Cleveland Sports Forum

Now it's up to Carmona. After Juan Carlos Oviedo (Leo Nunez) was awarded the immigration and visa forgiveness, it is now expected the same will happen with Roberto Hernandez (Fausto Carmona).

Escrito by: DIONISIO Soldevila

Just reading where Carlos Quentin could be on the trading block.

Chris Sale Is Proving Why He Is an Elite Starting Pitcher

Published: 29th May 12 11:57 am Bryan Lutz
It’s been an interesting couple months for Chicago White Sox pitcher Chris Sale. The former reliever/closer looked fantastic in the month of April as a starting pitcher – but then out of nowhere – the Chicago White Sox decided to put Chris Sale back in the bullpen after he said his elbow was tender. Every White Sox fan understandably panicked about this horrendous move, obviously thinking about the worst case scenario. No matter what was wrong with Chris Sale, it was a lose-lose situation. The White Sox were either going to waste their best pitcher in the bullpen, or Chris Sale was seriously hurt.

In Chris Sale’s first relief appearance, he blew a save against the Cleveland Indians in the 8th inning where he allowed two inherited runs and one unearned run. This blown save has been the most valuable blown save in Major League history. If Chris Sale converted that save in grand fashion, there’s no doubt in my mind he would still be closing today. But since he blew the save, it allowed the White Sox brass to reconsider the move, and make the right decision by putting Chris Sale back into the starting rotation after his MRI was “pristine” as Kenny Williams put it.

In the 24 2/3 innings since Chris Sale was put back into the starting rotation, he has a 3-1 record, a ERA of 1.82, struck out 31 hitters, and his opponent’s OPS allowed is .492. On Memorial Day, Chris Sale proved exactly why he should remain in the starting rotation, earning his sixth win of the season by striking out 15 Tampa Bay Rays’ hitters in 7 1/3 innings. Addison Reed – who also benefited from Chris Sale starting so he could rightfully close – saved the game with the 1-2-3 ninth inning.

Believe it or not, but there has only been one pitcher in the American League that has been more productive than Chris Sale. That pitcher is 2011 Cy Young and MVP award winner, Justin Verlander.

Am I worried about Chris Sale’s durability? Absolutely, what Sox fan isn’t? Will the body frame of an 11-year old girl put more wear and tear on his body? Probably, but Chris Sale belongs in the starting rotation

If I remember correctly, the draft gurus had the Tribe taking Sale in the draft. They passed on him and took Pomegranate instead. White Sox snapped him up and he was in the Majors in less than a year.

There was a knock on this guy but I can't remember what it was.

2010 MLB Draft: White Sox Select LHP Chris Sale in First Round

By Joe Slowik(Correspondent) on June 7, 2010
Next Most experts picked the White Sox to select a college starter with the 13th pick in the MLB draft.

However, no one had them picking Chris Sale, the left-hander out of Florida Gulf Coast University. Sale was widely picked to be gone by the time the Sox took their turn, but he slipped a few picks in an unpredictable draft.

Few college pitchers were as dominant as Sale this season. He had an 11-0 record this year with a 2.10 ERA. What's even more impressive are his 146 strikeouts to only 14 walks.

By most accounts, Sale has quite a bit of upside. His fastball is consistently above 90 with quality movement and he throws a solid fading changeup. He also has the foundation for a solid breaking ball. With his projectable frame (6'6" 175), it's not hard to imagine him throwing even harder when he reaches the majors.

That said, like nearly all prospects, he does have some concerns.

The biggest one is his delivery and what it might mean for his role in the majors. His arm slot is lower than most starters and his delivery is far from pretty (somewhat similar to Randy Johnson). There is some concern that he won't be able to repeat that delivery enough to be a successful starter.

His development will certainly be something to watch for Sox fans. If things go well, they could have a top of the rotation caliber starter. Even if he doesn't make major strides, he has a pretty good chance of making an impact in the bullpen.

No secret that I preferred Sale over Pomeranz but I saw Sale more as a closer than a starter at that time.

Chris Sale agreed to terms with the White Sox, signing for recommended slot ($1.656 mil). Some thought he would be a tough sign.

No matter! He would be in Colorado with White right now.

Casey Crosby is pitching for Detroit this evening against the Yankees and CC Sabathia. We hired a young engineer out of Purdue about 8 months ago. Very good engineer by the way. His name is Brad. Well Brad and Casey Crosby are very close friends. Brad's really excited about Crosby's getting a chance to pitch in the majors. He and friends are having a party tonight at a local sports bar and will watch the game together. Casey trails 5-3 on 2 hits and 4 walks. I think there might be some butterflies floating around.

Nearing callup, Vlad promoted to Triple-A

By Gregor Chisholm / MLB.com | 06/01/12 7:02 PM ET

TORONTO --

Vladimir Guerrero is one step closer to getting back in the Major Leagues.

The veteran designated hitter was promoted to Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday morning following a successful stint with Class A Dunedin. While playing in the Florida State League, Guerrero recorded four home runs with a .450 (9-for-20) average and a 1.550 OPS in four games.

The Blue Jays opted to skip Guerrero past Double-A and right into the Pacific Coast League, where he will face pitchers who have a little more experience.

"Little bit more of a veteran approach where breaking balls are going to be maybe a little bit more regular for him," manager John Farrell said. "But the one thing that we all know: This is a Hall of Fame-type hitter, so I think it's a matter of seeing a different type of pitching in the progression he's going to."

There is still no timetable for a promotion to the Major Leagues, but it now appears as though it will just be a matter of time. Guerrero could join the Blue Jays on Tuesday in Chicago, but it's also possible the club will opt to choose to take an extended look at the Dominican native in Las Vegas.

Guerrero spent some time in left field with Dunedin, and that work will continue in the PCL. The club originally stated it viewed Guerrero as a DH, but if the reports about his defence come back positive, it's also possible the 37-year-old will see some action in left.

More than anything else, though, Guerrero's abilities will be judged on how he looks at the plate.

"His timing has become more consistent," Farrell said. "A lot of hard contact, and that's not just because of the four home runs in the short period of time there, but in talking with [Dunedin manager] Mike Redmond, his bat speed is good and his batting practice and everything about his game has been pretty impressive."

Guerrero signed a Minor League contract with the Blue Jays in early May. He appeared in 145 games for the Orioles last season while recording 13 home runs and a .290 average with a career-low .733 OPS.

Beat that horse !!!!!!

Johann Santana just threw the first no-hitter EVER for the Mets!

Looks like it wasn't really a no-hitter:

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/does-johan ... --mlb.html

DETROIT (AP) -- Magglio Ordonez has made his retirement official, ending a stellar career in which the outfielder hit .309 in 15 seasons with the Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox.

Ordonez, 38, held a news conference at Comerica Park on Sunday, and the Tigers have a ceremony planned before their game against the New York Yankees. Ordonez's homer to win Game 4 of the 2006 AL championship series against Oakland sent Detroit to the World Series and remains one of the most memorable moments in Tigers history.

Ordonez also won the American League batting title in 2007, hitting .363 with 28 home runs, 54 doubles and 139 RBIs.

He was bothered by ankle problems the last two seasons and said he didn't receive any satisfactory offers to play in the majors in 2012.

I guess the Indians were right to trade Cliff Lee. He STILL hasn't won a game this season!

y'know Bryce Harper could afford, y'know, to cut down on the, y'know, "y'knows" during his interviews. I think he averages about 1 every 1.78 seconds.

Last week I was talking with a guy that added "and stuff" to every other sentence, and stuff...