South Side Sox 2021 Player of the Week (ending June 12): Dylan Cease

Eeny, meeny, miney moe, catch a Tiger by the toe.

That’s become a healthy habit for Dylan Cease, who has spent the bulk of his starts taming the Tigers. In the latest of these wins, a glorious 15-2 blowout, Cease threw some more of his greatest hits, which downright befuddled the struggling Detroit offense.

On sunny days in Comerica Park, the White Sox starter makes it look easy. But past struggles with walks have haunted him, and it’s taken intensive offseason work to turn the corner.

In last year’s abbreviated season, Cease delivered 44 strikeouts over 58 innings of play last year. In 2021, after the same amount of playing time, he’s racked up nearly twice that number. It’s a testament to Cease’s growing confidence, and the coaching of Ethan Katz, who’s helping to shape the young pitcher’s command and delivery.

This newfound depth couldn’t have come at a better time. With the White Sox poised to run away with the division lead, consistent wins against rivals are a must. And in the jungles of the American League, you want a tiger tamer on your side.

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2021 MVP Standings

Carlos Rodón (53.6)
Lance Lynn (52.2)
Dylan Cease (29.1)
Dallas Keuchel (20.5)
Michael Kopech (19.3)
Lucas Giolito (18.7)
Andrew Vaughn (15.4)
Billy Hamilton (12.7)
Luis Robert (11.8)

2021 Cold Cat Standings

Leury García (-36.8)
Evan Marshall (-33.3)
Adam Eaton (-24.7)
Yoán Moncada (-20.9)
Matt Foster (-18.9)
Aaron Bummer (-17.4)
Jake Lamb (-14.8)
Liam Hendriks (-11.1)

South Side Sox Writer Standings