8th Round, 237th Overall – Sam Abbott, 1B, Curtis High School
The eighth round saw more of the same for the White Sox. This time they went with Sam Abbott, a first baseman out of Curtis High School in Washington. This is probably the most interesting story of the White Sox draft. Abbott is actually a part of the U.S. Junior Polo National team.
How did he get noticed by this organization? Jim Thome saw the youngster playing and was impressed. So he told Hostetler he needed to check him out. And the rest is history. Abbott is definitely going to be a project. But if he turns out, then the gamble will be worth it.
The White Sox hope he can develop into a good power hitter. Again, there’s no guarantees. Abbott will have a long road and even then, there’s no guarantee he will ever develop into a quality player. But that’s what the draft is all about. At some point you are just taking a player and hoping it all works out.
"“He’s going to be a two-year Rookie ball guy. He’s new to baseball, he wasn’t on the circuit. … This is one of those high risk, high rewards, where if this hits, it’s a story good enough for a movie.” Nick Hostetler, Director of Amateur Scouting"