Results tagged ‘ Erik Johnson ’
Still plenty of positives
Dan Black is shining for Double-A Birmingham after a tremendous 2012 in the Triad (Steve Orcutt/W-S Dash).
Even though the Dash have dropped three in a row, there are plenty of positive notes to hit on during this Tuesday afternoon. How about an optimistic set of Dash Dots? Last time we did that, Winston-Salem mustered a sweep at Frederick (proof here). Here’s hoping for a similar result.
DASH DOTS:
- Dating back to last season, Winston-Salem outfielder Adam Heisler has reached base in 34 straight games, which is tied for the second-longest current streak in Minor League Baseball. High Desert’s Jamal Austin has reached safely in 38 straight games, while Nashville’s Scooter Gennett also has a 34-game run.
- Heisler made his way aboard in the final three contests of 2012 with rookie-level Great Falls before finding his way on base in all 31 games thus far this season (19 with Low-A Kannapolis and 12 with Winston-Salem). Heisler has hit safely in 27 of these 34 games, and he owns a .303 (40-for-132) average with 15 RBIs and 23 runs scored during this streak.
- Winston-Salem leads the Carolina League in fielding percentage (.976), and the Dash are tied with Potomac for the fewest errors on the circuit (28). The Dash stumbled out of the gates defensively, amassing 10 errors in the first four games and 21 in the first 14. Since then, though, the Dash have only made seven defensive miscues in their last 17 games.
- Dash alum Jordan Danks hit a game-winning home run in the eleventh inning against Kansas City Monday, helping the White Sox avoid a sweep against the surging Royals. It was Danks’ first homer of the season.
- In that ballgame, Addison Reed, who shined with Winston in 2011, earned his 11th save. He also has a win, which means that Reed has had some factor in the decision in 12 of the White Sox first 13 wins.
- How about the start for Double-A Birmingham? The Barons are a Southern League-best 20-10 on the season, including a 13-2 record at home. Birmingham just wrapped up a five-game sweep of Chattanooga over the weekend with a thrilling 16-14 win Sunday afternoon.
- Multiple 2012 Dash alums are at or near the top of the SL in a handful of offensive categories. Dan Black is currently leading in batting average (.340) and RBIs (25) and sits second in hits (35). He is only two behind fellow Baron and former Winston-Salem player Marcus Semien, who tops the league in hits with 37. Trayce Thompson also has the second-most runs (24) on the circuit.
- On the pitching side, Steve McCray and Scott Snodgress are two of five pitchers in the SL who have won four games this season, while Erik Johnson (third, 1.30) and Spencer Arroyo (ninth, 2.36) are in the top 10 on the circuit in earned run average. Taylor Thompson is tied for third with five saves thus far this season, too.
- Vine is one of the newest social media platforms, and both Dash players and Dash fans are having fun with it. Check out Courtney Hawkins’ clips from the Dash’s MVP Education Day at BB&T Ballpark last Saturday. Plus, Dash fan Eric Martinez sums up a Saturday night game here.
The Dash try to avoid losing their fourth straight home game, something they have only done once in BB&T Ballpark history, tonight at 7 against Frederick. Pregame coverage begins at 6:45 here.
- Erika, Rob and Brian
Hawkins to the DL and two other moves
Courtney Hawkins has been placed on the seven-day DL (Jody Stewart/W-S Dash).
While the Dash cruised to a 15-6 blowout over Lynchburg last night, the news was not all good for Winston-Salem. White Sox top prospect Courtney Hawkins made a diving catch in left center field to end the third inning. He was slow to get up, but the 19-year-old jogged off the field and into the Dash’s dugout.
However, David Herbek pinch hit for Hawkins in the top of the fourth. The White Sox have not disclosed Hawkins’ injury, but he has been placed on the seven-day disabled list, the team announced this afternoon.
In 23 games with Winston-Salem thus far this season, Hawkins is hitting .177 with seven home runs and 17 RBIs. His seven homers are one shy of the Carolina League’s lead. However, the former first-round pick leads Minor League Baseball with 45 strikeouts. Hawkins had been improving on his strikeout rate, though. He only whiffed four times in his last five games.
The Dash’s roster only contains two players who have been in the outfield for the majority of their minor league careers–Mark Haddow and Adam Heisler. For the time being, Dash fans should expect to see Grant Buckner, who has played 35 of his 174 minor league games in left field, shift from the infield to the outfield.
TWO MORE ROSTER MOVES:
The White Sox also announced that Brent Tanner has been assigned to Low-A Kannapolis in a move that will likely yield the Mississippi native some more at-bats. In eight games with the Dash this year, Tanner hit .417 (10-for-24) with three RBIs. Of his 10 hits, five of them were doubles. The former 32nd round pick had four multi-hit games in his seven starts, including a career-high tying four knocks last night.
Infielder Rangel Ravelo takes Tanner’s spot on the roster. Ravelo comes to the Dash from Kannapolis, where he hit .226 in 17 games before landing on the disabled list. A year ago, Ravelo was one of four Intimidators to make the midseason All-Star Team in the South Atlantic League.
The Miami, Fla. native was drafted by Chicago in the sixth round in 2010 out of Hialeah High School (FL). Born in Cuba, Ravelo has played both corner infield positions throughout his minor league career.
DASH ALUMS IN THE NEWS:
Chris Sale had a 2.25 ERA in four appearances for the Dash in 2010.
- Chris Sale picked up his third win of the campaign as helped the White Sox snap a three-game skid last night, giving up just two runs in seven innings of work against Texas. The southpaw struck out seven on the night, tying a season-high. Sale has now gone at least seven innings in all but one of his six starts in 2013.
- Despite the recent struggles of the Chicago bullpen, closer Addison Reed has just kept on rolling. After picking up the save last night, he is now a perfect nine for nine in save opportunities and his ERA is down to just 1.50.
- Dylan Axelrod continues to pitch well and have nothing to show for it. Back on Sunday, Axelrod turned in his third consecutive quality start for the South Siders, but he did not factor into the decision and the White Sox fell to the Tampa Bay Rays. Despite giving up three runs or less in four of his five starts, the righty has yet to earn a victory this season.
- After winning Carolina League MVP honors in 2012, Dan Black has picked up right where he left off this season for Double-A Birmingham. As a team, the Barons are leading the Southern League in batting average, and a big reason is Black, who sits fourth in the league with a .312 mark. Marcus Semien is not too far behind, currently sixth in the league in average at .303. In addition, Black leads the circuit in RBIs with 21 and Semien leads in hits with 30.
- The pitching staff has also been very good for Birmingham. The staff has been led by Baseball America’s number four prospect in the organization, Erik Johnson. The righty sits fifth in the league in ERA at 1.44 and is tied for second in the Southern League in strikeouts with 32. Another pair of Dash alums, Stephen McCray and Scott Snodgress, are tied for the circuit’s lead in wins with four apiece.
- Also, Jared Mitchell did this last week week for the Barons:
- While he hasn’t made it to Winston-Salem yet, Low-A Kannapolis right-hander Myles Jaye could soon be making his way to the Triad. Jaye is one of just nine starting pitchers in all of Minor League Baseball to sport an ERA under 1.00. Through five starts, he is 3-0 with a 0.90 ERA in 30 innings of work.
The Dash are set to return to BB&T Ballpark for a six-game homestand tomorrow night, but first they wrap up their seven game road swing tonight as they go for a series split against the Lynchburg Hillcats at 6:05. Join Brian here for the Pregame Dash starting at 5:50.
- Brian and Rob
Roster moves and Dash alum update
Adam Heisler is the newest member of the Dash (Intimidating Insight blog).
The White Sox have announced a pair of roster moves this afternoon, affecting the Winston-Salem Dash. The White Sox promoted outfielder Adam Heisler to Winston-Salem from Low-A Kannapolis. In 19 games with the Intimidators, Heisler hit .324 with a home run, nine RBIs and nine stolen bases. The former University of South Alabama product, who was college teammates with Dash catcher Brent Tanner, is leading off tonight and will play left field.
To make room for Heisler, Chicago released outfielder Billy Rice. Rice hit .171 in 12 games with Winston-Salem in 2013.
It has been a busy week all around baseball, and there have been several Dash alums making their marks all across the baseball landscape. Let’s take a swing around the system to check in some of these former Dash players:
- Dylan Axelrod gave up just one run on three hits in six innings of work for his second straight quality start on Monday. He left the game with the lead, but the White Sox bullpen could not hold it, and Axelrod ended up with a no decision. Although he doesn’t have any wins yet, Axelrod is proving he belongs in the big leagues as Monday’s outing dropped his ERA down to 3.80. His next scheduled start is Sunday against Tampa Bay.
- Last Wednesday, outfielder Jordan Danks was recalled to Chicago from Triple-A Charlotte, where he was off to a hot start, hitting .333. Since his recall, the 2009 Dash alum is 2-for-7 (.286) at the plate in four games played. With Dayan Viciedo now on the disabled list, Danks figures to be getting even more starts for the South Siders in the coming weeks.
McCray went 9-3 with a 3.30 ERA for Winston in 2012. (Jody Stewart/W-S Dash).
- Dash alums have had a great week so far for Double-A Birmingham, as Erik Johnson, Scott Snodgress and Stephen McCray all pitched well over the last three days in Barons victories. It started on Monday, with Johnson twirling seven shutout innings, allowing just three hits and striking out 10 in a 3-1 win. Johnson is now 2-0 with a 1.07 ERA in 25.1 innings so far this year.
- Snodgress kept things going with a victory of his own on Tuesday. The former Stanford Cardinal worked seven innings as well, giving up just one run on his way to his third win of the 2013 season. The southpaw’s ERA is now down to 3.38 this year.
- McCray was the final member of the trio to pick up a victory, giving up just one run in six innings of work yesterday afternoon. McCray’s ERA is down to 2.57, and he has given up just two earned runs in his last three starts, covering 17 innings of work. He has picked up the victory in each of those three starts.
The Dash wrap up their eight game homestand tonight, with their series finale against the Lynchburg Hillcats at 7. Join Brian and me on 600 AM-WSJS at 6:45 p.m. for the Pregame Dash starting at 6:45!
- Rob
Putting a bow on Opening Weekend
BB&T Ballpark hosted some great crowds for Opening Weekend 2013 (Brian Westerholt/Four Seam Images).
Before we recap this weekend, our thoughts go out to all those affected by the tragedy at today’s Boston Marathon. Baseball takes a back seat to things like that.
The Dash took two out of three games at BB&T Ballpark this weekend against the Carolina Mudcats, giving them a 5-4 record so far this season, and tying them with the Mudcats at the top of the Carolina League’s Southern Division. Some quick notes from a great Opening Weekend:
- The attendance at Friday and Saturday’s games marked the fourth highest two-game total in the history of BB&T Ballpark with 13,874 fans in attendance. A tremendous crowd of 6,963 fans took in Friday’s home opener, while 6,911 fans watched the Dash’s first home victory of the season on Saturday night.
- In yesterday’s series finale, the Dash set season highs in runs (15) and hits (17) in a 15-2 romp over the Mudcats. The 15 runs is one shy of the Dash team record, which was set against Salem on May 8, 2010, and matched at Potomac on June 23, 2012.
- Chris Beck (six innings, no runs Saturday) and Terance Marin (six and two-thirds innings, one run Sunday) became the first two Dash starters to post quality starts in 2013, and both picked up their first win of the season over the weekend.
Courtney Hawkins hit a pair of long balls for the Dash this weekend to give him four already this year (Jody Stewart/W-S Dash).
- After hitting three home runs (including a Jeremy Farrell grand slam) yesterday, the Dash have now hit home runs in seven consecutive games and lead the Carolina League with 12 long balls. Courtney Hawkins hit two home runs this weekend to bring his season total to four, which is tied for second in the CL.
- While the Dash kicked off their fourth season at BB&T Ballpark over the weekend, Double-A Birmingham opened new Regions Field with a bang. Dash alums Spencer Arroyo, Erik Johnson, Steve McCray and Scott Snodgress all started for the Barons this weekend, and all four were victorious during the Barons’ five-game sweep of Mississippi.
The Dash are back on the road again today, traveling to Myrtle Beach to battle the Pelicans for the first time this year. First pitch for tonight’s series opener is set for 7:05. Join Brian here at 6:50 for the Pregame Dash!
- Rob
Taking an axe to spring training
With the White Sox wrapping up spring training on Wednesday before heading north, let’s check in with some Dash alums as the MLB season gets ready to begin next week.
Axelrod ready to join White Sox rotation: With left-hander John Danks set to begin the year on the disabled list, Dylan Axelrod has been named the White Sox fifth starter to start the season. He and lefty Hector Santiago, both Dash alums, had been the two favorites, but the White Sox have decided to go with Axelrod in the rotation and Santiago in the bullpen.
Axelrod is excited about the opportunity, telling MLB.com’s Scott Merkin:
“Going through the Minor Leagues every fifth day, I got a lot of innings in and I feel durable and take care of myself. So it works to my advantage. I have a good routine, so If I get that opportunity, I think it will be beneficial for me going every five days.”
Santiago, on the other hand, is ready to embrace his role in the bullpen:
“[Axelrod] has done it for so long, and I’ve gotten half a season at it two years ago, and last year four starts at it. All around, he’s been equipped for a starting role and I’m getting back and building up to it. I understand completely.”
Axelrod went 2-1 with a 3.21 ERA in five appearances in Cactus League play, while Santiago sported a 4.15 ERA and struck out 11 in 13 innings of work. Both are scheduled for one more tune-up this weekend when the White Sox play two exhibition games in Milwaukee.
Johnson pitched very well once joining the Dash in late July of 2012. (Jody Stewart/W-S Dash).
Johnson shines in spot start: With Dylan Axelrod scheduled to start, but the White Sox not wanting him to face a division opponent this close to the regular season, former Dash righty Erik Johnson took the hill against Kansas City on Sunday. Johnson thrived in the spot start, going four innings, giving up one unearned and striking out three.
Johnson began spring training in big league camp but was sent to minor league camp a few weeks later. In Cactus League action, he has been very good, giving up one earned run or less in three of his four outings. Former scout Bernie Pleskoff has noticed the former California Golden Bear:
The mound presence of #WhiteSox Erik Johnson is well beyond his MLB experience level. Commanding pitches with late life and sink. Impressive
— Bernie Pleskoff (@BerniePleskoff) March 24, 2013
The impression that Johnson has made on Pleskoff and others could lead to an earlier-than-anticipated debut for Johnson with the South Siders.
Jordan Danks uses WBC to his advantage: With two-thirds of the White Sox starting outfield making deep runs in the World Baseball Classic (Alejandro De Aza for the Dominican Republic’s Championship winning team and Alex Rios for runner-up Puerto Rico), Dash alum Jordan Danks has taken advantage of the extra playing time this spring. Before being optioned to Triple-A Charlotte late last week, Danks had 12 hits in his last 19 Cactus League at-bats. White Sox manager Robin Ventura is glad that Danks and some other young outfielders were able to take advantage of the situation:.
“In a normal spring, they wouldn’t get that kind of playing time, so it’s good for them. It’s good for their development, and it’s good for us to see them. You never know how it’s going to shake out when the season starts.”
Danks finished spring training with a .351 average, two home runs and nine RBIs in 16 games.
Hawkins talks to MiLB.com: If you haven’t seen the great interview Sam Dykstra did for MiLB.com with Chicago’s top prospect Courtney Hawkins earlier this week, you can check it out here. There is a good chance that Hawkins returns to Winston-Salem to begin the 2013 season.
- Rob
Sale-ing through spring training
As we near the halfway point of spring training, many Dash alums are grabbing the headlines at White Sox camp in Glendale, Ariz.
Chris Sale had a 2.25 ERA in four appearances for the Dash in 2010, his first professional season.
Sale dominates in first outing since signing extension: Late last week, Chris Sale signed a $32.5 million contract extension that will keep him with the White Sox until at least 2017 and includes team options for 2018 and 2019. Sale followed that up with a win in his second outing of the spring Monday against Colorado.
The southpaw was efficient, allowing just one run on three hits, while needing only 58 pitches to get through five plus innings. The longest at-bat of the day was a seven pitch duel with catcher Yorvit Torrealba, who hit the seventh pitch out of the yard. Despite the home run, Torrealba had a lot of praise for the young lefty, telling MLB.com’s Scott Merkin:
“He throws almost sidearm, and his delivery is kind of weird, too. You’ve got to give credit to the guy. He’s got a good changeup and a nasty slider. The ball’s moving a lot, especially when he goes away to righties. It seems the ball keeps running away.”
Through two starts this spring, Sale is now 1-0 with a 1.23 earned run average.
Marcus Semien spent all of 2012 in Winston-Salem. (Steve Orcutt/W-S Dash).
White Sox make 10 roster moves on busy Monday: Following yesterday’s 3-1 win over Colorado, the White Sox made 10 roster moves. Among the moves, Winston-Salem alums Stefan Gartrell, Erik Johnson, Seth Loman, Marcus Semien, Scott Snodgress, Trayce Thompson and Keenyn Walker were all reassigned to minor league camp. Here are their stats with the White Sox in spring training:
- Gartrell: 3-13 (.231), 1 HR, 3RBIs
- Johnson: 3 outings, 6.1 IP,4 Ks, 8.53 ERA
- Loman: 7-20 (.350), 2 HRs, 9 RBIs
- Semien: 5-11 (.455), 1 HR, 4RBIs
- Snodgress: 3 outings, 5.0 IP, 3 Ks, 5.40 ERA
- Thompson: 0-14 (.000), 1 RBI, 1 SB
- Walker: 5-20 (.250), 1 3B, 1 RBI, 1 SB
The White Sox also optioned RHP Nestor Molina to Double-A Birmingham and RHP Simon Castro and LHP Santos Rodriguez to Triple-A Charlotte. Rodriguez, a member of the Dash in both 2010 and 2011, appeared in four games and tossed two and two-thirds innings for the White Sox this spring.
Mitchell standing out for White Sox: In 11 games for the White Sox this spring, outfielder Jared Mitchell is hitting .393 with one home run and five RBIs. His speed his also been a major weapon, notes White Sox insider Dan Hayes:
Jared Mitchell with a triple. He ended last inning with a diving catch. #WhiteSox have liked what they’ve seen from his this spring.
— Dan Hayes (@DanHayesCSN) March 9, 2013
Despite his impressive play this spring, Mitchell will be starting the season with Triple-A Charlotte, according to new White Sox General Manager Rick Hahn. Hahn did tell CBS Chicago’s Adam Hoge he doesn’t believe Mitchell’s time is too far away:
“The key for him will be when he gets to Charlotte to keep doing what he’s doing here. And if he’s able to put together a solid first half, it’s conceivable he could help us in the second half of this year and certainly he’s on track to help us in 2014.”
Whether or not Mitchell does make it to the South Side this summer, it certainly will not be too long before the Dash can count him among their big league alums.
- Rob
Rienzo headlines busy week for Dash alums
It was a busy week for several members of the 2012 Dash pitching staff. Here is the latest news from White Sox camp and beyond as we begin the first week of March.
Andre Rienzo pitched well for Team Brazil this past weekend (Steve Orcutt/W-S Dash).
Rienzo earns rave reviews despite WBC loss: Dash alum Andre Rienzo surrendered just one hit over four and two-thirds innings but suffered the loss after starting for Team Brazil in the World Baseball Classic Saturday against Cuba.
Rienzo struggled a little bit with his command early, walking three in the first two innings. However, the righty settled in and kept the Cuban bats quiet until the fifth inning, when they scored twice and took the lead for good. As a result, Rienzo (4.2 IP, 2 R, 1 H, 4 BB, 2 K) was saddled with a tough-luck defeat.
Still, the loss should take nothing away from Rienzo’s performance against a heavily-favored Cuban team, writes Dan Hayes of Comcast SportsNet Chicago. His effort impressed John Manuel of Baseball America, too:
What Andre Rienzo just did—4.2 IP, 1 R vs. a strong Cuban lineup—is tremendous for his development. Would love to hear how it is not #WBC
— John Manuel (@johnmanuelba) March 3, 2013
Rienzo, who comes into 2013 rated as the number seven prospect in the White Sox organization by Baseball America, went 9-5 with a 3.00 ERA in 2011 and 2012 with Winston-Salem.
He was promoted to Double-A Birmingham after a 3-0 start last year and ended the season with Triple-A Charlotte. With Brazil now 0-2 in Pool Play, they will not advance to the next round of the World Baseball Classic, meaning Rienzo will be back at White Sox spring training in the very near future.
Johnson, Snodgress appear in big league games: Both Erik Johnson and Scott Snodgress made appearances for the White Sox over the last few days down in Arizona.
Snodgress sported a 1.50 ERA with the Dash in 2012. (Jody Stewart/W-S Dash).
Let’s start with the good. Snodgress made just one bad pitch in a three-inning start against Milwaukee Thursday. The southpaw allowed a two-run homer but otherwise pitched well in his second effort of the spring.
Snodgress, who began the 2012 season with Low-A Kannapolis before joining Winston-Salem in July, told MLB.com’s Cash Kruth that he has enjoyed his time in Glendale:
“It’s been an awesome experience, really a dream come true. I’ve had a lot of fun, I’ve learned a lot. And it’s a good place to be. A lot of guys to talk to. A lot of guys you can pick their brains and learn a lot from. It’s been awesome experience.”
Snodgress boasted a sparkling 1.50 ERA and a perfect 4-0 record in his short time in the Carolina League a year ago.
Erik Johnson became the Dash’s ace after his promotion in July 2012 (Jody Stewart/W-S Dash).
Johnson, the fourth-ranked White Sox prospect according to Baseball America, did not fare as well. He came out of the White Sox bullpen Friday against Cleveland and gave up five runs on five hits in an inning and a third.
Like Snodgress, Johnson pitched very well for the Dash after getting the call-up from Low-A Kannapolis shortly after the All-Star Break. Johnson went 4-3 with a 2.74 ERA in eight starts and nearly posted a strikeout per inning.
National Anthem Tryouts a success: Thanks to everyone who joined us for the Winston-Salem Journal National Anthem Tryouts at Hanes Mall on Saturday. More than 150 fans auditioned for a chance to sing at a Dash game this season.
If you tried out over the weekend, check out photos from the event here. Our five finalists for the Grand Prize will be announced over the next few weeks, so stay tuned for that.
- Rob
Spring Training Updates
Andre Rienzo and a few other former Dash hurlers are getting a longer look in spring training (Kevin Hartley/W-S Dash).
Baseball is certainly in the air. Single-game tickets for the Dash’s 2013 season went on sale today, and White Sox pitchers and catchers have made their way to spring training, with position players slowly trickling in each day.
Here are a few stories of interest for White Sox and Dash fans coming out of Glendale, Ariz.:
Extended look for Dash pitching alums: Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune wrote about White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper’s plan to space out the work of the club’s rotation early on in spring training. Former Winston-Salem southpaw Chris Sale will make his first spring start March 1, which is six days after the Sox first exhibition affair. As a result, a few Winston-Salem alums will benefit, per Gonzales:
The planned delay allows Cooper and the Sox staff to take a longer look at prospects Erik Johnson, Scott Snodgress, Andre Rienzo and Simon Castro, as well as left-hander Hector Santiago, who currently is being viewed as more of a reliever but could start if Danks isn’t ready.
Gonzales also tweeted this about Johnson and Snodgress Tuesday:
Snodgress and johnson made favorable impressions on Cooper in first pens
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) February 12, 2013
It certainly is great to see a handful of former Winston-Salem arms receive some praise and attention in big league camp.
Mitchell likely ticketed for Triple-A: According to Scott Merkin of MLB.com, former Dash outfielder Jared Mitchell will probably begin the season in Triple-A Charlotte. However, the former first-round pick has improved with the offensive side of his game, and White Sox officials have noticed. Still, it looks like a return to the International League is in store for Mitchell:
“Stranger things have happened, but I don’t see us taking him come the end of spring,” said White Sox general manager Rick Hahn, who agreed with Mitchell in that simple repetition at the plate has helped him improve. “Instead, he’ll be playing on an everyday basis at [Triple-A] Charlotte, pushing us to hopefully bring him up based on his performance as the season goes on.”
Mitchell’s batting average climbed a bit over the last two seasons. He hit .222 in 129 games with Winston-Salem in 2011, while the LSU product mustered a .237 mark in 130 games between Double-A Birmingham and Triple-A Charlotte in 2012.
Gearing up for Arizona: A few other familiar faces to Dash fans are ready for their trip to spring training.
2 days left.. Arizona see you soon.!!
— Carlos Sanchez (@CarlosSan29) February 13, 2013
Couple days and I’ll be in Arizona for my first spring training can’t wait @whitesox @mlb #southside
— Courtney Hawkins (@CHawkins10) February 13, 2013
21 days and counting til I’m back in Arizona on the #grind guess ill see where I stand soon. #believe in urself
— brady shoemaker (@this_is_BS21) February 13, 2013
The season opens in exactly 50 days in Zebulon, with the home opener seven days later. Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! Enjoy your time with that special someone.
- Brian
Rising White Sox Prospects
Marcus Semien and 15 other Dash alums were on another Top 25 countdown (Jody Stewart/W-S Dash).
The talented folks at FutureSox.com released their preseason Top 25 White Sox prospect list, and 16 of these prospects have played for Winston-Salem at some point.
Among the 16 Winston-Salem alums, 10 of them played with the Dash last season. The notable trend within this group is a significant improvement between the 2012 midseason list and the 2013 preseason ranking.
Here’s why: eight of the 10 Dash alums on this list either remained in the same spot or climbed the rankings since the midway point of last season. Take a look at the list:
#1 – OF Courtney Hawkins (Midseason: 1)
#2 – OF Trayce Thompson (Midseason: 7)
#4 - RHP Erik Johnson (Midseason: 18)
#5 – INF Carlos Sanchez (Midseason: 10)
#7 – RHP Andre Rienzo (Midseason: 15)
#8 – OF Keenyn Walker (Midseason: 8)
#9 – LHP Scott Snodgress (Midseason: 38)
#16 – INF Marcus Semien (Midseason: 34)
#22 – RHP Jake Petricka (Midseason: 16)
#25 – C Kevan Smith (Midseason: 24)
Improvement is the goal, and the Dash saw plenty of it from the 2012 crop of players who dominated the Carolina League en route to full-season Minor League Baseball’s best record.
Congratulations to all of the players on this list. Standing out in the minors is not easy, but these players have done just that.
- Brian
Can A 2012 Alum Start 2013 In Chicago?
Carlos Sanchez has the best chance of any 2012 alum to begin the season with the White Sox (Steve Orcutt/W-S Dash).
The White Sox announced their non-roster invitees to spring training yesterday, and 13 of the 20 players heading to Glendale are former Dash players.
Of those 13 players, nine contributed to the Dash’s 2012 run to full-season minor league baseball’s best record and a Mills Cup Championship Series appearance.
It is an honor for these players to receive an invitation to spring training, and the goal is to impress while with the “big boys.” However, it is important to note that highly-touted prospects who go to spring training are not normally true contenders to make a roster unless they have significant experience in Double-A or Triple-A.
The flurry of invitations still bring about a question: can any of these 2012 Dash alums wow the Sox enough to break camp with the big league squad?
First off, any player who ended the season with the Dash would need to make a three-level jump in order to crack the roster, which means C Mike Blanke, RHP Erik Johnson, SS Marcus Semien, C Kevan Smith, LHP Scott Snodgress and OF Keenyn Walker will be long shots.
This leaves three other 2012 Dash alums: RHP Jake Petricka, INF Carlos Sanchez and OF Trayce Thompson.
Petricka has been a highly-ranked prospect in the White Sox system for the last few years, but he did struggle a bit with both Winston-Salem and Double-A Birmingham. The Minnesota native has plenty of potential, but additional minor league seasoning is almost certainly necessary.
Trayce Thompson still may need some more time in the minors before heading to The Show (Steve Orcutt/W-S Dash).
Thompson has all the tools, but he has taken some time to adjust to every level. In 2011, the former second-round pick started crushing Low-A pitching, and his ascension to the top of the home run and RBI totem poles in the Carolina League this season stemmed from his surge after the All-Star break.
While Thompson reached Triple-A for the postseason, he still likely needs some time in the International League to figure out how to hit at that level. Thompson will be in the big leagues at some point, but Opening Day 2013 seems a bit too early.
This leaves Sanchez, who jumped up prospect rankings with a tremendous 2012 showing. The 20-year-old led the CL in batting average among qualifiers before going to Birmingham, where he hit .370 in 30 games. This prompted a late-season bump to Charlotte.
In 18 games with the Knights (regular season and playoffs), Sanchez hit .237 (14-for-59) with seven runs scored. These numbers are not eye-popping, but the Venezuelan most certainly held his own at the minors’ highest level.
Sanchez’s name even came up in Scott Merkin’s story about the non-roster invitees on whitesox.com yesterday.
“Carlos Sanchez also could be a long shot in consideration for that utility infield job. But with the 20-year-old phenom having just two years of professional experience and 991 Minor League at-bats to his credit, the White Sox goal is to get Sanchez a full season of at-bats at Triple-A Charlotte during the 2013 campaign. He topped all White Sox Minor Leaguers with a .323 average and 169 hits in 2012.”
A “goal” can always be changed, and Sanchez certainly has plenty of momentum from last season. He is an underdog in the race for one of the elusive 25 spots on Robin Ventura’s Opening Day roster, but he appears to be in the running.
You never know. A great spring could open the door for a 2012 Dash alum to reach The Show in 2013. Good luck to Carlos and the rest of the former Dash players heading to Arizona next month.
- Brian
