"Ventura sees lots of potential in Jared Mitchell"

[rdivaldi]

Article by Gonzo.

I see lots of potential too, but his season last year is just impossible to ignore. That ankle injury in 2010 really took the wind out of this kid's sails.

[DirtySox]

I see a great athlete with plenty of tools that haven't translated to baseball skills yet. As ****ty as the injury circumstances are, it's getting close to a make or break year for him. He needs to significantly improve on his strikeout/contact issues.

I still have no problem with the draft pick. A toolsy up the middle player with All-Star potential if things pan out? Yes please. Sometimes it just doesn't work out.

[Daver]

Originally Posted by DirtySox

Sometimes it just doesn't work out.

See Borchard, Joe.

[DirtySox]

Originally Posted by Daver

See Borchard, Joe.

Indeed. It's truly aggravating that the Sox haven't produced a legitimate position player with a 1st round pick since Aaron Rowand in 1998.

[cards press box]

Originally Posted by DirtySox

Indeed. It's truly aggravating that the Sox haven't produced a legitimate position player with a 1st round pick since Aaron Rowand in 1998.

I know that Gordon Beckham has struggled at the plate but doesn't he count as a legitimate position player?

[DirtySox]

Originally Posted by cards press box

I know that Gordon Beckham has struggled at the plate but doesn't he count as a legitimate position player?

He's been below average every season since his rookie year. I don't consider him a success unless his bat picks up. The defense is great and I value it significantly, but man, a .633 OPS is just abysmal. I might be inviting the ire of Daver, but his glove can only carry him so far.

[rdivaldi]

Originally Posted by DirtySox

I still have no problem with the draft pick. A toolsy up the middle player with All-Star potential if things pan out? Yes please. Sometimes it just doesn't work out.

Agreed. I remember watching him in the CWS and being "wowed" by his bat speed and athleticism, but at the same time looking at his massive strikeout total for that season and thinking "that could be a problem".

[DSpivack]

Originally Posted by rdivaldi

Agreed. I remember watching him in the CWS and being "wowed" by his bat speed and athleticism, but at the same time looking at his massive strikeout total for that season and thinking "that could be a problem".

Sounds like Chris Young.

[DirtySox]

Originally Posted by rdivaldi

Agreed. I remember watching him in the CWS and being "wowed" by his bat speed and athleticism, but at the same time looking at his massive strikeout total for that season and thinking "that could be a problem".

One of Merkin's many fluff spring training pieces noted that he's tweaked his swing mechanics during instructs. We will see soon enough. I imagine he will be pushed to AA via the typical aggressive Sox way.

[rdivaldi]

Originally Posted by DirtySox

One of Merkin's many fluff spring training pieces noted that he's tweaked his swing mechanics during instructs.

I always have a hard time buying into that as well. When you strike out as much as Jared does, a lot has to be mental or instinctual. A new approach can do wonders.