As the all-star break approaches next week, the Chicago
White Sox find themselves 9.5 games back of the division leading Detroit
Tigers. I know some fans might believe that the White Sox can still make a run
at a wild card spot, but I don’t see it. This team lacks two starting pitchers,
a catcher, an outfielder, and multiple bullpen arms. As it stands now, I’d be
content with a record near .500 or close to my 78-win projection before the
season. Having said that, nothing has happened to change my mind that this
organization is positioning itself to compete for an extended period of time.
White Sox Sign Rodon
The White Sox and third overall selection Carlos Rodon agreed
on a minor league contract this afternoon. The deal was highlighted with a $6.582
million signing bonus for the left-handed starter out of North Carolina State
University. Obviously that is a lot of guaranteed money to an unproven commodity,
but the key here is that Rodon can now start his path to the major leagues. If
he lives up to his potential, the hefty signing bonus will be long forgotten.
Rodon is expected to join Class A Winston-Salem shortly, and general manager
Rick Hahn wouldn’t rule out the possibility of him reaching the majors in a
bullpen role this season. If the White Sox were in contention, I’d be all for
that idea, but I think it would be wise to have him stay in the minors as a
starter given the club’s current scenario. Assuming Rodon can put together some
quality innings this season, I see no reason why he can’t be a major
contributor at the big league level next season. If everything goes well,
expect to see Rodon in the rotation next June.
All-Star
Representatives
White Sox ace Chris Sale won the American League final vote
to join teammates Jose Abreu and Alexei Ramirez as this year’s representatives for
the mid-summer classic. All three players are deserving of the honor, and I’m
glad to see them recognized for different reasons.
Jose Abreu was an obvious choice after an incredible start
to his major league career. Despite missing two weeks on the disabled list,
Abreu is tied for the league lead with 28 home runs, 71 RBI, and an improving
.287 batting average coming into tonight’s game. It is remarkable what he has
been able to do coming over from Cuba, but I selfishly wish he would
participate in the Home Run Derby.
Alexei Ramirez gets his first all-star nod in his seventh
season, so it is nice to see him get recognized for being a solid player for so
long. Ramirez’s selection was based mostly on his fast start to the season
where he was hitting well-over .300 for the first two months of the season.
Chris Sale should have been on the initial roster when it
was announced on Sunday night, but I had complete confidence that he would end
up on the team by winning the final vote. Even though Sale missed nearly five
weeks worth of starts, the lefty has been dominant when healthy. Sale is
leading the league in ERA (2.08) and WHIP (0.842), and he would be right at the
top in strikeouts if he had more starts under his belt.
-Eric Tichelbaut
Twitter: @etichel07
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