Projecting The Call Up – Jerry Owens?

Friday shouldfind the White Sox making a move to replace Darin Erstad (ankle). The candidates from the farm appear to be Jerry Owens and Ryan Sweeney according to Ozzie Guillen in the Chicago Sun-Times. Guillen said the organization was leaning toward the speedy Owens because of his leadoff ability.

Sweeney is the more prolific prospect but not one I’ve personally ever been 100 percent sold on. Brian Anderson is the other Triple-A outfielder of note, but the 25-year-old failed to impress in 2006 and isn’t making much noise in the International League at present with a .272/.350/.417 performance in 28 games; he went 3-for-5 with a double on Thursday.  All three could play centerfield in a pinch although Sweeney has always profiled more as a right fielder. The knock on him at present is a lack of power and his nine extra base hits and three home runs (.400 slugging) suggests he’s not banging on the door loud enough yet.

Owens seems like the better fit for now; a legitimate leadoff type with speed. The second round Expos' pick in 2003 and former USC football player –- traded to the White Sox for Alex Escobar –- has stolen 109 bases in three full pro seasons coming into this year (23 this season), and had nine at-bats in the majors in 2006. As a late-bloomer overage college pick he’s 25, but not a veteran minor leaguer. He’s a sold prospect that should fit the team’s current need, capable of taking a walk and getting on base, with plenty of speed for both centerfield and the base paths, but he won’t give you much power, probably less than Erstad (short term) who has a .341 slugging this year, a .371 the three years prior.

I like Owens as a decent leadoff prospect and an exciting athlete. I’m looking forward to him getting regular time, hoping he can change the manager’s mind on Erstad, as Guillen has become overly fond of “veteran-ness” in recent days.