Robin Ventura compares White Sox first-rounder Gordon Beckham to Rangers shortstop Michael Young. He’s not big but swings a large bat, going 12-for-22 with two homers, one double and four walks in six games at the College World Series. He and Alexei Ramirez could be the Sox’s middle-infield combination for years. Beckham could get to Chicago before the end of the 2009 season if he signs quickly enough to play 50 games in the minors this summer. He could be special. … The wrist injury that has sidelined Washington’s Nick Johnson for the season is similar to the one David Ortiz is battling. Big Papi comes with no second-half promises. … With prospects like third baseman Matt Gamel and outfielder Matt LaPorta, the Brewers may be better situated than the Cubs to acquire C.C. Sabathia, Rich Harden or another big arm. … Pittsburgh almost certainly will trade one of its corner outfielders, Jason Bay or Xavier Nady, by the trading deadline. It shouldn’t give up either of them unless someone wants them badly enough to part with a top pitching prospect. … Detroit’s super-sub, Brandon Inge, really did go on the disabled list after picking up a pillow the wrong way. … Kelvim Escobar, an 18-game winner last year, reportedly is throwing in the mid-90s and should rejoin the Angels next month, possibly as a reliever. The first-place Angels have so much pitching depth that they can consider dealing prospective free agent Jon Garland. … So much for babying Joba Chamberlain. He threw 114 pitches Wednesday, the most by a Yankees pitcher under the age of 23 since Andy Pettitte in 1995. … Baseball can be cruel. Just ask the Cubs’ Rich Hill or the Brewers’ Derrick Turnbow, who can’t find home plate with a Magellan GPS. Turnbow has walked 33 in 131/3 innings since he passed through waivers and was assigned to Triple A by Milwaukee. … Because of a lack of support for the Al Lang Field site, the Rays are back to the drawing board in their stadium search. Perhaps the waterfront site the franchise needs is in Portland. … There has been no bigger surprise in the majors than 27-year-old shortstop Mike Aviles, who has had a lot to do with the Royals winning 10 of 11 entering the weekend. He started the season as a Triple-A utility man but has made his passion for the sport translate into a .333 average and reliable play in the field.
