By the numbers: Chicago White Sox All-Stars
By Brian Draus
Jul 9, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu (79) hits a home run against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Who are you looking forward to seeing most in Minneapolis next week? Here is a look at the Chicago White Sox named to the All-Star team and their statistics as the All-Star game will take place on Tuesday, July 15 at Target Field, the home of the Minnesota Twins.
Jun 18, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale (49) throws a pitch against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Making the American League All-Star team for the White Sox were left-handed pitcher Chris Sale, shortstop Alexei Ramirez and rookie first baseman Jose Abreu.
Let’s take a look at all three White Sox All-Star players … by the numbers.
Chris Sale:
Sale was the winner of the Final Fan Vote in the American League. It was a surprise to many that he did not make the All-Star team initially, but he made it regardless.
Sale has been dominant this season, posting a 8-1 record with 2.08 ERA. He could have at least one more win, after the bullpen blew a 4-0 lead in a game he started on Wednesday in Boston.
His BB/K rate is exceptional, at 16/102. Sale is a legitimate ace and would be a nightmare for any left-handed batter to face.
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Alexei Ramirez:
Ramirez is one of the most exciting shortstops in all of baseball to watch, due to his range and arm strength. Not to mention at the plate, he has power and speed that helps him drive the baseball and steal bases as well. Ramirez already has 15 stolen bases for the Sox, while only being caught three times.
Jul 9, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez (10) throws to first base against the Boston Red Sox during the fourth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
As I mentioned in an earlier article, his power has increased in 2014, as he has eight homers to date. While his average is plummeting, it is still above .280 (.283), and he was one of the league leaders in hitting for over a month.
Ramirez is one of the best shortstops in baseball and should be a treat for fans to watch at Target Field.
All of these players are fun to watch. Each brings something different to the table, so they should put on a show in Minneapolis and could be a difference maker for the American League.
Jose Abreu:
Abreu has been crushing the ball this season and is the talk of baseball. He is tied for the MLB lead in home runs (28) and is among the league leaders in RBIs (71).
The impressive part of that is Abreu spent two weeks on the D.L. with an ankle injury, which curbed his home run and RBI totals. The only concern with Abreu is his BB/K rate (21/80). That means he has played in 79 games and already struck out 80 times, about one time per game, which is not good.
Overall, Abreu has already established himself as one of the elite power hitters in the game.