Chris Sale's Return To South Side Brings About Mixed Emotions

Today's game has the potential to be one of the bigger ones the Chicago White Sox will play this season. Chris Sale will be making his first start against his former club in Chicago. If that is not enough for you, he gets to go up against current White Sox ace Jose Quintana. While the White Sox attendance numbers are notorious for being on the lower end, this game could get close to a sellout. The atmosphere? It is sure to be electric.

Warm Welcome?

Chris Sale is one of the top pitchers in White Sox franchise history. He definitely had the best pure stuff, with his mid-90's fastball and a slider that gives hitters nightmares. From 2010 to the end of last season, he was easily my favorite member of the White Sox to watch. Whenever I see him on ESPN making professional hitters look like little-leaguers, I die a little inside. It really is a shame the White Sox could never get back to the playoffs while he was on the team, but Rick Hahn needed to trade him for the sake of the future of the ball club. Some fans will probably boo, but for the most part, expect Sale to get a standing ovation when he takes the mound. Hell, some people might even cheer when he strikes a member of the White Sox out.

Pitcher's Duel

Sale is currently dominating the entire MLB to the tune of a 2.34 ERA, and a ridiculous 12.45 K/9 and 3.2 WAR. Jose Quintana recently got shelled in his last outing, but had put up five phenomenal starts before that. We could have a 0-0 ballgame in the seventh inning. One interesting thing about Sale is when he gets extra amped up for a game, he tends to get knocked around. Whether he is pressing himself, or just thinking too much, he has been known to get a little wild. I for one hope the White Sox put up six runs on him. Only time will tell.

Final Thoughts

Sale/Quintana will surely be talked about all day not just in Chicago and Boston, but across all MLB media outlets. Sale will get a standing ovation from a near sellout crowd, but neither he or Quintana will leave the game with a decision. I say Sale goes 6 innings, while Quintana goes 7. They both give up just one run in a thrilling duel. Then the White Sox bullpen will be as strong as it has been all season and find a way to get the W. This is a lost season for the White Sox, but they do have a few games that will be categorized as a "Must Watch" (i.e Moncada, Lopez, Fulmer getting called up). Make sure you add Sale Vs. Quintana to that category as well.