White Sox: 5 under-the-radar players to watch this spring
Chris Beck (RHP)
Feb 22, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Chris Beck (71) poses for a photo during photo day at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Chris Beck. Repeat that in your head because it is a name you need to know.
As it stands now, Frank Montas’ best chance to see time in the big leagues in ’15 is as a reliever, while Erik Johnson needs to have a considerable rebound if he ever wants to see the mound at U.S. Cellular again. That leaves Beck as the White Sox’s most viable rotation replacement from the right-side.
Beck is a non-roster invitee this spring, and will try to prove why he was a second-round draft pick in 2012. The 24-year old is the White Sox’s #12 prospect and possesses an above average fastball and change-up according to MLBPipeline.com.
Beck has been on my radar for awhile now because there’s always been buzz about him being a potential steal. Rowan Kaver wrote this about Beck shortly after he was drafted:
"“If the White Sox can return Beck to his previous form, they may get a top-10 talent.”"
Granted, it has been almost three years since Beck was drafted and he hasn’t exactly lived up to this lofty ceiling. Regardless, the stuff is there. Beck pitched to a 3.54 ERA across stints in Birmingham and Charlotte last year, sporting a 7.6 SO/9 rate over 7 starts with Charlotte.
It wouldn’t surprise me if Beck broke out in 2015 at the triple-A level, considering he has the repertoire to succeed. While Beck may not be a big strikeout guy and may no longer have front end potential, he’s the closest right-hander to the majors in the White Sox system.
If Hector Noesi doesn’t prove to be serviceable, Beck is next in line to take his place as the second right-hander in the rotation.
Next: Under the Radar: Rob Brantley