AFL Preview: Andre Rienzo

(MiLB.com)

Position:  Starting Pitcher

Height/Weight:  6'3/160

Throws/Bats:  Right/Right

Age:  24

Reviewing 2012:  2012 will definitely be a memorable one for Rienzo, both positively and negatively.  The 24-year old Brazilian started off the season by going 3-0 with a 1.08 ERA in over 25 innings and 31 Ks for Winston-Salem.  However, he was suspended 50 games after that for testing positive for PEDs (he says he never knowingly took it).  When he came back from suspension, Rienzo posted a 4-3 record with a 3.27 ERA in 71.2 innings for Birmingham.

Rienzo's greatest strength is his fastball which he fires in the 94 MPH range according to Mark Gonzales.  According to reports, he has great control over it and it also has nice movement.

Arizona Fall League Preview:  Obviously the biggest thing the White Sox and us fans want to see is whether Rienzo's talent is real or the result of PEDs.  Mark Gonzales believes he is a decent chance at making the majors, but if he really struggles in the AFL you have to wonder about his future with the White Sox.  Another thing that will determine the future of Rienzo is whether he can develop a decent secondary, off-speed pitch.  If not, expect him to move from a starter's role to the bullpen.

AFL Preview: Trayce Thompson

Position:  Outfield

Height/Weight:  6'3/195

Throws/Bats:  Right/Right

Age:  21

Reviewing 2012:  Thompson spent 116 of his 136 games this year in High-A with Winston-Salem.  Thompson had his best year in his career this year as he batted .254/.325/.486 with the Dash.  Thompson enjoyed even more success after being called up to AA Birmingham where he batted .280/.379/.520 in 50 ABs with the Barons.  His hot streak ended when he was called up to AAA Charlotte in limited ABs (18).  Still, this was an excellent year for Thompson.  He showed off his raw strength and athleticism he is known for  by belting 25 HRs and stealing 21 bases this year.

Arizona Fall League Preview:  White Sox fans will hope that Thompson can continue his career year in the offseason.  The thing Thompson needs to work on most is reducing strikeouts and improving his plate discipline.  Thompson is very raw and also has a long swing.  Although Thompson had a great year hitting the ball, he still had a high K% at around 28% and only had a BB% around 9%.  Hopefully Thompson can steadily keep reducing his amount of strikeouts in the AFL.