Carlos Rodon 'Clear No. 1 Prospect' In 2014 MLB Draft Class

Carlos Rodon is less than a year from being a very rich individual, whether he's drafted first or fifth or 10th. Rodon is unquestionably the top prospect in the 2014 MLB draft class, in the estimation of Baseball America, and that means he is most likely headed to Houston.

N.C. State lefthander Carlos Rodon, who had a strong summer with USA Baseball's Collegiate National Team, gives the class a clear No. 1 prospect, combining size, plus stuff, good makeup and a strong track record of success.

Baseball America adds that Rodon "could have ranked No. 1" in the last two draft classes. He was taken in the 16th round out of high school, and he would have gone much higher were teams not concerned about signability issues. Deciding to go to college hasn't exactly hurt Rodon [insert pitcher abuse jokes here], though--he has increased his value significantly by proving his ability to dominate at the college level.

About the only thing left I had to root for in the latter stages of the MLB season was a last-place finish for the White Sox, and I am mostly kidding here (in between the tears) but I really thought this team had what it takes to finish last. Instead, Rodon is going to Houston. But the White Sox need help everywhere, I remind myself, and Trea Turner is a top-five prospect as well.