Knock, Knock...

Who’s there? Why, it’s starting pitcher Carlos Rodon, reportedly re-signed by the White Sox to a one-year, $3 million, this after being released last December. All Rodon has to do is pass his physical. Rodon is the can’t-miss prospect who did, despite all the flashes of talent shown since he was the third pick in the 2014 draft; no Aaron Nola or Trea Turner for the South Siders, thank you very much. Not that Rodon has ever publicly doubted his talent vs. those two or anyone else, for that matter. The meek and the humble don’t usually pick Scott Boras to be their agent. Arm and shoulder problems aren’t necessarily Rodon’s fault. Maybe he ignored pitching tips because they came from Don Cooper, and/or maybe Rodon is one of those hard-nosed types who won’t admit to an injury until it’s too late. If so, that helps explain the 29-33 record and 4.14 ERA over six seasons. My gripe is that the guy never looked to be in shape. Rodon is listed at 6’3” and 250 pounds. Me, I’d want to see if lighter translated into healthier after all those trips to the DL, including Tommy John surgery in 2019. The left-hander turned 28 in December, so it’s not as though he’s ancient. Maybe a new pitching coach—yes, we finally have one in Ethan Katz—will get through to him, and maybe Rodon is at a point in his career where he’s finally willing to listen. It’s February, and hope springs eternal.