I write this on January 17th, which by my addition makes the start of spring training just 24 days away. I know I am chomping at the bit, and I bet you are too.

If you are like me, you are wondering how the Sox will perform this season. They appear to be solid on the offensive side, but it’s the pitching that makes them standout from most teams around baseball. The bullpen is led by a number of young arms, but it’s the rotation that’ll get most of the publicity. Having a stud like Chris Sale anchored at the top puts them at the forefront of a lot of publications, whether that be print or broadcast.

Sale, at least from the starting standpoint, was an unknown commodity last season. Not anymore, 17 wins and an ERA of 3.05 puts him in the cross hairs of everyone around baseball, including the Major League Baseball Network, which takes a look at the Sox left-hander as part of their “Top 10 Right Now: Starting Pitchers” series on Friday at 6pm central time.

MLB Network determined its rankings of the top 10 starting pitchers using “The Shredder,” which uses statistical analysis to measure performance. In addition, renowned author Bill James and MLB Network analyst John Smoltz both give their own personal lists of the top 10 starting pitchers in baseball. That is a direct quote from the MLBN honchos, not me.

Major League Baseball Network does a fantastic job, so I know you won’t be disappointed with what they’ll have to say about the next great Sox hurler.

One more reminder for ya. “Top 10 Right Now: Starting Pitchers.” featuring the Sox very ownb Chris Sale premieres Friday at 6pm central time on the Major League Baseball Network.