Josh Fogg

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Pittsburgh Pirates #17 prospect in 2002
  In a White Sox organization that likes to hype its pitching prospects, Fogg operated just off the radar screen. However, the Pirates noticed the former University of Florida All-American and got him in the five-player Todd Ritchie trade at the 2001 Winter Meetings. Fogg relies on intelligence, finesse and command. His statistics predictably suffered when he made a move from pitcher-friendly Double-A Birmingham to Triple-A Charlotte's bandbox, though he continued to throw strikes because he just won't panic. Fogg remained poised when promoted to Chicago in September, putting together a strikeout-walk ratio far superior to any of the organization's power pitchers. His fastball averages 88-89 mph but he makes it work with an outstanding slider and an excellent changeup. He's durable, too, having led the Southern League in innings in 2000. The Pirates initially will look at Fogg as a starter, but he also could settle into a middle-relief role in the majors this season.
• 
  Ranked Chicago White Sox #9 prospect in 2001
  A closer at Florida, Fogg has been used almost exclusively as a starter with the White Sox. They initially placed him in that role to get him more work but have become intrigued by his potential as an innings-eating, end-of-the-rotation starter. He has had three solid seasons as a pro, going 26-18, 3.06 overall and leading the Southern League with 192 innings in 2000. Fogg has outstanding command, averaging just 2.5 walks per nine innings in the minors. He has an outstanding slider and a decent changeup, and he isn't afraid to throw his offspeed pitches when behind in the count. He's an intelligent pitcher who works to hitters' weaknesses. In a system loaded with hard throwers, Fogg has finesse stuff. His fastball touches the low 90s but often is in the high 80s. He doesn't operate with much margin for error. After spending a season and a half at pitcher-friendly Birmingham, Fogg may face a tough adjustment at Charlotte, which plays in a bandbox. His chances to advance are more difficult in this system than they would be in others.