Jon Rauch -- By Robert Sherry

The White Sox' third round pick in the 1999 draft out of Morehead State University. At 6-foot-10, Rauch could develop into their own version of Ryan Anderson or Richard Stahl, as he has a very high ceiling.

Rauch made his pro debut in 1999 and spent time pitching for Bristol (Rookie-level) and then for Winston-Salem (low Class-A). For Bristol, Rauch went 4-4 and posted a 4.45 ERA in 56.2 innings pitched, 65 hits allowed, 16 walks, and 66 strikeouts in 14 games (9 starts). For the Warthogs, he made one start (6 IP, 4 H, 3 BB, and 7 SO).

Rauch is your classic power pitcher, capable of developing into a dominating force on the mound. Rauch could eventually (if not already) be considered in the same class as the top three pitching prospects in the White Sox system (Jon Garland, Kip Wells, and Aaron Myette) in terms of future potential.

So far in 2000, Rauch is living up to the hype as he is 11-2 with a 2.74 ERA at Winston-Salem. I think you could see him rise through the system quickly. This 21-year-old could be ready to make his debut sometime during the 2002 season.