Levine: Carson Fulmer's Ready For The Next Challenge

By Bruce Levine--

GLENDALE, Ariz. (CBS) -- The road from college to the big leagues has been a super highway for White Sox pitching prospects in recent seasons. Since 2010, the White Sox have drafted, signed, developed and nurtured both Chris Sale and Carlos Rodon into top-of-the-rotation pitchers. These quick ascensions within a year-and-a-half of being drafted in the first round give hope for Chicago's latest highly regarded college pitcher and his ascension to the majors.

Step right up, Carson Fulmer! The eighth overall pick in the 2015 amateur draft out of Vanderbilt, Fulmer pitched in nine games in the low level of the minor leagues last season. He and shortstop Tim Anderson are regarded as the organization's top prospects. The White Sox are open-minded about how quickly Fulmer moves up the minor league chain this season, general manager Rick Hahn said.

As he prepares to start the season at Double-A, Fulmer reflected on his first big league spring training camp.

"Coming into camp, I really did not know what to expect," Fulmer said. "Coming from college and just a couple of minor league games, I knew everything would be different. Just being around these guys who have had so much experience and success has been like a new education. I have tried to soak up as much information as I possibly could."

The timetable for the 22-year-old Fulmer's big league arrival could be sooner rather than later, if the early success of Sale and Rodon (just a year older at 23) is any indication. Pitching coach Don Cooper has always had a trick or two up his sleeve for his young pitchers, and he's pushing Fulmer in the same manner as he's done others.

"He lets you pitch your game," Fulmer said. "He allows a lot of breathing room before he suggests little tweaks. The only time he comes to talk to you is when he has a minor adjustment. Don will also advise me in certain situations I have not been in yet."

Fulmer has an above-average fastball and a wipeout curveball, and he knows anything Cooper can help add to his game is invaluable.

"I have a little bit of a cut fastball now and have added a split change-up," Fulmer said. "I give a lot of credit to him. He really knows what he is doing and communicates it directly."

Cooper has long helped pitchers made subtle improvements that can make huge differences in their careers. In the case of Fulmer, he has already added a twist here and there.

"I have always worked from the far left side of the rubber," Fulmer said. "He moved me over (toward middle) a little bit. He said moving me would help have a little more deception out there. He also said this would help me understand how my pitches react in the zone. This is one of those things, because of his success, you have to trust him."

Sale and Rodon have helped Fulmer make the transition to major league competition, as they confirmed his attack-attack-attack mindset. Fulmer has posted a 4.15 ERA in 8 2/3 innings in the Cactus League.

"I have these two guys that have gone through this before," Fulmer said "I was comfortable going to them for any advice. They sometimes just give me advice on what to expect along the way. They are both where I want to be one day. I have tried to surround myself around them as much as possible. They give me the vision to get to the highest level. That has always been a dream of mine."

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.