QUOTE (shysocks @ Nov 11, 2015 -> 08:45 AM)
It's not all just bad defense that raised Sale's ERA. The other major difference between FIP (fWAR) and RA (bWAR) is the FIP is unconcerned with the order in which things happen. Sale was absolutely dominant for long stretches, but he also made his own bed with that ERA by allowing a lot of big innings. Putting all the blame on the guys behind him, especially for a pitcher with such a high strikeout rate, distracts from problems that Chris actually did have this year.
He still should have been ahead of Gray, but ultimately who cares if he finishes third or fourth. If you ain't first, you're last.
If he turns those 4-5 run inning implosions to 1-2 runs instead, his ERA will improve.
I'm not worried about him.