White Sox getting some key talent boost
No shock here — the White Sox don’t pay much attention to their minor-league system when it comes to mining talent.
To again prove that point, the Sox spent less in signing this year’s crop of draft picks than any team in major-league baseball.
According to Baseball America, the White Sox spent $2.76 million — and $795,000 of that went to switch-hitting outfielder Keenyn Walker, who was the 47th overall pick.
On the opposite end, the Pittsburgh Pirates led all teams in draft spending at $17 million-plus. And the Cubs spent nearly $12 million signing their draft picks.
Before picking on the Sox for taking the cheap route in this year’s draft, give them credit for nonetheless producing some quality depth.
He might not be a homegrown player, but Brent Lillibridge has been a key two-way contributor for the White Sox all season, and that continued in Sunday’s 10-0 victory over the Rangers at U.S. Cellular Field.
And catcher Tyler Flowers and outfielder Alejandro De Aza are helping the Sox’ cause as well after spending most of the season with Class AAA Charlotte.
Lillibridge, Flowers and De Aza were a combined 7-for-13 with a home run and 5 RBI as the White Sox pulled within a half-game of the second-place Cleveland Indians while remaining 5 behind the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central.
The versatile Lillibridge continued his breakout season with a 2-run homer off Texas starter Derek Holland in the third inning. It was all downhill from there as the Sox posted their most lopsided win of the season.
With Carlos Quentin out until at least Friday with a sore left shoulder and A.J. Pierzynski on the disabled list with a fractured wrist, De Aza and Flowers are getting a shot and making the most of it.
They also are trying to help the White Sox chase down Detroit.
The White Sox actually lost a game in the standings over the weekend while winning two of three from the first-place Rangers. The Tigers swept the Indians in a three-game series at Comerica Park.
“It’s a big win, especially going on the road, and against a good team like Texas,” Flowers said. “We threw the ball outstanding, we hit the ball pretty darn well, and we made plays, so it’s definitely good momentum going on the road trip.”
Two disappointing regulars — Alex Rios and Gordon Beckham — also chipped in with productive days.
Rios finally played center field with some jump, and his 2-run homer to cap the blowout in the eighth inning was his first at the Cell since May 21.
Beckham snapped an 0-for-14 skid with a single in the fourth inning. He singled again in the fifth.
“It felt good,” Beckham said. “I’m fighting it a little bit, but there’s no time to feel sorry for myself. I have to go out there and get on base and do something, and today I was fortunate enough to do that.”
sgregor@dailyherald.com