We’ve all heard by now about the infamous “elbow tenderness” that has led to pitching coach Don Cooper and manager Robin Ventura making the decision to take youngster Chris Sale out of the rotation, where he had been 3-1 with a 2.81 ERA through his first 5 career big league starts, and into the bullpen as the White Sox new closer.
Most “experts” and fans have questioned this move, and understandably so. Sale is supposed to be the ace of the future White Sox staff. And who knows, maybe he can still end up being that eventually. But for now, moving to the closer role is a move that coaches feel will benefit Sale’s career in the long-term.
Back to the ‘pen he goes, where Sale had a 2.79 ERA in 71 IP in 2011
With rookie Hector Santiago not looking like a viable closer option quite yet [at least], and veteran Matt Thornton seeming entirely more fit for the set up role than the closer spot, Sale should fit in nicely to his new 9th inning role. Plus, the Sox may now have someone that can get lefties out in the middle relief role as Santiago transitions there, since Will Ohman has struggled mightily so far this year.
So in more ways that not, at least on paper, this move does benefit the team. If Sale can execute as the closer, then the team should be able to adjust nicely, moving forward with a complete bullpen. Of course, it leaves a hole in the rotation, which is what we’ll get to next.
Most surrounding the team are confident that if left in the set-up role, Matty Ice is good as gold
If all pans out well and this roster change does end up benefiting both the bullpen and Chris Sale as an individual, while leaving a hole in the rotation, then you could make the argument that it’s a good decision, because the pros outweigh the cons, 2 to 1. But of course it leaves the question, is that spot in the rotation more valuable than the other factors of the decision? It might be, but if someone else can step up and fill the slot successfully, then this move will go from being highly questionable to simply remarkable.
So, who are the replacements we’re looking at?
In 18.2 IP in the big leagues for the Sox last season, Dylan Axelrod had a 2.89 ERA
In 7 starts for the LA Dodgers in 2008, Eric Stults had a 3.49 ERA
I see this as a two man race between righty Dylan Axelrod and lefty Eric Stults, with Axelrod having the advantage. Axelrod is thought to have the ability to be a consistent factor in White Sox rotations for years to come, having been impressive to this point in his career, and at the age of 27, an age where players should be ready to mature and step up. All I know about his game is that he’s more of a finesse pitcher, as he can command 4 different pitches.
Eric Stults does have more big league experience, although it has not been too successful. He’s amassed a 4.93 career ERA between the Rockies and Dodgers, and is now 32 years old. So you could classify him as an unexperienced veteran, if you will. It’s tough for pitchers in that type of position to shine through and become a part of a big league squad’s plan, but Stults has that opportunity now for the south siders, so he could gain motivation since the clock is clearly ticking on his career.
I wish I had more of a personal scouting report for you on these two guys, but I don’t. We’ll be learning about these two guys together, and hopefully at least one of them can keep the Sox in some games for the rest of the season.
Axelrod takes the mound for Sunday’s afternoon start, and Stults will likely get a shot for one of the double-header games on Monday.