The White Sox biggest area of concern heading into 2019 is without question their starting rotation. Carlos Rodon has always had nagging injuries, Reynaldo Lopez needs to stay more consistent, Ivan Nova is solid but nothing special, and the 5th spot is still up for grabs. But most importantly, Lucas Giolito needs to show the team why they made him the headliner in the Adam Eaton deal a few years ago.
We already know that Lucas has the pure stuff to succeed at the MLB level. He got his fastball velocity back up to the mid 90’s by towards the latter part of 2018, and his breaking pitches are straight up filthy. His biggest problem was throwing strikes, as he led the MLB in walks last year. A big reason for that seemed to come from the mental side. Lucky for Sox fans, he realized that as well and attacked it harder than ever this off season and claims to be in the best mental shape of his life.
TixBlitz- Buy White Sox tickets now and save using promo code “Mockery”
Giolito went through 20 sessions of neurofeedback therapy this off season and feels like it did wonders for his health.
“For me it was about focusing on breathing, being confident at all times, just things like that where I kind of put it all together on the mental side,’’ – Lucas Giolito
So far it seems to be working, as Giolito was pounding the strike zone in his first side session of spring training.
“I saw a shorter arm swing, a little more compact. A lot of strikes, a lot of strikes with both the fastball and the breaking ball. I was very happy to see what he did today.’’ – Rick Renteria.
I still think Giolito can learn from a rough first full season and take the next step forward towards being a top of the rotation arm. If he does, the entire rotation will benefit from it. Suddenly Rodon isn’t carrying a huge load on his shoulders. Lopez can work effectively from the 3 spot, and Nova can be your steady 4 as Giolito climbs into the 2 spot.
Having 3 dependable starting pitchers in the rotation (Rodon, Giolito, Lopez) is a hell of a lot better than having 2. In time we’ll be able to see just how much neurofeedback has helped Giolito improve.
