In a flash, Knights lose Beckham

To call Gordon Beckham's rise through the minors meteoric is almost an insult to the solar system.

The White Sox promoted Beckham from AA Birmingham to Charlotte after just 38 games. Then, after 7 games in Charlotte, Knights manager Chris Chambliss called Beckham into his office after a 3-for-5 night about 10:15 p.m. and told him the news.

You're headed to the bigs.

"It was an unbelievable moment for me," Beckham told the Chicago Tribune. "I couldn't even describe it."

Beckham, 22, was the No. 8 overall pick in 2008 after a stellar career at Georgia, leading the Bulldogs to a runner-up finish. With only 58 minor league games, Beckham is the fastest White Sox player since pitcher Alex Fernandez (1990) to get the call.

What can you expect from Beckham?

Well, he doesn't come with a Spice Girl, if that's what you're thinking.

But if his pedigree is plenty spicy (.411 average, 22 HR in 71 college games in 2008; .319, 7 HR, 58 games in the minors). To answer your next question, Beckham's probably worthy of a pickup in all NL-only leagues and some shallow mixed leagues as he'll take over the regular 3B job from Josh Fields if he hits a lick.

Initially, the White Sox might bury Beckham at the bottom of the order, but one thing Ozzie Guillen will do is push the guys who are performing up high. Take one look at scrap-heap castoff Scott Podsednik for proof. (Of course, Beckham went 0-for-3 in his debut, but give him some time).

Unfortunately, for Knights fans, Beckham only played two of his seven games at Knights Castle. But for those in attendance either Tuesday or Wednesday, they may one day be able to say they saw a future baseball all-star.

And on top of his talent, Beckham is a very articulate interview. Here's a bit after he hit a home run in the CWS last June.



Andrew McCutchen: If you missed the fallout of the Nate McClouth-to-Atlanta trade, it's the promotion of McCutchen a 5-tool prospect with more speed than power, but someone who is making immediate impact and should be picked up yesterday. McCutchen could swipe 20-30 bases the rest of the way and hit 5-10 HR and should give you a steady diet of runs as the new Pirates leadoff batter.

Jose Reyes: Late news just in about the rehabbing Mets shortstop is not going. Reyes tore his right hamstring and is behing shut down for a couple days before resuming treatment. For a guy who makes his living on the basepaths, this isn't thrilling news.