The White Sox went into the 2012 draft hoping that it would change the organization and be a big step in the right direction for the White Sox farm system. After day one, most fans didn't get what they expected but they shouldn't be too angry. The White Sox were expected to pick a pitcher. That pitcher would probably be a college arm that would be ready to be in the bullpen soon and would eventually be a starter. Names that come to mind include Marcus Stroman, Chris Stratton, and Michael Wacha. When the White Sox, with the 13th pick overall, named who they picked, it wasn't even close to what was expected. Maybe a few experts thought that there might be a chance that the Sox would take Hawkins, but it really wasn't what the Sox needed and certainly wasn't close to what most mock drafts expected the White Sox to take. Fans shouldn't think that it's a bad thing that the White Sox didn't draft a pitcher. Yes, it's what the White Sox really needed, but the Sox also need some athletic position players in their farm system. Both Hawkins, the first round pick, and Keon Barnum, the compensation round pick, are good athletes and both are players that have good power. Hawkins is a good outfielder that has been playing center field, but will probably be a corner outfielder in the big leagues. He has power and speed and has all the tools to be a really good player. His size is a little deceiving because you don't expect a big guy like that to be as fast or athletic as he is, but hey, the guy can do a backflip.
One of the advantages of the Hawkins being one of the five players that was drafted to actually be at the draft is that we get a first look at how he'll look in the White Sox uniform. I have to say that he looks good. His size reminds me a little of Dayan Viciedo and maybe he can live up to that expectation. The other player that the White Sox drafted today isn't a terrible player either. He plays first base in high school and is also known for his power. There's talk that he could move to being a corner outfielder, but he will probably stay a pitcher for his future with the White Sox. Maybe he'll be the guy that takes over for Paul Konerko when he eventually retires. I really like what I've seen from him.
So just because the White Sox didn't pick up a pitcher and maybe took a chance on some young and talented high school players doesn't mean that the first day of the draft wasn't successful. There's still a lot more picks to be taken and the Sox have a good chance to improve their farm system despite the thin draft this year. I think this year is the start of something good for the White Sox. They really need to focus on making their farm system better and I think Kenny Williams really considered that and believed that hitting was one of the things that the White Sox farm system really needed. There's still a lot of good pitchers left for the Sox, and I think they can make this draft a really good one despite the low amount of very good talent.
So I'll leave you guys with the short video that MLB put together on Courtney Hawkins. It doesn't say much, but I hope it gives you a good idea of what he can do. I also hope it makes you feel a little better about the White Sox not taking a big name pitcher.
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