White Sox 2021 MLB Draft Day 2 recap: Eight pitchers in eight rounds

Having drafted a couple of prep position players in Colson Montgomery in the first round on Monday, followed by Wes Kath in the second round this afternoon, the White Sox turned their attention to pitching for the rest of the 2021 MLB Draft's second day. Most of the picks are senior signings whose slot values will be devoted to signing players away from college commitments, but there are at least a couple of notable arms in the bunch.

PERTINENT: With Colson Montgomery, White Sox finally return to high school in first round

Third round: Sean Burke, RHP, Maryland

Ranked: No. 53 (Baseball America), No. 75 (MLB.com),

The 6-foot-6-inch, 230-pound right missed all of the 2019 season due to Tommy John surgery. Throw in the pandemic-shortened 2020, and his entire collegiate career lasted just 18 games and 97 innings. He struck out 142 batters during that time with a 2.97 ERA, but with nearly as many walks (53) as hits allowed (63).

At his best, he throws up in the zone with a high-90s fastball, and down with a knuckle curve. The velocity and control both fluctuate. He's another credible high school basketball player with athleticism that transfers to the mound, so there's hope that he can iron out these inconsistencies.

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Fourth round: Brooks Gosswein, LHP, Bradley University

Ranked: No. 310 (BA)

And heeeeeeere come the senior signings, starting with Gosswein, a left-handed sinkerballer who played in Peoria. Both BA and Jim Callis described an arsenal (sinker that can touch 95, average slider and changeup) that's better than the results (a 5.32 ERA in the Missouri Valley Conference the last two seasons).

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Fifth round: Tanner McDougal, RHP, Silverado HS (Nev.)

Ranked: No. 145 (ESPN), No. 148 (BA)

The highest-ranked prospect remaining is also the lone prep pick, a 6-foot-6-inch, 210-pound righty who's committed to Oregon. BA says he didn't have much in the way of showcase experience, but he was able to make use of the new draft combine to improve his stock.

Biggest riser (performance vs. my expectations) at the first 2 days of the draft combine was Silverado HS (NV) RHP Tanner McDougal (Oregon commit).

6'5/185, heavy sinker 92-95 t96, upper 70s slurve got over 3000 rpm, CH 86-88 firm but turns it over well @mcdougal_tanner pic.twitter.com/IS1otQuHuw

— Kiley McDaniel (@kileymcd) June 25, 2021

There's effort in his delivery, and BA points out the head whack, but he's got a compelling combination of pitches for an 18-year-old, and he'll probably get over-slot money for it. He's the son of Mike McDougal, not to be confused with Mike MacDougal.

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Sixth round: Taylor Broadway, RHP, Ole Miss

The White Sox are no stranger to drafting closers from major conferences during the second day, and here comes the 5-foot-11-inch Broadway, who saved 16 games for Ole Miss in 2020. Broadway pounds the strike zone, recording 107 strikeouts against just 15 walks over 89 collegiate innings. He got that done with a a mid-90s fastball with ride and a couple different breaking balls.

Two fun facts: Broadway's dad, Danny Broadway is a professional bowler, and Taylor Broadway's highlight reel shows a penchant for screaming and neck veins.

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Seventh round: Theo Denlinger, RHP, Bradley University

Those who predicted the White Sox would draft two pitchers from Bradley in their first seven picks can collect their winnings/get arrested for insider trading. Denlinger, who's 25 and stands 6'3" and 240 pounds, didn't post noteworthy results in a closer role, but the Northwoods League team with which he played says he can hit 100 mph. If that doesn't make him stand out, I'll point you to his Bradley player page:

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Eighth round: Fraser Ellard, LHP, Liberty University

Another college closer, Ellard saved seven games over 26 appearances for Liberty in 2021, and struck out 63 batters against 13 walks over 44⅓ innings. He has a herky-jerky delivery with a three-quarters arm slot that looks like it plays well against lefties, but here's some footage of him striking out a righty.

He's 23, so the ages are going in the right direction.

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Ninth round: Gil Luna Jr., LHP, Arizona

The undersized lefty came out of nowhere to post an effective year out of the Wildcats bullpen, with a 1.69 ERA and 31 strikeouts to 11 walks over 21⅓ innings. Despite the success, he wasn't part of the Arizona roster in the College World Series due to a suspension, as he and teammate Randy Abshier, pitcher teammate were suspects in an off-campus assault case. That's the most recent update I can find, which was more than two weeks ago.

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10th round: Tommy Sommer, LHP, Indiana

Sommer started 12 games for the Hoosiers in 2021, posting a 4.60 ERA with 69 strikeouts against 38 walks and 55 hits over 62⅔ innings. The only velocity readings I can find are from 2019, when his fastball was in the mid-80s.

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The final day of the draft, which covers the 11th through 20th rounds this year, begins at 11 a.m. CT Tuesday, and if the past is precedent, the first few picks will get paid more than most of the guys on this list.

(Photo of Gil Luna by Patrick Breen/The Republic)