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batted balls · 11-17-2004, 11:02 AM

NEW ORLEANS (AP)--The Chicago White Sox pulled a bit of a surprise during Tuesday's amateur draft at baseball's winter meetings. Most experts figured the beleagured Sox to draft a pitcher with the No. 1 overall pick. Instead, the Sox threw a curve and selected third baseman Jack Clark.

"Many will be surprised by our pick," said White Sox owner John Allyn. "It's true we need pitching help but you can't just pass on a player like Jack."

Longtime scout Sparky McFarland raved about Clark.

"He's got huge potential," McFarland said. "Jack will hit with power and will someday be a mainstay in our lineup. He's the type of player that will be around for 10-15 years. We're lucky to have grabbed him."

Clark, a 20-year-old who was born in New Brighton, Pennsylvania, is nicknamed "The Ripper" for his prowess at the plate.

"I'm excited to the No. 1 overall pick," Clark said holding his No. 22 jersey aloft for the gathered media, "I'm anxious to get to spring training and help the White Sox get back to winning ways."

Sox manager Chuck Tanner raved about the 6-foot-2, 205-pounder.

"Jack will be a star in this league," Tanner said. "I'm proud to be his manager."

White Sox officials indicated that Clark would begin the season in the team's minor league system. There's speculation that he may be converted into an outfielder since Chicago already has Mike Schmidt at third base and Dick Allen at first. In addition, Cecil Cooper may well be the team's first baseman of the future if Allen is traded later this season or leaves via free agency in '76.

The White Sox drafted former University of Alabama football player Butch Hobson, another third baseman, with their second pick.

St. Louis drafted third baseman Chet Lemon with the second overall selection. Atlanta chose pitcher Dennis Eckersley third, Montreal picked short stop Roy Smalley, Jr. fourth and Detroit tabbed outfielder Dan Ford with the fifth selection. Rounding out the top ten picks were: Houston--Lyman Bostock; Texas--Ellis Valentine; Los Angeles--Ron Pruitt; Baltimore--Willie Randolph; and Cleveland--Denny Walling. Pitching prospect John Candaleria, who many speculated the White Sox would take at No. 1, slipped to Milwaukee at No. 11.

11-17-2004, 11:02 AM	#21
batted balls All Star Starter Join Date: May 2003 Location: White Sox Country Posts: 1,323	White Sox Pass On Pitching, Make Clark No. 1 Draft Pick In '75 NEW ORLEANS (AP)--The Chicago White Sox pulled a bit of a surprise during Tuesday's amateur draft at baseball's winter meetings. Most experts figured the beleagured Sox to draft a pitcher with the No. 1 overall pick. Instead, the Sox threw a curve and selected third baseman Jack Clark. "Many will be surprised by our pick," said White Sox owner John Allyn. "It's true we need pitching help but you can't just pass on a player like Jack." Longtime scout Sparky McFarland raved about Clark. "He's got huge potential," McFarland said. "Jack will hit with power and will someday be a mainstay in our lineup. He's the type of player that will be around for 10-15 years. We're lucky to have grabbed him." Clark, a 20-year-old who was born in New Brighton, Pennsylvania, is nicknamed "The Ripper" for his prowess at the plate. "I'm excited to the No. 1 overall pick," Clark said holding his No. 22 jersey aloft for the gathered media, "I'm anxious to get to spring training and help the White Sox get back to winning ways." Sox manager Chuck Tanner raved about the 6-foot-2, 205-pounder. "Jack will be a star in this league," Tanner said. "I'm proud to be his manager." White Sox officials indicated that Clark would begin the season in the team's minor league system. There's speculation that he may be converted into an outfielder since Chicago already has Mike Schmidt at third base and Dick Allen at first. In addition, Cecil Cooper may well be the team's first baseman of the future if Allen is traded later this season or leaves via free agency in '76. The White Sox drafted former University of Alabama football player Butch Hobson, another third baseman, with their second pick. St. Louis drafted third baseman Chet Lemon with the second overall selection. Atlanta chose pitcher Dennis Eckersley third, Montreal picked short stop Roy Smalley, Jr. fourth and Detroit tabbed outfielder Dan Ford with the fifth selection. Rounding out the top ten picks were: Houston--Lyman Bostock; Texas--Ellis Valentine; Los Angeles--Ron Pruitt; Baltimore--Willie Randolph; and Cleveland--Denny Walling. Pitching prospect John Candaleria, who many speculated the White Sox would take at No. 1, slipped to Milwaukee at No. 11. Last edited by batted balls; 01-21-2005 at 04:08 PM.