Last Thursday afternoon when most of the United States was rooting for a draw against Germany in the World Cup, I was roasting in the midsummer heat watching Winston-Salem against Frederick, the High-A affiliates of the White Sox and Orioles respectively. Although my pale Irish skin was scorched from the sun like a steak at Outback, the opportunity to watch Tim Anderson, Courtney Hawkins and the many prospects on both teams made the afternoon worthwhile. These are my scouting notes from Thursday’s doubleheader, a twin-bill swept by the visiting Dash 11-8 and 6-2 over the Keys.

Tim Anderson Shortstop Winston-Salem

Chicago White Sox Prospect Tim Anderson

I thought Jessica Alba was sexy until I saw Tim Anderson on a baseball diamond, then I discovered true sexiness, as he exudes athleticism, speed, and excellent first-step quickness. Chicago’s #1 pick in 2013, the 21-year-old Anderson is extremely raw as a player, but his skills are slowly beginning to match his outstanding tools.

Defensively Anderson shows a solid but not overwhelming throwing arm and plenty of athleticism to play shortstop, but his movements are a bit stiff for the position and his lack of experience makes scouts question if he can stay at shortstop in the future. I think with refinement Anderson could stay at shortstop in the majors, but his speed and not monstrous throwing arm could make him a better fit in center field or at second base.

White Sox Shortstop Prospect Tim Anderson

At the plate Anderson shows quick wrists and excellent bat speed, with some thump in his bat which could develop into average major league power. His lack of experience shows up in his approach at the plate and his bat-to-ball skills, which lag behind his other tools, but have shown development since last season. If he can refine his approach and make more contact at the plate, his power and speed could allow him to hit 60+ extra base hits per season. Anderson is a no doubt middle-of-the-diamond player with a chance to make an impact at the plate. This is a high-risk prospect due to his lack of experience but Anderson is a top-50 prospect due to his immense tools and potential as an impact two-way player.

Courtney Hawkins Outfield Winston-Salem

White Sox Prospect Courtney Hawkins

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Adrian Marin Shortstop Frederick Keys

Orioles SS Prospect Adrian Marin

Currently the youngest member on Frederick’s roster, the 20-year-old Marin has been pushed aggressively by the Orioles after being selected in the 3rd round of the 2012 draft. However, Marin is nearly physically maxed out at 6-0 180lbs, which forces me to question if he will stay there in the future, as his average speed and fringy arm portend a second base profile.

Offensively Marin is a right-handed hitter who shows better than average bat-to-ball ability and some gap power but does not project to hit many home runs. Marin is a smart player who shows confidence and aptitude on the field, which allows him to play above his tools. I do not foresee Marin as a difference-maker, but I expect him to carve out a major league career as a contributor at second base or as a utility infielder.

Francellis Montas Right-Handed Pitcher Winston-Salem

A member of the trade that sent Jake Peavy to Boston, the 21-year-old Montas features a 4-pitch repertoire, including a 91-94mph fastball, touching 96, a massively inconsistent 85-87mph slider, the occasional high-70s curveball and a rarely used but intriguing 81-85mph changeup with arm-side wiggle. Montas does not have a particularly crisp delivery, as he tends to open his hips quickly through his motion and slings the ball from a low three-quarters arm slot. His inconsistent, non-fluid motion causes him to struggle with his location, as evidenced by his career 3.83 BB/9 ratio. Montas has a fast arm and legitimate velocity, but his command issues and mediocre curveball and changeup should force his eventual dismissal to the bullpen. That said Montas has a chance to develop into a high-leverage reliever in the future due to his hard fastball and potentially decent slider.

Bonus Chatter

Finally, one quality relief arm to remember is current Frederick reliever and Baltimore 2013 13th round pick, Jimmy Yacabonis, drafted out of St. Joseph’s University. Yacabonis is a big, thick bodied pitcher who features a 91-96mph fastball with life, along with a fringy mid-80s slider. His off-speed pitch significantly lags behind his fastball, but anyone with quality, mid-90s heat is a name worth remembering in the Orioles’ system.