Despite the increasingly blustering conditions across the nation, MLB's spring training continues to roll along. Whether they're in Arizona or in Florida, the best players in the sport are gearing up for the long season ahead.
The upcoming weekend provides myriad games for fans to salivate over. On Friday afternoon, Chicago White Sox fans will get a chance to see Carlos Rodon make a start. Meanwhile, top position players such as Francisco Lindor and Byron Buxton will also look to shine over the weekend.
Below is a full look at the upcoming schedule and predictions for some of the game's top prospects. A complete schedule for the spring slate can be found at MLB.com.
Carlos Rodon, SP, Chicago White Sox
Viewed as a player who will likely follow Chris Sale's path to the MLB, Carlos Rodon is now filling in for the White Sox ace. Chicago's pitching coach Don Cooper made the decision to replace Sale with Rodon earlier this week, via Scott Merkin of MLB.com.
Coming into his first full professional season in Chicago, Rodon is already ranked the No. 15 prospect by Baseball America. Now that Sale is likely on the shelf for the start of the season, Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune states Rodon should be the obvious choice for a rotation spot:
With Chris Sale likely out of the White Sox rotation for the start of the season with a broken foot, rookie Carlos Rodon's chances of making the rotation have seemingly increased. ...
You don't have to be the manager to know what the right call is in this situation: Stick Rodon in the rotation and see what he has. The question should be whether Rodon is your No. 3 with Sale gone, behind Jeff Samardzija and Jose Quintana, not whether he deserves the fifth spot.
Now, he has a chance to prove that in spring training.
Last year, Rodon cruised through the minors with a light load after a complete college season at N.C. State. If he can shine on Friday, it might be the first step toward securing that potential spot at the MLB level. Expect him to have a steady outing with his devastating slider on full display.
Prediction: Three innings, four strikeouts and one earned run.
Francisco Lindor, SS, Cleveland Indians
Living in Raleigh, there is no major league team. That doesn't necessarily mean I don't see talent pass through the area on a regular basis. Francisco Lindor, much like Rodon, is one of those special talents whose path crossed through North Carolina.
Lindor has clearly moved on from his Carolina Mudcats days, but the stories that he left behind are still told by fans who get a chance to watch him. Getting a chance to prove that talent in spring training, his flawless defense and bat will help him emerge with the Cleveland Indians.
Aaron Goldhammer of ESPN Cleveland points out that Lindor's putting pressure on the team to break camp with him on the roster:
However, that's clearly not Lindor's decision. He referenced just that earlier this week, via Nick Camino of WTAM 1100:
After going 2-for-3 and recording a defensive gem in his first game in spring training, the shortstop has already gotten off to a torrid start. The chances of him making the Opening Day roster might still seem slim, but Lindor is clearly a prospect to watch throughout the spring.
Prediction: Lindor stays hot with solid defense and a hit against the Royals and Rangers.
Byron Buxton, OF, Minnesota Twins
What hasn't been said about Byron Buxton at this point? Even after an injury-riddled 2014 season, Buxton is still the No. 1 prospect for MLB.com and the top prospect in the Minnesota Twins organization.
A complete five-tool player, the 21-year-old has shown off his power, arm and defense on a regular basis for the Twins organization. The contact and speed were on display during his debut, via MLB's official account:
Going up against the Tampa Bay Rays, Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles, Buxton will face plenty of solid pitching from AL East opponents. If he's looking to make a statement, all eyes will be focused on him against those franchises.
Expect Buxton to live up to the hype all spring. Whether that leads to a call-up later this season will remain to be seen, but Buxton is a player who can capture the attention of anyone who watches him.
Prediction: Buxton puts together standout weekend with multiple hits against AL East opponents.
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