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ESPN’s Keith Law Ranks The White Sox Farm System Surprisingly Low

While the White Sox rebuild has been universally praised, ESPN's Keith Law still thinks more needs to be done. (Photo courtesy of ESPN)

The White Sox rebuild has been universally praised by the baseball universe.

In trading Chris Sale and Adam Eaton, Chicago was able to get a number of prospects including Yoan Moncada, Michael Kopech, Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez. Those four players are currently the team’s four best prospects, and all sit within the top 100 prospects in baseball according to MLB Pipeline. Coupled with Carson Fulmer and Zack Collins, the White Sox currently have six top 100 prospects.

The White Sox future seems bright on the South Side. The team has rebuffed their farm system and could be true World Series contenders in a few years.

While most feel that Rick Hahn has been doing an excellent job, one analyst feels that more needs to be done.

ESPN’s Keith Law recently released his top ten farm system rankings. Most would assume that the White Sox would be ranked first or second. But on Law’s list, the South Siders slip all the way to tenth.

The Braves, Yankees, Padres, Pirates, Dodgers, Brewers, Mets, Reds and Rockies are all ranked higher the White Sox. Law writes:

The White Sox went from a probable bottom-five system to the border of the top 10 thanks to a great draft and two enormous hauls in trades of major leaguers, giving them the strongest farm system they’ve had in the 10 years I’ve been doing these rankings. Eight of their top 10 prospects weren’t in the organization on June 1, 2016. They may have landed a second first-round talent with Alec Hansen, their third pick of last year’s draft, and they’re going to be all over my top 25. So why aren’t they ranked higher?

Well, once you get past those eight guys, it falls off fast. Of their top 10 from last year, No. 1 graduated, and the next nine guys all had poor to lousy seasons. Some of the younger guys on the list still have promise but just haven’t performed. There’s no sugarcoating the lack of progress — which I think made Rick Hahn’s decision to rebuild all the smarter, given what was on the way. And perhaps the infusion of older prospects will let the White Sox give some of their youngest prospects more time in low- or high-A to develop physically and mentally.

To paraphrase, Law feels that beyond the White Sox top prospects, Chicago’s farm system is pretty weak. While Moncada, Kopech, Giolito, Lopez and even Alex Hansen are impressive, the depth in the system is weak.

For the most part, Law is correct. The White Sox have a ton of uncertainty in their farm system. The team has a ton of prospects who have not lived up to their potential. Courtney Hawkins, Adam Engel and Micker Adolfo to name a few.

While those prospects could pan out, it is far from certain they ever reach their ceiling. That uncertainty is what led to the Sox being ranked so low on Law’s list.

The White Sox system may not be the deepest, but it is still shocking to see them ranked so low. Among the nine teams ahead of the White Sox, only the Braves and Brewers have more top 100 prospects.

Of course, a lot could change between now and the start of the season. The team is still expected to move Jose Quintana and potentially Todd Frazier, David Robertson and others. Assuming the Sox make those moves, Chicago should see their farm system rise up Law’s ranks.

Interesting to note is that both the Yankees and Pirates have shown interest in Quintana, and are both higher than the White Sox on this list.

Overall, Keith Law’s rankings are just another baseball analysts opinion. Other analysts have named the Sox farm system the best in the MLB. But Law is right in pointing out that Chicago needs more depth to truly be considered World Series contenders in a few years.

If Rick Hahn starts moving players like he did at the Winter Meetings, the Chicago White Sox should have no problem doing just that.

 

Feel free to continue the conversation on Twitter: @DFappiano14

Top Insider Hints Key Bears Free Agent Target May Actually Be Available

chicago bears eric berry

Can the Chicago Bears actually go from their worst franchise finish in a 16-game season ever (3-13) to a possible playoff berth in 2017? It’s happened before. They did go from 5-11 to 13-3 from 2000 to 2001. GM Ryan Pace is adamant that he understands the situation. Anything he or the coaching staff says at this point can’t be taken at face value because they haven’t won anything.

Until they do, it’s just talk. That means it will take action for them to get this thing straightened out. The good news? They are well-stocked with the ammunition to really make a run at upgrading this roster. Not only do they hold the #3 pick in the upcoming NFL draft, but they also will have over $54 million in salary cap space. To say nothing of the moves they could make to create more.

That means they have the green light to be active on the free agent market. It’s a matter of figuring out where they should focus their dollars. Ask around and pretty much everybody will give the same answer:  the secondary. Chicago badly needs help at cornerback and safety. Turns out one of the biggest fish may actually make it to the pond this year.

Bleacher Report Suggests The Perfect Trade Destinations For Todd Frazier

May 9, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Chicago White Sox third baseman Todd Frazier (21) hits a grand slam against the Texas Rangers during the twelfth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The White Sox defeat the Rangers 8-4 in 12 innings. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Todd Frazier is one of the most confusing trade pieces on the White Sox. He offers massive power potential, yet it seems like no team has shown real interest in him.

Frazier has been in the MLB for the past six seasons, playing for the Reds before the White Sox. In his 791 career games, Frazier has hit .250 with 148 home runs, 422 RBIs and 58 stolen bases. He has atleast 29 home runs, 80 RBIs and 13 stolen bases the past three seasons.

Teams have obviously shown interest in that power stroke. But what worries some off is his contract situation. Frazier is making a modest $12 million in 2017, but he will be a free agent following the 2017 season. Teams are unwilling to offer what Rick Hahn is asking for, for a player who could end up being a rental.

However pitching rentals seem to draw a fairly high package pool. This is due to teams wanting another stud pitcher for their playoff push. Most teams already have their corner outfielders in place. If not, they likely have a cheap power option in the minors.

This offseason has proven that teams are unwilling to pay top dollar for premium power. While Frazier offers 30+ home run potential, it appears as if no team will be willing to trade their top prospects for the White Sox third baseman.

While it has seemed improbable that Frazier would be moved, Bruce Levine of 670 The Score reported that Frazier will be moved before the end of the 2017 season.

The only question that remains is: where?

WATCH: Duncan Keith Sings In Russian With Artemi Panarin

Duncan Keith

Chicago Blackhawks Forward Artemi Panarin posted an interesting video on Instagram this morning. It featured Defenseman Duncan Keith singing in Russian and I use the term “singing” loosely.

Maybe he is working on something for the next Keith Relief. While I can’t tell you what he is singing, I did translate the caption.

Канадский #розенбаум

Canadian #rosenbaum

A rosenbaum is a rose bush and that is as much information I could gather. Anyway, this is a fun glimpse into what the players actually do when they’re on the road. It’s probably not as glamorous as what you think they’re doing.

Канадский #розенбаум 😂 Canadian #singer @dk_2_

A post shared by @artemiypanarin on

 

White Sox Zack Collins Named One Of The Best Catchers In Minor Leagues

CORAL GABLES, FL - May 14: Zack Collins #0 of the Miami Hurricanes hits a single scoring a run in the first inning against the Pittsburgh Panthers on May 14, 2016 at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field in Coral Gables, Florida. Miami defeated Pittsburgh 4-3. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)

MLB Pipeline has been ranking the top ten prospects at each position on the way to unveiling their top 100 prospects on January 28th. Recently they named White Sox Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez and Michael Kopech as three of the best right-handed pitchers in the league.

However the White Sox farm system isn’t all about top flight pitching. While it seems like Chicago has been focusing on pitching in their Chris Sale/Adam Eaton the trades, the team has a good amount of pop in the minors.

One of those players is catcher Zack Collins. Collins was drafted by the White Sox with the 10th overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft. He went on to appear in 39 games, hitting .244 with six home runs and 18 RBIs.

As MLB Pipeline ranked their top 10 catching prospects, Collins was named the fourth best backstop in the minor leagues.

Jim Callis of the site wrote:

Collins offered some of the best offensive upside in the 2016 Draft and went 10th overall, earning a $3, 380, 600 bonus. He has big left-handed power and has been an on-base machine, though his throwing and catching skills are average at best.

Collins has some of the best power in the minor leagues. He should have a real chance to hit 25+ home runs a season upon his arrival to the MLB. Collins should hit in the middle of the White Sox lineup and be a source of power for years to come.

But the White Sox catcher’s biggest weakness is his defensive ability behind the plate. He has weak arm strength and his receiving and blocking skills need work. Some scouts have said that he profiles better as a first baseman rather than catcher.

Collins will have to improve his defense behind the plate if he wishes to stay there as he reaches the majors. If he shows drastic improvement, there is a chance that Collins could be the White Sox catcher of the future.

The White Sox catching prospect has his work cut out for him, but he knows what he needs to do to reach the major leagues. Once he does get the call up, there’s more than a good chance he becomes an impact bat for the White Sox.

Zack Collins will enter the season as the fourth best catching prospect in the minor leagues. In his first full season as a professional, he will have a chance to prove just how talented he really is.

While he needs to work on his defense, Collins could turn into one of the best power hitting catchers in the major leagues. It looks as if the White Sox got a great player when they drafted Zack Collins in the first round last season.

 

Feel free to continue the conversation on Twitter: @DFappiano14

Exciting Group Of Young Cornerbacks Available For Chicago In Free Agency

The Chicago Bears will have a plethora of young cornerbacks to choose from in free agency this year leaving absolutely no reason why fans shouldn’t see a huge upgrade at the position.

With the whole world on their knees for Aaron Rodgers, Bears fans are looking at the fact that he’s only 33 years-old and likely to play at least another five years. If Chicago is going to have any shot at winning the division, consistently, they will need to fill the gaping holes at defensive back. Specifically, the cornerback position.

Since the retirement of Charles Tillman the Bears have lacked a dominating presence at corner, to say the least. Tracy Porter has shown some flashes, but he’s getting old fast. Kyle Fuller went from a first-round talent to a cut candidate. Bryce Callahan, an emerging nickelback, has failed to be on the field consistently. Cre’von LeBlanc showed potential by leading the group with the 59th best cornerback grade on Pro Football Focus, but if your top-graded player is 59th there are issues. Especially when Rodgers and Matthew Stafford are in your division and only one team in the entire league finished with less interceptions than you last season.

Each rookie defensive back selected by Ryan Pace last season got a chance to play this year as well. The group of three was highlighted by Deiondre’ Hall, a long-corner out of Northern Iowa. The highest graded player in the group ended up being the lowest draft pick, DeAndre Houston-Carson. He received a whopping 64.6 from PFF which is considered “below average.” The other two finished with “poor” grades. Not that surprising when looking at their fourth-round or lower draft selections.

In addition to safety, if the cornerback position was upgraded for next year it would really make the front seven shine. With Pro Bowl level talent on the defensive line and in the linebacking corps, the Bears defense could return to greatness if they had a shutdown corner paired with a new young safety. Selecting a safety at #3 is a huge possibility and adding a shutdown corner in free agency is also quite intriguing considering the young group of talent. Here are five free agent corners you could see wearing orange and navy next season.

#5. Prince Amukamara JAX

After getting a one-year deal worth over $5 million,  Amukamara didn’t intercept a single pass for the Jaguars. He was the third highest paid corner in the free agent pool after coming off a couple good years in New York where he had a total of 21 pass deflections and four interceptions in ’14 and ’15. Amukamara is only 27 years-old and the overall horrid play of Jacksonville’s team last season could be a reason for his decline. A change of scenery could suit him well, especially a destination in the NFC because he knows the receivers well after spending five years with the Giants. The drop off in his play should also allow for a nice discount.

Image result for prince nakamura jax

Super Bowl History Says Chicago Bears Should Spend #3 Pick Here

chicago bears

The Chicago Bears are at a crossroads in franchise history. For the first time in years it feels like the roster is headed in the right direction. However, there still hasn’t been that defining moment. An acquisition that could become the foundation of their future success or deathblow to everything they’ve tried to build.

It certainly looks like this moment is almost at hand with the 2017 off-season approaching. Not only will the Bears have a healthy amount of salary cap space, but also the #3 overall pick in the draft. It’s the highest they’ve drafted in 45 years. Last time did not go very well for them. So how can they avoid missing again, all the while giving themselves the best chance to make a future run at a championship?

Perhaps a way to figure that out is by doing an overview of the history surrounding top five draft picks. Figuring out where most of the individual and team success comes from may point the finger at where the Bears will be directing their attention come this April.

NBA Insider Reports Bulls Interested In Chris Bosh

nba insider reports bulls interested chris bosh

Looks like them Duke boys are at it again.

Errr, I mean Gar Forman and John Paxson.

ESPN NBA Insider Marc Stein just released a report giving an update on Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh, who’s been out of the league for years dealing with blood clots.

Dwyane Wade’s former teammate is now all that remains of the “Big Three” in Miami,  but many expect the Heat to waive him as the team heads toward a rebuild.

Here’s Stein:

“If Bosh, who turns 33 in March, makes it back onto the floor next season, word is that the Chicago Bulls are already plotting a run and will be at the front of the line to try to sign him.” – Marc Stein

If this is true, then clearly GarPax would be continuing the trend of ignoring their own advice to get “younger and more athletic.” It could be a last-ditch attempt to convince Wade to stay in Chicago, seeing as he won two championships with Bosh in Miami.

Bosh is a huge risk with his health condition. And at age 33, even if the blood clots don’t remain an issue, how much rust must he shake off to regain his form after being away from the league for so long? What does the once-dominant power forward have left in the tank? He can spread the floor with his shooting as a stretch four, which Fred Hoiberg would love to have in his starting lineup. But is that worth the massive risk that comes with signing an aging veteran with health concerns?

K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune:

This could just be noise, but Stein is usually on the money when making these kind of reports. Not many people are more tuned into NBA front offices than he is. As Johnson mentions above, the push to sign Bosh would likely mean that GarPax are trying to make a splash signing to create a new and improved “three alphas” situation, replacing Rajon Rondo with Bosh. How about a point guard, Gar? One who can shoot? No? Okay then.

Sports Mockery will keep you up to speed on any developments on the Chris Bosh rumors. For the latest, or to share your opinion, follow our Bulls beat reporter @Bulls_Peck.

Theo Epstein’s Advice On Improving Your Career Is Genius

Theo Epstein recently sat down with David Axelrod and gave some great insight as to how he rose in the ranks of baseball so quickly. If you recall, Epstein was the youngest GM in the history of baseball when he took the reigns of the Boston Red Sox in 2002. He then promptly ended the Red Sox 86-year championship drought two years later and the rest as they say, is history.

The fact that Epstein was leading a Major League ball club at an age where most of us were stuck in shitty jobs that we hate is pretty interesting to think about. What did he do different? How did he rise so quickly? Did he actually sell his soul to the Devil for a World Series championship ring?

Ok, the last one may have been an exaggeration but you get my point.

Epstein shared the secret to his success on Axelrod’s podcast and it’s still a philosophy that he stands by today.

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Kris Bryant Destroying An Aluminum Bat Is Exactly As Incredible As It Sounds

There are good baseball stories and then there are GREAT baseball stories.

I’d like to think the story you’re about to hear falls into the latter but I’ll let you be the judge of that.

I got a chance to sit down and talk with one of Kris Bryant’s high school coaches, Kevin Fiddler, to gain some insight on the reigning National League MVP’s career before he got to Chicago. I’ve already written pretty extensively about Bryant’s high school career so when I was talking to Coach Fiddler, I was hoping to hear something other than stats that would exemplify just how special of a player Bryant is.

I heard a few good stories about Bryant crushing balls during BP, his only game as a starting pitcher, and some friendly wagers with his father but I was looking for something just a bit better.

Then Coach Fiddler sent me the following picture and said, “Oh I almost forgot about this.”

What you see is a picture of a bat that Bryant destroyed during his senior year of high school and the story is just as awesome as you think…