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Grading White Sox newcomers at the season’s quarter-mark

By Owen Schoenfeld

May 9, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Chicago White Sox third baseman Todd Frazier (21) hits a grand slam against the Texas Rangers during the twelfth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The White Sox defeat the Rangers 8-4 in 12 innings. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
May 9, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Chicago White Sox third baseman Todd Frazier (21) hits a grand slam against the Texas Rangers during the twelfth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The White Sox defeat the Rangers 8-4 in 12 innings. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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SP MAT LATOS

May 18, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Mat Latos (38) throws a pitch against the Houston Astros during the first inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
May 18, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Mat Latos (38) throws a pitch against the Houston Astros during the first inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

I know, I know. We all wanted it to be true. Mat Latos was 4-0 with a 1.84 ERA through his first five starts.

Rick Hahn looked like a genius and that $3 million looked like petty cash for an ace level output.

The problem is that nothing about Mat Latos’ start had me wanting to take the long position. He had the deceptive delivery, but not much else.

The balloon popped in May, as Latos has an 8.04 ERA in his last three starts, where batters are hitting a clean .379 off him.

The fact that the opposition has hit just .195/.271/.220 against him with runners in scoring position, should tell you just how lucky he’s been. His strand percentage is at a cool 80.2% and that mark was only higher before the collapse. It’s not surprising then that his FIP is 5.04, which is probably closer to the true Mat Latos.

With the lowest fastball velocity of his career, as well as his lowest SO/9 (4.4) and swing-and-miss percentage (6.8%) marks to date, Latos is not pitching under a winning formula.

He snuck by the first exam, but Latos is in serious danger of failing out of the rotation by midseason.

GRADE: C –

Next: C Alex Avila

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