South Side Sox 2021 Player of the Week (ending May 21): Nick Madrigal

Some thought he’d hit the Goose behind our right-field bleachers. Some thought it’d be a sneaky shot down the line at Yankee Stadium.

But no, Nick Madrigal’s first major league home run came at Target Field, another log in the fire that absolutely roasted the division rival Minnesota Twins in a 16-4 White Sox victory. That homer came, naturally, with two strikes in the count, and soared out to left-center field. He sprinted to second base, before accepting the truth: The ball disappeared over the wall for a round-tripper.

For good measure, and just to remind us that he’s not all about power, Madrigal also knocked two singles in the game.

There’s something about Nicky that’s so reminiscent of old-time baseballers. The compact stance, with hands just slightly choked up on the bat, and a swing that just smacks at the ball.

He’s scrappy, yet patient, and he’s definitely got a bright future. Because White Sox fortunes turned south this past weekend, let’s dwell on that bright, shining fact.

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2021 MVP Standings

Carlos Rodón (45.3)
Lance Lynn (26.5)
Yermín Mercedes (26.2)
Michael Kopech (19.1)
Dallas Keuchel (17.1)
Dylan Cease (14.5)
Luis Robert (11.8)

2021 Cold Cat Standings

Leury García (-31.4)
Evan Marshall (-27.8)
Matt Foster (-18.7)
Adam Eaton (-17.6)
Yasmani Grandal (-11.0)
José Ruiz (-10.7)

South Side Sox Writer Standings