GLENDALE, Ariz. — There are markers and milestones alongside the way in which, and for giant George Wolkow, age 19, taking part in in a Cactus League recreation in a White Sox uniform Saturday was a giant one.
At 6-7, everybody notices, even when it’s within the seventh inning of an 18-9 recreation and, as a minor league additional, there’s no title on the again of the jersey, solely a goofy jersey quantity, 95.
“I’ll take something proper now,” Wolkow stated.
The left-handed hitting Wolkow singled to left discipline in opposition to right-hander Jesse Hahn.
Drafted within the seventh spherical out of Downers Grove North two years in the past – one scouting report stated Wolkow stated “energy upside is very large” and “nice scholar” when he was a junior — Wolkow batted .257/.357/.451 with 13 house runs, 18 doubles, 56 RBI and 9 stolen bases in 91 video games between the Sox’ Rookie-level Arizona Complicated League staff and Kannapolis in his second yr within the minor leagues. He additionally struck out 158 instances, a charge he needs to chop.
Minor league extras fill out game-day rosters throughout spring coaching. When the veterans are free to go away after taking part in just a few innings, guys like Wolkow usually step in. For them, it’s a giant deal. The Sox performed the Mariners Saturday at Peoria Stadium
“It’s cool simply being on the sector, seeing Ichiro throughout the sector,” Wolkow, the Sox’ No. 9 prospect per MLB Pipelie, stated. “Taking part in left discipline with Julio Rodriguez as much as bat. The child in me loves that. Simply by no means take that as a right.”
It’s a superb perspective to carry on to.
“It’s cool being 19 and taking part in in a giant league recreation, however there’s not a giant likelihood I’m going to play in Chicago this yr being reasonable,” Wolkow stated. “Simply attempt to not look too far forward.”
There’s no likelihood, frankly — it’s a lot too quickly — nevertheless it doesn’t imply Wolkow’s day gained’t come.
“By way of ceiling I believe he has the flexibility to be a homegrown all-star participant, which might be an ideal story,” stated Paul Janish, the Sox’ participant improvement director. “Fairly cool to see him get into a giant league spring coaching recreation for the primary time.”
That’s a excessive ceiling, but when realizing what it takes to at the very least make a run at star standing counts for something, Wolkow appears to have that going for him.
“George continues to impress us together with his make-up and need to get higher,” Janish stated. “He likes to work. It’s spectacular to see a younger participant that wishes to be nice however understands the trail will likely be onerous and he embraces it.”
Wolkow has his eye on the trail to the White Sox, who’ve lagged bringing hitters by means of the ranks of their group to the massive leagues.
“If I can have the mentality simply to exit and dominate every day, whether or not it’s on the again discipline in Camelback Ranch or out right here taking part in the Mariners, I believe simply that mentality will assist me get to my targets the easiest way potential,” Wolkow stated, “and it’s straightforward to look forward and say I’m going to go play in Chicago. I bought a success in a giant league recreation.”
Wolkow was a success at SoxFest Reside this winter, the place his poise and maturity past had been evident. Sox minor league instructors have raved about his potential and make-up for a while.
“George is particular,” stated Devin DeYoung, a Mets minor league hitting teacher who was labored with Wolkow the final two seasons as teacher within the Sox participant improvement division. “He has an opportunity to be one of many greats.”
