White Sox Fans: No need to panic about Michael Kopech surgery
Well, how are you feeling fellow White Sox fans? It’s been about 72 hours since the earth-shattering news of Michael Kopech‘s impending Tommy John surgery has hit us.
White Sox fans, are you ok? Do you need talking off the ledge? Well, I’m here to help.
While nobody in their right mind would say there is a silver lining to this news, it isn’t the rebuild-is-over news many are claiming it to be. The rebuild will be fine. Michael Kopech was just one piece to the rebuild. Granted, he was and still is a crucial and important part of it, but still, he is only one piece.
Yes, it’s painful
He’s also only one piece that will be on the field every five days, too. In some respects, one could argue that Jake Burger‘s injuries have had a bigger impact on the rebuild than Kopech’s elbow.
Now, arguing that another top prospects injury is more hurtful to the rebuild than your top pitching prospect being out for over a year doesn’t exactly exude hope, I know. And I’m not trying to sugarcoat it. It sucks. Big time.
But, and stay with me here, it’s not that bad.
2019 was not going to be the Sox breakout year by most accounts. Some improvement is expected, but contention -while possible – was not expected. So, we, as Sox fans, don’t get to enjoy every 5th day being “Happy Kopech Day”.
That’s ok.
As long as he comes back as strong and ready in spring 2020, we can live with that. A little bit of development is going to be lost and the maturation process is delayed.
Other things to look forward to
However, the new 2020 timeline is going to pretty much line up with a few of the other prospects’ expected call-up time. Pitchers like Dylan Cease, Zach Burdi, and Dane Dunning should be ready to join the big league team for their first full season in the spring of 2020.
Infielder Nick Madrigal may be ready to make that jump at that time. Catchers Zach Collins and Seby Zavala could be ready. Outfielders Blake Rutherford and Micker Adolfo should be primed for their first season.
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Oh yeah … there’s THAT guy
And Eloy Jimenez will have already had almost a full year of experience behind him. Yes, Sox fans, in mid-April 2019 we will be seeing the premiere of our #1 prospect. That’s not too far away! So, even though it feels like we need to do enough heavy drinking and complaining to get us through the next year, there are still things in 2019 to look forward to.
Not only will Jimenez be making his entrance, but it’s quite possible guys like Dylan Cease and Zach Burdi will join the White Sox sometime later in the 2019 season. It will be interesting to see how far Madrigal progresses through the system. He isn’t expected to be a prospect very long. Same with Adolfo. It seems we’ve been hearing his name for years and years. And finally, in 2019 we may see his call-up toward the end of the year.
Next. Jace Fry should be White Sox closer of the future. dark
So, Sox fans, don’t fret too much. The future is still very bright for our men in black and white pinstripes. It’s just been clouded by a little storm. Things will be better. Trust the Prospects!!!