Chris Sale becomes 4-time All-Star
The Chicago White Sox might have only one representative at the 2015 MLB All-Star Game in Cincinnati, but the player representing is the only one on the roster who is deserving of such an honor.
That player is left-handed ace Chris Sale and this is the fourth time he’s been selected to the American League mid-summer classic squad. Last season, Sale won the Final Fan Vote, but this year he was treated with the respect he deserves as he was put on the team by Kansas City Royals manager Ned Yost, who is managing the AL squad in Cincinnati next week.
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Sale is the second player in the history of the White Sox to earn four consecutive selections to the All-Star game, the first being Billy Pierce from 1955-59. Pierce played 13 seasons for the White Sox.
The last White Sox to start an All-Star Game was Mark Buehrle in 2005, and before that it was Esteban Loaiza in 2003.
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Sale’s history in the All-Star Game looks like this:
• 2012: 1 IP, 2 hits, 0 walks, 0 earned runs, 1 strikeout (13 pitches, 10 strikes)
• 2013: 2 IP, 0 hits, 0 walks, 0 earned runs, 2 strikeouts (24 pitches, 17 strikes)
• 2014: 1 IP, 1 hit, 0 walks, 1 earned run, 1 strikeout (16 pitches, 9 strikes)
In his three All-Star appearances Sale has one win (2013), and he lost the lead in 2014.
My opinion is the All-Star voting is a let down this season, but not for how the team was voted on. I’m more disappointed in how the White Sox have played this season, leaving the White Sox with only one player even deserving to make the team.
Other pitchers to make the AL team are: Dallas Keuchel (Houston Astros), Chris Archer (Tampa Bay Rays), Sonny Gray (Oakland Athletics), David Price (Detroit Tigers), Dellin Betances (New York Yankees), Wade Davis (Kansas City Royals), Glen Perkins (Minnesota Twins), Brad Boxberger (Tampa Bay Rays), Zach Britton (Baltimore Orioles) Felix Hernandez (Seattle Mariners), Kelvin Herrera (Kansas City Royals), and Darren O’Day (Baltimore Orioles).
Jul 14, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; American League pitcher Chris Sale (49) of the Chicago White Sox takes the field for workout day the day before the 2014 MLB All Star Game at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Sale has played some of the best baseball of his career this season, and should have a better overall record, but he’s been given not enough run support at times this season, leaving him with a 6-4 record before Monday’s start.
Sale should represent the White Sox well in the All-Star Game if he’s able to pitch depending on when he’s on the mound for the White Sox before the All-Star break.
Though the White Sox don’t have as many selections as they had one year ago (three: Sale, Jose Abreu, Alexei Ramirez) Sale will represent the White Sox just fine in Cincinnati on Tuesday, July 14 at Great American Ball Park.
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