White Sox Report Cards: Player grades half-way through
Starting Rotation
The Chicago White Sox have truly had one of the best starting rotations in all of baseball.
Lucas Giolito – B
Lucas Giolito had a C start to his season but has since really started to turn it on. His numbers still aren’t where he wants them but a few really bad starts early in the season have them a little bit inflated. When push comes to shove, he is the ace of the team and has started to rise to that level of play lately. His recent game against the Minnesota Twins was extra special. He dominated them and they have a fantastic lineup. When this kid is on, he is on.
Dallas Keuchel – B
Dallas Keuchel has probably been the worst starting pitcher on the White Sox staff this year and he has still been pretty good. Like Lucas, his ERA is a little bit higher than he wants it but it will come down if he continues to pitch well. It is still under four and is the worst on the team amongst starters. It would be the highest on a lot of teams. The fact that both Keuchel and Gioltio have another level to reach is scary for the rest of the league.
Lance Lynn – A
Saying that Lance Lynn has been the best White Sox starting pitcher doesn’t do him justice. He has been one of the best pitchers in all of baseball and has a legit chance to win the Cy Young Award. He has an attitude that this team needs right now if they want to make a deep run. When he is on the mound, you feel amazing about the White Sox chances.
Dylan Cease – B
Dylan Cease is exactly where you would expect him to be this early in his MLB career. He has an ERA of 3.75 which is slightly better than both Giolito and Keuchel. If this kid is your number four you are in great shape. In fact, he may even be their number five by the time the playoffs roll around. He still walks a few too many hitters but his command is really starting to get better. He might have the best pure stuff on this staff and controlling it is going to make him a superstar. Do not be surprised if he has an A grade by the end of the season. Thanks, Cubs.
Carlos Rodon – A
Going into the season, we didn’t know if Carlos Rodon would be able to even beat out Reynaldo Lopez for the number five spot in the rotation. Not only did he beat him out for that fifth spot, but you can also argue that he should be the playoff game one starter. There is a chance that he is one of the pitchers on the American League All-Star staff. He is right there with Lance Lynn for a chance at a Cy Young. With his no-hitter being his season highlight so far, there is a lot to look forward to with Rodon.