CHICAGO WHITE SOX

The White Sox are rebuilding, and are about half way there. Their strong spots are a terrific 1-2 punch in the bullpen (Howry, Foulke) and some great young right-handed hitters (Ordonez, Konerko, Lee). And don't forget The Big Hurt, who has to have a big comeback inside of him. The infield is still a bit of a mess, and the starting rotation is a big mess (Cal Eldred?). I would not expect them to challenge for a playoff spot, but they might surprise if the Indians fall flat.

JEFF ABBOTT (OF, 28, R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1997 CHW 19 38 10 1 0 1 8 2 0 6 263 263 368 0 0 1998 CHW 89 244 68 14 1 12 33 41 9 28 279 298 492 3 3 1999 CHW 17 57 9 0 0 2 5 6 5 12 158 222 263 1 1 1999 AAA 67 277 88 24 1 9 42 37 16 27 318 350 509 2 3

JEFF ABBOTT (OF, 28, R)


 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS

 1997     CHW  19  38  10  1  0  1   8   2   0   6  263 263 368   0   0

 1998     CHW  89 244  68 14  1 12  33  41   9  28  279 298 492   3   3

 1999     CHW  17  57   9  0  0  2   5   6   5  12  158 222 263   1   1



 1999     AAA  67 277  88 24  1  9  42  37  16  27  318 350 509   2   3

Abbott got some playing time in 1998 with the White Sox, and wasn't too bad, but spent most of last season at Charlotte. He has some power, and can play the outfield, so he should stick around a few years as a bench player. His poor command of the strike zone will keep him from ever being a regular.

JAMES BALDWIN (29, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1997 CHW 12 15 32 32 1 0 0 200 205 83 140 527 1998 CHW 13 6 37 24 1 0 0 159 176 60 108 532 1999 CHW 12 13 35 33 1 0 0 199 219 81 123 510

After a solid rookie season in 1996, he has been consistently disappointing for three years now. Baldwin is still fairly young, but he doesn't fool anybody, his control isn't great, and his K/BB is mediocre. I would not expect him to turn it around any time soon.

MIKE CARUSO (SS, 23, S)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1997 A 136 560 174 27 13 2 88 64 42 27 311 364 416 14 16 1998 CHW 133 523 160 17 6 5 81 55 14 38 306 331 390 22 6 1999 CHW 136 529 132 11 4 2 60 35 20 36 250 280 297 12 14

MIKE CARUSO (SS, 23, S)


 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS

 1997       A 136 560 174 27 13  2  88  64  42  27  311 364 416  14  16



 1998     CHW 133 523 160 17  6  5  81  55  14  38  306 331 390  22   6

 1999     CHW 136 529 132 11  4  2  60  35  20  36  250 280 297  12  14

After a solid rookie season in 1998, he endangered his job by not doing anything well. He must have been messed up mentally, problems with his girlfriend or something; everything he tried to do, he did badly. Caruso is still very, very young, and has some talent. But he needs to re-establish himself quickly if he wants to make a lot of money.
ADDENDUM: The White Sox have acquired Jose Valentin to play shortstop. Obviously, Caruso will be fighting for playing time in 2000. Look for him to re-establish himself 2-3 years down the road.

CARLOS CASTILLO (25, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1997 CHW 2 1 37 2 0 0 1 66 68 33 43 448 1998 CHW 6 4 54 2 0 0 0 100 94 35 64 511 1999 CHW 2 2 18 2 0 0 0 41 45 14 23 571

He was sent to minors in mid-season; the story is that he got depressed, started eating, and ballooned to 300 lbs. Castillo is young, has good control and decent stuff. But I usually don't believe in pitchers who don't believe in conditioning.

MCKAY CHRISTENSEN (CF, 25, L)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1997 A 127 503 141 12 12 5 95 47 52 61 280 357 382 28 20 1998 A 95 361 103 17 6 4 69 32 53 54 285 391 399 20 10 1999 AA 75 293 85 8 6 3 53 28 31 46 290 372 389 18 6 1999 CHW 28 53 12 1 0 1 10 6 4 7 226 271 302 1 0

MCKAY CHRISTENSEN (CF, 25, L)


 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS

 1997       A 127 503 141 12 12  5  95  47  52  61  280 357 382  28  20

 1998       A  95 361 103 17  6  4  69  32  53  54  285 391 399  20  10

 1999      AA  75 293  85  8  6  3  53  28  31  46  290 372 389  18   6



 1999     CHW  28  53  12  1  0  1  10   6   4   7  226 271 302   1   0

Christensen does some things well; he's fast and can get on base. But I think he's a mediocre prospect; he's made slow progress through the White Sox' system, has little power, and at this time isn't a good base stealer. He could stick on as a fifth outfielder someday, but he won't be a regular unless he starts doing something special, like stealing 50-60 bases a year.

PAT DANEKER (24, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1997 R 3 6 12 12 0 0 0 64 83 20 53 650 1998 A 6 6 17 17 2 0 0 117 115 16 95 315 1999 AA-AAA 10 12 23 23 5 0 0 158 170 46 107 426

Daneker is a young pitcher who made two starts with the White Sox last year. He appears to have very good control, but will need at least another year at Triple-A, naybe two, before he can handle major league hitters.

JOE DAVENPORT (24, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1997 A 4 6 37 0 0 0 10 51 43 24 43 368 1998 AA 3 2 26 0 0 0 1 39 54 30 22 722 1999 AA 3 5 40 0 0 0 10 49 43 19 24 310

Davenport's a big, tall pitcher who appeared in three games with the White Sox. He has pitched well at times in the lower minors, but he walks as many batters as he strikes out, and has a bad habit of throwing wild pitches. I doubt he'll get a job in the majors for at least two more years.

JASON DELLAERO (SS, 23, S)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1997 A 55 191 53 10 3 6 37 29 17 49 277 341 455 3 1 1998 A 121 428 89 23 3 10 45 49 25 147 208 259 346 12 4 1999 AA 81 272 73 13 3 10 40 44 14 76 268 308 449 6 8

JASON DELLAERO (SS, 23, S)


 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS

 1997       A  55 191  53 10  3  6  37  29  17  49  277 341 455   3   1

 1998       A 121 428  89 23  3 10  45  49  25 147  208 259 346  12   4

 1999      AA  81 272  73 13  3 10  40  44  14  76  268 308 449   6   8

Dellaero is a young shortstop with the White Sox who has some power, but can't hit for average and could probably strike out 200 times in a season. The Sox have signed Jose Valentin to be their shortstop, and Mike Caruso is still hanging around, so Dellaero won't be rushed. Look for him to arrive in a couple of years.

RAY DURHAM (2B, 28, S)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1997 CHW 155 634 172 27 5 11 106 53 61 96 271 337 382 33 16 1998 CHW 158 635 181 35 8 19 126 67 73 105 285 363 455 36 9 1999 CHW 153 612 181 30 8 13 109 60 73 105 296 373 435 34 11

RAY DURHAM (2B, 28, S)


 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS

 1997     CHW 155 634 172 27  5 11 106  53  61  96  271 337 382  33  16

 1998     CHW 158 635 181 35  8 19 126  67  73 105  285 363 455  36   9

 1999     CHW 153 612 181 30  8 13 109  60  73 105  296 373 435  34  11

He had almost the exact same season that he had in 1998. He is one of the best hitting second basemen in the league, and should be in the middle of his prime years. On the other hand, he's not much of a defensive player; he has fine range, but usually negates it by stepping in the wrong direction when the ball is hit.
Jerry Manuel suggested that Durham might play some centre field next year. This is interesting, but it almost never works (remember Juan Samuel?). The White Sox should probably leave Durham where he is, let him hit, and live with his defense.

CAL ELDRED (32, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1997 MIL 13 15 34 34 1 1 0 202 207 89 122 499 1998 MIL 4 8 23 23 0 0 0 133 157 61 86 480 1999 MIL 2 8 20 15 0 0 0 82 101 46 60 779

He is aging and has had injuries and got the bejeezus beat out of him last year. Their is little evidence that Eldred is still capable of having a good year; his career will only be extended by desperation.

SCOTT EYRE (28, L)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1997 CHW 4 4 11 11 0 0 0 61 62 31 36 504 1998 CHW 3 8 33 17 0 0 0 107 114 64 73 538 1999 CHW 1 1 21 0 0 0 0 25 38 15 17 756

Eyre got whupped in 1999; he doesn't have great stuff, and his control isn't very good. There are hundreds of lefties who would love to be a member of someone's bullpen, and chances are that one of them will take Eyre's job before he can make an adjustment.

BROOK FORDYCE (CA, 30, R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1997 CIN 47 96 20 5 0 1 7 8 8 15 208 267 292 2 0 1998 CIN 57 146 37 9 0 3 8 14 11 28 253 306 377 0 1 1999 CHW 105 333 99 25 1 9 36 49 21 48 297 343 459 2 0

BROOK FORDYCE (CA, 30, R)


 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS

 1997     CIN  47  96  20  5  0  1   7   8   8  15  208 267 292   2   0

 1998     CIN  57 146  37  9  0  3   8  14  11  28  253 306 377   0   1

 1999     CHW 105 333  99 25  1  9  36  49  21  48  297 343 459   2   0

In 1998, he raised his average 45 points. Last year, he raised it another 44 points. If he keeps this up, he will hit .340 next year... in reality, he has probably hit his peak, and will decline next year. But if the White Sox give him lots of at bats, he will have a chance to prove me wrong.

KEITH FOULKE (27, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1997 SF-CHW 4 5 27 8 0 0 3 73 88 23 54 638 1998 CHW 3 2 54 0 0 0 1 65 51 20 57 413 1999 CHW 3 3 67 0 0 0 9 105 72 21 123 222

I don't like to intentionally say nice things about Jerry Reinsdorf, but getting this guy for Wilson Alvarez was a hell of a deal. Foulke may have been the best relief pitcher in the AL in 1999; he worked very hard, was very tough to hit, had great control, a great strikeout rate... it was a great year. If Howry keeps the closer role, Foulke will probably throw another 100 innings in relief, and will probably be outstanding again.

BOB HOWRY (27, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1997 AA 6 3 60 0 0 0 24 68 74 24 46 452 1998 CHW 0 3 44 0 0 0 9 54 37 19 51 315 1999 CHW 5 3 69 0 0 0 28 68 58 38 80 359

The White Sox' closer, for now. Howry can overpower hitters, but his control was not good. He will have to pitch better to keep the job, because the Sox also have Keith Foulke, who is brilliant. If Howry's control improves he is capable of having an outstanding season.

MARK JOHNSON (CA, 24, L)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1997 A 120 375 95 27 4 4 59 46 106 85 253 420 379 4 2 1998 AA 117 382 108 17 3 9 68 59 105 72 283 443 414 0 1 1999 CHW 73 207 47 11 0 4 27 16 36 58 227 344 338 3 1

MARK JOHNSON (CA, 24, L)


 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS

 1997       A 120 375  95 27  4  4  59  46 106  85  253 420 379   4   2

 1998      AA 117 382 108 17  3  9  68  59 105  72  283 443 414   0   1



 1999     CHW  73 207  47 11  0  4  27  16  36  58  227 344 338   3   1

Johnson skipped Triple-A and platooned with the White Sox. I don't like it when players are rushed along before they are ready, but Johnson is a solid bet to have a good career. He knows the strike zone and can get on base, and also has some power potential. He is young, and probably a year away from having his first good season, but he looks good for the future.

PAUL KONERKO (1B, 24, R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 LA-CIN 75 217 47 4 0 7 21 29 16 40 217 276 332 0 1 1999 CHW 142 513 151 31 4 24 71 81 45 68 294 352 511 1 0

Konerko was dealt by LA for Jeff Shaw, then by Cincinnati for Mike Cameron. I can't knock the Reds, because they turned around and dealt Cameron for Griffey, but the Dodgers were fools, and deserve to finish last. Konerko is an outstanding young hitter who should be among the best in the league for the next ten years. The only question is where he is going to play.

CARLOS LEE (LF, 24, R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1997 A 139 546 173 50 4 17 81 82 36 65 317 357 516 11 5 1998 AA 138 549 166 33 2 21 77 106 39 55 302 350 485 11 5 1999 CHW 127 492 144 32 2 16 66 84 13 72 293 312 463 4 2

CARLOS LEE (LF, 24, R)


 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS

 1997       A 139 546 173 50  4 17  81  82  36  65  317 357 516  11   5

 1998      AA 138 549 166 33  2 21  77 106  39  55  302 350 485  11   5



 1999     CHW 127 492 144 32  2 16  66  84  13  72  293 312 463   4   2

Lee is a big young outfielder who can pound the ball, and who had a fine rookie season with Chicago. With Thomas, Konerko, and Ordonez, Lee gives the White Sox an awesome quartet of power hitters; I expect him to be a consistent .300 hitter who will hit 20-30 homers this year.

JEFF LIEFER (1B, 26, L)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1997 AA 119 474 113 24 9 15 67 71 38 115 238 302 422 2 0 1998 AAA 127 471 137 33 6 21 84 89 60 125 291 381 520 1 2 1999 AAA 46 171 58 17 1 9 36 34 21 26 339 412 608 2 1 1999 CHW 45 113 28 7 1 0 8 14 8 28 248 295 327 2 0

JEFF LIEFER (1B, 26, L)


 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS

 1997      AA 119 474 113 24  9 15  67  71  38 115  238 302 422   2   0

 1998     AAA 127 471 137 33  6 21  84  89  60 125  291 381 520   1   2

 1999     AAA  46 171  58 17  1  9  36  34  21  26  339 412 608   2   1



 1999     CHW  45 113  28  7  1  0   8  14   8  28  248 295 327   2   0

Liefer can hit a little bit, but he is running out of time to establish himself, and I'm not sure if he will get much playing time with the White Sox. He needs an early hot streak to establish himself; I doubt that he has star potential, but with luck he could be Rico Brogna.

SEAN LOWE (29, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1997 AAA 6 10 26 23 1 0 1 132 142 53 117 437 1998 AAA 12 8 25 21 0 0 0 153 147 61 114 318 1999 CHW 4 1 64 0 0 0 0 96 90 46 62 367

Lowe had a fine year in the White Sox' bullpen. It has taken him a long time to establish himself, and he will need to improve his control if he wants to continue his success. Also, he is probably better off in the bullpen; a return to the starting rotation would not be a successful one.

AARON MYETTE (23, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1997 A 3 1 5 5 0 0 0 32 19 11 27 114 1998 A 13 6 23 23 1 1 0 147 116 44 157 233 1999 AA 12 7 28 28 0 0 0 165 138 77 135 366 1999 CHW 0 2 4 3 0 0 0 16 17 14 11 632

AARON MYETTE (23, R)


 YEAR    TEAM  WN  LS  GP GS CG SH SV  IP HIT  BB  SO ERA

 1997       A   3   1   5  5  0  0  0  32  19  11  27 114

 1998       A  13   6  23 23  1  1  0 147 116  44 157 233

 1999      AA  12   7  28 28  0  0  0 165 138  77 135 366



 1999     CHW   0   2   4  3  0  0  0  16  17  14  11 632

Myette is a very young pitcher with the White Sox. He looks outstanding, but let's wait and see what he does in Triple-A.

GREG NORTON (3B, 28, S)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1997 CHW 18 34 9 2 2 0 5 1 2 8 265 306 441 0 0 1998 CHW 105 299 71 17 2 9 38 36 26 77 237 301 398 3 3 1999 CHW 132 436 111 26 0 16 62 50 69 93 255 358 424 4 4

GREG NORTON (3B, 28, S)


 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS

 1997     CHW  18  34   9  2  2  0   5   1   2   8  265 306 441   0   0

 1998     CHW 105 299  71 17  2  9  38  36  26  77  237 301 398   3   3

 1999     CHW 132 436 111 26  0 16  62  50  69  93  255 358 424   4   4

Norton was the regular third baseman in Chicago last year. His hitting was okay, but his defense was not all that good. If he could make some small improvements both at bat and in the field he could be a quality regular, but his future is probably as a bench player.

MAGGLIO ORDONEZ (OF, 26, R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1997 CHW 21 69 22 6 0 4 12 11 2 8 319 338 580 1 2 1998 CHW 145 535 151 25 2 14 70 65 28 53 282 326 415 9 7 1999 CHW 157 624 188 34 3 30 100 117 47 64 301 349 510 13 6

MAGGLIO ORDONEZ (OF, 26, R)


 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS

 1997     CHW  21  69  22  6  0  4  12  11   2   8  319 338 580   1   2

 1998     CHW 145 535 151 25  2 14  70  65  28  53  282 326 415   9   7

 1999     CHW 157 624 188 34  3 30 100 117  47  64  301 349 510  13   6

Ordonez got off to a hot start, slumped a bit the second half of the season, but finished with some impressive numbers. He is a young .300 hitter with power and speed, and is a good defensive outfielder. Expect him to be among the best players in the league for the next ten years.

JIM PARQUE (24, L)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1997 A 7 2 11 11 0 0 0 62 29 23 76 277 1998 CHW 7 5 21 21 0 0 0 113 135 49 77 510 1999 CHW 9 15 31 30 1 0 0 174 210 79 111 513

Parque skipped from A-ball to the majors a couple of years ago, but so far hasn't pitched well. He may eventually be a decent pitcher 2-3 years down the road, but I would expect his struggles to continue in 2000.

JOSH PAUL (CA, 25, R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1997 AA 34 115 34 5 0 1 18 16 12 25 296 367 365 6 2 1998 A 123 444 113 20 7 11 66 63 38 91 255 319 405 20 8 1999 AA 93 319 89 19 3 4 47 42 29 68 279 345 395 6 6

JOSH PAUL (CA, 25, R)


 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS

 1997      AA  34 115  34  5  0  1  18  16  12  25  296 367 365   6   2

 1998       A 123 444 113 20  7 11  66  63  38  91  255 319 405  20   8

 1999      AA  93 319  89 19  3  4  47  42  29  68  279 345 395   6   6

Paul is a young catcher who is making very slow progress with the White Sox, though he has usually played fairly well. No star potential, but has some power and speed, and will hit over .250. Could be a solid backup in 2000.

JESUS PENA (25, L)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1997 A 5 3 43 0 0 0 8 65 55 19 57 222 1998 AA 0 2 22 0 0 0 2 23 20 10 28 386 1999 AA 3 2 40 0 0 0 5 40 46 18 49 236 1999 CHW 0 0 26 0 0 0 0 20 21 23 20 531

JESUS PENA (25, L)


 YEAR    TEAM  WN  LS  GP GS CG SH SV  IP HIT  BB  SO ERA

 1997       A   5   3  43  0  0  0  8  65  55  19  57 222

 1998      AA   0   2  22  0  0  0  2  23  20  10  28 386

 1999      AA   3   2  40  0  0  0  5  40  46  18  49 236



 1999     CHW   0   0  26  0  0  0  0  20  21  23  20 531

Pena is an outstanding young pitcher; the White Sox were bringing him along slowly until last season, when they suddenly decided to promote him to the majors. He didn't throw strikes, but wasn't bad; the Sox may want to send him back to the minors this year, but now that he has joined The Show he may as well stay. Looks good for the future.

BILL SIMAS (28, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1997 CHW 3 1 40 0 0 0 1 42 46 24 38 414 1998 CHW 4 3 60 0 0 0 18 70 54 22 56 357 1999 CHW 6 3 70 0 0 0 2 72 73 32 41 375

Simas pitched very well in 1999, but was overshadowed by the development of Foulke and Howry. Though I'm worried about his K/BB decline, he should pitch at the same level for at least another year in middle relief.

BRIAN SIMMONS (OF, 27, S)


 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS

 1997      AA 138 546 143 28 12 15 108  72  88 124  262 365 440  15  12

 1998     AAA  94 355 103 21  4 13  72  51  41  82  290 363 482  10   6

 1999     AAA  78 285  77 14  0 10  53  44  37  60  270 363 425   8   2



 1999     CHW  54 126  29  3  3  4  14  17   9  30  230 281 397   4   0

Mediocre young player, and not so young anymore. Simmons has some power and speed, but will struggle to hit .250 in the majors. His versatility could give him a career on the bench.

CHRIS SINGLETON (CF, 28, L)


 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS

 1997      AA 126 464 147 26 10  9  85  61  22  50  317 343 474  27  11

 1998     AAA 121 413 105 17 10  6  55  45  27  78  254 304 387   9   3



 1999     CHW 133 496 149 31  6 17  72  72  22  45  300 328 490  20   5

Singleton was one of the best rookies in the AL last year. But I don't see him ever being an All-Star; Singleton was never much of a hitter in the minor leagues, and he has poor command of the strike zone. He was 27 last year, an age at which many players have fluke years. He can hit a little, and plays good defense, so he should stick around a while, but I will be surprised if he can be a good regular.

MIKE SIROTKA (29, L)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1997 CHW 3 0 7 4 0 0 0 32 36 5 24 225 1998 CHW 14 15 33 33 5 0 0 211 255 47 128 506 1999 CHW 11 13 32 32 3 1 0 209 236 57 125 400

Sirotka had his first good season with the White Sox, and pitched well enough to have a winning record with a better team. He's a decent pitcher, probably isn't going to last very long, and isn't going to be an All-Star. Should have a similar season in 2000.

TANYON STURTZE (29, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1997 TEX 1 1 9 5 0 0 0 33 45 18 18 827 1999 AAA 9 4 33 14 2 1 3 104 83 41 107 405

Sturtz spent most of the season in Charlotte, pitched pretty well, and made one start for the White Sox. He's a minor league veteran, doesn't have much potential, but should be able to contribute in long relief or as a spot starter.

FRANK THOMAS (1B, 32, R)


 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS

 1997     CHW 146 530 184 35  0 35 110 125 109  69  347 456 611   1   1

 1998     CHW 160 585 155 35  2 29 109 109 110  93  265 381 480   7   0

 1999     CHW 135 486 148 36  0 15  74  77  87  66  305 414 471   3   3

The Big Hurt had a disappointing, injury-plagued season, and has now had two straight off-years. In his prime, Thomas was one of the best hitters in baseball history, and I have to think he has some more big seasons left. If he is healthy, I expect Thomas to settle into the DH role and have a big season. If John Jaha can come back with a big year, then Thomas can win an MVP Award.

JOSE VALENTIN (SS, 30, S)


 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS

 1997     MIL 136 494 125 23  1 17  58  58  39 109  253 310 407  19   8

 1998     MIL 151 428  96 24  0 16  65  49  63 105  224 323 393  10   7

 1999     MIL  89 256  58  9  5 10  45  38  48  52  227 347 418   3   2

      Valentin is a good news/bad news kind of guy. The bad news is that he can't get his average over .230; the good news is that he has enough walks and power to compensate, if he plays good defense. The bad news is that he has a reputation for making errors; last year he made 22, in only 89 games. Put it all together, I think he would have to have Ozzie Smith's range to justify playing him on an every day basis.
      On the other hand, his strikeout zone judgement appears to be rapidly improving; I would't be surprised if he broke out with a fine year at the plate this season. What he will do in the field is anybody's guess. A good player to take a chance on.
     ADDENDUM: Valentin has been acquired by the White Sox, where he will apparently replace Mike Caruso. It never hurts to be wanted by someone.

KIP WELLS (23, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1999 A 5 6 14 14 0 0 0 86 78 34 95 357 1999 AA 8 2 11 11 0 0 0 70 49 31 44 294 1999 CHW 4 1 7 7 0 0 0 36 33 15 29 404

Last year was Wells' first in pro ball. He blazed through the minors, and ended the year pitching well for the White Sox. The Kipper could probably use a few months at Triple-A to gain experience and build his arm strength, but he will probably start the year in Chicago. If he stays healthy, he should be good.

CRAIG WILSON (IF, 30, R)


 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS

 1997     AAA 137 453 123 20  2  6  71  42  48  31  272 343 364   4   4

 1998     AAA 120 432 132 21  1 14  67  69  37  41  306 361 456   4   2



 1998     CHW  13  47  22  5  0  3  14  10   3   6  468 490 766   1   0

 1999     CHW  98 252  60  8  1  4  28  26  23  22  238 301 325   1   1

A minor league veteran, Wilson had a dream season in 1998, that included a .468 average in the majors. Last year he got some significant playing time, but didn't perform to well. He's not really much of a hitter, but he is versatile and would not be a bad utility player.