Sox starting to get younger with move to Ramirez, Fields, Nix
When the White Sox headed for home in early October after being bounced from the American League division series in four games by Tampa Bay, 13 players on the playoff roster were 30 or older.
Sox general manager Kenny Williams identified the problem and wasted little time adding some younger blood. Last week, Williams signed 26-year-old Jayson Nix and said the free agent will compete for playing time at second base with 25-year-old Chris Getz.
Williams also said Alexei Ramirez, 27, is going to be the White Sox' starting shortstop in 2009 while Josh Fields, 25, is set to take over at third base.
The Sox also declined club options on Ken Griffey Jr., who turns 39 on Nov. 21, and Toby Hall, their 33-year-old backup catcher.
In addition, veteran infielders Orlando Cabrera, Joe Crede and Juan Uribe are all expected to depart via free agency.
Don't be at all surprised if the White Sox sign or trade for an established player or two this winter, but more young talent appears to be heading toward the South Side.
On a conference call Monday to announce some coaching changes in the Sox' farm system - the most notable being Chris Chambliss as Class AAA Charlotte's new manager - Buddy Bell raved about the progress of youngsters such as pitcher Aaron Poreda, infielder Gordon Beckham and outfielder Jordan Danks.
Bell, the White Sox' director of minor-league instruction, has been watching the organization's top prospects in the Arizona Fall League.
"From what I understand, in past years we were hard-pressed to fill an Arizona Fall League team out," said Bell, a former major-league player and manager who started his current role a year ago. "This year, we had a lot of choices."
Poreda, Beckham and Danks are all playing for the Peoria Saguaros in the AFL, as are pitchers Lucas Harrell and Derek Rodriguez and catcher Cole Armstrong.
Poreda, the White Sox' No. 1 pick in the 2007 draft, has impressed Bell the most so far. The 22-year-old lefty has made 7 relief appearances in Arizona and pitched 7 scoreless innings, allowing 6 hits while striking out 11.
"Poreda has a real good chance, I believe, of being in the big leagues next year," Bell said. "He's going to be pretty good."
Poreda has been working out of the bullpen in the AFL as he continues working on off-speed pitches to compliment his above-average fastball. The 6-foot-6 prospect made a great impression on manager Ozzie Guillen last spring and could break camp with the Sox this spring, either as the No. 5 starter or reliever.
Beckham, the White Sox' top draft pick this year, has been playing a lot of second base in Arizona, along with some shortstop and third base.
"He's a good-looking player," Bell said. "We believe he's going to be an impact offensive player."
Danks, brother of Sox starter John Danks, is batting .526 (10-for-19) in 5 games with the Saguaros. The 22-year-old outfielder was a seventh-round draft pick this year.
"He plays his (butt) off," Bell said of Jordan Danks. "He's a real good-looking player and he might be the best outfielder in our system already. He's very athletic and he has the same approach as his brother as far as his competiveness."
Bell also praised Armstrong, who could replace Hall. The 25-year-old catcher is batting .339 with 4 home runs and 13 RBI in 14 AFL games.