The White Sox have two candidates to start on Opening Day against the Royals in Jake Peavy and Chris Sale.

While Robin Ventura and the front office will make the decision, the pitchers have endorsed each other for the job.

"Without a doubt, Jake. Without a doubt," Sale said. "You kind of look back on his career and what he's done and look back at last year what he did, not only on the field, but off the field. I look at him as a leader and as kind of a role model for everybody on our pitching staff to look up to."

Peavy has become a mentor to Sale in recent years. The bond grew stronger in 2012, when Peavy bounced back to his previous front-line starter status and Sale proved Cy Young worthy in his first year as a member of the rotation.

"I can tell you right now who is going to start Opening Day and that's Chris Sale," Peavy countered. "Chris Sale is the best starter on this team. Your best starter throws Opening Day. It's special and Chris Sale is the most talented guy on our staff. I hope no other guy on our staff takes offense to that. It is what it is."