Dueling Aces? Sale, Arrieta Embrace Possibility Of All-Star Start
By Chris Emma--
(CBS) Always a man in the moment, Cubs manager Joe Maddon knows what an All-Star duel of Jake Arrieta and Chris Sale would mean to his new home of Chicago.
"The city would dig it," Maddon said.
Indeed, Chicago would dig it.
While baseball fans in this city are divided between their Cubs and White Sox, both can agree on the dominance of each other's aces, Arrieta and Sale. The rest of the baseball world can, too.
Each time Arrieta or Sale takes to the bump, it's must-watch television. Wouldn't it be unique to have the two finally meet in the Midsummer Classic?
"It would be great for the city, no doubt," Sale told reporters Wednesday. "Just like if we got to the (World Series) together. It would be crazy. Anything that could promote something positive for this city, I am in for it."
By now, the Arrieta story has been told many times. He struggled with the Orioles early in his career and was sent packing in a deal with the Cubs for Scott Feldman.
Arrieta, now 30, became good in 2014, then great in 2015 -- in fact, historically great for the season's second half. He enters Friday's start against the Pirates sitting at 12-3 with a 2.33 ERA.
Despite a strong first half of last season, Arrieta was snubbed of the All-Star Game. He's 24-4 with a 1.54 ERA since watching it from home.
"I've been through a lot," said Arrieta, reflecting on the winding road of his career. "A lot of hard work. It's started to pay off. My career has moved in a positive direction the past couple of year. It's a byproduct of that, the hard work."
On the other hand, it's been smooth sailing for Sale ever since he broke into the big leagues.
The 27-year-old Sale was a first-round pick for the White Sox in 2010 and made his debut later that season. He has a career 71-42 record with a 2.92 ERA entering Friday, with a mark of 10.58 strikeouts per nine innings.
Entering play Friday, Sale is 14-2 with a 2.93 ERA this season. He's on a pace to become the greatest pitcher in White Sox history, and he earned his fifth consecutive All-Star nod.
To make the start would be a dream of his.
"It would be awesome and such a thrill," Sale said.
Who starts the All-Star Game will be decided next week by National League manager Terry Collins of the Mets and American League manager Ned Yost of the Royals.
Selecting Sale seems like an easy call, especially given that his numbers are superior to most AL foes. Only Indians right-hander Danny Salazar (10-3, 2.63 ERA) really seems to have a case against Sale.
Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw would be the obvious pick for the NL side, but he's recovering from a back injury and won't participate in the game. That opens the door for Arrieta, the reigning NL Cy Young winner.
Other candidates to start for the NL are Mets right-hander Noah Syndergaard (9-3, 2.41 ERA), Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg (11-0, 2.71), Giants right-hander Johnny Cueto (13-1, 2.47) and Marlins right-hander Jose Fernandez (10-4, 2.69).
"It's up for grabs," Arrieta said. "I think there are several guys that are deserving of the honor to start the game. Whether it's me or not, it's not a huge deal one way or the other. It would be great to start. It would also just be great to pitch in the game and be a part of the three days in San Diego.
"Whatever happens in that regard, either way they go, it's still going to be a really cool experience for all of us."
Of course, Arrieta was being modest. The intense competitor within his imposing frame wants to be the guy on the mound. When asked last season what drives him, Arrieta had a simple response: "Just to be the best. That's it." He proved that place last season.
Sale is pretty good, too. He wants that place on the mound to start the game.
"I am not going to reserve anything when I get in there," Sale said. "I fully intend on letting (the fastball) eat when I get out there, whenever that is. It would be hard not to. You have a packed crowd and you're facing the best. You better bring it."
Maddon was certainly right in understanding what next Tuesday night would mean to Chicago and the baseball world if Arrieta and Sale start the game. Sure, it's nothing more than a nice honor, but it's deserved.
Baseball fans on both sides of Chicago unite around their teams and take pride in their aces. Wouldn't it be fun to see them duel on the big stage?
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.
