Black Sox Farm Report
Part Three: The Beloit Blue Sox (AA)
Previous Installments:
--Overview
--Carolina Flight (AAA)
2050 Results:
82-58, 2nd in East Coast Division, made the playoffs as the Donaldo League Wildcard
bin Adnan = big upside
Starting Rotation: Conversation about the Blue Sox pitching begins (and perhaps ends) with 23-year old Malik bin Adnan, currently the #5 prospect in all of the Brewster. Bin Adnan has tremendous stuff, decent movement, but his control remains a work in progress. He boasts a fastball and curveball rated at 10 and a changeup rated 11.
Yet the results, while good, have not been spectacular. Bin Adnan had a solid year with Beloit in '50, with a 99 era+ in 29 starts, and 198 strikeouts over 168 innings. But the not-quite-developed control meant that he also walked nearly four batters per nine innings, and while the bigs are inevitable, it could temper his success. After two seasons in AA, bin Adnan must now be tested at AAA as he turns 24.
Also notable: The Beloit pitching staff managed to be solid and competitive throughout the season despite no particularly notable performances. Three starters -- Brick Pollitt, Ben West and Jay Chapman have already earned promotions to AAA, where they will toil in '51.
Top Position Players: Sources indicate that the Black Sox front office has received multiple inquiries for SS Scott Torres, currently the #46 prospect in the BBA. Torres has done little at the plate -- hitting .231 in AA and .175 in limited time at AAA. But Torres has tremendous power, evidenced by 26 homeruns last season in AA despite appearing in only 84 games. And that means, according to our sources, that the front office isn't going to entertain any offers for him.
Also notable: 1B Nick Stevenson (23 HR) is ready for AAA.
2051 Prediction: With little talent on the horizon to offset promotions, we're predicting 76-65 and a third place finish in the division.