MLB Draft: Carlos Rodon selected by White Sox No. 3 overall

Jun 8, 2013; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State pitcher Carlos Rodon (16) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Rice Owls in the Raleigh super regional of the 2013 NCAA baseball tournament at Doak Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago White Sox have selected left-handed pitcher Carlos Rodon with the No. 3 overall selection in the 2014 MLB First-Year Draft.

Rodon played his collegiate baseball for North Carolina State, where this junior season he finished with a 2.01 ERA with a 6-7 overall record.

In his 14 games pitched, he tossed three complete games, equaling 98.2 innings.

Baseball America wrote about Rodon:

"“Even when he’s not at his best, Rodon shows scouts a fastball/slider combination that could fit in a big league bullpen now.”"

As for Rodon he wasn’t my first choice, because I was a big supporter of Tyler Kolek, but he was selected second overall by the Miami Marlins. The No. 1 overall selection was made by the Houston Astros who drafted Brady Aiken.

As for Rodon, Baseball America also said:

"“His velocity jumped immediately (at NC State) as he firmed up his body and shortened his stride. He hit 97 mph regularly in short stints to open his freshman season, with a slider that immediately became one of the best in college baseball. His slider remains the best pitch in the draft for most scouts, sitting 85-87 mph and scraping 89 at its best with two-plane depth”"

This was a safe/smart selection, and he can have a quick path through the minors, that would be great to see, as the White Sox need all the help they can get now on the big league roster. Maybe Baseball America is right, and hopefully he could be in the bullpen before the season is over.

What are your thoughts on this selection by the White Sox? Let us know at Southside Showdown.