Dan Wright Stats & Scouting Report

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In his first full pro season, Wright overcame the inconsistency that dogged him throughout his college career. He made tremendous strides toward harnessing the promise that made him a second-round draft choice despite a 2-15 record in his last two years at Arkansas. He held Double-A hitters to a .187 average and performed well in the Southern League playoffs. Wright may be the hardest thrower in the Sox' stable, which is saying something. His fastball consistently hits 95 mph and has been as high as 98. He has a nasty knuckle-curve with a sharp, downward break. He can be dominating when he's on his game. Control can be a problem for Wright, but the Sox say that also should improve. The key for him now is to build on the confidence he developed in 2000. Outside of perhaps Jon Rauch and the unsung Corwin Malone, Wright has as much upside as any Chicago pitching prospect. The Sox have enough pitching to take their time with Wright, which they will, so he might not be in the big league picture until 2003.

Like Neugebauer, Wright blossomed after previously battling control problems. He consistently reached the mid-90s with his heavy, moving fastball. "He stayed strong through the eighth inning against us," Shoemaker said. "We had him clocked a couple of times at 95. He moved the ball around the strike zone and really showed he has a good idea about what he's doing out there." Wright also has an above-average curveball with a sharp break and a decent changeup. He got better as the season progressed, topped by a three-start stretch in July that included 23 consecutive shutout innings with 26 strikeouts and five walks. That effort led to a promotion to Chicago.
By emphasizing pitching in recent drafts, the White Sox have amassed more mound depth throughout the minors than any other organization. Wright, a second-rounder, was part of a banner 1999 class that also included Rauch (third round) and Matt Ginter (first), who pitched in Double-A and Chicago this year. Wright has blazed a path through four levels of the minor league system in two seasons. He's capable of throwing in the high 90s, and his curveball almost acts like a sinker. He had no problem making the jump to Double-A in August. "He has a great winning mentality," Dayett said. "He's one of the hardest throwers in the league and he goes right after hitters."