Rumors continue to swirl regarding Paul Konerko’s potential suitors…..even if the White Sox resign him, they would still like to acquire a major left-handed bat…..Dayan Viciedo could be the homegrown solution to a void left by Konerko. [MLB.com]
Ozzie is preparing himself for a team and life without free agents A.J. Pierzynski and Paul Konerko…..Bobby Jenks career with the White Sox is looking like it’s over…..team might have interest in American League’s top closer, free agent Rafael Soriano. [ESPN]
The Los Angeles Angels selected outfielder Mike Trout with the 25th overall pick in the first round of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft. Before the 2010 season, Baseball America ranked Trout as the #3 prospect within the Angels’ organization, and 85th overall. At just 18-years old, Trout hit .341 with six home runs, 28 doubles, 39 RBI, and 56 stolen bases, while splitting time between Cedar Rapids and Rancho Cucamonga. Additionally, he exhibited excellent plate disciple, drawing 73 walks and striking out 85 times in 508 at-bats. Here is a video of Trout — who will likely be named one of baseball’s top prospects prior to the 2011 season — taking batting practice as a member of Team USA:
In late September, with only a few games remaining in the regular season, I wrote a column that highlighted Alexei Ramirez’s outstanding season at shortstop for the Chicago White Sox. More importantly, I contended that he should be the recipient of the Silver Slugger Award at shortstop. However, after Tuesday’s disconcerting announcement that Derek Jeter had won the Gold Glove over Alexei Ramirez, I became perturbed by the thought that the Rawlings Silver Slugger Award might ultimately be just another popularity contest.
Thankfully, logic prevailed on Thursday as Ramirez was awarded the first Louisville Silver Slugger Award of his career, ending Jeter’s four-year stranglehold over the honor.
The San Francisco Giants drafted Brandon Belt — a 6’5,” lefthanded first baseman — in the 5th round of the 2009 MLB Amateur Draft. Making a stop at each minor league level in 2010, Belt posted a 1.075 OPS that included 43 doubles, 23 home runs and 112 RBI. Also impressive is the fact that he drew 93 walks while only striking out 99 times in 492 at-bats. If the Giants are unable, or choose not to resign veteran Aubrey Huff, then Belt could be the Giants new 1B as early as 2011. In case you have not seen him absolutely rake, here is a video of Belt taking batting practice before an Arizona Fall League game on November 1st:
November 14, 2010
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Posted by Mike Rosenbaum
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