Tigers#1
06-12-2002, 11:21 AM
1. Joe Borchard, of
Age: 23. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-5. Wt.: 220. Drafted: Stanford, 2000 (1st round). Signed by: Joe Butler/Ed Pebley.
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Background: There was no way Joe Borchard was going to be inconspicuous last season. The record $5.3 million bonus he got in 2000 blew his cover. But even if it hadn’t, the switch-hitting Borchard would have stood out because of his tools and how well he used them in the first full season of baseball in his life. Despite playing in a pitchers’ park, he led the Southern League in RBIs and finished second in homers. According to football scouting guru Mel Kiper, Borchard could have been one of the first players taken in the 2002 NFL draft had he continued to play quarterback at Stanford.
Strengths: His performance was validation for White Sox scouting director Duane Shaffer, who says Borchard has the best power of any college hitter since Mark McGwire. He maintained a football player’s flair for the big moment while avoiding the long funks associated with the baseball grind. He homered from both sides of the plate on April 10, his fifth game of the season, and went 4-for-8 with two homers and a double in three all-star games. Borchard is a better hitter from the left side but didn’t have pronounced platoon differences in 2002. He has a plus arm but still is making the transition from quarterback to outfield. Last year, he moved from right field to center, which could be his quickest route to the big leagues. Effort isn’t an issue, as he comes early and stays late.
Weaknesses: The White Sox hope Borchard will give away fewer at-bats as he gains experience. They’re willing to accept strikeouts if he provides power, especially from center field. While Borchard is an excellent athlete, it takes him time to get his 6-foot-5 frame moving. His range is considered below-average in center but some scouts believe it’s his best position. He seemed tentative when used on the corners in the Arizona Fall League.
The Future: Borchard should fit in well at the remodeled Comiskey Park, which turned into a launching pad after the fences were brought in. He’s a good bet for 30-plus homers as a rookie, with the better question being whether it happens now or in 2003. Borchard’s ability as a student will determine whether he can make better contact and get to more balls in the outfield.
2001 Club (Class) AVG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB
Birmingham (AA) .295 515 95 152 27 1 27 98 67 158 5
2. Jon Rauch, rhp
Age: 23. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-11. Wt.: 230. Drafted: Morehead State, 1999 (3rd round). Signed by: Larry Grefer.
Background: Shoulder problems cost Rauch, Baseball America’s 2000 Minor League Player of the Year, a chance to establish himself with the White Sox last season. He made just six starts before having surgery to clean out his shoulder. Otherwise he may have made the same kind of leap as fellow 2000 U.S. Olympians Ben Sheets and Roy Oswalt.
Strengths: Rauch is an inch taller than Randy Johnson and has unusual command for such a tall pitcher. His mechanics are solid and he locates his pitches well. His fastball should return to the mid-90s. Rauch complements it with two above-average breaking pitches and has made progress with his changeup. His height gives him arm angles that are foreign to hitters.
Weaknesses: Rauch is a good athlete who moves around well. He figures to have more trouble with comebackers and bunts than other pitchers, forcing him to bear down on his fielding. He has yet to establish his durability.
The Future: Rauch is a future No. 1 starter but could need at least one more season in the minors before making the jump to Chicago. His health will be watched closely until he reestablishes himself.
2001 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H BB SO
Charlotte (AAA) 1 3 5.79 6 6 0 0 28 28 7 27
3. Corwin Malone, lhp
Age: 21. B-T: R-L. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 200. Drafted: HS–Thomasville, Ala., 1999 (9th round). Signed by: Warren Hughes.
Background: Everything came together in 2001 for the hard-working Malone, who planned to play linebacker for Alabama-Birmingham before the Sox drafted him. After relieving in the low minors, he soared when given the chance to start, beginning the year in the low Class A South Atlantic League and ending it with a victory in the Southern League playoffs.
Strengths: While Malone has great tools, he’s also a top student. He has a 93-94 mph fastball, and hitters react as if it’s in the high 90s. Of his other pitches, the best is a snapping curveball. He gained confidence in his curve throughout last season, throwing it for strikes even when behind in the count.
Weaknesses: Malone averaged 7.9 walks per nine innings in his first two pro seasons, but cut that figure to 3.6 in 2001. He didn’t throw many changeups as a reliever and still is developing the pitch.
The Future: Jason Bere helped the White Sox win a division title in 1993 after starting the previous season in low Class A. Malone could have that same kind of sudden impact, but his likely ETA is mid-2003.
2001 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H BB SO
Kannapolis (A) 11 4 2.00 18 18 2 0 112 83 44 119
Winston-Salem (A) 0 1 1.72 5 5 0 0 37 25 10 38
Birmingham (AA) 2 0 2.33 4 4 0 0 19 8 12 20
4. Matt Guerrier, rhp
Age: 23. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 185. Drafted: Kent State, 1999 (10th round). Signed by: Larry Grefer.
Background: At first glance, it doesn’t appear there’s anything special about Guerrier. He may not dominate but he wins, compiling a 26-8, 2.80 record in three pro seasons. He rang up 38 saves in his first two years in the system but pitched even better when given a chance to start, leading the minors with 18 wins in 2001.
Strengths: Guerrier is out of the Greg Maddux mold. His fastball averages 88-89 mph but is one of four pitches he can throw at any time in the count. His curveball, slider and changeup are all plus pitches and he does a tremendous job of establishing, then following, a plan of attack. He holds runners well and fields his position.
Weaknesses: With his velocity, Guerrier doesn’t have much margin for error. The Sox will watch closely to see how he rebounds from pitching 200 innings (including 20 in the Arizona Fall League) last year.
The Future: With the major league rotation uncertain beyond Mark Buehrle, Guerrier is a sleeper to watch in spring training. He could do what more heralded prospects like Kip Wells and Jon Garland could not, nailing down a spot in his first try.
2001 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H BB SO
Birmingham (AA) 11 3 3.10 15 15 1 0 99 85 32 75
Charlotte (AAA) 7 1 3.54 12 12 3 0 81 75 18 43
5. Joe Crede, 3b
Age: 23. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 195. Drafted: HS–Westphalia, Mo., 1996 (5th round). Signed by: Paul Provas.
Background: A two-time minor league MVP, Crede has become a staple on this list but almost certainly will graduate this time around. Many expected him to become the regular third baseman last season but he failed to break through, instead spending his first year in Triple-A. The White Sox drafted his brother Josh in the 48th round but didn’t sign him.
Strengths: Crede is a productive hitter, especially when he trusts himself to drive the ball to the opposite field, and has shown the ability to come back from long slumps. He’s a smooth fielder with good range and a plus arm. He could be part of a much-needed defensive upgrade for the White Sox.
Weaknesses: Expectations have been high for Crede since he was Carolina League MVP at age 20. He expects so much from himself that he’s too critical at times. Despite playing in more than 600 games, he hasn’t shown signs of cutting down his triple-digit strikeout totals.
The Future: With Herbert Perry out of the picture, the Sox appear ready to give Crede 300-400 at-bats this season. He’ll need to produce to play for a team with playoff aspirations.
2001 Club (Class) AVG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB
Charlotte (AAA) .276 463 67 128 34 1 17 65 46 88 2
Chicago .220 50 1 11 1 1 0 7 3 11 1
Age: 23. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-5. Wt.: 220. Drafted: Stanford, 2000 (1st round). Signed by: Joe Butler/Ed Pebley.
Want More?
Does 10 prospects per team only whet your appetite? How does 30 sound? If you want the same kind of in-depth information you're finding here on three times as many players, Baseball America's new Prospect Handbook is for you.
Background: There was no way Joe Borchard was going to be inconspicuous last season. The record $5.3 million bonus he got in 2000 blew his cover. But even if it hadn’t, the switch-hitting Borchard would have stood out because of his tools and how well he used them in the first full season of baseball in his life. Despite playing in a pitchers’ park, he led the Southern League in RBIs and finished second in homers. According to football scouting guru Mel Kiper, Borchard could have been one of the first players taken in the 2002 NFL draft had he continued to play quarterback at Stanford.
Strengths: His performance was validation for White Sox scouting director Duane Shaffer, who says Borchard has the best power of any college hitter since Mark McGwire. He maintained a football player’s flair for the big moment while avoiding the long funks associated with the baseball grind. He homered from both sides of the plate on April 10, his fifth game of the season, and went 4-for-8 with two homers and a double in three all-star games. Borchard is a better hitter from the left side but didn’t have pronounced platoon differences in 2002. He has a plus arm but still is making the transition from quarterback to outfield. Last year, he moved from right field to center, which could be his quickest route to the big leagues. Effort isn’t an issue, as he comes early and stays late.
Weaknesses: The White Sox hope Borchard will give away fewer at-bats as he gains experience. They’re willing to accept strikeouts if he provides power, especially from center field. While Borchard is an excellent athlete, it takes him time to get his 6-foot-5 frame moving. His range is considered below-average in center but some scouts believe it’s his best position. He seemed tentative when used on the corners in the Arizona Fall League.
The Future: Borchard should fit in well at the remodeled Comiskey Park, which turned into a launching pad after the fences were brought in. He’s a good bet for 30-plus homers as a rookie, with the better question being whether it happens now or in 2003. Borchard’s ability as a student will determine whether he can make better contact and get to more balls in the outfield.
2001 Club (Class) AVG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB
Birmingham (AA) .295 515 95 152 27 1 27 98 67 158 5
2. Jon Rauch, rhp
Age: 23. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-11. Wt.: 230. Drafted: Morehead State, 1999 (3rd round). Signed by: Larry Grefer.
Background: Shoulder problems cost Rauch, Baseball America’s 2000 Minor League Player of the Year, a chance to establish himself with the White Sox last season. He made just six starts before having surgery to clean out his shoulder. Otherwise he may have made the same kind of leap as fellow 2000 U.S. Olympians Ben Sheets and Roy Oswalt.
Strengths: Rauch is an inch taller than Randy Johnson and has unusual command for such a tall pitcher. His mechanics are solid and he locates his pitches well. His fastball should return to the mid-90s. Rauch complements it with two above-average breaking pitches and has made progress with his changeup. His height gives him arm angles that are foreign to hitters.
Weaknesses: Rauch is a good athlete who moves around well. He figures to have more trouble with comebackers and bunts than other pitchers, forcing him to bear down on his fielding. He has yet to establish his durability.
The Future: Rauch is a future No. 1 starter but could need at least one more season in the minors before making the jump to Chicago. His health will be watched closely until he reestablishes himself.
2001 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H BB SO
Charlotte (AAA) 1 3 5.79 6 6 0 0 28 28 7 27
3. Corwin Malone, lhp
Age: 21. B-T: R-L. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 200. Drafted: HS–Thomasville, Ala., 1999 (9th round). Signed by: Warren Hughes.
Background: Everything came together in 2001 for the hard-working Malone, who planned to play linebacker for Alabama-Birmingham before the Sox drafted him. After relieving in the low minors, he soared when given the chance to start, beginning the year in the low Class A South Atlantic League and ending it with a victory in the Southern League playoffs.
Strengths: While Malone has great tools, he’s also a top student. He has a 93-94 mph fastball, and hitters react as if it’s in the high 90s. Of his other pitches, the best is a snapping curveball. He gained confidence in his curve throughout last season, throwing it for strikes even when behind in the count.
Weaknesses: Malone averaged 7.9 walks per nine innings in his first two pro seasons, but cut that figure to 3.6 in 2001. He didn’t throw many changeups as a reliever and still is developing the pitch.
The Future: Jason Bere helped the White Sox win a division title in 1993 after starting the previous season in low Class A. Malone could have that same kind of sudden impact, but his likely ETA is mid-2003.
2001 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H BB SO
Kannapolis (A) 11 4 2.00 18 18 2 0 112 83 44 119
Winston-Salem (A) 0 1 1.72 5 5 0 0 37 25 10 38
Birmingham (AA) 2 0 2.33 4 4 0 0 19 8 12 20
4. Matt Guerrier, rhp
Age: 23. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 185. Drafted: Kent State, 1999 (10th round). Signed by: Larry Grefer.
Background: At first glance, it doesn’t appear there’s anything special about Guerrier. He may not dominate but he wins, compiling a 26-8, 2.80 record in three pro seasons. He rang up 38 saves in his first two years in the system but pitched even better when given a chance to start, leading the minors with 18 wins in 2001.
Strengths: Guerrier is out of the Greg Maddux mold. His fastball averages 88-89 mph but is one of four pitches he can throw at any time in the count. His curveball, slider and changeup are all plus pitches and he does a tremendous job of establishing, then following, a plan of attack. He holds runners well and fields his position.
Weaknesses: With his velocity, Guerrier doesn’t have much margin for error. The Sox will watch closely to see how he rebounds from pitching 200 innings (including 20 in the Arizona Fall League) last year.
The Future: With the major league rotation uncertain beyond Mark Buehrle, Guerrier is a sleeper to watch in spring training. He could do what more heralded prospects like Kip Wells and Jon Garland could not, nailing down a spot in his first try.
2001 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H BB SO
Birmingham (AA) 11 3 3.10 15 15 1 0 99 85 32 75
Charlotte (AAA) 7 1 3.54 12 12 3 0 81 75 18 43
5. Joe Crede, 3b
Age: 23. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 195. Drafted: HS–Westphalia, Mo., 1996 (5th round). Signed by: Paul Provas.
Background: A two-time minor league MVP, Crede has become a staple on this list but almost certainly will graduate this time around. Many expected him to become the regular third baseman last season but he failed to break through, instead spending his first year in Triple-A. The White Sox drafted his brother Josh in the 48th round but didn’t sign him.
Strengths: Crede is a productive hitter, especially when he trusts himself to drive the ball to the opposite field, and has shown the ability to come back from long slumps. He’s a smooth fielder with good range and a plus arm. He could be part of a much-needed defensive upgrade for the White Sox.
Weaknesses: Expectations have been high for Crede since he was Carolina League MVP at age 20. He expects so much from himself that he’s too critical at times. Despite playing in more than 600 games, he hasn’t shown signs of cutting down his triple-digit strikeout totals.
The Future: With Herbert Perry out of the picture, the Sox appear ready to give Crede 300-400 at-bats this season. He’ll need to produce to play for a team with playoff aspirations.
2001 Club (Class) AVG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB
Charlotte (AAA) .276 463 67 128 34 1 17 65 46 88 2
Chicago .220 50 1 11 1 1 0 7 3 11 1