After a surprising first month of the season, the White Sox find themselves sitting in second place in the A.L. Central at 13-10, just a half game back of the Cleveland Indians. For a rebuilding team, April sure gave White Sox fans plenty to talk about. From Avisail Garcia's torrid start, to the team leading the league in ERA, pleasant surprises have definitely not been a rarity. All of these surprises in April are nice and all, but the month of May could very well be the most important and exciting month of the season for the future of the White Sox.
Here is what White Sox fans should be keeping a very keen eye on the next 31 days...
Photo via mlb.com[/caption]
Carlos Rodon and Tim Anderson are really the only two players on the White Sox current roster that are anchored in as long-term pieces. So when Rodon started the season on the DL, fans naturally freaked out. Management has been incredibly cautious with easing Rodon back into his routine, and rightfully so. There is absolutely no reason to rush him back from an injury and risk his future in what is supposedly a lost season. If everything plays out the way it should, Rodon should see himself back in the rotation in the upcoming weeks. A potential ace joining a staff that already has the best ERA in baseball is something that should make fans near and far excited for Rodon's return.
The most eye-popping thing about Robert is his power/speed combo. Although I would assume he loses a step once he fills out more of his 6'3 205 pound frame as he matures. Even so, the possibility of having these two in the same White Sox lineup is a very real thing.
Oh that reminds me...
The two stars have already played with each other on Cuba's U-18 team back in 2013. This is just another factor that could help sway Robert into signing with Chicago. Robert and Moncada could be the White Sox version of Bryant/Rizzo for the next decade on the South Side.
The Return Of Carlos Rodon
[caption id="attachment_70291" align="alignnone" width="467"] Photo via mlb.com[/caption]
Carlos Rodon and Tim Anderson are really the only two players on the White Sox current roster that are anchored in as long-term pieces. So when Rodon started the season on the DL, fans naturally freaked out. Management has been incredibly cautious with easing Rodon back into his routine, and rightfully so. There is absolutely no reason to rush him back from an injury and risk his future in what is supposedly a lost season. If everything plays out the way it should, Rodon should see himself back in the rotation in the upcoming weeks. A potential ace joining a staff that already has the best ERA in baseball is something that should make fans near and far excited for Rodon's return.
A Hot Start, Or Something More?
White Sox fans so far have reason to be happy with how the team has played thus far. Even with Jose Abreu, Todd Frazier, and Tim Anderson getting off to slow starts, they have found ways to win games. Matt Davidson is crushing the ball, as is Avi Garcia. There is also a great vibe going on with the team right now and the most logical reason behind that is manager Rick Renteria. Many may forget just how well he was managing the young Cubs before Joe Maddon took over. Renteria is a great manager who goes to bat for his team when needed, but when Joe Maddon becomes available, most managers would be replaced for his services. The White Sox clubhouse just seems to have much more of a personality than it did with Robin Ventura at the helm. Obviously the White Sox got off to a hot start last year that saw them with the best record in baseball for a while, but then June came and everything imploded. I am not quite ready to buy into these White Sox just yet, but another productive month could definitely have fans start to believe in a team that was supposed to be one of the worst in the league.Yoan Moncada's Inevitable White Sox Debut
Meanwhile, down on the farm, the White Sox prospects have been on a tear. Dane Dunning is making people look like they have never played baseball before, Michael Kopech is as much as a freak as advertised, and Zack Collins is getting on base in what seems like every game. Those names are great and all, but who fans are really dying to see is no. 1 prospect Yoan Moncada. The switch-hitting second baseman looks to be the real deal, and his stats are backing it up. After today's game, Moncada is slashing .314/.385/.500 with an OPS of .885 and 6 stolen bases. The White Sox are expected to keep Moncada in Triple-A until they pick up the extra year of control on him, similar with what the Cubs did with Kris Bryant. Once that time comes, it won't be long until Moncada is called up to The Show on the South Side.Potential Signing Of Luis Robert
This, coupled with a Moncada call up, is what should really have White Sox fans chewing their nails to the nub. Unless you live under a rock, you have probably heard by now that the nineteen-year-old Cuban phenom Luis Robert was officially declared a free agent by the MLB. However, even with him being a free agent, he cannot officially sign with a team until May 20th. This gives teams with legitimate interest enough time to properly scout Robert and see if he truly is worth the investment. (Spoiler: He is). Robert is not a guy the White Sox are taking lightly. They have been considered one of, if not the favorites to land him, and are sending out the big guns. At Robert's initial open showcase, the White Sox sent Marco Paddy to watch in person. For those unfamiliar, Paddy is the lead director of international scouting for the White Sox. Whenever he is involved, you know there is legitimate interest from a team standpoint. Reports are that Paddy loved what Robert showed as well. This week, Robert has a private workout with a handful of clubs, including the White Sox. What really should excite fans is that both Kenny Williams and Rick Hahn will be in attendance to watch Robert put on a show. How important is this? Well...Sending the big guns to personally watch Robert speaks volumes in what the White Sox want to accomplish. The front office has always been aggressive when it comes to international signings. Having Jose Abreu and Yoan Moncada already on the team, could also wind up playing a big factor. For those wondering just how good Luis Robert can be, check out how he compares to Moncada's tool set.
The most eye-popping thing about Robert is his power/speed combo. Although I would assume he loses a step once he fills out more of his 6'3 205 pound frame as he matures. Even so, the possibility of having these two in the same White Sox lineup is a very real thing.
Oh that reminds me...
The two stars have already played with each other on Cuba's U-18 team back in 2013. This is just another factor that could help sway Robert into signing with Chicago. Robert and Moncada could be the White Sox version of Bryant/Rizzo for the next decade on the South Side.
