CSNChicago reports that White Sox GM Rick Hahn says that recent draftee Carlos Rodon (who went third overall) could be in the club’s rotation as early as next year, “Based on our scouting evaluation that’s certainly a possibility,” said Hahn. “But
until you get a guy in and get to know him and spend day in and day out
with him, I think it’s a little risky to put time frames on guys.” Of course, the first step will be to complete a deal with Rodon, who must sign by July 18.
Perhaps this is a carrot to the prospect to have him sign this year, to get a half season in the minors to prep of a spring training audition. I have nothing against it. In fact, a polished college starting pitcher should be able to make it to the majors in the express lane.
The White Sox tend to cultivate left handed starters like a vacant field grows weeds. The White Sox are in need of a consistent fifth starter. Rodon fits that profile.
Other teams, notably the Cardinals, have called up pitchers from their recent draft classes within a year or two of minor league service. Even if a pitcher gets roughed up in a start and sent back to the minors, it does give that player the motivation to correct went wrong and return to the big club as soon as possible.
The idea that there are hungry minor leaguers wanting your job should be motivation enough for the major league players to up their preparation and performance. But that only works if the team is ready and willing to promote their prospects quickly and put them in the starting line up to sink or swim.
With the up-tick in Tommy John injuries this season, teams have to look at faster promotion of their young live arms, just so that TJS does not happen in the minors (and losing the prospect for 2 years). Every prospect needs to be viewed as a major league asset - - - with a set amount of depreciating skills as he ages.
It will not surprise me that if Rodon is a White Sox starter in 2015.
