Just as I did with the Cubs, I'm putting together a team of the top prospects at each position for the White Sox. This is post minor league season, but of course pre-fall leagues. While the Cubs clearly have the superior group of guys in the minor leagues, the White Sox have moved up a bit over the last year and a half. They still have a long way to go to get out of the bottom 10, but at this point a year ago they were arguably the worst in baseball, and 6 months before that they were really by far the worst in baseball. They've come a good way since then. I just need to reiterate, for the sake of argument, I'm not going to include anybody that has played at the major league level, even for a cup of coffee. Anyway, here we go!
Catcher - Miguel Gonzalez
He's a solid defensive catcher with a light bat. In many organizations right now this is the top catcher, so this isn't necessarily a bad thing.
First Base - Keon Barnum
The 20 year old prospect has been much better than you would expect someone picked in the 48th round. His numbers won't blow your mind, but at the same time he's a guy with good physical abilities, and like I mentioned, this isn't an especially deep system. Still, he projects to have good power, and can hit for a decent average.
Second Base - Carlos Sanchez
Sanchez has been paying his dues. He signed in 2009 as a 17 year old, and has finally made his way up to AAA for the time being. He's not much of a power hitter, but as recently as 2012 he put up an OPS of .781 despite having only 1 home run, pulling a reverse Courtney Hawkins (you'll see later). This past season he had a tough time, but it's hard to believe he won't have better seasons in the near future. He's got good speed and projects to be a very good defender.
Shortstop - Tim Anderson
The 2013 first round pick was sent straight to A ball with no rookie ball or anything. He responded by putting up solid numbers. He's got good speed and fields the ball well, although there is some concern over his arm strength. He'll be at high A, possibly AA with how the White Sox like to move guys up, to start next season.
Third Base - Marcus Semien
Semien could wind up being a great utility guy. He's played primarily at second and short, but he's probably the best player who has played at 3rd in the White Sox system. He has solid power, good speed, hits well for average, and draws plenty of walks. He is one of the best infield prospects in the entire system, so he very well could be much more than just a utility guy.
Left Field - Keenyn Walker
Walker's numbers have been underwhelming so far, but he's a guy with tremendous speed. While I don't know if he's necessarily a corner outfielder, especially given his lack of power, but he is the third best outfielder in the White Sox system, so he goes here.
Center Field - Courtney Hawkins
Hawkins had a very rough season. His OPS of .633 despite hitting 19 home runs in 383 at bats just shows how bad his other numbers were. It was just not very good. However, he was thrust into high A during the 2012 season when he was only 18. The White Sox were obviously over-aggressive in promoting him after he signed, possibly trying to prove that their system was better than perceived. Either way, Hawkins has suffered somewhat from it, but the kid has way too much talent to give up on right now. If he's given a shot next season he may be able to figure it out, if not, maybe moving him back down to Kannapolis may be the right thing for him. However, he's still a huge prospect with a ton of natural talent.
Right Field - Trayce Thompson
Thompson isn't going to set the world on fire. He's got some power, but he doesn't hit for high average. However, he does know how to draw a walk, and that, along with his good speed and projection of being a good defender should be able to get him onto the roster as a 4th outfielder in the next couple of years. When he pans out, think a platoon type of outfielder. Nothing to get excited about, but he may very well be a solid reserve or platoon type of player.
Starting Pitchers - Chris Beck and Scott Snodgress
Beck had a solid season. The second round pick throws hard and seems to know how to pitch instead of just being a thrower. Snodgress didn't have a great season, but he still projects to be a solid late rotation pitcher.
Relief Pitchers - Tyler Danish and Daniel Webb
Danish was a second round pick this year who came in and, in his 30 innings, pitched great. He may be expected to be a starter in the future, but for now he's pitching in relief. Webb also had a very good season, and if things don't go well with Reed, he could be next in line to be the closer on this team.
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