Chicago White Sox's Rodon looking like legitimate ace
Plenty can change between now and next June, when the Chicago White Sox are going to cash in on this season's atrocious record with one of the top picks in the amateur draft.
As it stands now, it makes sense for the Sox to be targeting Brady Singer, a prolific right-handed starting pitcher who will be a collegiate junior at Florida next year.
The White Sox have been stockpiling young talent for well over a year now, and they've done a great job of adding hitters such as Eloy Jimenez, Luis Robert, Blake Rutherford and Jake Burger. Like Yoan Moncada, they all can be impact talents down the road.
The time feels right for the next big addition to be an impact arm, and Singer fills that need, barring injury or an unexpected regression with the Gators.
That doesn't mean the Sox's current crop of young starters is lacking.
Reynaldo Lopez has flashed his power arm in 2 starts for the White Sox, although he had to make an early exit at Texas on Thursday and is on the disabled list with a back strain.
Lucas Gioltio, who along with Lopez and Dane Dunning joined the Sox from the Washington Nationals in the Adam Eaton trade, comes up from Class AAA Charlotte on Tuesday night and makes his first start.
Michael Kopech, acquired from the Boston Red Sox in the Chris Sale trade, debuted with Charlotte on Monday night and could really be a force if he continues climbing.
Dunning, Alec Hansen, Dylan Cease and Spencer Adams are other starters in the farm system worth watching, although some of them are going to be moved to the bullpen or traded.
As for the current roster, Carlos Rodon continues to show the White Sox he has ace potential.
Drafted with the No. 3 overall pick in 2014, Rodon is still looking for a productive season from start to finish.
This year the 24-year-old lefty missed most of spring training and the first half of the season with bursitis in his left biceps, but Rodon has been locked in over his last 5 starts.
Taking the mound in Game 1 of Monday's doubleheader against the Minnesota Twins at Guaranteed Rate Field, Rodon pitched 6⅓ innings and allowed 2 runs on 4 hits and 3 walks. The left-hander also had 9 strikeouts while throwing a season-high 115 pitches.
Over his last 5 starts, Rodon has allowed 9 earned runs in 37 innings (2.19 ERA).
"There's still stuff to work on," he said after issuing 3 walks. "There's stuff I need to get better at. And more strikes, more command and trying to get back to that no-walk thing."
While he totally respects current White Sox veteran pitchers such as Derek Holland, James Shields and Miguel Gonzalez, Rodon is excited about the future with Giolito, Lopez, Kopech and more.
"I like watching them," he said. "We still have older guys that can approach those guys. When the time comes for me, hopefully I'll be able to do that for them."
Rodon did get to know Giolito and Lopez when he was rehabbing with Charlotte in June.
"It was good to be down there and watch them," Rodon said. "It's time to watch them grow up and play in the big leagues."