Fantasy Baseball Advice

San Francisco Giants 2011 Minor League Review

Organizational Talent Rankings via Baseball America:

2011 (24) | 2010 (29) | 2009 (8) | 2008 (16) | 2007 (23) | 2006 (21) | 2005 (30) | 2004 (28)

2011 Affiliate Records

MLB: [86-76] NL West

AAA: [65-79] Pacific Coast League – Fresno

AA: [76-66] Eastern League – Richmond

A+: [90-50] California League – San Jose

A: [70-68] South Atlantic League – Augusta

A(ss): [34-42] Northwest League – Salem-Keizer

The Run Down

Maybe it’s just me, but these Giants prospects are boring.  They’ve got a few guys who’ll eventually make nice big league ballplayers, but after dealing Zach Wheeler to the Mets in the Carlos Beltran trade, I see little reason for excitement.  They’re deep behind the plate, affording San Fran to take their time with guys like Tommy Joseph and Andrew Susac.  Don’t expect to see either young catcher rise above AA in 2012.  Joe Panic, the 29^th overall selection in June, could rise through the organization quickly, but don’t expect to see him in a big league uniform until 2013, at the earliest.  That leaves guys like Surkamp, Hembree, Brown and Peguero who could realistically make a fantasy-impact in 2012.  And that’s just barely scraping the realm of realism.

Arizona Fall League Players – Scottsdale Scorpions

Ryan Bradley (LHP); Austin Fleet (RHP); Stephen Harrold (RHP); Seth Rosin (RHP); Brandon Crawford (SS); Joe Panik (SS)

Graduated Prospects

Brandon Belt (1B); Chris Stewart (C); Brandon Crawford (SS)

Players of Interest

Hitters

Gary Brown | OF:

Brown put up some gaudy 2011 numbers with San Jose, slashing .336/.407/.519 with 14 homers and 53 stolen bases.  While impressive on paper, his line loses some validity given the extremely hitter-friendly nature of the California League.  Brown’s major criticism is his aggressiveness at the plate.  Even so, his 2011 K-rate was just 12.1%.  If all goes well at AA, he could be leading off for the Giants before long.  Once he’s up, he’ll be worth a look in all formats for his speed, alone.  SAGNOF.

Francisco Peguero | OF:

Like Brown, Peguero is often knocked for his overly aggressive swinging habits.  He profiles as a right fielder and as a nice hitter in the 2-hole.  Given the uncertainty in the San Francisco outfield, Peguero could land with the big club out of spring training.  And while I see him being a viable fantasy option for much of his career, his tools are still pretty raw and he’ll need significant time to warm up to big league pitching.

Hector Sanchez | C:

Sanchez is of rather portly dimensions, so conditioning is a concern.  But the Giants thought enough of him to give him a shot at the big league level in 2011.  Based largely on his defensive ability, Sanchez rose from High A to the Majors in the span of just a few months.  Organizationally, catcher is a strong-point for San Francisco and Sanchez will likely begin 2012 in AAA.  Should Buster Posey suffer an injury (or move positions), though, Sanchez would be a contender for the starting catcher vacancy.

Pitchers

Eric Surkamp | LHP – SP:

Number 31 in Stephen’s Top 50 Prospects for 2012, Surkamp will battle Zito for the 5^th spot in the San Francisco rotation.  His high-80s fastball is a little soft, but he locates it well and the Giants believe he’ll be able to improve that velocity.  If he can, Surkamp will have a nice repertoire, as his curveball and his changeup – especially his changeup – are already plus pitches.  I like him to earn a starting role over Zito and put together a nice rookie season.

Heath Hembree | RHP – RP:

With 38 saves and 13.2 K/9 between High A and AA, the Giants have already tabbed Hembree as their future closer.  Brian Wilson will be arbitration-eligible after 2012, and I imagine San Francisco will opt for a more economical option in the bullpen.  Hembree, whose fastball touches 100, will likely be that option, and he should get his first taste of big league ball in 2012.

Honorable Mention

Hitters

Conor Gillaspie | 3B:

Stephen touched on Gillaspie in his 2010 Giants Review:  “Has gap power, makes good contact, plays poor defense and yet another utility type player for the Giants. Nothing exciting here.”  Ditto.  But considering that Pablo Sandoval isn’t exactly a beacon of good health, Gillaspie could see some playing time 2012.

Ehire Adrianza | SS:

The Giants have brought Adrianza along slowly.  They’ve had no need to rush him, as Brandon Crawford had been a nice shortstop prospect in front of him on the depth chart.  Adrianza’s defense has been utterly impressive, but his bat hasn’t progressed as San Francisco had hoped it would when they placed him on the 40-man roster last fall.  He’ll need to tighten up his long swing and show offensive improvement at AA in 2012.  It’d be a shame if his outstanding defensive tools never saw the Majors.

Pitchers

Josh Osich | LHP – SP/RP:

Drafted in the sixth round this past June, Osich has yet to make his pro debut.  If San Francisco chooses to use him in relief, he should move quickly through the system with an above average fastball and plus slider.  He’s quite the long shot to arrive in 2012, but he has a live arm and it’ll be fun to keep an eye on his progress.

St. Louis Cardinals 2011 Minor League Review

Organizational Talent Rankings via Baseball America:

2011 (24) | 2010 (29) | 2009 (8) | 2008 (16) | 2007 (23) | 2006 (21) | 2005 (30) | 2004 (28)

2011 Affiliate Records

MLB: [90-72] NL Central

AAA: [77-66] Pacific Coast League – Memphis

AA: [62-78] Texas League – Springfield

A+: [68-70] Florida State League – Palm Beach

A: [81-56] Midwest League – Quad Cities

A(ss): [37-38] New York Penn League – Batavia

R:  [45-23] Appalachian League – Johnson City

The Run Down

After decimating their farm system in 2009 with trades and promotions, the Cardinals have reloaded quickly and impressively.  Due in large part to the strategic amateur scouting systems implemented by Scouting Director Jeff Luhnow and Assistant GM Mike Girsch, the Cardinals have a slew of promising arms – both starting & relief – and quite a few exciting position players in their Minor Leagues.  By now, many of us are familiar with what Lance Lynn and Eduardo Sanchez can do at the big league level, but injury kept both beneath the rookie minimum in IP, so they’re included below.  MLB-ready pitching talent is a little thin, as a few of their brightest arms (Carlos Martinez, Tyrell Jenkins) are simply too youthful.  Look for St. Louis to climb significantly in Baseball America’s 2012 Organizational Talent Rankings.  Also, look for Shelby Miller on draft day.

Arizona Fall League Players – Peoria Javelinas

Keith Butler (RHP); David Kopp (RHP); Tyler Lyons (LHP); Justin Wright (LHP); Matt Adams (1B); Ryan Jackson (SS); Oscar Taveras (OF)

Graduated Prospects

Daniel Descalso (2B); Allen Craig (LF); Fernando Salas (RHP)

Players of Interest

Hitters

Zack Cox | 3B:

Stephen ranks him at number 29 in his Top 50 Fantasy Prospects for 2012, and I can’t argue with much of his analysis:  “…a gifted hitter with strength and strike-zone awareness…reminds me of Ryan Zimmerman.”  After MVP performances in both the NLCS and World Series, however, it seems David Freese has third base locked down for 2012.  Freese is an enormous injury risk, though, and he plays on two bum ankles, so durability is an issue.  If he lands on the DL at any point in 2012, Cox is a must-add in all formats.

Kolten Wong | 2B:

A 2011 first-round selection out of Hawaii, Wong is gifted with both the bat and glove.  In 222 plate appearances at Quad Cities he slashed .335/.401/.510 with 22 XBH (5 HR).  The Cardinals will likely start Wong at AA in 2012, but considering St. Louis’ lack of depth in the middle infield, Wong could get a shot at 2B with the big club if he impresses in spring training.

Pitchers

Shelby Miller | RHP – SP:

By all accounts, Miller has the repertoire and mental makeup of a big league ace.  With an effortless mid-90s fastball, a plus curveball, and a plus changeup, to go along with solid command, the 21-year-old should work his way into the St. Louis rotation at some point during 2012.  Stephen ranks Miller as the fourth best fantasy prospect for 2012.  Upon his arrival, expect immediate fantasy value in all formats.

Lance Lynn | RHP – SP/RP:

Lynn played an integral role for the Cardinals in both the NLCS and World Series.  As a starter, his stuff is average and he profiles as a middle-of-the-rotation guy – an innings eater.  The Cardinals, however, used him primarily in relief in 2011.  And as a reliever, Lynn was dominant.  He counters a mid-90s four-seam fastball with a sharp curveball in the upper 70s.  Ultimately, I see St. Louis trying to work Lynn back into a starting role.  Tough to say whether he’ll make the rotation in 2012, but his potential to gobble up innings is too valuable to be squandered in middle-relief.

Eduardo Sanchez | RHP – RP:

Sanchez has filthy stuff, no doubt.  With an upper-90s fastball and a tricky slider, Sanchez baffled many big league hitters in 2011 and earned five saves while serving as the Cardinals’ closer for a stretch.  Concerns about Sanchez are typically regarding his slight physique (5-11, 170).  It’s too soon to tell if he’s durable enough to hold up throughout a season in the Major Leagues.  But those worries are certainly valid, as Sanchez finished 2011 on the 60-day DL (shoulder).

Honorable Mention

Hitters

Matt Carpenter | 3B:

Although he already has some big league plate appearances, Carpenter, realistically, is behind Cox on the organizational depth chart at third base.  If Freese should go down to injury, Cox would likely get the call up, but it wouldn’t surprise me if the Cardinals opted for Carpenter, who might be a safer option.  Slashing .302/.419/.465 at AAA in 2011, Cox reaffirmed his status as the organization’s best on-base prospect.  He has outstanding pitch recognition and an advanced grasp of the strike zone.  His power, though, is substandard for a big league third baseman.

Matt Adams | 1B:

Adams had a great year in the Texas League, posting a .300/.357/.566 line with 57 XBH in 513 plate appearances, including 32 homers.  If Pujols signs elsewhere, the Cardinals will likely plant Lance Berkman at first and go with Allen Craig in right field (or vice versa), but Adams could force his way into the 1B discussion if his home run stroke continues at AAA.

Tommy Pham | OF:

Jon Jay brings great outfield range and a decent bat to the St. Louis lineup.  He’s also brought extended stretches of crappiness.  Tommy Pham is an exciting outfield prospect that could challenge Jay for playing time in centerfield.  Much of Pham’s 2011 season was lost to injury, but when healthy, he’s performed well.  It’s a hunch, but I’m predicting a breakout year for Tommy Pham in 2012.

Pitchers

Jordan Swagerty | RHP – RP:

Swagerty features excellent off-speed stuff and impressed at three levels in 2011.  He’s a future closer and he’ll fit nicely into the St. Louis bullpen, but there are probably too many guys ahead of him for Swagerty to challenge for saves in 2012.

Detroit Tigers 2011 Minor League Review

Organizational Talent Rankings via Baseball America:

2011 (25) | 2010 (27) | 2009 (28) | 2008 (27) | 2007 (14) | 2006 (13) | 2005 (29) | 2004 (22)

2011 Affiliate Records

MLB: [95-67] AL Central

AAA: [67-77] International League – Toledo

AA: [67-75] Eastern League – Erie

A+: [64-74] Florida State League – Lakeland

A: [70-69] Midwest League – West Michigan

A(ss): [39-35] New York Penn League – Connecticut

The Run Down

2011 didn’t deplete the Tigers pipeline too terribly, as most of their top guys are still around.  Dan Schlereth had a nice year out of the bullpen for the Tigers, and a few others (Sizemore, Furbush) made impacts with other big league clubs after being traded.  The shuffling, though, didn’t do much to alter the complexion of the farm system.  Offensively, Detroit is pretty well set for 2012.  There could be a void in left field if Delmon Young signs elsewhere, but I imagine they’d try to fill that slot with an impact bat via free agency, rather than through their system.  The Tigers will, however, have an opening in their starting rotation.  And while it appears that top prospect Jacob Turner has a firm grip on that role, there are a number of promising starters in Detroit’s minor leagues and it isn’t fair to rule anyone out just yet.

Arizona Fall League Players – Salt River Rafters

Casey Crosby (RHP); Andrew Oliver (LHP); Tyler Stohr (LHP); Rob Waite (RHP); Rob Brantly (C); Dixon Machado (SS); Hernan Perez (2B)

Graduated Prospects

Andy Dirks (OF); Danny Worth (3B); Dan Schlereth (LHP); Al Alburquerque (RHP)

Players of Interest

Pitchers

Jacob Turner | RHP – SP:

There’s still a possibility that Turner will be back in AAA to start 2012, but it seems more likely that he’ll begin the 2012 season in the Detroit rotation.  His stuff isn’t as overwhelming as you might expect from the organization’s top prospect, but he mixes four pitches well and displays advanced command.  Suffice to say, Turner will make an impact in 2012 and should be considered in all formats on draft day.

Casey Crosby | LHP – SP:

Crosby has progressed rather slowly due to injury/surgery.  But the 23-year-old lefty bounced back nicely in 2011, pitching 130+ innings at AA.  His command is a very shaky and he definitely needs to spend some time at AAA, but if he can cut down on the walks (5.26 BB/9 in 2011) and continue to keep balls in the park, he could get a chance at starts during some point in 2012, especially if Turner struggles.

Andrew Oliver | LHP – SP:

Oliver will also be in the mix as a possible 5^th starter in 2012.  The lefty might have the best fastball (93-95) among Detroit’s prospects at SP, and his effortless delivery only serves to accentuate already ample velocity.  Oliver is a fly ball pitcher, which can be an issue, but Comerica is spacious enough to alleviate most of that concern.

Honorable Mention

Hitters

Ryan Strieby | 1B:

A couple of things are holding Strieby back:  an atrocious K% (30.7% at AAA in 2011), and Miggy Cabrera.  Detroit has experimented with him in left field, but there’s little doubt that Strieby is a liability anywhere other than 1B or DH. If the Tigers do not retain Delmon Young, and if Strieby can balance his K/BB and maintain his power (19 HR in 2011), Detroit might be forced to consider him.

Nick Castellanos | 3B:

His fantasy relevance is likely not until 2013, but as Detroit’s most exciting hitting prospect, I feel compelled to mention him.  With a beautifully level swing to go along with quick hands, the Tigers are hoping that Castellanos will start turning doubles into homers at High-A (or AA) in 2012 – he had 36 doubles and only 7 HR in 2011 at Low-A.  He hits the ball hard, though (.402 BABIP), and he’ll definitely be an interesting prospect to keep an eye on.

Pitchers

Drew Smyly | LHP – SP:

Smyly doesn’t have the stuff that Turner, Crosby or Oliver do, but I love the fact that his last name lacks all traditional vowels.  He’s also got superior command than the aforementioned, to go along with well-refined secondary pitches.

Jay Voss | LHP – SP:

Detroit moved Voss to a starting role in 2011, and the change appears to have been effective.  In just about 150 IP between A+ and AA, Voss showed nice command with a K/BB right about 3.  The innings increase is concerning (just 67.1 IP in 2010), but Voss’s slider is advanced and can miss bats at any level.  Keep an eye on him as a dark horse for starts in the 5^th spot of Detroit’s rotation.

Duane Below | LHP – SP/RP:

Below is an MLB-ready lefty with repertoire featuring four pitches (fastball, cutter, curveball & changeup), which he mixes well.  He most probably fits in with the Detroit bullpen in 2012, but he’s a career starter (including two starts with the Tigers in ’11) and could be a safe option for the 5^th starter spot if guys ahead of him falter.

Houston Astros 2011 Minor League Review

Organizational Talent Rankings via Baseball America:

2011 (26) | 2010 (30) | 2009 (30) | 2008 (29) | 2007 (22) | 2006 (20) | 2005 (22) | 2004 (29)

2011 Affiliate Records

MLB: [56-106] NL Central

AAA: [68-75] Pacific Coast League – Oklahoma City

AA: [50-90] Texas League – Corpus Christi

A+: [55-85] California League – Lancaster

A: [59-79] South Atlantic League – Lexington

A(ss): [33-42] New York Penn League – Tri-City

R: [25-43] Appalachian League – Greenville

The Run Down

Having revamped their amateur scouting department in 2008, Houston finally seems to be on a better track with their farm system.  After the previous administration yielded miserable draft class after miserable draft class, it appears that Scouting Director Bobby Heck has rejuvenated their Minor Leagues with four consecutive nice drafts.  Now, this is all very good news for the real life Astros and their fans.  For us in fantasyland, however, Houston’s farm system is too youthful to generate much excitement in 2012.  Due to their extraordinary lack of genuine big league talent, the Astros graduated an unusually high number of prospects, leaving the heights of their farm system a bit depleted.  I’d love to discuss some of their most exciting prospects (DeShields, Wates, Mier, Fotynewicz, to name a few), but they’re simply too far from fantasy relevance to be included just yet.

Arizona Fall League Players – Salt River Rafters

Dallas Keuchel (LHP); Jason Stoffel (RHP); Josh Zeid (RHP); Jason Castro (C); Kody Hinze (1B); Jay Austin (OF); Jake Goebbert (OF)

Graduated Prospects

Jose Altuve (2B); J.D. Martinez (OF); Jimmy Paredes (3B); Brian Bogusevic (OF); Carlos Corporan (C); Jordan Lyles (RHP); Aneury Rodriguez (RHP); Henry Sosa (RHP); Enerio Del Rosario (RHP); Fernando Rodriguez (RHP)

Players of Interest

Hitters

Jake Goebbert | OF:

Goebbert spent most of 2011 at Corpus Christi where he slashed .305/.368/.456 with 27 XBH in 304 PA, including 5 HR.  After promotion to Oklahoma City, he posted .283/.345/.415, while maintaining a similar XBH rate (10 XBH / 106 PA).  With nice plate coverage, few strikeouts, and developing power, Goebbert is a young lefty who could work his way into the Houston’s 2012 outfield.

J.B. Shuck | OF:

Shuck appeared in 37 games for the big club in 2011 and he has a shot at a roster spot out of camp in 2012 due in large part to his outstanding plate discipline.  He has okay speed (21 SB, 11 CS at AAA), he doesn’t hit for power, and his defense is replacement level.  But Shuck’s on-base skills (.398 OBP at AAA, .359 OBP at MLB) are an asset at the big league level and could warrant regular playing time in the Houston outfield.

Pitchers

David Carpenter | RHP – RP:

Using him often in September, the Astros showed some faith in Carpenter.  In return, Carpenter showed promise with decent numbers:  2.93 ERA in 27.2 IP, with 29 K’s and one save.  The right-handed relief pitcher was converted from catcher to pitcher by Saint Louis in 2008 (the Cardinals like to do this and it sort of seems to work – see Jason Motte).  Carpenter is a fastball/slider guy, with a heater that touches 96 and a slider in the mid-80s.  For the time being, he’s behind a few guys, but he could get a chance at saves during some point in 2012.

Juan Abreu | RHP – RP:

Acquired from Atlanta in the Michael Bourne trade, Abreu showed filthy stuff during a limited stint with the Astros in 2011.  The righty brings his fastball upwards of 96 and changes speeds with a curveball in the low-80s.  He’ll sprinkle in a few changeups, too.  It’s difficult to ignore that kind of velocity, making Abreu a relief arm to keep an eye on in 2012.

Honorable Mention

Hitters

Jonathan Singleton | 1B:

Singleton joined the Houston system via Philadelphia after the Hunter Pence trade.  Perhaps something clicked for the 20-year-old first baseman following the trade, as he slashed .282/.385/.411 with Philadelphia’s high A affiliate in the Florida State League, versus .333/.405/.512 at Houston’s high A club in the California League.  Another post-trade stat to note is Singleton’s .448 BABIP at Lancaster – the dude was murdering the ball.  He likely won’t arrive until 2013, but look for more exciting Minor League numbers from Singleton in 2012, as it seems he figured something out at the tail end of his first full pro season.

Adam Bailey | OF:

Bailey played at three levels in 2011, spending the bulk of the season at low A and finishing up with stints at A+ and at AA.  The 23-year-old lefty was able to move up the ladder thanks to nice numbers at every stop, including a slash line of .323/.333/.495 at Corpus Christi and an overall HR total of 24.  Bailey isn’t a touted prospect, but his 2011 numbers and his rapid advancement through the Houston system should speak volumes about the Astros’ thoughts on the outfielder.  Their opening day outfield is wide open at this point, and with a good showing at spring training I don’t consider it a tremendous leap to think that Bailey could be included.

Luis Durango | OF:

Houston claimed Durango in June after San Diego placed the speedy switch-hitter on waivers.  Durango can fly.  There’s no doubt about that.  While the rest of his skill set remains very raw, Durango’s speed could earn him a starting role in Minute Maid Park’s expansive centerfield.  If he can improve his plate discipline and occasionally find himself on base, he could be a threat to steal 20-30 in 2012.

(Note from Grey: Please welcome Scott to the Razzball family. He’s going to be taking over as our prospects writer.  He charted prospects in the Midwest League in 2008, has a sound understanding of player development and said my mustache was robust.  Flattery will get you everywhere!)

Chicago White Sox 2011 Minor League Review

Organizational Talent Rankings via Baseball America:

2011 (27) | 2010 (23) | 2009 (16) | 2008 (30) | 2007 (25) | 2006 (14) | 2005 (12) | 2004 (20)

2011 Affiliate Records

MLB: [79-83] AL Central

AAA: [69-74] International League – Charlotte

AA: [71-69] Southern League – Birmingham

A+: [69-71] Carolina League – Winston-Salem

A: [76-62] South Atlantic League – Kannapolis

R: [24-44] Appalachian League – Bristol

R: [42-34] Pioneer League – Great Falls

The Run Down

In terms realistic fantasy value for 2012, the White Sox farm system has very little.  The system that Baseball America ranked 27^th prior to the 2011 season graduated most of its big league-ready talent (Chris Sale, Brent Morel, Dyan Viciedo, Tyler Flowers), leaving it severely depleted and perhaps the worst in baseball.  Starting pitching depth is a major organizational concern, and I suspect Kenny Williams will look to bolster that area during the offseason.  An abundance of promising relief arms in the Minor Leagues and an already deep Major League bullpen should allow for some trading leverage, but not much.  And while the Sox surely have a few exciting athletes in the offensive pipeline (see Thompson & Mitchell), no one appears ready to make an impact with the bat.  Beyond Addison Reed and Dylan Axelrod, I don’t really believe that any of these highlighted prospects will have much fantasy value in 2012.  Maybe Kenny Williams Jr. will finally make his papa proud?  …Nope. Wow.  Definitely not.

Arizona Fall League Players – Mesa Solar Sox

Pitchers: Terry Doyle (RHP); Nevin Griffith (RHP); Brandon Kloess (RHP); Jake Petricka (RHP)

Hitters: Michael Blanke (C); Tyler Saladino (IF); Brandon Short (OF)

Graduated Prospects

Chris Sale (RHP); Brent Morel (3B); Tyler Flowers (C); Dayan Viciedo (OF/1B)

Players of Interest

Hitters

Trayce Thompson | OF:

Thompson is an intriguing young hitter with tremendous bat speed.  His 2010 was cut short due to a thumb injury, making 2011 his first full season of pro ball.  He slashed .241/.329/.457 at Low A Kannapolis with 62 XBH in 597 PA, including 24 homers.  Thompson is a free-swinging righty with an upright stance that reminds me of Drew Stubbs.  His strikeouts (172) are also reminiscent of Stubbs.  If he can tighten up his stroke and improve his pitch recognition, I can certainly see 30 HR potential, especially as his frame fills out.

Tyler Saladino | SS:

Saladino earned an AFL spot after posting .270/.363/.501 at Winston-Salem.  He’s primarily touted for his defense, which will allow him to progress quickly through the minor leagues, as the Sox love sure-handed middle infielders.  But he’s caught my eye this season because of his largely unexpected production at the plate:  51 XBH in 464 PA, with 16 homers.  Saladino is a little small (5’11”, 180), but at 22 years old he has ample time to fill out.  With Alexi Ramirez locking down shortstop ‘til 2014, it seems Saladino’s best shot at the big club is at second base, where Gordon Beckham has struggled to find consistency.

Jared Mitchell | OF:

After missing the entire 2010 season with an ankle injury, Mitchell spent 2011 at High A Winston-Salem, where he slashed .222/.304/.377.  Not impressive, I know.  However, Mitchell is an exciting athlete with raw skills and developing power.  He has a loopy left-handed swing which he’ll need to level out in order to cut down on the strikeouts and popups. Mitchell projects as a top of the order left fielder with great speed and decent pop.  Depending on how the White Sox replace Juan Pierre this offseason (and I’m assuming they will, right?), he’ll be an interesting guy to keep an eye on in 2012.

Pitchers

Addison Reed | RHP – RP:

Reed played at five levels in 2011, finishing the season with the parent club.  He throws a nice fastball (94-97), which sets up a low 80’s slider that misses bats regularly.  He’s stuck out batters at every level, including the big leagues (12 K’s in 7.1 IP), and he’ll have an outside shot at saves next year – probably fourth in line behind Santos, Sale and Thornton (third in line if Sale moves to rotation).

Dylan Axelrod | RHP – SP:

Axelrod earned three starts down the stretch for the White Sox and already has proved some fantasy value.  His command is advanced, which allows him to get away with less than overwhelming stuff.  He did finish 2011 with 9.16 K/9 at the big league level, but expect that to diminish next year.  If he can exit camp in the rotation, expect Axelrod to keep the White Sox in ballgames with low WHIP and few homers.  He could be a nice 5^th starter in standard formats.

Honorable Mention

Hitters

Ian Gac | DH:

At 26, and after six seasons of professional baseball, Gac is a little old to be farting around in A ball.  That said, it’s difficult to ignore right-handed hitter’s 2011 line at Winston-Salem:  .279/.358/.535, with 65 XBH in 535 PA, including 33 HR.  Gac is a big dude (6’3”, 245) with decent plate discipline, but he’ll need to show ability to handle more advanced pitching in AA next season, or White Sox’s patience with him will surely grow thin.

Dan Black | 1B:

Black is of the same mold as Gac:  big (6’5”, 240), with sound pitch recognition, and a plenty of pop.  He put up a slash line of .286/.354/.496 at Low A in 2011, with 65 XBH in 573 PA (18 HR).  At two years younger than Gac, it would seem that Black is a more realistic big league candidate.  And as Paul Konerko enters his baseball dotage, it’ll be interesting to see which of these two first base prospects progresses further in 2012.

Eduardo Escobar | SS:

He’ll get to the big leagues based on defense, alone – perhaps the best fielding SS in Minor League Baseball.  And while his bat has improved, his offensive production is nothing of note.  I’d avoid him in all formats.

Pitchers

Jacob Petricka | RHP – SP:

With a mid 90’s fastball, Petricka is a highly touted young pitcher.  He devastated Low A hitters to begin 2011, and while he started strong after promotion to Winston-Salem, his dominance truly faded down the stretch.  He’s a fastball/curveball guy, but his curveball needs sharpening and the Sox would like to see him add a third pitch.  Otherwise, his big league future is likely as a relief pitcher in a crowded White Sox bullpen.  Expect a 2013 arrival for Petricka.

Gregory Infante | RHP – RP:

Infante has been in a relief role since 2009.  He mixes three pitches nicely, including a fastball in the upper 90’s, a curveball and a change.  Command has been his downfall, but if he can improve in that regard, he’ll have a good shot at pitching with the White Sox pen.  Too many good arms ahead of him, though, rendering his fantasy value slim to zero.

Santos Rodriguez | LHP – SP:

He’s a little far from relevance, but Rodriguez features a mid 90’s fastball and a pretty good slider.  If he can hone his command in 2012, he could get a shot at the 2013 rotation.  He’s definitely a guy worth watching.