Chris Sale: After just 11 career minor league appearances, the White Sox promoted Sale to the majors where he has more than held his own, 1.47 ERA and a perfect 3 for 3 in saves. His strike out/ground ball package is very impressive, 11.2 K/9 and a 51% GB%, but he does need to work on his control, 4.9 BB/9. Of course the sample size is small, 18.1 innings. At just 21 years of age he has a bright future and it almost certainly will be as a SP, as you would think the White Sox would not waste such a good left-handed arm in the bullpen.
Chad Qualls: This is a season Qualls would like to forget, 2-4, 7.69 ERA, and 7 blown saves. His skills have gone down across the board, 2008/2009/2010 K/9's 8.7/7.8/7.7, BB/9's 2.2/1.2/3.4, and GB%'s 58%/57%/55%, but don't deserve that kind of an ERA. Unbelievable bad luck in the form of a 56% S% and a .405 BHIP% is also at play. He still has the skills to close but that opportunity would probably not come until in- season with an injury or an ineffective closer.
Manny Ramirez: Age and injuries have reduced Ramirez' power from awesome to just merely good, 9 HR and 15 doubles in 251 AB. His underlying numbers, 2008/2009/2010 FB%’s 39%/42%/35% and HR/FB%’s 22%/17%/13%, that days of Manny being a big-time power threat are a thing of the past.
Ryan Kalish: Despite a low .245 BA, Kalish is showing a nice power/speed package, 4 HR, 10 doubles, and 4 steals in 139 AB. He will need to improve his approach at the plate, 5% BB% and a 75% Ct%, and his minor league resume shows that the skills are there, 15% BB% and an 86% Ct% in 150 Double-A AB earlier this year. He turns 23 years of age in March so there is time for the plate skills to grow. Keep an eye on him for 2011.
Kevin Millwood: It has been a rough year for Millwood, 3-16 with a 5.29 ERA, but his skill aren't that bad, 6.0 K/9, 3.0 BB/9, and a 38% GB%. His first-half skills, 7.2 K/9, 2.8 K/9, and a 38% GB%, suggested that all Millwood needed was a change of scenery, but the second-half skill slide, 4.9 K/9, 3.4 BB%, and a 38% B%, and his age, he will be 36 years of age at the beginning of next year, makes him a risky proposition moving forward.
There are over 100 player news blurbs posted in the member area each morning, members can read the rest of today's player news by clicking here link:www.fantistics.com/baseball00/. Not a member? Join today link:www.fantistics.com/join/join.php3
