South Side Hit Men

I believe Lorenzen, Clevinger or Greinke are the more likely targets as they don’t look to be competitive this season. A long term Montgomery deal could make sense, though will have to wait and see if ownership will step up. They have plenty of revenue and CBT space, but they also dumped Sale’s contract to get $9M under 2023 payroll, which is why their fans are furious. Feel bad for Liam as well, since he likely signed with Boston for the chance to also compete this season.

Thank you! I will add both to their appropriate list depending on the availability of their bonus signing terms with the next update.

No, not going to happen. https://news.wttw.com/2023/12/08/friends-parks-says-no-way-chicago-bears-building-new-stadium-lakefront

Starting International Signing Bonus Pool $5,925,000 5 Players Signed, Dollars Reported, Transactions Reported Online $3,005,000 3B $1,800,000 Eduardo Herrera (10/23/06) San Felipe, Venezuela (Signed 1/24/24) SS $600,000 Jurdrick Profar (4/24/07) Willemstad, Curacao (Signed 1/24/24) 3B $550,000 Jesus Premoli (1/19/07) Barquisimeto, Venezuela (Signed 1/24/24) RHP $55,000 Jeziel Boekhoudt (1/29/07) Willemstad, Curacao (Signed 1/23/24) 5 Players Signed, Dollars Reported, Transactions Pending Online Reporting $1,140,000 OF $550,000 Christian Gonzalez - Pending online transaction update on MLB/Milb.com RHP $375,000 Orlando Suarez - Pending online transaction update on MLB/Milb.com RHP $100,000 Alexandre Valdiviezo - Pending online transaction update on MLB/Milb.com SS $80,000 Jhoangel Suarez - Pending online transaction update on MLB/Milb.com SS $35,000 Juan Berroteran - Pending online transaction update on MLB/Milb.com Total Remaining Pool after the nine above player signings: $1,780,000 Players Signed, Dollars Not Reported, Transactions Reported Online RHP $ TBR Manuel Rumbos (4/17/03) Barquisimeto, Venezuela (Signed 2/23/24) C $ TBR Alvaro Rios (9/25/06) Chiriqui, Panama (Signed 3/1/24) C $ TBR Jehancarlos Mendez (8/9/07) Azua, Dominican Republic (Signed 3/1/24)

There is only one correct answer to this question.

I didn't state anything about loyalty or your right to rip the team. I Just don't understand how one can generally find little if anything pleasurable about White Sox baseball including contemporary White Sox players, yet spend so much personal discretionary time following the team.

I’m thinking Charlie Montoyo would be manager for any in season change. He managed Charlotte when they were with the Rays, then served as the Rays Third Base Coach before managing the Blue Jays. Think it would be worth giving him an open audition to become the permanent manager over the next two seasons. It’s a shame Joe Estrada passed on the job, though can’t blame him with the Astros job lined up.

Was a Dark Cloud on WSI. He stopped posting here for a while but returned. I’ve very really seen positive posts on players beyond those who played decades ago. Can’t understand following a team and players I mostly did not like for decades.

Position players only need a week or two. They play five Spring Training weeks to build up starting pitchers.

How on Earth did I get so jaded? Life’s mystery seems so faded…

My OG post also has Cease because he's still under control but there is a good chance he's not here next ST. If this was the 2019 or 2020, would argue to keep, but this is more like 2016-2018 in terms of where the position player prospects are at this stage. There is a decent amount of upside among the couple dozen younger pitchers which gives me hope. If you have 6-8 good to very good pitchers, coupled with Robert and the three top position players, they would have at least half a solid team which they have only had one season across two years (two months of 2020, first four months of 2021) since the 2005-2008 run. Also hoping Getz will do a better job spreading out the top draft selections between HS and NCAA, as opposed to going all in on college picks and leaving the minors barren until the next set of tanking trades. Also needs to stay in the bargain bin for now to maximize future flexibility, and don't sign long term expensive players until the core is in place.

I wanted to put all the current possibilities in my Opening Post, but agree those three would be huge pieces and it may take until 2026 until they get firmly entrenched in their MLB roles. People are prejudging Getz that what he is doing with $50M slashed in payroll and limited organizational depth, but I am hoping and believe as the prospects are ready he will be able to shift gears and begin filling out a roster properly once he has the resources to do so. Will be very disappointed if the marginal veterans brought in will get the bulk of the playing time ahead of younger players, or will Getz/Pedro/New Manager prioritize evaluation and development and ease veterans into reserve roles or perhaps flip for marginal prospects.

I thought about making this a poll, but it really comes down to two positions: When can the Sox amass enough major league talent through their organization over the next 12 months? Will Jerry continue to drastically slash payroll like the $50M this year, or will he stabilize and possibly even increase payroll over the next season or two? They are starting around $100M for 2025 depending on any option pickups before any FA signings. Will there be enough funds to fill-out a competitive roster, pick up 1-2 each of solid starters, SPs and RPs? Or is 2026 or beyond a more realistic target in terms of player development and an extra year of signings and drafts? Are there any options or 2025 FAs you would pursue, without the benefit of knowing how 2024 plays out? Position (2025 fWAR projection) Player (2025 Age) 2025 Contract / Projected Arbitration Manager: ??? Payroll before any FA signings $96.2M $43.3M Position Players (13.1 fWAR) C (1.0) Edgar Quero (22) $0.8M 1B (1.1) Andrew Vaughn (27) $5.5M (Arb 2 Estimate) 2B (0.6) Lenyn Sosa (25) $0.8M 3B (1.0) Bryan Ramos (23) $0.8M SS (0.9) Colson Montgomery (23) $0.8M LF (1.2) Andrew Benintendi (30) $16.5M CF (3.9) Luis Robert Junior (27) $12.5M RF (1.0) Dominic Fletcher (27) $0.8M OF (0.7) Peyton Burdick (28) $0.8M C (0.1) Korey Lee (26) $0.8M INF (0.3) Jose Rodriguez (24) $0.8M SS (0.6) Braden Shewmake (27) $0.8M OF (0.0) Oscar Colas (26) $0.8M OF (0.7) Zach DeLoach (26) $0.8M $31.3M Starting Pitchers SP (3.1) Dylan Cease (29) $10.5M (Arb 3 Estimate) SP (1.2) Erick Fedde (32) $7.5M SP (1.3) Nick Nastrini (25) $0.8M SP (1.2) Jared Schuster (25) $0.8M SP (0.7) Michael Kopech (29) $5.5M (Arb 3 Estimate) SP (0.6) Garrett Crochet (26) $3.0M (Arb 2 Estimate) SP (0.8) Josimar Cousin (27) $0.8M SP (0.7) Jake Eder (26) $0.8M SP (1.3) Davis Martin (27) $0.8M SP (0.8) Jesse Scholtens (31) $0.8M $11.3M Relief Pitchers RP (0.3) Touki Toussaint (29) $2.2M (Arb 2 Estimate) RP (0.3) Matt Foster (30) $1.3M (Arb 2 Estimate) RP (0.2) Jimmy Lambert (30) $1.1M (Arb 1 Estimate) RP (0.5) Tanner Banks (33) $1.1M (Arb 1 Estimate) RP (0.7) Prelander Berroa (25) $0.8M RP (0.9) Shane Drohan (26) $0.8M RP (0.2) Deivi Garcia (26) $0.8M RP (0.2) Bailey Horn (27) $0.8M RP (0.6) Sammy Peralta (27) $0.8M RP (0.2) Alex Speas (27) $0.8M RP (-0.3) Nicholas Padilla (28) $0.8M $10.3M Potential to Likely Buyouts or Cuts C (0.9) Max Stassi (34) $0.5M (Club option $7.5M) C (-1.1) Martin Maldonado (38) $0.3M (Club option $4.0M) 3B (1.6) Yoan Moncada (30) $5.0M (Club option $25.0M) DH (-0.4) Gavin Sheets (29) $0.0M (Arb 1) DH (1.2) Eloy Jimenez (28) $3.0M (Club option $16.5M) RP (0.2) John Brebbia $1.5M (Mutual option $6.0M) 2025 Free Agents 2B (0.6) Nicky Lopez (30) - Arb 4 eligible SS (0.8) Paul DeJong (31) INF/OF (0.8) Danny Mendick (31) SP (1.3) Michael Soroka (27) SP (1.0) Chris Flexen (30) RP (-0.4) Tim Hill (35)

And add 1959 to the list of Bogus Dodgers World Series.

Yes, they won pennants with the near annual top payrolls, but the fact remains Al Campanis was hired in 1968 and won one single World Series, also in a bastardized short season (110 games) and gimmick expanded playoff format. They wouldn't have even reached the playoffs in a legitimate season. The Dodgers were four behind the Reds in 1981, but with the bogus two half double the playoff team format, Los Angeles (4 back) and Houston (6 back) were the two N. L. West representatives. 1981 National League West Final Standings Cincinnati 66-42 - Out of bogus playoff format Los Angeles 63-47 4 GB - In via bogus playoff format Houston 61-49 6 GB - In via bogus playoff format Al Campanis was fired shortly after his infamous appearance on Nightline in 1987. The Dodgers won their most recent World Series played in Los Angeles a year later under General Manager Fred Claire. I was fortunate to attend every home playoff game in 1983 (stayed overnight in line at the stadium to purchase $6 SRO tickets), and in 2005 via a WSI post when the Sox sold 2006 season tickets for the right to purchase 2005 World Series tickets (went to the first two series via online scalped tickets). Wouldn't trade my experience as a White Sox fan from 1990, the incredible final season at the real Comiskey Park, through 2023 with any Dodger fan, even the handful who may have flown to Texas in 2020 to watch a drunken Manfred slur the presentation of the "piece of metal" to honor the bastardized season and bogus 16 team playoff. Also never had to cheer for Bauer or Urias. Thankfully Kenny Williams holds the "necessities" to win a legitimate Championship Season and legitimate Playoff and World Series format, 18 years more recent than these scumbag Dodgers. This is the 2020 scam season in a nut shell. This is the last World Series Championship season won in Dodgers Stadium, against La Russa's outmanaged ass.

Time will tell if Jerry will ever allow Chris Getz to spend $10M plus on a player before he dies. For all the s%*# slung on SoxTalk at Tim Anderson and Jose Abreu in 2023, they were among the few players signed by Rick Hahn which were an actual steal by the organization. bWAR / Contract Dollars Paid Through 2023 [Remaining Minimum Contract Remaining] Hahn acquired / resigned players paid $10M plus by the White Sox within a single contract. $M Spent Per 1 bWAR $0.84M Jose Quintana ($11.65M / 13.8) 2014-2017 $0.95M Chris Sale ($19.5M / 20.5) 2013-2016 $1.56M Luis Robert Jr. ($19.56M / 12.5) 2020-2023 [$27.5M 2024-2025 + $4M 2026-2027 BO] $2.16M Tim Anderson ($35.0M / 16.2) 2016-2023 $2.86M Jose Abreu ($91.1M / 31.9) 2014-2022 $3.56M Nate Jones ($11.4M / 3.2) 2016-2019 $3.61M Eloy Jimenez ($20.23M / 5.6) 2019-2023 [$6M 2025-2026 BO] $3.63M Mike Clevinger ($12.0M / 3.3) 2023 $6.37M Yoan Moncada ($39.57M / 6.2) 2020-2023 [$24M 2024 + $5M 2025 BO] $6.66M Todd Frazier ($12.0M / 1.8) 2017 $8.42M Kendall Graveman ($16.0M / 1.9) 2022-2023 $8.57M Melky Cabrera ($42.0M / 4.9) 2015-2017 $11.38M David Robertson ($33.0M / 2.9) 2015-2017 $12.56M Liam Hendriks ($54.0M / 4.3) 2021-2023 $24.60M Yasmani Grandal ($61.51M / 2.5) 2020-2023 $44.17M Dallas Keuchel ($44.17M / 1.0) 2020-2022 $48.75M A. J. Pollock ($19.5M / 0.4) 2022 $75.00M Wellington Castillo ($15.0M / 0.2) 2018-2019 Infinity Andrew Benintendi ($11.0M / 0.0) 2023 [$64M 2024-2027] Infinity James Shields ($25.0M / -0.3) 2016-2018 Infinity Lance Lynn ($37.0M / -0.4) 2022-2023 Infinity Kelvin Herrera ($12.65M / -0.5) 2019-2020 Infinity Adam La Roche ($12.0M / -0.7) 2015 Infinity Joe Kelly ($17.0M / -0.9) 2022-2023 Infinity Leury Garcia ($16.5M / -1.0) 2022-2024 Infinity Jeff Keppinger ($12.0M / -1.7) 2013-2015 Pro-rated 2020 salaries used when applicable, full salaries used within season for players traded with less than 50% of the season remaining.

Mister we can use a man like Al Campanis again.... Checks notes, among highest payrolls for Campanis and Garvey's 19 years as GM/player, one World Series. Better than the current Dodgers' 34 real season drought, but not by much.

Of the three, he is fine as the last guy since he can cover multiple infield and outfield positions. Soda should play regularly either across all three infield positions or let him start at 2B and bounce Lopez around. Liking breaking in Colas at 1B as well. The more multi position players the Sox can develop the better. When I mean multi-position, I mean average plus across multiple positions, not the Tony / Hahn roster several DH / 1B types and play them out of position.

I missed this nugget in the Merkin piece "predicting" Moustakas, Pillar and Mendick will be the 2024 OD Bench. Apparently Tony, Getz and or Grifol think giving Eloy Jimenez a outfielder glove is a good idea, https://www.si.com/fannation/mlb/fastball/news/chicago-white-sox-primary-designated-hitter-eloy-jimenez-could-play-right-field-in-2024

$1 White Sox Tickets and Free Parking = Surge Pricing. https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-white-sox-lower-level-tickets-free-parking-092823

One Baby Mama Bad Two Baby Mamas Good

This would be great if this is a 2024 OD thing, backing up Vaughn. Quero should pick up periodic 1B starts in the minors to add his bat on non catching games. 2024 Starts Before Injuries/Trades/DFAs/Promotions: 145 CF Luis Robert Junior (27 R) 135 CF 10 DH 145 3B Yoan Moncada (29 S) 140 3B 5 DH 145 1B Andrew Vaughn (26 R) 135 1B 10 DH 137 DH Eloy Jimenez (27 R) 137 DH 130 LF Andrew Benintendi (30 L) 130 LF 127 RF Oscar Colas (26 L) 100 RF 27 1B 124 INF Lenyn Sosa (24 R) 52 SS; 52 2B; 22 3B 121 OF Dominic Fletcher (27 L) 62 RF; 27 CF; 32 LF 110 SS Paul DeJong (31 R) 110 SS 110 2B Nicky Lopez (29 L) 110 2B 90 C1 Max Stassi (33 R) 90 C 72 C2 Martin Maldonado (38 R) 72 C 0 INF/OF Capable - Mendick or Remillard based on current options. Will get starts as well, between 26/52 (1-2 games per week).

Perfect world (would add Eloy or Lee learning 1B): Starters: C Lee; 1B Vaughn; 2B Sosa; SS DeJong; 3B Moncada; RF Colas; CF Robert; LF Benintendi; DH Jimenez. Bench: C Stassi; INF Lopez; OF Fletcher; 1B Sheets (if Lee/Eloy can’t). Mendick or Remillard if you developed Lee / Eloy at 1B, which would benefit both in the future. DFA/AAA/cuts: Moose, Maldonado, Pillar, Mendick, Remillard, Ortega, Payton, Phillips.

Yes, two corrections. I misheard Len, Gray has three Ks after two. Dylan just finished 2 innings, with three baserunners and 1 K. Also, Daylight Savings Time starts next week, thanks for the correction.