Chicago White Sox: Breaking Down the Top 5 Prospects in the White Sox System

When Kenny Williams first took over as general manager of the Chicago White Sox in 2000, he was seen as a creative executive who would do whatever it took to improve the big league club with no regard for the farm system. 

It worked early in his tenure, with the franchise winning a World Series in 2005, but currently his win-now philosophy, combined with ownership's unwillingness to spend money on the draft, have left the system in dire straits. 

They have no high-impact prospects or depth right now, and their top two players are a starter being groomed as a relief pitcher and a No. 4 or No. 5 starter if everything goes right.

Here are the top prospects currently in the White Sox farm system as we move closer to the start of spring training. 

1. Addison Reed, RHP, 23

While I would like to see what Reed could do in a starting rotation, that is not the path he has been put on. The White Sox put him on the fast track to the big leagues by grooming him as a reliever. He did pitch in six games at the end of last season, posting a 3.68 ERA with 12 strikeouts in 10 innings. 

Strengths: Reed's two best pitches are his fastball and slider. He has a good feel for both pitches and commands them in the strike zone. The fastball sits in the mid-90s and he hides it from hitters well. His slider has a hard break to it that will induce a lot of weak contact. 

Weaknesses: He throws the ball from a three-quarters arm slot that doesn't allow him to use his height to get on top of his pitches. His changeup was better in 2011, but is still a work in progress. 

Report: While I would like to see the White Sox put Reed in the rotation to see if he can handle it, they want him to be a late-inning reliever. With the trade of Sergio Santos, he is likely going to start the season in Chicago. He will eventually take over the closer's role. 

ETA: 2012

2. Nestor Molina, RHP, 23

Molina was acquired by the White Sox in a trade for Sergio Santos. It was an interesting deal for the team, because Santos was coming off a big year as the team's closer and was signed to a good contract. That is not to say Molina has no upside, it was just a strange move for the team. 

Strengths: Molina's best asset is his command/control. He does not have any one pitch that is going to overwhelm you, but his numbers look really good because he can place the ball anywhere he wants. Despite a slight frame, his delivery is clean and he understands how to pitch better than most young pitchers. His splitter is his best pitch—his arm action sells it like a fastball before it falls off a table. 

Weaknesses: As good as Molina's control is, his stuff is very average at best. His fastball sits in the high-80s, but will occasionally touch the low-90s. He is working on a curveball that he does not have a good feel for yet. 

Report: If you believe in command and control, you can make a case for Molina as a mid-rotation starting pitcher. His fringy stuff will likely push him to the back of the rotation or the bullpen. 

ETA: 2013

3. Simon Castro, RHP, 23

Another pitcher the White Sox dealt for this offseason, Castro was acquired from San Diego in the Carlos Quentin trade. He has had an inconsistent minor league career, but still boasts some upside if he can stay healthy and tweak some flaws in his delivery. 

Strengths: When he is healthy, Castro's fastball is a plus pitch. It sits in the mid-90s and has good movement. He has always had good strikeout numbers in the minors, though they have dropped slightly since he made the jump from low Class A to Double-A before the 2010 season. His slider can miss bats, but he has not shown the ability to throw it for strikes consistently. 

Weaknesses: Castro doesn't trust any pitch besides his fastball. He hasn't thrown his changeup enough to develop a good feel for it, and at times he forgets it is in his arsenal altogether. Unless he is able to throw his offspeed pitches for strikes more consistently, his future is as a reliever. His delivery can be problematic because he doesn't always follow through with his pitches. 

Report: Despite some injury problems last season and lackluster results in Triple-A, albeit in very limited action, Castro can be an effective No. 3 or No. 4 starter. Since he only likes to throw his fastball and ignores his offspeed pitches, odds are good he ends up as a reliever. 

ETA: 2013

4. Jacob Petricka, RHP, 23

Much like the first three pitchers on this list, Petricka has an intriguing arm but could be ticketed to the bullpen because of injuries. His repertoire also needs a lot of work in order for him to reach his ceiling. His projection is based more on upside than results, though he has looked impressive at a few different levels in the minors. 

Strengths: Petricka's best pitch is a power fastball that sits in the mid-90s and has good sink. When he is throwing it for strikes, hitters will either swing and miss or pound it into the dirt. His curveball can look like a dominant pitch, but he has an inconsistent release point. At 6'5", 170 pounds, he has an ideal pitcher's body. 

Weaknesses: In two minor league seasons, Petricka has thrown just 158 innings due to various injuries. He does not have a great delivery, standing too upright and using too much of his arm instead of letting his legs drive him to the plate. His command is not where it needs to be, and he has no consistency with his curveball or changeup.

Report: Looking at Petricka's arm alone, there is a lot to like. He can make scouts and fans drool with his fastball-curveball combination. Command, injuries and an inconsistent delivery will make him a reliever, though he is still being groomed as a starter. 

ETA: 2013

5. Trayce Thompson, OF, 20

The first position player on the list, Thompson is also one of the greatest unknowns in the system. He has the tools to be a star, showing good power and the potential to be a good defensive center fielder. His raw athleticism has not translated into great results on the field yet. 

Strengths: When he hits the ball, Thompson can drive it a long way. He's a disciplined hitter with remarkable bat speed, a good power stroke and uses his lower half well. Defensively, he's very efficient up the middle but his lack of speed does not allow him to cover a lot of ground. 

Weaknesses: Thompson does not make a lot of contact. He struck out 172 times in 519 at-bats last season. He also had an ugly platoon split, hitting .306/.395/.556 against lefties compared to .216/.303/.419 against right-handed pitching. 

Report: He has the most upside of any player in the system, but unless he figures out how to make consistent contact and close the gap on his platoon splits his future is not very bright. While he can play center, he might have to move to right field. 

ETA: 2015

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