If the All-Star Game was played this week the Chicago White Sox would provide the starting pitcher -- and potentially four other players -- for the American League roster.

Without question Chris Sale is the top pitcher in the league, tied for the most wins (8) and leading the league in ERA (2.05.) Sox manager Robin Ventura would love to see his first-year starter get the nod against the National League on July 10 in Kansas City.

“He won’t go nine,” Ventura kidded. “He will be on a pitch limit for the All-Star Game, but he deserves it. I think it’s good for him. It’s good for people to see him pitch and it’s good for our organization.”

Ironically, only five weeks ago the Sox moved Sale to the bullpen in order to protect him from an inflamed left elbow. A month later he is the hottest pitcher in baseball, having allowed just two earned runs in his last 28 innings of work.

“Baseball is just crazy in that way,” Ventura said. “You never know what is going to happen because anything you think is going to happen may be the opposite by the end of the year.”

It appears that Sale could have plenty of company on his trip to Kansas City. First baseman Paul Konerko , pitcher Jake Peavy , catcher A.J. Pierzynski and DH Adam Dunn all should get top consideration for the AL squad.

“There are guys who have had good years that deserve [All-Star status] and it means that your team is doing well,” Ventura said. “If you only have one All-Star that probably means you are not having a very good year.”


Konerko, a five-time All-Star, has a veteran’s perspective of the All-Star Game.

“It’s not necessarily the goal of the team coming into the season but it would be nice to see a guy like Chris Sale go,” Konerko said. “Any time a guy can go for his first time you root for that, but if guys are deserving than they should go.”

If the White Sox continue to stay at the top of their division it improves their odds of seeing multiple players selected.

“If we are in first place we should have guys going, but the process itself is so complex,” Konerko said. “You have the fan vote, the player vote then the manager and an online choice. Usually if you are in first place they try and have that team represented a little more.”

The last time the Sox had more than two players chosen for an All-Star team was 2006 when seven players were picked. Konerko and Pierzynski are the only players left on the present team from that season’s selections.