South Side Hit Men

They don't have to wait until after the World Series if they conduct the press conference before the World Series begins. Hahn conducted his press conference on October 11 last season, and September 27, 2019. I reached out to James Fegan, and hopefully he can provide the date or timeframe in the interim. Hopefully they will stream it in it's entirety, and host afterward on their website.

Well, people like you rather attack those who bring these issues with juvenile taunts rather than address Jerry's collection of criminals and perps. it's a self fulfilling prophecy. Hardly hearing a peep in the news related to the serial child rapist aided and abetted by Rocky Wirtz's organization. When in Big Ten (sic) country..... 10,000 Maniacs is an American alternative rock band that was founded in 1981. They have released nine studio albums, six EPs and five live albums. They achieved their most significant success between 1987 and 1993, when they released four albums that charted in the top 50 in the US: In My Tribe (1987), Blind Man's Zoo (1989), Our Time in Eden (1992) and the live album MTV Unplugged (1993). After the recording but before the release of MTV Unplugged, original lead singer and main songwriter Natalie Merchant left the band to pursue a solo career.

Well, since it is Two for Tuesday https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2011/3/9/2038527/john-paxson-bulls-vinny-del-negro Choking and punching your direct report says more about YOU, and your enabler who kept you around, than it does about Vinny Del Negro.

I’m talking this off-season as a free agent signing. Washington signed him for $10M. Wanted Schwarber in LF, Eloy at DH, Springer in RF. Both were reasonable deals.

I don’t believe he didn’t care. Reinsdorf reveled in it, enjoyed shoving the drunken criminal down the throats of fans, media, and the taxpayers he robs for his capital expenses. He also loves keeping gang-rape coach around, as well as executives who physically assault direct reports. Toxicity and dysfunction is the lifetime MO of Reinsdorf and a hallmark of his organizations.

Heuer and Madrigal for Kimbrel and Contreras would have been a fairer trade, would have really given the Sox a boost behind the plate, Grandal move to 1B/DH w Abreu. Would love seeing the Sox get Willson Contreras this off-season and sign him to an extension (or sign him next offseason as a FA).

Agreed. Theo and Jed stated they learned a lot while conducting their thorough search for Maddon’s replacement. The favorite won it, but they were so impressed by the Astros bench coach Joe Espada and what they learned from him that he was nearly hired. I’m sure many here would also disqualify Joe for being from the Astros, despite the fact he was hired in 2018 after his three year stint with the Yankees (another proven “cheating” team). However, I see Tony’s Kimbrel comments more as Tony trying to protect Kimbrel, or making an excuse for him, more so than an attack on Hahn. I still contend Kimbrel was out of gas the last two months due to pitching more through July than he did 2019-2020 combined, due to owner collision (2019) and the owner lockout (2020). Keuchel experienced the same phenomenon.

I don’t believe the current Sox team would have beaten any of the four AL playoff teams. My disappointment is toward the free agents targeted and signed the past two seasons, versus high upside guys like Schwarber, instead settling for rubbish like Parrot and Eaton.

GFY with your condescension. Hinch or Bochy were the correct options, and both were available but the Sox didn't seek either.

A 1/4 of the Dodgers payroll was gone entering the playoffs between the rapist/domestic violence guy and then Kershaw's late injury. The AL is down to two of the top three AL payrolls (the Yankees being the other). Mets and Phillies money is historically stupid money, which skews things a bit as well in terms of discussing top payrolls being out of it with 4 teams left. In terms of Sox predictions, between the CBA, Tony, Hahn, and whether Jerry will spend the same or increase (a bit or a lot), it is the year that nobody can form an educated guess, at least until there is a new CBA in place. I don't have a lot of confidence they will spend the amount needed to reach the Top 10, or even if JR does authorize a significant increase that Hahn/Tony (whoever is in charge) will spend it wisely. I hope to be pleasantly surprised.

They haven't yet, Hahn was waiting for your return to ST. Meetings with the players, manager and coaching staff should have concluded. Hopefully, Hahn will make himself available for media before the World Series. I'm monitoring James Fegan's twitter account.

Tell that to the next part owner of the Chicago White Sox.

Congratulations to the Chicago Sky for bringing hone Chicago’s first Championship in the 2020s. Joliet native and DePaul graduate Allie Quigley led the Sky with 26, in their 80-74 victory this afternoon. https://www.wnba.com/game/20211017/PHOCHI/ Cool that they televised all their games over the air this year, hope they do the same next year.

Bochy turned down the Padres, because it was reported Bruce had (and still has) no interest in dealing with Preller, an issue the Padres will continue to have while seeking their next manager. The White Sox did not explore any other options. Jerry called Tony, Tony called the BBHOF to ensure he couldn’t lose his ring, before accepting Reinsdorf’s offer. A sham “Selig Rule” interview with Willie Harris was conducted, and that was that. The SoxTalk Poll conducted last year resulted in just over 90% equally split in wanting Hinch or a non Hinch/Tony option, and the remaining 9% wanting Tony.

Steve Stone dissects how good teams like the Astros take advantage of defensive lapses, with comments focused on Eloy and Grandal, including Grandal’s inability to block sliders in the dirt. He also called out the lack of fundamentals all season, and poor defensive catchers including the backups.

Hahn has not had the authority to conduct and act on a managerial search in his 9 seasons as GM. Hahn inherited Ventura, promoted Ricky within 24 hours of Ventura stepping down, extended Ricky in October 2019, and then was bypassed when JR big-timed both Hahn and Kenny. There is a good possibility Hahn never reaches that level of authority/autonomy with the White Sox, beyond say a sudden La Russa health episode sometime within the next eleven seasons, though Tony will need more if the Sox end up tanking again. Current Standings Connie Mack 3,731 Tony La Russa 2,821

Their Ace was Verlander, until injury cost him and the Astros the entire season. They were also missing Zach Greinke, their number 3 behind Verlander and McCuller, and they were also without him in the playoffs beyond a couple of relief innings. Heading into 2022, both Verlander and Greinke are FAs. Astros have more flexibility than the White Sox ($92M vs. $109M) heading into this off-season, and an owner willing to consistently finish in the Top 9 of baseball in payroll.

There are five players left, and one owner left, from "when they cheated". Everyone else is gone. Lance Lynn dropped off significantly since his knee issues came to light, sadly right after he signed an extension which perhaps should have not happened until the off-season, if at all. Carlos Rodon's arm has also been shot the past few months, and truth be told should not have started if that was the best his current health would allow. Dylan Cease has had issues against good teams all year, all career, and there is nowhere to hide in the playoffs. Lucas Giolito was their best pitcher, and left with a 4-2 lead. He also has sucked in early games, and he should have started Game 1 (both because it was a few hours later, and second he is the Sox Ace, especially when you look at Lynn's current ability with his knee. Lynn got the nod, because he is Tony's guy, every move the past year has been spending all funds and sacrificing top prospects and high roster restraining contracts to acquire mid-30s guys Tony likes. So we enter Year 3 of the "Multi-Championship Window" with limited resources to plug a hole in RF that's existed since the tanking years, and a hole in 2B that Madrigal (health) and Cesar (performance) failed to close, and a hole in the rotation (Keuchel) because of performance, and Kopech's inning restrictions due to the fact he is working off of a 69 inning base. Fans need to stop grasping at straws and confront the fact their team wasn't good enough, has not been good enough, and with the same management and roster construction will not be good enough. The 4-3 series win over Boston was the only playoff team the Sox had a winning season series record against this season (Houston 3-8; Milwaukee 1-2; New York 1-5; Tampa Bay 3-3; Overall 11-18 in season, 1-3 postseason). There was no magic switch (either in Tony's brain or with the team) to flip when "games counted" or when "the big six were healthy", despite JR's media hacks instances that there would be. They are what their record says they are.

Tickets for the Chicago Sky tomorrow are in the $100-$200 range, or the same for upper bowl or lower bowl corner seats on Tuesday. https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/sports/wnba-finals-chicago-sky-ticket-prices-soar-for-potential-clincher/2639750/

I agree on that front, not necessarily looking for older guys in return. Dave Dunning, Codi Heuer and Nick Madrigal have been traded, and not looking for continued prospects for mid 30s players. Eloy is still young (25 next season), will hopefully bounce back after his latest injury. Also not looking to "sell low". Just saying if you are considering trading one of the core, and can get a great offer, Eloy is the only one I'd consider over the other three position players. Longer term, I'm not sure if he has it in him to embrace the DH role he is best suited to play. Also, Robert (3.6), Anderson (4.6), and the much maligned (by SoxTalk and SteveStone) Yoan Moncada (4.0) have left Eloy in the dust (3.4 bWAR over three seasons) in terms of development. Eloy needs to return committed to making significant improvements with his offensive approach.

I'd add Eloy to the list, and Grandal would be best used with significant playing time at 1B and DH to keep his bat and legs fresh. The problem is Eloy and Vaughn have not hit well in the DH hole, Eloy is adamant he isn't a DH, and makes poor decisions in LF (both strategic and in terms of health). If they could get a significant return on Eloy with a potential NL DH spot next season, I'd consider it. Sheets can hit in the DH role. The problem is Jerry/Tony will keep Abreu around for however many years possible, and he could be taking at bats away from more productive players 2023 and beyond, similar to Konerko's final contract with the Sox (4 seasons, 0.7 bWAR per season, just under $10M per season).

First step will be the Sox making decisions on who they will tender contracts to in terms of players under control and arbitration eligible, and free agents. Will they make a qualifying offer on Carlos Rodon. Will they pick up team options on Craig Kimbrel and or Cesar Hernandez Below is the league calendar, though arbitration and other deadlines may be in limbo after the expiration of the CBA on 12/1. There could be much lower free agency activity than usual in November due to the expiring CBA. Day after 2021 World Series - Trading resumes, eligible players become free agents Fifth day after end of 2021 World Series (tentative) - Deadline for clubs to make qualifying offers to their eligible former players who became free agents Sixth day after end of 2021 World Series - First day free agents may sign contracts with a club other than their former club. 15th day after end of 2021 World Series - Last date for Article XX (B) free agents to accept a qualifying offer from a former club. November 20, 2021 - Day to file reserve lists for all Major and Minor League levels. December 1, 2021 - 2017-21 Collective Bargaining Agreement expires. December 2, 2021 - Last date for clubs to offer 2022 contracts to unsigned players. December, 2021 - Winter Meetings. December, 2021 - Rule 5 Draft December 15, 2021 - International amateur signing period closes. January, 2022 - Salary arbitration filing. CBA, Article VI (E)(2). January, 2022 - Exchange of salary arbitration figures between MLB Labor Relations Department and MLB Players Association. CBA, Article VI (E) (2). February, 2022 - Salary arbitration hearings.

Pretty much just Kike Hernandez, aka First Name Last Name on Fox. Smart teams pick up guys like him, 29. 4.9 bWAR. True gamer. Sox too worried about platoon splits, so they went with Adam Eaton, who was near universally scorned at the time of the acquisition for lack of both health and production the past four seasons, for more $ this season.

Astros are the last team I have one reason to hope they win (a ring for Dusty). It may push Tony over the edge, either this offseason or next season. I hate Atlanta, hate the Dodgers more, hate Boston the most. I am not wasting a second on the NLCS, or the WS if Boston advances.