Levine: Clubhouse Incident Won't Hurt Chris Sale's Value On Market
By Bruce Levine--
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The soap opera that centers around the Chicago White Sox and ace left-hander Chris Sale took on a new twist, as he's been suspended five games and was absent from the park Sunday a day after a clubhouse incident that is dominating the sports conversation right now.
Sale was sent home Saturday before his schedule start after destroying the entire team's 1976 throwback jerseys in frustration. Sale was agitated by retro uniforms that had an Xfinity logo as the marketing partner on this promotion.
Still, none of those antics will stop the White Sox from getting back a huge load of young talent back for Sale should they decide to trade him. And make no mistake: All of the hoopla around this latest incident points more than ever to Sale being dealt soon to a contender before the Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline.
White Sox general manager Rick Hahn has had two conversations with Sale since his outburst on Saturday. Hahn said Sale was disappointed with the suspension and didn't express remorse for his actions.
"It is unfortunate that this has become an issue and potential distraction," Hahn said.
What Hahn said next was telling.
For the first time since the 27-year-old Sale has been in the organization, a team official alluded to the fact that Sale could help another team compete for a title.
"It does not change our belief that Chris Sale can help this club win a championship," Hahn said.
"It doesn't move the needle one iota in terms of his value to this club or his value to any other club that may be interested in his services or the likelihood of him being moved or kept ... None of that stuff is impacted at all by these events."
Hahn made it crystal clear that Sale is a top commodity who could bring back other potential dominant players in return.
Sale's favorable contract and his overall ability and competitiveness make him the No. 1 starting pitcher on the market right now. Other clubs such as the Red Sox and Rangers are making their best offers and counter offers for Sale.
Did Sale himself asked to be traded?
"I don't want to get into specifics of our exchange," Hahn cautioned, "but at no point did he express a desire not to be a Chicago White Sox player. He has gone through this stuff (trade rumors) once or twice a year during his career.
"He is professional when it comes to that stuff. It is never easy for any player. I do not think anything from the incident pertains to trade rumors or anything like that."
Hahn emphasized that he'll be proactive in listening to all offers, including viable inquires on Sale.
"We have a responsibility to listen on all of our players and understand their value," Hahn said. "That does not mean we feel we need to take less than appropriate value. Chris Sale two days ago, as well as today, is every bit the Cy Young pitcher now that he was than. That does not change. His elite caliber can help us or any club win a championship."
Many items, including gloves and shoes, appeared to be missing from Sale's locker area Sunday. That in itself may indicate that Sale believes his time with Chicago may be coming to a close.
While suspended through Wednesday, Sale can work out with the team in the early hours before the game but must clear out of the field and clubhouse when the public is allowed into the ballpark.
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.