Breaking Down Carlos Rodon’s 1st half

Last night former NC State pitcher Carlos Rodon pitched his final start for the White Sox before next weeks All-Star break.  He posted one of the strangest lines of any MLB pitcher this year, allowing only 2 hits and no earned runs in six innings, while also picking up 6 strikeouts and 6 walks against the crosstown Cubs.

Rodon has seen action in 14 games thus far, and has started in 11 of them. Of those 11 starts, 7 of them have been Quality Starts. He has shown that he possesses elite stuff, but has also shown a consistent lack of control. He has struck out an impressive total of 68 batters in 66 innings, but has also walked 41 batters. Rodon’ passion and excitement can be his greatest gift and his greatest curse. His catcher last night attributed his enthusiasm and intensity to a majority of his control issues.

As he gains more control, his 1.61 WHIP will only go down. Rodon has been in his sweet spot at home, posting a 2.87 ERA in Chicago, but a 4.63 ERA everywhere else.  He has held lefties to a measly .209 batting average, but righties have successfully batted .305. Rodon’s heat on his fastball has been great, averaging 93.7 mph. He also has done an incredible job keeping the ball in the park, averaging only 0.5 HR’s per 9 innings. Rodon’s also destined to see his ERA fall because his BABIP (.342) and Stand Rate (76.7%) are rather high.

Overall, the White Sox have to be pleased with where their top draft pick is at this point, with a 3-2 record and a 3.80 ERA in the first half of his rookie season, because I don’t think we’ve come close to seeing his best.