Red Sox: Player awards for first half of 2017 season

By Rick McNair | Jul 11, 2017

BOSTON - OCTOBER 16: The final scoreboard is seen after the Boston Red Sox defeated the Tampa Bay Rays after game five of the American League Championship Series during the 2008 MLB playoffs at Fenway Park on October 16, 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox defeated the Rays 8-7 to set the series at 3-2 Rays. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

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KANSAS CITY, MO -JUNE 20: Chris Sale /

First Half Player – Rotation

This is certainly one in which I have to mull over for about three seconds before placing the obvious forward – lefty Chris Sale. The trade for Sale was a gamble, as most deals are, but with Boston it is really high stakes since our collective ire can be forever non-forgiving.

Sale is more than advertised and this may finally be the season he gets a coveted Cy Young Award. Sale has finished in the top five for the honor in each of the last five seasons. Remarkable consistency was well noted prior to Boston and that has continued.

The southpaw leads the American League in innings pitched with 127.2, 178 strikeouts, 2.09 FIP, 0.90 WHIP and the lowest H/9 in the league. The result is an 11-4 record that could conceivably be 13 or 14 in wins with some run support.

Sale has displayed an honest and refreshing approach to his few – very few – mound failures. A businesslike, professional with zero attitude adjustment needed. Take note, David Price. Sale is both a stopper and an Ace and that is essential to prevent extended losing streaks. The impact of Sale has solidified a good rotation and made it a great rotation.

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