Spring Training is almost here for the South Side

Over the last month of the off-season the White Sox have not done as much as they had earlier.  But before they report for spring training on Wednesday I figure I better give an update as to what has gone on in the last month.

(Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images North America)

On January 25th, MLB revealed their list of top 100 prospects in baseball.  And to no one’s surprise that is a true White Sox fan, their worst fears came true:  they have the worst minor league system in baseball.  While there is some talent there such as:  Nestor Molina (acquired from Toronto in the Sergio Santos deal), Simon Castro (in the Carlos Quentin deal), Trayce Thompson Eduardo Escobar, and Jared Mitchell; there is not a lot there.   The brightest spot by far was the lone White Sox player who made the Top-100 list at #100, Addison Reed.  Many believe, as I do, that Reed will be the closer for the White Sox by the end of the season.  Reed, 23, did make he debut in the majors last season as a September call-up.  He appeared in a total of 7 1/3 innings over six games having an ERA of 3.68 while allowing 3 runs on ten hits.  But his biggest upside was striking out 12 batters.  And with the need for a new closer and a 98-mph fastball in tow, he has huge potential.  At least it is one thing that White Sox fans will be able to look forward to as the season progresses.

On February 3rd and 10th respectively, the White Sox signed two free agents to minor league deals.  Former Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Dan Johnson and ex-USC Quarterbak Mitch Mustain.  I see Johnson playing in the minors for now, but the 32-year old does have experience.  And he could be a good insurance policy if Adam Dunn plays like he did last season or God forbid, Paul Konerko would get hurt.  As for Mustain, WTH?!?!  Yes he is 23, and I guess it is low risk for the Sox, but really Kenny?  This move makes you look silly and is not even worth my time to comment on.

Lastly, on  Valentine’s Day, Kenny Williams signed former Chicago Cub (and Cleveland Indian) Kosuke Fukudome for some outfield insurance.  Fukudome will likely platoon all the outfield spots and be a left-handed bat who will be able to spell Dayan Viciedo, Alex Rios or Alejandro De Aza at times.  Fukudome also has experience batting leadoff.  With Juan Pierre gone (Philadelphia) this will help.   He has a .262 average against right handed pitchers  in his career.  It is a cheap deal for the White Sox as well.  Fukudome will earn just 500,000 this season.  And the White Sox hold a team option on him.  If he performs well, they will pay him 3.5 million next season.  If not they will buy him out for another 500,000.  So either way he will earn 1-million this season and be gone, or over a 2-year span he will earn 4-million dollars.   In his 4 years in MLB he is a lifetime .260 hitter with 42 home runs, 191 RBIs, 262 runs scored and 299 walks in 572 games with the Cubs and Indians.

Now to wait for pitchers and catchers to report…