Joe Borchard: A two-sport standout in college, Borchard was the
Chicago White Sox first round selection in this year's draft. At Stanford,
Borchard played the outfield (career .346, 40 HR, 187 RBI) Stanford's
spring football game. as well as Quarterback on the football team.
Eventually, the Sox were able to sign him to a baseball exclusive deal,
which included a record signing bonus of $5.3 million (passing Josh
Hamilton's $3.96 bonus).
With money like that being spent,
expectations have really grown. But Borchard had no problems adjusting to
the pro pitching or centerfield. He began in the Arizona League and
quickly moved up to Winston-Salem after batting .414 with eight runs
batted in. For the Warthogs, he hit .288 with seven runs batted in, and
belted his first two homers as a pro. His minor league season came to a
close at Double-A Birmingham
(.227 and 3 RBI).
Standing at
6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, you could probably best compare this
switch-hitter to another football/baseball star, Drew Henson, with
each of them being above average in just about every facet of the
game.
With the money the Sox spent, you know Borchard won't be in
the minor's longer than needed. I would guess you will see him start off
at Double-A in 2001 before reaching the majors possibly by
summer.