With these two picks, the White Sox addressed definite needs. As we all know, pitching prospects are a whole different animal, so let’s focus on the top position players drafted. Considering the lack of any catching prospects behind Tyler Flowers, Phegley especially is a shrewd pick. Mitchell will be as well if he projects like he’s expected. But, should we expect to see them on the fast track? They may not be on the level of Gordon Beckham and Jordan Danks and to a lesser extent, Brent Morel, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see them move quickly.

Phegley is 21 and Mitchell will be 21 later this year, so a two to three year run in the minors is a logical expectation. Assuming they both get signed in a reasonable amount of time and log some games in Rookie ball this summer, I think we can see them move quickly. Phegley could reasonably start 2010 in Winston-Salem, then perhaps get a cup of coffee in Birmingham late in the season. A whole year in Birmingham in 2011 would follow. 2012 seems to be his likely ETA. Mitchell on the other hand could spend half of 2010 in Kannapolis, then jump to Winston-Salem for the rest of the year. A whole year in Birmingham in 2011, then a shot at making the show in 2012. Of course, this is all conjecture on my part, any feedback is welcome.

Cheers,

JPN