C.J. Retherford

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Chicago White Sox #15 prospect in 2010
  Earning every at-bat he ever has gotten gotten, Retherford has climbed to the point where he's ready to prove he can play in the major leagues. He went undrafted for five straight years from 2003-07, despite being eligible each June out of high school, South Mountain (Ariz.) CC or Arizona State. A former walk-on with the Sun Devils, he has hit throughout his pro career and tied for the minor league lead with 46 doubles last season. Retherford helped Birmingham win 92 games in 2009 and then contributed to a championship team in the Arizona Fall League, hitting a game-winning homer in the title game. He has a .301 career minor league average, thanks to outstanding hand-eye coordination and bat control. He could hit 15 or more homers per year if he plays regularly. He has fringe-average speed and is a good baserunner. A third baseman in his first two seasons in the system, Retherford moved to second base last year. Birmingham hitting coach Andy Tomberlin said Retherford can be a Dustin Pedroia-like player, though others still project him as more of a utilityman. His range and arm are no better than average, but he positions himself well and makes all the routine plays. He improved on the pivot throughout last year. The move of Gordon Beckham from third base to second wasn't good for his upward mobility, but Retherford usually finds ways to create opportunities for himself.
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  Ranked Chicago White Sox #29 prospect in 2009
  Retherford was draft-eligible for five straight years from 2003-07, but he never drew a nibble out of high school or at South Mountain (Ariz.) CC or Arizona State. He already has exceeded expectations since signing as a nondrafted free agent. He led the Pioneer League with 30 doubles and 47 extra-base hits in his 2007 pro debut, then followed up by skipping a level and earning Carolina League all-star honors. He also led both of his minor league clubs in homers. Retherford has a good approach at the plate, plus the ability to make consistent contact and drive the ball to all fields. He has fringe-average speed but good baserunning instincts. His arm is his best defensive tool, and he has worked hard to soften his hands at third base. Still, he's not a standout defender at the hot corner. He played several positions and even pitched at Arizona State, and his best path to the big leagues may be as an offensive-minded utilityman. Retherford should continue to hit for average with at least gap power in Double-A this season.