Ostrowski: Incident or not, Sale is a top commodity
Silly you.
You thought the White Sox finally were acting like a normal baseball organization after hearing Rick Hahn speak this week. The general manager said, “We have not ruled out anything at this point. We've got to stay open-minded. We're not where we want to be.”
Progress? Not so much.
Enter Sox drama as Chris Sale became an easy Saturday night punchline. Every possible joke made the rounds involving the ace's cutter, being a cut up, cut above, and he really needs to cut it out.
It all started with reports that Sale was scratched from his start. Many assumed this meant the all-star was close to being traded with the deadline just more than a week away. Others went with the flu explaining Sale's absence.
A statement from Hahn was released about 25 minutes before the game was supposed to start, which explained that Sale “was sent home from the ballpark by the White Sox due to a clubhouse incident before the game. The incident, which was nonphysical in nature, currently is under further investigation by the club.”
The reports came rolling in that Sale didn't want to wear the 1976 throwback uniforms because they are uncomfortable. According to Fox Sports, Sale cut up the uniforms during batting practice because the pitcher felt that the Sox put PR and jersey sales ahead of winning.
Add this to the list of incidents that have occurred during Sale's time on the South Side, on and off the field.
Ripping executive vice president Ken Williams to the media over the Drake LaRoche decision.
Voicing that he felt blindsided with the decision to let Tyler Flowers go last year.
Trying to get into the Kansas City Royals' clubhouse after a fight on the field last season.
Reportedly throwing at the Tigers' Victor Martinez after believing Detroit was stealing signs. This led to the benches clearing in 2014.
Sale also was upset with the Sox after taking him out of the rotation to be the team's closer in 2012.
What's important is whether Sale's actions Saturday hurt his trade value. Before the incident, national baseball writer Jon Heyman reported that the Sox are looking for five prospects in return for the Cy Young contender. He added that a general manager said “they will get it.”
While Sale may be guilty of being irritable at times, the term clubhouse cancer has never been attached to the superstar. Teams are willing to deal with an upset player once or twice a year if it means they can add an ace who could put a ring on their fingers.
A 27-year old elite starting pitcher under team control for the next 3½ seasons. There are 48 starters who are making more money than Sale this year, including Jake Peavy and Matt Garza.
This also is a trade market that doesn't have much to offer in terms of pitchers with expiring contracts. Sale's value shouldn't budge.
In the real world, none of us can act like a child at work and get away with it. However, nobody is paying their hard-earned money to watch us work.
Baseball isn't the real world.
• Joe Ostrowski is a co-host of the “Hit & Run” baseball show from 9 a.m. to noon Sundays on WSCR 670-AM The Score with Barry Rozner. Follow him on Twitter@JoeO670.