[Jeff Grant]

He's lucky that Darvish was terrible Friday night:

Chris Sale admittedly didn't have his best stuff during Friday's 9-5 victory over the Rangers before 47,638 at the Ballpark in Arlington, as evidenced by his fastball topping out at 92 mph on just two occasions over 6 1/3 innings.

As for that velocity issue, Sale and the White Sox (54-45) responded with the same overall lack of worry as they did when questioned about the topic after the left-hander worked eight innings in a victory over the Royals on July 15.

"These guys can hit anything," said Sale of the potent Rangers offense. "Like I said before, it's not about how hard it's coming in. It's where it's at. I don't know how to answer that to be honest with you."

"We talked about it a little bit but it's him becoming more of a pitcher rather than just using velocity," said White Sox manager Robin Ventura of his ace left-hander, whose ERA stands at 2.61 after 18 starts and 19 games. "Every once in a while he can still do it. But I don't think it's anything arm related."

That health diagnosis from Ventura was quickly supported by his 23-year-old starter.

"Everything is fine," Sale said. "It's getting late in the year and that might be a little bit of it. But that's not something I'm paying attention to. I honestly couldn't care less how hard I'm throwing."

[matt1216]

Lol i was all over the whitesox...... I watched the jays in texas, Jays lost but they hit darvish for 6 runs i believe. Darvish way over rated. I thought CWS coulda been around +105+110 myself.

[Smutbucket]

hmmm Im inclined to believe that hes right, location is more important than velocity.....anyone know of any indept anaylsis of velocity vs location or have a strong opinion backed by evidence?

[matt1216]

hmmm Im inclined to believe that hes right, location is more important than velocity.....anyone know of any indept anaylsis of velocity vs location or have a strong opinion backed by evidence?

ya location is huge, i remembe pedro martinez throwin,that guy had speed and location in the day. Catcher didnt even move the glove once he was set

[Jeff Grant]

ya location is huge, i remembe pedro martinez throwin,that guy had speed and location in the day. Catcher didnt even move the glove once he was set

The next thing to go is location when a pitcher is in the midst of throwing a career-high in innings

[matt1216]

The next thing to go is location when a pitcher is in the midst of throwing a career-high in innings

yes i do agree, this is why it should be interesting watching Sale, and Lynn going forward

[zoo youk]

great info jeff. you continue to provide solid information post.

this is Sales first full year as a starter correct? the innings could be certainly taking a toll on his arm. maybe they should shut him down for a start or two.

[JMon]

damn Darvish screwed me last night..ugghh

[Jeff Grant]

damn Darvish screwed me last night..ugghh

Saw that you stepped out a bit on the Rangers - they took 1% of my bankroll as well

[Smutbucket]

look at Lynns game log....jeeeez......numbers in beginning of year were amaziiing then were dropping off, then after all start break was amazing until last game against cubs.....definetly will be intresting to see how he finishes out season, I wont bet on em, but I will watch em

[rumnblack]

The next thing to go is location when a pitcher is in the midst of throwing a career-high in innings

Heath Bell?