With all the Red Sox drama surrounding David Price, nobody has really talked about the domination of their real ace, Chris Sale. The last pitcher to win the AL MVP award was Detroit Tiger Justin Verlander in 2011. Clayton Kershaw clinched the overall MLB MVP in 2014 with the Dodgers, the last pitcher to do so.
You get what you trade for
Chris Sale has a 2.57 ERA this season, currently 14-4. The Red Sox bats really come alive when he pitches, and they score runs. When Dave Dombrowski traded for him in the off season, Sales has proved the pitcher they needed to shake things up a bit after Price’s awful year.
Chris Sale had a bad outing against the Indians but came back the other night against the Rays and pitched eight solid innings. An obvious CY Young contender, Sales should be in the running for AL MVP Award. Of any pitcher on the roster, Sales gives them a chance to win with the season in its final two months.
Uphill battle for pitchers
When Sales starts, the Red Sox stand 16-7. In games not started by Sale, it’s 51-44. Not many pitchers win the AL MVP Award, working on a five-day rotation. Fielders play every game and can get more votes.
I really think Sale should be considered. He really proved himself as the ace of this team in his first year with the Red Sox. He maintains a great attitude, win or lose. Price would rather go home to his mother-in-law, and hang with his dog Astro.
This season the competition for AL MVP is a tricky one with Yankees rookie Aaron Judge’s great year. He might be in the running for the MVP Award, as well as Rookie Of The Year.