Baseball America’s Top 10 Prospects: Chicago White Sox

So much for my Kinnis Pledger RC’s. Bummer.

1. Gordon Beckham, ss
2. Aaron Poreda, lhp
3. Clayton Richard, lhp
4. Brandon Allen, 1b
5. Jordan Danks, of
6. Chris Getz, 2b
7. John Shelby, of
8. John Ely, rhp
9. Cole Armstrong, c
10. Eduardo Escobar, ss

Fields, second baseman Chris Getz and maybe even Owens may get a chance to become regulars in 2009. Further away but more promising is a group of 2008 draftees—shortstop Gordon Beckham, third baseman Brent Morel and center fielder Jordan Danks—who have significantly replenished the system’s inventory of promising position players. First baseman Brandon Allen also took a huge step forward in 2008 and appears on the verge of moving into the conversation as an eventual replacement for Paul Konerko as Chicago looks to get younger and more athletic.

The system’s pitching depth took a hit with the Swisher trade, though lefties Aaron Poreda and Clayton Richard are close to being ready to assume prominent roles with the White Sox. Richard was their most impressive pitcher in the AL Division Series against the Rays. Righty Adam Russell also had his moments in the bullpen, winning three games in one nine-day span.