White Sox Prospect Primer: Rodon rising

Some players are on the verge of stardom, others are entering a crucial phase of their development and still others are getting their first tastes of full-season ball. With the 2015 season approaching, MiLB.com takes a look at the most intriguing prospects from each MLB organization.

Shining star: Carlos Rodon, LHP

Selected third overall last June, Rodon threw 24 2/3 Minor League innings last year, culminating with three starts at Triple-A Charlotte. The fact that with just an additional 7 1/3 frames in Spring Training, the White Sox considered the 22-year-old for a big league job speaks volumes about the talent of tthe organization's top prospect.

"We were happy to get him where we did," said Nick Capra, the club's director of player development. "Our scouts felt he was probably the best pitcher available, and what he's shown us thus far, they were right on the button.

Capra sees Rodon entering the year pitching again for the Knights, likely tossing between 100-120 innings on the season.

Major League-ready: Micah Johnson, 2B

After stealing 84 bases in 2013, Johnson saw his total drop to 22 in 2014. In spite of that, Johnson put up solid numbers in the upper levels of the Minors, compiling a .297/.366/.422 slash line in 102 games between Charlotte and Double-A Birmingham. While the 24-year-old infielder may need a bit more time in the Minors, it seems likely that Johnson will bring his electric legs to Chicago sooner rather than later.

"I think the way it looks now, we can say yes," Capra said when asked whether Johnson could see the Majors this year. "He's had a fantastic spring, he's opened a lot of eyes, he's done a lot of good things. Offensively, defensively and between the bases, he's a game changer.

"On the bases, he can create havoc and put the pressure on the defense. That's pretty special."

Crossroads: Matt Davidson, 3B

The big name acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks in last winter's Addison Reed trade, Davidson struggled with the Knights, batting .199 with 20 homers. Now entering his seventh season as a pro, the 24-year-old will look to regain the form that made him a Futures Game selection and the contest's MVP in 2013.

"There were some struggles with the batting average," Capra said. "I think he put a lot of pressure on himself coming over in the trade. I think he wanted to make a lasting impression. He was scoreboard watching, watching that batting average every night and that probably didn't help. He's got a clean slate and he's in a good spot this spring. We're anxious to see what happens."

Full-season debutants: Spencer Adams, RHP

Selected 41 spots after Rodon, Adams made 10 appearances in the Rookie-level Arizona League, going 3-3 with a 3.67 ERA while racking up 59 strikeouts and walking a remarkably-low four batters in 41 2/3 innings. The 18-year-old possesses a plus fastball that reaches 96 mph and a solid slider while also throwing a changeup and a curveball. Capra expects him to open the year in a full-season league.

"Hopefully, he repeats what he did last year," he said. "He threw a lot of strikes with three good pitches with not a lot of walks. We're hopeful that can continue in A ball this year."

Loudest tool: Cleuluis Rondon, SS

Regarded as one of the best defensive shortstops in the Minors, Rondon led all of the Minor Leagues in assists (404), double plays (103) and total chances (648), displaying remarkable range at Class A Advanced Winston-Salem and Class A Kannapolis. The question that remains for Rondon is whether he can hit, as the 20-year-old has a .225 average in 307 career games.

"He's real rangy for a shortstop, good hands, good feet, he moves laterally well. He's an exciting player to watch," Capra said. "He stands out in the field. He's got a littler flair for the game in a good way. He can light up the ballpark with some of the plays he makes."

More to keep an eye on: Having conquered the Carolina League after repeating in 2014, Courtney Hawkins should move up to Double-A, where the challenge will be to improve on his average while maintaining his power production. ... Injuries limited Tim Anderson to just 83 games in 2014, but when he was on the field he produced, batting .301 with an .808 OPS. ... Catcher Jhoandro Alfaro, brother of top Texas prospect Jorge, was signed by the White Sox as an international free agent last summer and will make his debut in 2015. ... Despite taking a line drive off his right tricep during Spring Training, Tyler Danish should be ready to try and top a 2014 season in which he posted a 2.08 ERA in 25 starts.