Chris Sale's Dominance Reshapes the Pitching Hierachy in the AL

When you think of the top pitchers in the American League, the names that come to mind are the Tigers' Justin Verlander, the Rays’ David Price and C.C. Sabathia of the Yankees. One would never think of the White Sox’ Chris Sale.

The 23-year old lefty has dazzled all season and he was just announced as the AL pitcher of the month for May. Chris Sale is the second White Sox pitcher to win the award this season. Jake Peavy won the award for the month of April.

Chris Sale’s pitching statistics have been better than the top names that I have previously mentioned.

Sale is tied for wins in the AL with seven and he leads the AL in total ERA. Did you know that batters have only hit .193 against him?

Chris Sale has really yet to be challenged by hitters and you cannot say that teams have not seen him pitch. He is in his third season and, having pitched out of the bullpen in his first two seasons, Chris Sale should not sneak up on anybody.

He has crept up on fantasy owners. If you are an owner of Chris Sale in your fantasy league, you have to be smiling about now. Sale is actually considered a relief pitcher in most fantasy websites, including ESPN.

For his fantasy owners, they have the opportunity to take advantage of a glitch in the fantasy system. They can have Sale virtually as an additional starter while adding what he brings to the table regarding wins, ERA, strikeouts, etc. He has been one of the biggest fantasy steals in quite some time.

While everyone was looking to grab Justin Verlander and Roy Halladay early on in their drafts, others waited for value picks like Chris Sale and the Cardinals’ Lance Lynn. The results have paid off huge.  

Like Sale, Lynn is having a similar season for the NL Central-contending Cardinals. I would not be surprised if one of these up-and-coming players wins the Cy Young award. My guess would be Chris Sale.

The top pitchers in baseball now have some company.