Sox teen collects seven RBIs

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Sox teen collects seven RBIs
06/21/2008 10:20 PM ET
By Steve Conley / MLB.com

Juan Silverio was projected as a five-tool talent when he signed with the Chicago White Sox as a 16-year-old shortstop. He flashed a few of those tools on Saturday night.
Silverio hit his first career grand slam and drove in a career-high seven runs to lead the Bristol Sox to a 10-4 triumph over the Burlington Royals at Burlington Athletic Stadium.
The native of the Dominican Republic stroked an RBI single and scored in the first inning, plated a run with a groundout in the sixth before hitting the slam, his second homer of the season, in the seventh. He added an RBI base hit in the ninth.
Sox manager Bobby Thigpen likes what he's seen in only five games from Silverio.
"He's a great kid and he's gotten off to a good start," said the former All-Star closer. "I've only seen him for a few weeks, but he's been working hard."
Silverio is batting .381 (8-for-21) with two homers and 16 RBIs in five games. Signed as a non-drafted free agent, he began the year in extended spring training before arriving in Bristol. He is viewed as a five-tool prospect and could move quickly up the organizational ladder.
"The guy's got some talent and the tools," Thigpen said. "Projection-wise it's hard to say, but if he continues to work and improve, he should be in Chicago.
"Like any 17-year-old, he's going to struggle some at-bats, but overall he's done a good job so far. He just needs to maintain it and continue to do what he needs to do."
Justin Greene went 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles and four runs scored, while Nicholas Damas doubled and scored for Bristol (3-2).
Sox starter Garrett Johnson (1-0) cruised to his first professional win, allowing two runs -- one earned -- on six hits while striking out seven over 5 1/3 innings. Murillo Gouvea recorded his first save, despite yielding two runs on two hits with a walk and three strikeouts over 3 2/3 frames.
Royals starter Victor Jorge (0-1) allowed two runs -- one earned -- on three hits and a walk with four strikeouts over five innings. Converted outfielder O.D. Gonzalez was roughed up for five runs on four hits in 1 1/3 frames.
Diego Cruz hit a two-run homer, his first, and Julio Aparicio singled twice and scored twice for Burlington (0-5).
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.