White Sox prospects who could help soon
Not only are the White Sox being picked to finish last in the AL Central this season by several national publications, their farm system also is getting failing grades.
General manager Kenny Williams addressed the lack of pitching depth over the winter, adding young arms in trades for Sergio Santos and Carlos Quentin, as well as “compensation” for former manager Ozzie Guillen.
We’ll see how the new additions progress during the season. At some point the Sox are going to need help at the major-league level, and here are some young players who could be in line for a call:
Nestor Molina:
Molina was the key acquisition from the Toronto Blue Jays in the Santos trade, and he instantly became the Sox’ top pitching prospect.
Williams said the 23-year-old right-hander could be in the White Sox’ rotation by the all-star break and is a future top-end starter.
For now, Molina needs more innings and experience. He was a combined 12-3 with a 2.21 ERA in the Jays’ system last year, but that was at Class A Dunedin and AA New Hampshire.
Early last week, Molina was optioned to AA Birmingham after going 1-1 with an 8.44 ERA in 3 Cactus League relief appearances.
Jared Mitchell:
He looked like a first-round bust heading into training camp, but Mitchell is back on the Sox’ radar.
The former LSU baseball/football star suffered a serious ankle injury in spring training two years ago and sat out the entire 2010 season.
Mitchell was back on the field last year, but he struck out 183 times in 477 at-bats at Class A Winston-Salem.
The outfielder was reassigned to minor-league camp early last week, and Mitchell might open the season with AA Birmingham.
In 14 Cactus League games, the 23-year-old outfielder made a good impression, batting .333 with 1 home run and 2 RBI. Conversely, Mitchell struck out nine times in 24 at-bats.
Nate Jones:
The White Sox still are trying to fill two or three bullpen spots, and they have been impressed with more established relievers such as Brian Bruney and Eric Stults this spring.
Nate Jones is not likely to make the final cut, but he should get a shot with the Sox at some point during the upcoming season.
Jones, a fifth-round draft pick in 2007, was spectacular in the first three weeks of Cactus League play, allowing 2 earned runs in 81⁄3 innings while striking out 14.
Jordan Danks:
He’s no longer on the 40-man roster, but the younger brother of White Sox ace John Danks was invited to camp for one last look.
Jordan Danks made the most of the opportunity.
He is a standout defensive center fielder, but Danks failed to develop as a hitter the past three seasons.
In spring training, Danks hit for average and power.
Simon Castro:
He showed very little in the Cactus League (1-1, 13.50 ERA) before being optioned to Class AAA Charlotte, but Castro does have an intriguing power arm.
Acquired from the San Diego Padres in the Quentin trade, Castro had 5 strikeouts in 31⁄3 exhibition innings. As the 23-year-old Jose Contreras look-alike gains experience, his value should increase.
sgregor@dailyherald.com