White Sox midseason awards: A few diamonds in the rough

Jul 10, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Carlos Rodon (55) in the first inning of their game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

Rookie of the year – SP Carlos Rodon

The White Sox have only had three rookies play consistently at any point in the season.

Second baseman, Micah Johnson hit .270 and struggled in the field and on the bases before being demoted to Triple-A.

Carlos Sanchez took his place and has played a Gold-Glove second base. His .184 average however has made it debatable to have him in the lineup everyday.

And then there’s Rodon.

Rodon saw his first major league action towards the end of April and has had his ups and downs.

For the season, Rodon is 3-2 with a 3.80 ERA and 68 strikeouts in 66.1 innings. Those numbers blow away John Danks and Hector Noesi (the starter he replaced).

The issue for him has been control.

His 41 walks rank third in the AL despite starting six less games than most of the league’s starters. Because of the walks, he has pitched more than six innings just once.

In his last start he tied a season-high with six walks.

Needless to say, the White Sox rookie starter still has some room for improvement.

Next: Most improved player?