System overview
When it became obvious they wouldn't contend in '02, the White Sox threw in the towel last summer, trading away several veterans and plugging rookies into the lineup. The team played much better down the stretch, thanks to contributions from the farm system, and the team feels it can compete again in '03. Otherwise they wouldn't have traded for Bartolo Colon. But it was the farm system that provided the raw material to make that trade, as well as the Billy Koch/Keith Foulke deal, and the ill-fated Todd Ritchie trade of last winter.

Despite those trades, the Sox have emphasized farm development for many years, especially on the pitching side. They haven't had as much luck actually turning some of these arms into genuine pitchers, as guys like Dan Wright and Jon Garland continue to struggle with their command. On the other hand, farm product Mark Buehrle has emerged as one of the best pitchers in the league, and the everyday lineup is populated with organization turnouts like Magglio Ordonez, Joe Crede, and Carlos Lee.

The Sox farm system is not one of the absolute best, due to a relative lack of depth beyond the top tier, but it's been consistently productive, and should remain that way. They have a keen eye for talented pitching arms.

2002 amateur draft
Pitching was the focus of Chicago's draft effort in '02. The first pick was San Diego State lefty Royce Ring, owner of a 92 mph fastball and a great curve. He is being groomed as a reliever, and could be helping out in the White Sox pen sometime in 2004. Long Beach State outfielder Jeremy Reed went in the second round. He doesn't have a ton of power, but makes solid contact, and hit .319 with 15 doubles and 17 steals in his pro debut at Class A Kannapolis. Third-round choice Josh Rupe, a junior college pitcher from North Carolina, is very erratic and will need polish, but has a high ceiling.

Texas high school lefty Ryan Rodriguez went in the fourth round. He is projectable and throws strikes, but will need time to add velocity. Fifth-round choice B.J. LaMura, a right-hander from Clemson, fanned 20 and walked seven in his first 18 pro innings.

One of the biggest sleepers in the draft is seventh-round pick Micah Schnurstein, a third baseman out of high school in Nevada. He hit .332 in rookie ball, with 26 doubles, and impressed a lot of people with his short stroke.

This looks like a decent mixture of talent. Ring and Reed should move quickly, while Schnurstein looks like a big surprise. The other guys will take more time.

Top prospects
Players in the "Will Help Soon" section could see significant major league action in 2003. Players in the "Will Help Someday" section shouldn't reach the majors until '04 or later, though of course that can change. Players are listed alphabetically. No 2002 draftees are listed.

WILL HELP SOON
Joe Borchard, OF: May end up in Triple-A to start the year, but is likely to see significant playing time. Excellent power, but strike zone judgment is erratic, and he won't hit for a great average at this point.

Arnie Munoz, LHP: Posted 3.62 ERA at Double-A Birmingham. Fastball is a tick above average, but his curve is outstanding, making him a factor in middle relief.

Miguel Olivo, C: Excellent defense, at least in terms of throwing out runners. Will hit for average with a little power, fair strike zone judgment. Re-signing of Sandy Alomar may cost him shot at starting role early in the year.

Jon Rauch, RHP: Injuries have hampered him, but could make the rotation. Very tall, throws 90-92 mph strikes, with a good curve and slider.

WILL HELP SOMEDAY
Felix Diaz, RHP: Acquired in the Kenny Lofton trade. Throws 95 mph, posted 2.70 ERA in difficult Texas League before the trade. Needs improved command, and has trouble staying healthy.

Kris Honel, RHP: One of the best starting prospects in baseball. Went 9-8 with 2.82 ERA, 152/52 K/BB ratio in 153 innings at Class A Kannapolis. Uses a nasty knucklecurve, and his fastball is respectable.

KEY SLEEPER
Tim Hummell, 2B-SS: Hit just .260 with four homers in Triple-A, but he's hit very well in the past, makes contact, and did rack 33 doubles. Plays much better, even hits better, when used as a second baseman.

Other names to know
Corwin Malone, LHP; Andy Gonzalez, SS; Brian West, RHP; Anthony Webster, OF; Jon Adkins, RHP; Byeong An, LHP; Franklin Francisco, RHP; Ryan Meaux, LHP; Enemencio Pacheco, RHP; Wyatt Allen, RHP; Ryan Wing, LHP; Daren Ciraco, OF.

John Sickels is the author of the 2002 Minor League Scouting Notebook, and is now working on the 2003 Baseball Prospect Book. His biography of Bob Feller will be published next spring. He lives in Lawrence, Kansas, with his wife, son, and two cats. You can send John questions or comments at JASickels@aol.com, or you can visit his homepage at JohnSickels.com.