South Side Hit Men

This is the same guy whose mother or whatever bitched the White Sox cut off his free baby sitting service after he was traded and then trashed the organization. https://www.sportsmockery.com/chicago-white-sox/keynan-middletons-mom-said-the-white-sox-kicked-his-kids-out-of-daycare/ I’m glad the toxic duo are now with the Cardinals. Both sucked on the White Sox and beyond, with the other one giving up four home runs in a playoff inning. This guy sat out the final month in New York, finished the season with a 0.1 fWAR (doubling his career total). https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/diamondbacks-make-playoff-history-with-four-home-runs-in-one-inning-off-of-mlbs-most-homer-prone-pitcher/ “History” - Hawk Harrelson

I think we both (and most here) want to get to the same place (sustained success, dominating this division, then being a legitimate WS contender), but have a different mindset of how to get there. We can't control ownership, which is the major solution for both the team and potential new stadium. Jerry gutted payroll for five years (1986-1990) before the new stadium to "prove" they needed a new stadium, and fans of course obliged, with 1990 being a surprise on the field success plus fans really wanting one more season at the park they lived their entire lives enjoying. We've lived through "The money will be spent", which in reality meant that's not necessarily the case, and even the portion spent may be spent poorly. Say a decent revamped roster nets 70-75 wins, and a 5% chance of winning the division. You stabilize and likely improve attendance and TV ratings YOY, and prevent further additional substantial 2025 and 2026 payroll cuts. You have a few more players teams may possibly want at the deadline, including perhaps one or two good to really solid pitchers beyond Cease. You are not risking the future at all with short term 1-2 year free agent signings, and only adding to potential pieces to move if things turn out as expected. In the end, no return for Cease or even Robert is going to create a contender. Beyond a new owner, it will take the new current FO (or new new FO post Jerry) to completely revamp player acquisition criteria and player development strategies to build a legitimate core the team has not had since 1991-1994, and before that the late 1950s - mid 1960s. They also must continue to go modern in the statistics and mechanical analysis just to catch up to 21st century thinking. I'm hoping for at least a decent RF and perhaps one or two more FA pitchers stranded without a deal that can add a few wins. Ryu or Soler are likely outside of the current budget, but if they went to $150M ($18M more than Cot's has them for the 40 Man Roster) they still have substantial savings YOY, but fill in additional major holes. Soler could really pad his stats here. Ryu or another starter would really help as well. Even Duvall or Rosario would be nice pick ups. F Whit Merrifield. This is my angle for why I continue to want the Sox to pursue 1-2 year FA signings. I agree, it's 20-1, perhaps higher, to win the division with the current roster. But only good things can happen if they add a few more pieces, have a legit RF and 4th OF, perhaps 1 or 2 more low cost bullpen arms who can turn it around. They start the season with improved depth and perhaps end April and May near .500 which will help draw fans in the Summer and keep the Sox options open for the deadline and beyond.

Seems like all the assholes are flocking to Saint Louis this offseason. Par for the course for that franchise. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/02/cardinals-to-sign-keynan-middleton.html Career fWAR 0.2: https://www.fangraphs.com/players/keynan-middleton/15264/stats?position=P

I was as excited about Joey Ortiz as I was giving Leury $16M.

There will be a lot more FA money available in 2025, so I can see several players left in FA taking a one year prove it deal. LF A. Benintendi (L 1.5) 1B A. Vaughn (R 1.7) CF L. Robert Jr. (R 4.0) 3B Y. Moncada (S 2.3) DH E. Jimenez (R 2.0) RF J. Soler (R 1.9) SS 1H P. DeJong (R 0.7) 2H C. Montgomery (L 0.6) ^ 2B A. Rosario (R 2.3) C M. Stassi (R 0.9) C M. Maldonado; INF N. Lopez; INF/OF L. Sosa; OF A. Duvall D. Cease (R 3.2) H. J Ryu (L 1.8) E. Fedde (R 1.1) M. Soroka (R 1.2) J. Junis (R 1.1) M. Kopech (R 0.8) C. Flexen (R 0.8) CL G. Santos (R 1.3) SU J. Brebbia (R 0.4) SU T. Hill (L -0.2) SU R. Stanek (R 0.3) MI S. Drohan (L -0.1) LR/OP T. Toussaint (R 0.3) LR/OP G. Crochet (L 0.8)

Their payroll is now under $100M, whereas they get significant revenue sharing plus an additional $103M each season for MLB.com and National TV contracts. The Orioles are also under $100M even after this trade. Tampa Bay, Miami, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and Oakland make up the rest of the eight teams under the annual national revenue share threshold, before tens of millions in additional team revenue sharing. Eighteen free agents remain unsigned with a 2024 Projected 1.0 - 3.3 fWAR per Fangraphs: Infielders (5): M. Chapman (2.6); A. Rosario (2.3); . Anderson (1.6); G. Urshela (1.1); J. Segura (1.0) Outfielders / DHs (4): C. Bellinger (2.4); J. Soler (1.9); T. Pham (1.0); M. A. Taylor (1.0) Starters (9): B. Snell (3.3); J. Montgomery (3.2); H. J. Ryu (1.8); C. Kershaw (1.8); M. Clevinger (1.3); M. Lorenzen (1.2); Z. Greinke (1.1); D. German (1.1); J. Junis (1.1). Still hoping the Sox might be able to get Jakob Junis formerly of the Giants and of course Royals.

I don't buy hot dogs much for home anymore beyond the ones from Costco, but would give the SuperDawg branded dogs a chance. Not a fan of what is in most grocery stores today from the national brands or Vienna. Admit I'm in the minority, as most Chicagoans seem to be at least OK with Vienna. Jimmy's Polish on the West Side are the only Vienna I still eat, and it's been a long time since I've been back.

Thinking the new ownership deal when approved by MLB includes commitments by the minority ownership group (they'll own 40% until Peter Angelos is dead) to commit to funding while they wait. Cleveland completed a similar deal with new minority owner David Blitzer who bought 35% with an option to purchase the rest infused capital, though it doesn't seem as though Cleveland is willing to spend it. Perhaps they were waiting for the Bally's TV issue to be resolved, which it appears to be for the upcoming season.

They got their half billion dollars from Wisconsin and local governments. They can tank another 25seasons until their next lease is up. Isn't revenue sharing and welfare for billionaires swell.

Looks like the pending Orioles sale will at least short term benefit the people of Baltimore. It's clear previous Orioles ownership was committed to doing the bare minimum in terms of contract commitments until they reached agreement both with the State of Maryland, who are pissed and calling the Angelos family scumbag liars, which they most certainly are and have been for decades, and before closing their deal with the hedge fund people Caulfield exposed. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/02/latest-details-on-sale-of-orioles.html Still glad Getz is holding out for a great deal. I'm fine starting the season with Cease. There will be injuries among the handful of legitimate spending contending teams willing to spend, and the Sox should get a solid return for Cease assuming the White Sox are not in the AL Central Division lead or hunt in late July.

Yes, not the best hot dog in my life by any stretch, but decent due to size and lack of quality options. Don't need to eat anything else after polishing off one of those jumbo dogs. I also get gift cards from members to pick up their hot dogs from inside Costco without a membership. Never a big fan of Vienna Hot Dogs, but loved Leon's which served Wally's, Bowser Dogs and other spots, and whoever Superdawg uses, though many times there I order their sausage. They announced they would soon have their own branded hot dog in Supermarkets, but I haven't seen them yet. I'm more picky about pizza, but it's my nephews go to when they head there. Both are great values, the Superdawg quite pricey around $7 or $9 if you include fries.

Yes, and their co-owned Red Hot Ranch restaurants if you find yourself up north. For Polish, it's Jimmy's on Pulaski and Grand, and don't sleep on the tamale. I also love Jim's Original. Really miss OG Maxwell Street back in the 1970s or 1980s before UIC stole that land too. For hot dogs, all my Leon's Garden on a Bun joints are sadly gone, so Costco (yes Costco, though top at home with your own condiments) and Superdawg are the last ones standing for me. RIP Rosebud. Long live Pompei! Wally's 2742 N. Central = The GOAT https://www.craigslostchicago.com/lost-eateries.php

I don't believe anyone in the organization pays heed to Grifol, beyond players forced to listen to him to secure playing time. Pedro is only here in 2024 because Jerry doesn't want to pay the candidate "he was blown away by" for two years of his three year deal to stay at home. Hopefully there is some actual thoughtful consideration Sox fans haven't seen since the Gaston vs. Guillen decision before hiring the next White Sox manager.

There has been a significant tax that looks to be extended for at least another 30 years on top of the previous 35 years. They said there is $50M still due on the current deal, so I'd say the Sox should rectify that if they want a penny of taxpayer money to go to this project. Or they can fund their business like 95% plus of businesses in Chicago do each and every day. I do agree it is the responsibility of the city and state to negotiate the best deal for Bridgeport, the city at large, and the new site. To ensure Bridgeport is in a better state after Jerry leaves than when he was there. Should be a very low threshold to cross, but hoping for a big win / win for the city, community and White Sox. Jerry demanded the entire neighborhood be demolished for his parking lots. The Cubs worked with their neighbors and eventually purchased their properties, and now their club which was purchased for $1M less than the White Sox is worth over $2B more, simply by being intelligent and not belligerent. That is the primary reason why Wrigley "works" and Jerry's stadium doesn't. Wrigleyville wasn't gentrified until after the Tribune purchased the team. Fireman Jim Murphy of Murphy's bleachers picked up multiple two/tree flats at low prices and made a mint. Would say based on his comments in the linked video, LH and other thoughtful Sox fans can support the idea if it is done right. There is reason for concern it may not be "done right" for anyone (the Sox, the city, the state, Bridgeport) based on how the previous deal went down. Just waiting for many details over the upcoming months and years, to make a proper assessment beyond this diversionary announcement to distract from the fact Jerry is likely fielding yet another 90 + loss team after fielding an 101 loss team last season, and slashing payroll by nearly a third in the process, during what was sold to fans after years of losing as a "multi-championship window".

No. You can either pay Disney for ESPN+, pay a cable or satellite provider for Spanish programming which includes ESPN Deportes, or stream online via some copyright infringing free website. This is how MLB promotes baseball in 2024. https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mlb/how-to-watch-2024-caribbean-baseball-series-live-online-without-cable/ar-BB1hCj7n

There is nothing wrong with the stadium after taxpayers fixed several substantial flaws, many of which insisted upon by Jerry during construction. The direction the park is facing is also due to Jerry’s ego and asinine instance of keeping the address 35th and Shields. What is complete hot garbage is most of the teams and management Jerry has hired over 44 seasons. The White Sox basically have to sell another stadium because Jerry and his toadies and minions have completely fucked up the franchise. A franchise which was more valuable, cost more money, than the Cubs sold at the same exact time. Jerry did his thing and turned the franchise into a pot of s%*# over the decades. The same exact process he used to turn the Bulls into a pot of s%*# once he pushed out Jordan, another gem Jerry inherited. Jerry stiff armed the entire neighborhood @Buehrle>Wood, displaced hundreds of homes and created nothing but blocks of asphalt and ugly concrete. Screwed over McCuddy’s, destroyed the neighborhood. Now is the time to right a wrong, and for the city to lead development that will create a long lasting development of businesses and residencies that enhance, not scar, the community.

They had a substantial conversation about the move on Score transition that was forwarded to me. I tend to lean on Dan and Laurence's side about prioritizing the city and neighborhood needs with this major decision, and making sure what replaces the Sox at 35th and Shields is a win win for both the city, and both neighborhoods. Really hoping the city and state leadership hammer out an equitable and wise long term plan for both sites. I am reserving judgement on everything until we get a lot more details, but so far what I've heard in terms of taxes sounds like the best likely scenario vs. what I feared. Also glad the location makes sense in terms of public transportation, but do agree with LH and DB it's really going to stress traffic in the immediate area. Having to live through that on Damen and Waveland back in the day, I had to plan on gamedays for any driving trips. I'm glad at least the governor appears to be thoughtful of the taxpayers and process at this stage. The Sox and Jerry will have to step up to the plate to be fair in a way they never had either with the previous stadium, or their management of this club over the past 44 years. Perhaps there is a chance for redemption for all involved. It would be the best case scenario for us as Sox fans, and for the entire City of Chicago, the lifelong home to many of us.

This is a lot more interesting in terms of format and make up of teams than the MLB contrived WBC, which seems to cause more issues than it's worth. It's a shame Cuba and Columbia aren't able to participate, not sure if one or both governments are responsible for Cuba's exclusion. Tickets are affordable, and fans can by a country pack to follow their favorite national team(s). ESPN Deportes & ESPN + is carrying the games, and also Miami's MLB broadcast partner (Bally's). Hope MLB.com hosts daily highlights, wish they showed a few over the air games on Univision or Telemundo. https://www.mlb.com/marlins/ballpark/events/caribbean-series-2024

I stopped following NASCAR shortly after the institution of the Chase was instituted in 2004, which was followed by other developments such as "The Car For Tomorrow". Also lost Pontiac/Oldsmobile, several of the traditional Southern Tracks in favor of the cookie cutter tracks, the deaths of Dale Earnhardt and Alan Kulwicki, and retirement of my favorite drivers (The Alabama Gang, Ricky Rudd, and phase out of others like the Labonte brothers). NASCAR popularity peaked in the mid 2000s, but suffered severe losses of fans like me and lost about half of their fan base since. In terms of MLB, the devil would be in the details. So far, only brand new team leagues without much money like the XFL (run by wrestling czar Vince McMahon) have been run under a single controlled structure until the MLS emerged from the ashes of the NASL, followed by Women's sports leagues (WNBA and WUSA) with mixed success. It has worked for individual competitor sports like NASCAR and the human cockfighting league UFC, and also scripted "sports" like wrestling. This article discusses some of the pitfalls of the MLS single entity structure: https://www.conductdetrimental.com/post/why-mls-s-single-entity-structure-should-be-shown-a-red-card While it may be tempting to dump a Top 10 worst owner (perhaps Top 5), not sure if the Sox would pan out better under a single ownership structure, including whether said single entity would still even want two Chicago franchises. I rather bank on the hope of getting a new owner over this decade or soon thereafter then rely on a drastic change. Also fear for the sport as a whole, which I believe benefits from 30 competing separate interests, though that has been watered down significantly the past 30 years with the revenue sharing agreements which seem to incentivize about half the league to sit back, lose and make money off the dozen or so teams legitimately trying to compete each season.

The A's have missed their third deadline today (12/31 and 1/15 the first two) to announce an agreement as to where they plan to play in 2025. They get $70M from Comcast for their $43.1M payroll team for every year they remain in the Bay Area. A move as close as Sacramento, 85 miles northeast of Oakland, will void the current deal. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/39419922/oakland-stadium-plans-las-vegas-move-update The Oakland Coliseum and Triple A stadiums in Sacramento, Las Vegas and Salt Lake City are mentioned as current possibilities. They are jeopardizing their announced 2028 move to Vegas if they don't secure financing by early 2025. I personally hope the deal craps out and either MLB takes ownership as they did with the Expos, forces a sale to competent ownership or they end up in Salt Lake City so Las Vegas (and Oakland) can start over with a clean slate.

We all come here for different reasons. Wandy Peralta had a 1.4 fWAR last season, is a solid reliever. Some here like discussing trade rumors and such, whereas others like discussing actual deals.

The general baseball discussion is held during the offseason in Pale Hose Talk.

Not familiar with the Celtics set up, but there are no dividend or other private ownership rights typically obtained with share purchases of the Packers, a nonprofit corporation. I'd guess the Celtics have a similar arrangement in terms of shareholder rights. Net profit for the Packers are either reinvested in the club or donated to identified local charities. It would be nice if every professional sports team had the same arrangement. They would never move, and fans could feel better about spending money on their teams, Regardless, your article quotes indicated this was a possibility for the NBA and MLB, not the NFL which was deemed "profitable". Newsflash, all of these teams in the four major leagues are vastly profitable beyond perhaps a couple of isolated instances of gross incompetence and perhaps a few renegade owners who will spend beyond revenue like Cohen and possibly George Steinbrenner while he was alive. John Henry is the nut low, can't stand him between the Super League scam he spearheaded that was quashed and his cuts at Liverpool. I hate the Red Sox, so don't mind if I never see Boston in the postseason or even over .500 every again. Until fans stay away, Henry will keep screwing them over. Red Sox April 9 Opening Day Per Seat (or SRO) Direct From Club Ticket Prices $50-$199 Standing Room Only, $70-$105 Outfield and Bleacher seats. $112-$512 Additional Seating in the infield, foul lines and Green Monster seating. - I couldn't actually access the ticket pop up or whatever else my PC is blocking from their website, but I would assume there are substantial fees and possible sales tax also due beyond the listed prices.

I wonder if the Sox subsidized the Metra stop and or service. I’m assuming there weren’t many riders, or far less than projected, if the service was cut / eliminated as was reported above. Individual companies subsidize select bus routes and even a few Metra stops, in most cases to facilitate employee transportation to a large plant or facility. There are routes at one point for the Horizon and the Soldier Field express which I believe still runs likely subsidized at least in part by the teams. Not everyone has accessible public transportation (primarily the further suburbs), but anyway to encourage it is a plus. Do wish they would clean up the CTA trains as is the case with Metra.

I think you are misreading this. My take is the statement reads that the entire league (all teams) would be a single publicly traded entity, similar to NASCAR owned by the France family. 30 owners would sell their shares (or retain a minority stake) in a single MLB entity. There would be a CEO of the organization, not one boob representing thirty boobs. MLB would have to bribe Congress once again to avoid any change to their preferred anti-trust status. They function in many ways as a single entity when it benefits owners in general, such as their revenue sharing scheme which rewards not paying players over fielding a competitive product for the 16 eligible teams.