Why White Sox should move Carson Fulmer to the bullpen
In 2006, the Detroit Tigers selected Andrew Miller with the No. 6 overall pick in the amateur draft.
A standout collegiate starting pitcher at North Carolina, Miller eased into professional baseball in the same role, but the results were not good.
Joining the Tigers' rotation in 2007, the left-hander was 5-5 with a 5.63 ERA in 13 starts. Over six seasons as a starter in the majors and the minors, Miller had a 5.79 ERA.
Part of the trade that brought Miguel Cabrera to the Tigers from the Marlins after the '07 season, Miller was dealt two more times before finally establishing himself as a premier relief pitcher.
What does this have to do with the Chicago White Sox?
Carson Fulmer, that's what.
Drafted by the Sox with the No. 8 overall pick in 2015 after earning All-American honors as a collegiate starter at Vanderbilt, Fulmer has been unable to achieve similar success in the pro ranks.
In 22 starts with Class AAA Charlotte this season, the 23-year-old righty is 7-7 with a 5.56 ERA. And in 17 starts with AA Birmingham last year, Fulmer was 4-9 with a 4.76 ERA.
As the White Sox have piled up top prospects through trades, the draft and international signings over the past year, Fulmer's stock as a potential major-league starter has really slipped.
Taking a look at the likely rotation for 2019, Carlos Rodon is No. 1, Michael Kopech No. 2, Reynaldo Lopez No. 3, Lucas Giolito No. 4 and let's slot Alec Hansen in at No. 5.
After that, it's ex-Cubs farmhand Dylan Cease, Dane Dunning and Spencer Adams.
Then, Fulmer.
Looking ahead to the 2018 draft, don't be surprised if the Sox use their potential No. 1 overall pick on Florida right-hander Brady Singer, who rates as a can't-miss ace.
The Sox aren't going to have a 10-man starting rotation, so some of these arms must shift to the bullpen.
Fulmer is the most obvious candidate.
General manager Rick Hahn traded closer David Robertson, Tommy Kahnle, Anthony Swarzak and Dan Jennings last month.
Zach Putnam and Nate Jones are both out for the season after having elbow surgeries, and both relievers are facing uncertain futures.
Zack Burdi, the No. 26 overall pick in the 2016 draft, just had Tommy John surgery and is out until spring training, 2019.
The White Sox need a lot of bullpen help moving forward, and shifting Fulmer from starter to reliever makes a lot of sense.
During his freshman season at Vanderbilt, and half of his sophomore year, Fulmer was a relief pitcher, and he was good enough to save 14 games for the Commodores.
He has the stuff to be a major-league closer, or follow Miller's path as a quality back-end reliever.
Fulmer is a team-first guy and while he'd prefer to remain a starting pitcher, he is more interested in being a major leaguer no matter the role.
Rushed to the big leagues from Birmingham last season, Fulmer made 8 relief appearances for the Sox and was 0-2 with an 8.49 ERA. He views the experience in a positive light.
"The coaching staff has told us young guys that in order to be a good pitcher in the big leagues, you have to have failure at one point," Fulmer said. "Last year for me, I had some struggles. I needed to learn more about myself and my ability. I got kicked around a little bit and I think that's beneficial for me."
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Scouting report
White Sox vs. Houston Astros at Guaranteed Rate Field
TV: WGN Tuesday; Comcast SportsNet Wednesday and Thursday
Radio: WLS 890-AM
Pitching matchups: The Sox's Derek Holland (5-11) vs. Dallas Keuchel (9-1) Tuesday; Miguel Gonzalez (5-10) vs. Collin McHugh (0-0) Wednesday; Carlos Rodon (1-4) vs. Brad Peacock (10-1) Thursday. All games start at 7:10 p.m.
At a glance: The White Sox return home after losing four straight to the Red Sox at Fenway Park. The Sox have dropped six in a row overall, and they have the worst record (41-68) in the American League. Third baseman Matt Davidson (wrist) has missed five straight games. Yoan Moncada has 5 hits in his last 12 at-bats. The Astros (71-40) have the second best record in baseball. Jose Altuve (.364) has the best average in the majors, and Carlos Correa (.320) ranks second in the AL. Houston's bullpen ranks 10th in the league with a 4.38 ERA.
Next: Kansas City Royals at Guaranteed Rate Field, Friday-Sunday
- Scot Gregor