven’t played in some time so their seasons are likely over.
Venezuela
Gerson Montilla (.083/.313/.083 in 6 games)
Cleuluis Rondon (.103/.133/.172 in 13 games)
Alfredo Gonzalez (.200/.286/.240 in 13 games)
Nothing changed here. It appears these three players’ seasons are over.
Puerto Rico
Wilfredo Rodriguez (.230/.319/.295 in 22 games)
The White Sox snagged catcher Wilfredo Gonzalez as a MiLB free agent and he is getting in some extra work in Puerto Rico. His numbers have been on the rise as the season has gone on and he’s getting every day play.
Links and Notes
- Louie Lechich wrote a guest post for us, about his transition from the outfield to the pitcher’s mound. Getting a truly first-hand account of an unusual baseball experience is rare and definitely worth your time, especially since Louie is one of the more entertaining personalities in the system.
- The White Sox created a new front office job – Latin/Cultural Coordinator – and former pitching prospect Anthony Santiago is embracing the challenges of the new role. Our Rob Young talked with Anthony and provided some color on what this job will entail.
- RHP Blake Hickman took advantage of his injury and rehab-caused time off, finishing his degree at the University of Iowa. The Chicago product spoke with Justin Breen of DNA Info about what the experience has meant for him.
- James Fegan took a deep look at the many, many potential candidates for 2017 innings from the White Sox bullpen for BP South Side.
- Josh Norris of Baseball America interviewed Pat O’Conner, President of Minor League Baseball, covering a wide range of topics about the present and future of MiLB.
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