Levine: Chris Sale Yearns To Pitch In Postseason
By Bruce Levine--
GLENDALE, Ariz. (CBS) -- Meaningful games -- that's not too much to ask for is it? White Sox ace Chris Sale yearns for the big game opportunities that come with playoff-bound teams.
Entering his seventh season, the 26-year-old Sale has yet to be on that big stage in October.
"That is the only reason we are here," Sale said as White Sox camp opened to pitchers and catchers. "It's the most important reason. You don't start off every year saying you want to go home early. The point is you want to get to the playoffs. It doesn't matter how or who gets you there. Limp in, finish strong, does not matter. Once you are there, I have heard anything can happen."
Sale set a franchise record with 274 strikeouts in 2015. The goal this season is to become a more complete pitcher and get easier outs. Pitching coach Don Cooper suggested that he try a different approach this season. He asked Sale to forgo the long pitch counts that occur in his battles with hitters for a sinker/slider early-out mindset.
"He told me getting an out in three pitches would be something to concentrate on," Sale said. "That makes sense to me and would help me go deeper in ballgames with less wear and tear."
The White Sox are built for a playoff run. Sale, whose pitching has gone underreported nationally, might get the recognition he deserves as one of the best rotation men in the game with a fast start by the team.
"We have added some energetic guys this offseason," Sale said. "I think what will make this team more exciting is that we will have some attitude out there. Winning is the only reason you show up. This is my seventh year, and I have not had a taste of (winning) yet. I have never pitched in a meaningful game in my career. That is the plan (playoffs). No one really cares what you do in the regular season. No one cares about the teams that don't make it to the playoffs or even who was in second place. We got to go we have to win."
That burning desire is always pushing Sale to win.
"You win ballgames, and a lot of good things happen from there," Sale said. "Fans start showing up. Nobody is ever in a bad mood when you are winning. You can come up and slap me in the face, if we have won 10 in a row, I will laugh at it. Winning does a lot of things for teams and comrades in arms, energy and good feelings."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.