South Side Hit Men

The key for buying scalped tickets, for those unsuccessful today, is to be patient and be able to walk away from a price too high. The electronic aspect of this may throw a monkey wrench into getting tickets at or after the start of the game, when scalpers are dropping prices to salvage something. The good news for fans looking secondary is the fact that Houston and Tampa fans will not be driving up demand. Yankees or Boston would push up demand more, at minimum by their knucklehead fans living here, though Boston tickets were reasonable here in 2005 (lower bowl $75-$100). Angel tickets for the next round cost the same on the open market, even though the subsequent series is typically worth more on the open market.

I love Moncada, but Tim is more valuable to this team based on non numerical data, such as his leadership pulling the team together and inspiring others. He also is a spark plug to start the offense when he is playing well, which is most of the time. I agree strictly on numerical data, Yoan is the same / has a slight advantage, and is more important in the future based on being two years younger. I do disagree with the thought of moving Tim down in the lineup. He is doing well in that spot, his replacement may not do as well or suffer a drop off based on the psychological impact of batting lead off, which similar to closing, requires a different mindset and approach. Never “fix” what is not broken.

So sick of this intentional beanball bullshit because Jerry’s dumbass brought back this cro-magnon. The playoffs start in a week, it’s time to focus on what matters.

If you have Noah Syndergaard as the 42nd pitcher used by the Mets this season on your bingo card, congratulations. The New York Mets paid Noah Syndergaard $9.7M this season to serve as the opener of tonight's meaningless game against the Miami Marlins. Both teams have locked in losing seasons. Noah recorded two strikeouts, 9 strikes and 1 ball, in one inning served. Hand picked up the win after pitching the top of the 9th, after the Mets scored one after James McCann reached on a fielder's choice and plated Javier Baez after Anthony Bass failed to field his slow roller. All other teams on the previous leaderboard, both hitting and pitching, remained the same with five days to go in the MLB regular season, baring any Game 163. Number of Hitters used (1 + plate appearance) 53 MLB Record - Tied (Current NL Record 53 (2006 Washington Nationals) & Current AL Record 53 (1915 Philadelphia Athletics)) (50) Four way 2021 Tie: Chicago Cubs, Miami Marlins, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers Pitching Standings through September 24th (All teams 2021 except for the 2019 Seattle Mariners): (42) 2021 New York Mets (NL Record & co-MLB record) 2021 Baltimore Orioles & 2019 Seattle Mariners (co-AL Record & co-MLB record) (41) Arizona Diamondbacks & Tampa Bay Rays (40) Los Angeles Angels (39) Chicago Cubs & Los Angeles Dodgers (38) Toronto Blue Jays

Kevin Cash smart to hope Houston host the Sox, gives Houston the best chance to advance whereas Tampa takes care of Wild Card winner who burnt their Ace pre series. Seattle creeping closer to second spot if they hold on tonight. That would hurt Tampa, who would be forced to fly the furthest air route possible, they are likely pulling for a limping Boston to hang in to the second spot. Hope Tampa wins the World Series if the Sox don’t. #DaveWillsFanClub

The only thing that can derail Luis is injuries, with Eloy being a huge risk out there to both himself and Luis. I hope Eloy has finally learn to stay out of Luis way, assuming they continue to trot him out to LF beyond this season.

Minnesota defeats Detroit tonight, ensuring Detroit’s fifth consecutive losing season since going 86-75 in 2016. Will update my OG post once San Diego (down 2-0 currently to the Dodgers in the 5th) and Cleveland (winners this evening coming to within 1 game of .500 with five to go) finalize their 2021 fate.

It has been, for the most part, since Ray Durham left after 2002 (2.7 bWAR/season average with the White Sox). -0.6 D'Angelo Jimenez 2003 1.5 Willie Harris 2004 1.8 Tadahito Iguchi 2005-2007 1.5 Alexei Ramirez 2008 0.3 Chris Getz 2009 0.9 Gordon Beckham 2010-2014 1.6 Yolmer Sanchez 2015, 2017, 2019 1.2 Brett Lawrie 2016 1.4 Yoan Moncada 2018 0.9 Nick Madrigal 2020-2021

Yoan is awesome. He will continue to be awesome. That is all for now.

In 2005, it was the opposite. I committed to full season Upper Deck tickets for 2006, and received the opportunity to buy all games for the 2005 World Series bleacher seats ($180/ticket IIRC). Bought them the day after they won the ALCS.

Well, if they allow the first two teams in each division in, 77-79 Cleveland is in, and the incredible AL race is down to Oakland @ Seattle, two teams which shouldn't even be in the playoffs, and there would be no legitimate NL race for about two weeks. If you turn the season into a 100, 154, 162 or whatever exhibition season to add a couple dozen playoff games, you cheapen the product to the point that you lose long term revenue because it will accelerate the loss of fans (attendance and TV) and you won't come close to making it up with the added TV playoff revenue. Owners don't give a shit, because they have been running the sport like Phillip Morris for four decades at this point. May as well have a 40 game schedule, 20 Cubs @ White Sox , 20 White Sox @ Cubs, followed by playoffs. It's all meaningless anyway.

Didn't realize the Yankees are nearing 3 decades of consecutive winning seasons, coming off four straight losing seasons no less (1989-1992). Also didn't realize the Los Angeles Angels have the longest streak of losing seasons in all of baseball. Current MLB Team Streaks (Over / Under .500) At/Over .500: Year / Team / (Previous Number of Consecutive Seasons under .500) 2021: Boston (1); Houston (1); Milwaukee (1); Philadelphia (1 *); San Francisco (4); Seattle (2) 2020: Chicago AL (7); Cincinnati (6); Toronto (3) 2018: Atlanta (4); Oakland (3); Tampa Bay (4) 2011: Los Angeles NL (1) 2008: Saint Louis (1) 1993: New York AL (4) Under .500: Year / Team / (Previous Number of Consecutive Seasons .500 +) 2021: Chicago NL (6); Miami (1); Minnesota (2) 2020: Arizona (3); New York NL (1); Washington (8) 2019: Colorado (2); Pittsburgh (1) 2017: Baltimore (5); Kansas City (4); Texas (2) 2016: Los Angeles AL (2) On the Fence: Team / Current Record Current Streak through 2020 Cleveland (77-79 - 8 straight winning seasons) Detroit (75-81 - 4 straight losing seasons) San Diego (78-78 - 1 winning season streak) Note * - Philadelphia finished exactly .500 in 2020 and 2012. The Phillies need one more win for their first actual winning season since 2011.

Coffee is for closers. Saint Louis Cardinals September Records (2011 through September 27, 2021) 18-8 15-12 19-8 17-9 15-13 14-14 16-12 12-15 (2018 Matheny's Final Season) 16-12 17-15 20-6 (3 Games remain vs. Milwaukee) 179-124 .591 (95.7 win pace)

I'm hoping it's over at this point, and Tony or someone on their own doesn't decide to take matters into their own hands as what happened to Ohtani. James Fegan wrote an article linked below. Was a level headed treatment, explained there were no specific incidents with the Tigers, but rather a culmination of frustration over the most recent HBPs leading up to today's incidents. https://theathletic.com/2853047/2021/09/27/jose-abreus-anger-at-being-plunked-was-a-long-time-coming-and-reached-a-boil-against-the-tigers/

Playoff teams are allowed to have additional players available for travel and practice with the team. They can also be in the dugout during games. I expect Goodwin to be with the team the entire playoffs. I'd expect Zavala as emergency catcher to be around, possibly even a longshot like Mercedes, but these two will likely be quarantined. Not for COVID reasons, but rather so their presence will not upset he who shall manage until he passes Connie Mack (915 to go for the all time record).

This is true, but I believe they can petition for Romy to replace Goodwin, if Goodwin is not activated for the ALDS. On Thursday, I thought the spot came down to Goodwin vs. Marshall, but with Goodwin on the IL, I agree Romy vs. Marshall with Romy the likely favorite is the current final spot.

James Fegan wrote an article today speculating on the ALDS roster. Engel and Rodon's health status, and Romy Gonzalez inclusions are the biggest wild cards at this point. https://theathletic.com/2848958/2021/09/27/projecting-the-white-sox-playoff-roster-youre-going-to-put-your-best-nine-out-there/ Catchers (2): Collins, Grandal Infielders (7): Abreu, Anderson, Garcia, Gonzalez, Hernandez, Moncada, Sheets Outfielders (5): Engel, Hamilton, Jimenez, Robert, Vaughn Starters (4): Cease, Giolito, Lynn, Rodon Relievers (8): Bummer, Crochet, Hendriks, Keuchel, Kimbrel, Kopech, Lopez, Tepera Additional eligible players: Position Players (7): Adolfo, Burger, Goodwin, Mendick, Mercedes, Rutherford, Zavala Pitchers (8): Burr, Cordero, Foster, Fry, Lambert, Marshall, Ruiz, Stiever, Wright Jr. Postseason eligibility rules: https://www.mlb.com/glossary/transactions/postseason-roster-rules-eligibility

LOL = Tony is over 8 years older, turns 77 before the Astros series. There would still be wide spread use of spider tack if it weren't for Joe West's actions in the Cardinals White Sox series back in May. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3gGn6t8Bog

I've never seen two hitters in the batters box before. This is the craziest shit ever. LOL - The announcer literally said "This is pretty wild shit." Playoff brawl after Brett shoves Nettles sliding into third, and Nettles kicks Brett and Brett punches Nettles in the face before getting slammed to the ground and getting his ass whupped. No ejections. Definitely remember this one involving the great Ed Farmer. La Russa and Sparky jaw at each other.

DJ said if he was a starter, he would want to play the remaining games to stay sharp in lieu of the three off days after the season, and also there will likely be a simulated game for the starters before the Houston series and work on fundamentals / defense. Not as concerned with the results the final two weeks but rather players form, whether its hitters keeping/regaining timing like Eloy seemed to make progress with, injured players like Engel being able to start consecutive games. Grandal being able to start day after night last weekend, he may need to do that in round one with the fickle TV schedule. Most important is Lynn being able to pitch through his knee issues and determining whether Rodon has anything left entering the first series. Kimbrel is the one player I'd consider resting beyond a lone weekend outing, as he has been overworked compared to his prior to seasons (36 innings 2019+2020 vs. 58 2/3 this year).

https://mobile.twitter.com/SpencerWheelock/status/1427825326684622848

The “Double D” called Tony a “Little Dago” on a Sox broadcast back in the day when Tony was arguing with an umpire.

Yes, I see this now after the replay. On the radio, I recalled that they said “and Jose takes off for second, but missed if they mentioned the blocked / passed ball. Im glad he wasn’t ejected, will likely avoid a suspension as a result, but may get a fine. Looked like Shelby Duncan was holding Abreu from jumping back into it until Tony arrived, glad he didn’t let Jose escape. https://mobile.twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1442589466359648261

What are they saying? I have it on radio.