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April 30, 2009

Future Shock

AL Central Notebook

by Kevin Goldstein

Chicago White Sox

Jordan Danks never lived up to expectations during his three years at the University of Texas, and when he plummeted in last year's draft, the White Sox, hoping that the potential of playing with his brother might help in negotiations, drafted him in the seventh round. The gamble worked; they signed him to a $525,000 bonus. After an impressive run in the Arizona Fall League in 2008, Danks has continued to roll hitting leadoff for High-A Winston-Salem, batting .329/.414/.518 while scoring 20 runs in 21 games.

One scout who recently saw Danks walked away impressed, but not without concerns. "Well, you have to start with the body, you have to love that frame and the tools," he began, referring to Danks' 6-foot-5, 210-pound frame. "I know he had a reputation for not showing much power in college, but he's hitting the ball hard here," he added, as Danks entered Wednesday's action with eight doubles, a triple, and two home runs in 85 at-bats. If there is one red flag on Danks' stat line, it's a contact issue, as he has struck out 26 times so far this year, and the scout discussed the way that it's a function of the center fielder's swing. "It's definitely long-ish," said the scout, "and it could spell some trouble for him down the road. It takes him some time to unload."

It's hard to talk about Danks without comparing him to former White Sox prospect and current Oakland outfielder Ryan Sweeney, another tall, athletic outfielder who didn't hit for the power people expected... and who still hasn't. "It's a good comp," said the scout. "We'll just have to wait and see."

Cleveland Indians