Chris Sale has some advice for the guy he was traded for

ARLINGTON, Texas - Chris Sale is in a good place. Sitting at All-Star Media Day, answering questions as a member of the National League squad this time of year is one of best places.

But Sale also knows the valleys. The kind of downturns that the guy he was traded for, Vaughn Grissom, has experienced a few times since joining the Red Sox.

So, when the current Braves starter offers Grissom some words of wisdom, it should hit a bit different for the second baseman.

"Just keep chugging along," Sale said when asked what lessons he might want to pass on to the guy he was swapped for in late December. "I’ve heard he is a great human being. He’s a great teammate. And he is wildly talented. The injury bug caught him here and there, but just keep chugging along. Keep doing your thing. Keep being who you are. Keep playing hard. It will work out. He will be there."

Sale's introduction to Boston was significantly smoother then what Grissom has experienced. Upon being dealt from the White Sox prior to the 2017 season, the lefty finished second in the American League Cy Young voting in his first year with Red Sox.

Grissom hasn't had it so fortunate.

The 23-year-old - who is five years younger than Sale was when the Sox dealt for their new ace - is currently battling back from hamstring injuries which has been lingering since the outset of spring training. He has appeared in just 23 games, but is on the verge of starting his next rehab assignment.

Sale, for one, is optimistic about the infielder's future in Boston, a place the pitcher saw his fair share of ups and downs.

"When I was back at Fenway I said ‘Hey’ to him. Just a quick interaction. ‘Hey, what’s up? Nice to meet you.’ The guys in Atlanta miss him. They have nothing but great things to say about him. I have heard nothing but great things about him," Sale said

The starter added, "It’s not an easy place to go. But that’s what makes it great at the same time because the fans are so passionate, and that is a double-edged sword. Not only in Boston, but anywhere. There are guys that go to Boston that are Gods. They don’t pay for drinks. David Ortiz. That guy is going to have a shrine some day, and he should. And other guys, not so much. They did the same things. They went through a sports city. They played the game. One of them was really good. One of them was not. And they let you know one way or another. One of the greatest moments of my life was going through that city on a Duck Boat."

Sale currently leads the National League in wins (13), while boasting a National League-best 2.70 ERA. This is his eighth All-Star Game, and first since 2018.

"Even when I stunk I still felt like it was in there somewhere," Sale said. "There really wasn't a moment where it clicked. I feel like this year has just been a little bit different where I literally not worrying about anything but competing. ... I just really have been focused on appreciating the moment."