From FutureSox’ College pitches preview:
Chris Sale, LHP, Florida Gulf Coast
Sale pitches from a low three quarter arm slot with great command of three pitches; a lively low 90’s fastball that can touch 94 mph, a very good change that eats up right handed batters and an effective curve. His fastball gets good sinking action and could be a ground ball machine. Sale was the Cape Cod League’s pitcher of the year and he’s sure to be selected early in the draft. He’s a hard competitor with great poise and mound presence. He has drawn comparisons to Andrew Miller but with better command. Where other college pitchers have faltered down the stretch, Sale has remained strong and is pitching himself into a top 5-10 pick. Projected draft position: Top 10 Pick.
And from Chris Sale’s profile:
Sale has a low 90′s fastball that has good movement and should be able to get a lot of groundballs against professional hitters. His fastball has been considered a plus pitch. The key to Sale’s success is his plus change up. His change will allow him to get right-handers out and remain a starting pitcher. His third pitch is a slider which is average, but effective against lefties. Sale’s control is very good. …
And from CSN:
While Laumann says that Sale is polished, any thinking that the youngster can get to the big leagues on an accelerated schedule, particularly coming from a smaller D-I school, is simply wishful. That said, the thought of watching Sale develop is an intriguing one.
“I think we get a little bit of everything with this guy,” Laumann said. “I saw him at least three times and the last time he was throwing between 88 and 92 in the first part of the game. Later in the game, he had a no-hitter going and he stepped it up a little to 92-96.
“He does have power; he throws a slider and he has a strikeout changeup. I would say he’s a power pitcher even though when you look at his body type [6-foot-6, 180 pounds], you might question that a little.”
