South Side Hit Men

"It's impossible, to put a Cadillac in your nose, it’s just impossible…..” ? In all seriousness, he can bounce back, hoping the work he has been putting in with Katz will pay off.

Went to the game last night (free skybox tickets). The weather was perfect. The announced paid attendance was 24,925. I’d say there was about half that number actually there. Not counting COVID restricted games (2020-June 2021), I had to go way back to find a home night game with a lower paid attendance. May 5, 1998 Attendance: 21,431

Was expecting Collins to be brought up in Oakland based on Tony’s prior comments regarding wanting a third catcher. Wonder if the latest pitching setbacks and also any Eloy fallout (know his x rays are fine, doesn’t mean any soft tissue injuries will keep him out at this point, and they will middle through at least until the weekend or prior to the 5 game Cleveland series. After all, Tim remains unavailable to catch.

Solid two articles in Baseball Prospectus relative to how a relatively small investment in Minor League players and facilities can pay off significantly in terms of their improved player progression for an organization. Created this thread because the second article released today is free to all. First article (paywall): https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/69444/baseball-therapy-better-minor-league-pay-is-a-good-investment/ Free article: https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/69545/baseball-therapy-minor-league-conditions-anticipating-objections/ Would like to see the Sox step up here, especially with the shift to drafting more high school prospects who will spend more time in the system. It’s would be a nice legacy for Jerry to start this effort, can pay off for his sons financially.

Most of these Top 10 lists are just clickbait, but nice to see Tim #1. Ohtani is #1A or #2, and everyone else is debatable. Would say Eloy, Billy and Lynn round out the Top 4 White Sox. Not a big fan of Liam's act, but glad he is back on track after his wife identified his pitch tipping and he corrected it.

Also, too much Goodwin. Robert (CF), Engel (RF) and Eloy (DH/LF) should play everyday in the playoffs if they are healthy. Vaughn Garcia can alternate. Hamilton would be my next option vs. LHP.

Well, Lambert has pushed into the Top Six among Sox starters at this point. Giolito Lynn Rodon Cease Lopez Lambert Nice recovery after a shaky first inning.

Assuming all three are healthy, I expect Lucas, Lynn and Rodon to be the order they appear, followed by Tony's choice of "veteran" Keuchel or "better" Cease, depending on their respective form the rest of the way.

Toronto has taken over the 2021 American League lead with 38 pitchers used after Bryan Baker's 1 scoreless inning appearance yesterday, allowing a hit and recording a strikeout. There continue to be no hitter updates since the initial tracking began. Pitching Standings through September 5th: (42) 2019 Seattle Mariners (All time MLB and AL record) (41) 2021 New York Mets (Current NL Record) (39) 2021 Arizona Diamondbacks & Los Angeles Dodgers (38) 2021 Toronto Blue Jays [9/5 Bryan Baker] & Chicago Cubs

https://theathletic.com/2806840/2021/09/03/white-sox-draft-pick-tanner-mcdougal-working-to-validate-teams-belief-in-him/?article_source=related Have to admit he’s among the top of my prospect list being born and bred Vegas (actually Henderson, home of Green Valley Ranch, several great breweries and Khoury’s). Have a real good feeling about him, will enjoy tracking his progress through the system. Kudos to Mike Baker for his work and persistence to help land him in the fifth round.

Still tracking the Division as this may be the final year in MLB’s long and glorious history the regular season or division title has any competitive relevancy, if they expand the playoffs to 14/16 teams as expected this offseason. The Sox clipped two games over all four teams the past two days, and have a solid chance of eliminating Minnesota this weekend. If this pace continues, they will clinch the Division in Cleveland. 7 Minnesota 9 Kansas City 11 Detroit 18 Cleveland

It’s too early to tell, though I don’t believe these IL stints (or Rodon’s potential IL stint) are fake. Other playoff teams are in the same boat, in terms of having pitchers broach uncharted innings territory after the ridiculous 102 game lockout. The good news is the Sox have a solid offense which allows them to compete in a slugfest if one or more of their three key starters do not return to form. Houston is also limping into the final month (15-15 vs. Sox 16-14), Greinke has COVID, and their top two hitters are slumping (Altuve and Bregman). On the flip side, Tampa (22-8 last 30) seems best suited for the AL playoffs at this juncture, since they don’t rely on 1-2 key players. The Dodgers (also 22-8) look insanely good after picking up Scherzer (a clear upgrade over Bauer), and Turner. Their 26 year old 2019 MVP is batting 8th / riding the bench. The Yankees (21-9) are mashing as well and are in any game with their lineup as the Sox saw first hand in August.

It’s possible. Or they can play well and players can return healthy, shore up any rust, and head into October strong. I believe that is the mindset for a majority of the board at this juncture, not a knee jerk oblivious confidence or doomed mindset. Gives us all plenty of reasons to watch the games, follow club news, and post here whether it’s good, bad, or (winning) ugly.

The concern isn't whether they are winning are losing over the last two months, or what they did or didn't do in 2005 or 1977. Also, beating a tanking Cleveland team is not even a minimal threshold during a "multi-championship window". The concern is whether this team will be healthy enough and playing in mid-season/strong form heading into October to be a legitimate WS contender. The legitimate concerns are: Rodon's shoulder is a concern, as is his innings count vs. previous innings counts the past few seasons. Is he out of gas? Lynn's knee has been bothering him for at least a month, and has won once since his July contract extension. Kopech has been very inconsistent since returning from the IL, and has regressed in terms of stretching out. Will he be able to contribute in October? Grandal has caught 6 Sox games in the past two months, can he catch at least 2 of 3 / back to back games in October, and if so will it impact his hitting or the defense he attempts beyond framing? Is Engel done, leaving defensive hacks Goodwin/Sheets as very possible RF possibilities vs. RHP in the playoffs? Does Tony have enough strength this late in the season, or can someone on the bench be assigned to assist raising Tony's hand in the air with four fingers raised to signal an intentional walk to umpires when circumstances dictate, or will he need a few more lessons before grasping this "new rule" in 2021 or 2022, and continue to blame catchers or missed pitches in the interim? Lucas and Tim are also out, but based on progress reports they are at the lower end of potential concerns at this point, and will hopefully be themselves in 1-2 weeks.

There is no comparison. In 2005, the team also had Cleveland actually trying to field a WS competitive team, winning 93 games. This year, they dumped Lindor and Carrasco in the offseason. Detroit and Kansas also made no attempt to field a winning team this offseason, and Minnesota hasn't fielded a legitimate WS contender in 3 decades. It is what it is, the AL Central is a farce, so they don't have to give a rats ass about fielding a regular lineup the final two months of the season. Owners are clamoring for ten wild card teams starting next year, rendering the entire regular season a glorified exhibition schedule, on par with the NBA, NHL and college basketball.

Fa Fa Fooey

Not as much as a fail as this post. This is Sunday lineup level trolling.

Don't worry, they're going to make Tommy before the Playoffs.

One solid takeaway is Cease has pitched well outside of the one mistake. Would be nice if he could get through 5 today.

Cease is our best healthy starter at this moment.

Foster, Kopech and Wright likely unavailable based on usage the past two days, Kimbrel probably unavailable (20 pitches Saturday). Crochet is a lock unless something is wrong with him (last outing over a week ago). https://www.baseballpress.com/bullpen-usage White Sox Pitches last 5 days Pitcher Sa F Th W Tu Aaron Bummer (L) 7 0 x 14 11 Ryan Burr (R) 0 0 x 0 0 Garrett Crochet (L) 0 0 x 0 0 Matt Foster (R) 0 34 x 0 0 Liam Hendriks (R) 11 0 x 18 11 Craig Kimbrel (R) 20 0 x 0 9 Michael Kopech (R) 25 0 x 0 14 Jose Ruiz (R) 0 10 x 0 0 Ryan Tepera (R) 9 0 x 14 12 Mike Wright Jr. (R) 0 40 x 0 0

Sox likely calling up Lambert for the Tuesday game. They will also likely bring up Collins on Tuesday or perhaps Wednesday after returning Lambert for a third catcher. Dallas trying to get 61 more outs the rest of the season. Wonder if Sean Manaea went shopping for a new mitt this week.

The New York Mets have extended their all time National League lead, and are within one of tying the all time Major League record, when Brad Hand came in 6th inning in game one of their doubleheader to become their 41st pitcher used this season.

I know this is all hyperbole, but the Sox need to be both healthy and in good form come October. Hoping the four primary IL players (Lucas, Lynn, Tim and Engel) return and can play as they are capable when healthy. Good reports from Lucas last week, Tim should be fine with his few weeks of rest. Lynn's knee has been a concern for a while now, and Adam hasn't been right beyond a brief stretch all season. He is by far the best RF option if healthy based on his turnaround at the plate. Also concerned with Kopech at this point, he was a major contributor in the first half and can be in the playoffs if he rights the ship. Kimbrel helps in this regard, and Crochet is also pitching well, so they still have quality bullpen depth. Keuchel may be a blessing if his reduced innings lowers the probability he vests. Still see him starting next year unless they resign Carlos or grab 1-2 starters, Kopech can't be pushed much beyond a few months based on his low innings count this season, and Crochet doesn't look like he will convert next season.