Look, it’s the second game of the season so I’m trying to keep my cool here. I don’t want to overreact and dub Chris Sale my favorite Red Sox pitcher ever or anything like that. But with that said, I’m extremely excited to have him in a Red Sox uniform and I think Boston is going to fall in love with him in a way that has only happened for a select few players.
I mean, it’s not just the fact that Sale went out last night and pitched lights out for seven innings. It’s not just the three hits, one walk and seven strikeouts. It’s not just the nasty stuff he has in his arsenal either. The thing that is really going to put Sale on another level with Red Sox fans is his demeanor on the mound and in the clubhouse. After what we’ve seen from guys like David Price, Chris Sale’s competitive spirit is a breath of fresh air.
Sale walked one man last night and was visibly upset with himself out there on the mound. He looks like a guy that takes it personally anytime a batter reaches base or puts a good swing on a ball against him. It’s amazing to watch him out there on the mound as he just battles his butt off and brings a different level of energy. He’s a horse out there on the bump and a legitimate ace that brings an attitude and an identity that was sorely needed.
The Red Sox television numbers were huge last night and the atmosphere around the game was something I haven’t ever really felt in April. Sale brings electricity that hasn’t been around since the heyday of Pedro Martinez and now that it’s here Boston is going to be in love with baseball even more.
It’s too bad that Sale couldn’t earn the victory in his first start at Fenway, as he exited in a scoreless game that the Sox ultimately won in extra innings when Sandy Leon blasted a ball into the Green Monster seats. But Sale has captured the hearts of Boston already by saying all the right things and performing at the same time. This is going to be a fun season.
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