Sox Scoops 45.011: AA Team Tabs Journeyman OF As Its Hitter Of The Year
Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2020 10:53 am
By Rick Mariotti
Minor Leagues Beat Writer
Chicago Sports Online
The Beloit Blue Sox on Thursday named Pete McGrath, a 25-year-old journeyman left-handed outfielder, as its Hitter of the Year for 2044. Beloit is the AA affiliate of the Chicago Black Sox.
Pete McGrath
McGrath slashed .314/.421/.547 with 25 home runs, 80 RBI and 4.6 WAR. He led the Blue Sox in batting average, OBP, slugging percentage, WAR and a number of other offensive categories.
Despite the performance, however, Chicago’s scouts are skeptical whether his talents will translate to much more than a bench role at the major league level. In fact, he was demoted to Beloit from AAA Carolina following the 2043 season because he was getting little playing time behind a number of other prospects.
Scouts assess him as a 40/40 for overall potential, with a 7/7 contact; 8/8 gap power; 8/8 home run power; 6/6 for plate discipline; and 6/6 for avoiding strikeouts.
“McGrath should develop the ability to contribute at the major league level, but more as a supplement than a star,” his most recent scouting report says.
Still, front office executives in Chicago expect McGrath will receive an invitation to Spring Training this year to see if he can handle BBA-level pitching.
“That’s all I ask,” McGrath said. “Give me a chance to show what I can do. I think it’s the least I deserve at this point.”
McGrath has been in the Chicago system since he was taken in the 9th Round of the 2038 amateur draft by the then-Huntsville Phantoms.
Minor Leagues Beat Writer
Chicago Sports Online
The Beloit Blue Sox on Thursday named Pete McGrath, a 25-year-old journeyman left-handed outfielder, as its Hitter of the Year for 2044. Beloit is the AA affiliate of the Chicago Black Sox.
Pete McGrath
Despite the performance, however, Chicago’s scouts are skeptical whether his talents will translate to much more than a bench role at the major league level. In fact, he was demoted to Beloit from AAA Carolina following the 2043 season because he was getting little playing time behind a number of other prospects.
Scouts assess him as a 40/40 for overall potential, with a 7/7 contact; 8/8 gap power; 8/8 home run power; 6/6 for plate discipline; and 6/6 for avoiding strikeouts.
“McGrath should develop the ability to contribute at the major league level, but more as a supplement than a star,” his most recent scouting report says.
Still, front office executives in Chicago expect McGrath will receive an invitation to Spring Training this year to see if he can handle BBA-level pitching.
“That’s all I ask,” McGrath said. “Give me a chance to show what I can do. I think it’s the least I deserve at this point.”
McGrath has been in the Chicago system since he was taken in the 9th Round of the 2038 amateur draft by the then-Huntsville Phantoms.