In a blockbuster trade, the Boston Red Sox have acquired pitcher Chris Sale from the Chicago White Sox for Cuban outfield sensation Yoan Moncada, two minor league pitchers (Michael Kapech and Victor Diaz) and minor league outfielder Luis Basabe.
Sale has made five consecutive AL All-Star appearances and has finished in the top five in AL Cy Young balloting for the past four seasons. In 2016, Sale went 17-10 with a 3.34 ERA and 233 strikeouts. For good measure, Sale led the AL in complete games with six. During his big league career, Sale is 74-50 with an even 3.00 ERA with 1,244 career strikeouts.
Despite his great stats, Sale's season was full of turmoil. He was very vocal against the Chisox front office when they barred Adam La Roche's son Drake from the clubhouse. By mid-season, Sale had a falling out with management. Frankly, I was amazed Sale wasn't dealt at the trade deadline.
Chris Sale is the best pitcher in MLB who has never won a Cy Young and he joins a rotation with two Cy Young winners in Rick Porcello and David Price. Yes, the Red Sox have a starting rotation with pitchers named Sale and Price.
I'm sure a lot of people are picking the Red Sox to repeat in the AL East, but they still must replace David Ortiz. Mitch Moreland is good. But is he enough?
The Sox made one other move. They traded infielder Travis Shaw to the Milwaukee Brewers for reliever Tyler Thornburg. In 2016, Thornburg struck out 90 batters in 67 innings and saved 13 games. Thornburg is expected to be Craig Kimbrel's setup man.
So with Shaw gone does this mean Pablo Sandoval gets a shot at redemption?
And what will the Yankees do? Will they sign both Aroldis Chapman and Kenley Jansen to join Dellin Betances as a new three headed monster in the bullpen?
But Porcello, Price and Sale give the Red Sox a three headed monster in the starting rotation.
I think 2017 could mark the renewal of the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry in the post-season.
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