Schuster: Sale 'More Comfortable' In Starter Role
By David Schuster-
GLENDALE, Ariz. (CBS) -- Chris Sale had the line of the day when he was asked about drug tests in baseball.
"My father always tells me that this is the only test that you don't have to study for so you shouldn't fail it," the hard-throwing left-hander said.
This will be Sale's third year in the big leagues but his first as a starter.
"I know where I'm going this year," he said. "I'm obviously more comfortable and the jitters aren't as high as they were in the past."
Unlike other pitchers who ease into throwing harder and harder as Spring Training develops, Sale looks to be in mid-season form.
"My philosophy is if you feel good then let it go. There's no reason to hold back," he said. "Games are starting soon and the season is coming up quick so I like to get to as close to 100 percent as fast as possible."
When Sale has a bullpen session or throws to live hitters there are a lot of oohs and aahs from the assembled fans. His manager is also one of those fans.
"He has great stuff," Robin Ventura said. "He has great velocity but his off speed pitch is something else. I don't know many that I have seen that are better. The sky's the limit and I'm just excited to see him get going."
Many experts are predicting big things for Sale but his humble nature doesn't allow for making any bold predictions.
"I just want to be the guy they need me to be," Sale said. "Just show up every day and be consistent. I want to go out there every fifth day and go out there and give them every thing I got."
For more White Sox spring training coverage from Glendale, Ariz, click here. Find all of David Schuster's spring training blogs here and follow him on Twitter (@schumouse).
