Jared Mitchell

Two years after a significant ankle injury derailed his status as a top-100 prospect, Mitchell showed some signs of life in 2012, at least during his 94 games with Double-A Birmingham. He flashed his power-speed potential during the season's first half, stealing 20 bases in 25 attempts and hitting 12 doubles and 10 home runs. He also showed a tenacity to miss pitches completely, and his 179 strikeouts between Birmingham and Triple-A Charlotte were a real drag on his batting average. He only stole one base in his 36-game stay with Charlotte, and he will likely require a lengthy stay in that city attempting to figure out Triple-A in 2013. He must also prove he can make contact more frequently before he warrants a spot in an MLB outfield.

Once seen as a prospect on the fast track to the majors, it might be time to start worrying about the White Sox's top selection from the 2009 draft. Mitchell appeared to be healthy in 2011 after missing all of 2010 with a torn tendon in his right ankle, but he was a shadow of his former self. He slashed an unenviable .222 /.304/.377 with 183 strikeouts in 477 at-bats for High-A Winston-Salem. Further, he only attempted 20 stolen bases in his 129 games, but his speed helped him to 31 doubles and eight triples. Mitchell remains one of the better everyday prospects in a thin farm system, but he will need to rebound and advance through the minors quickly to realize his potential.

Mitchell entered the 2010 season as one of the White Sox's top offensive prospects, but his chances of making an impact in 2010 hit the proverbial wall when he hit a literal wall in spring training. He tore a tendon in his ankle during the incident and was forced to sit out the entire season. Mitchell's biggest tool was his foot speed, so he will need to rehab the ankle well to hasten his path to the pros. His ETA could come in 2012 when Juan Pierre's contract expires.

The White Sox used their first pick in the 2009 draft on Mitchell, who was later named the College World Series’ Most Outstanding Player. He signed quickly, which allowed him to get in 115 at-bats for Low-A Kannapolis. He posted doubles power and a .417 OBP in his 34 games, but he also struck out 40 times and didn’t steal as often as his speed probably would have allowed. He played wide receiver for LSU’s football team, so he should have decent range in the outfield. The White Sox were not afraid to quickly promote their 2008 first-round pick, but Mitchell’s ascent to the majors may take a little bit longer than Gordon Beckham’s.