South Side Hit Men

Hahn is busy at work, throwing things inside his house.

Len Kasper said four veterans came out to meet Vaughn coming off the field and patting him on the back saying they got him covered.

Stupid send there, Sox fortunate to get out of it with only two.

First error of the year. Glad Eloy is happy.

AJ Hinch would consider it. This one certainly won't.

1-2-3 to start the game. Good times.

The problem is Engel has been hurt the entire season, and is hurt now, leaving you with Leury and Hamilton as your two CF options on the 50% + days Engel isn't available. So cutting Goodwin doesn't work until Robert returns or Engel is somehow able to play 5-6 games a week, which isn't the case now.

The question remains whether any advantage of Goodwin hitting is negated or worse due to his inability to play a capable CF. I’m of the opinion that if the White Sox “must” play Eloy in LF, he should be flanked by a legitimate ML capable CF (Engel or Hamilton) on those days. Limit Eloy in LF to LH Starters and you have two options for CF (yesterday). Hamilton and/or Engel should definitely be inserted in the 6th or 7th in a close game tonight, for either Goodwin and/or Eloy. The more Goodwin plays and fails at all aspects of the game, the more I want Tony to keep Jake “Franchise Type of Guy” Lamb and DFA Goodwin once Robert returns.

The Sox and other teams were by and large at a franchise low point in 2019. While it's good the Sox have improved and will hopefully continue as best as possible, for the sport the 19% decrease is a major concern in terms of long term revenue and trends (accelerated cord cutting, very old average age of viewership). https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/white-sox/2020-white-sox-post-significant-year-over-year-audience-gains 2019: Rating 0.94 2020: Rating 1.78 (89% increase) 2021: Rating 2.10 (123% increase)

Since the All Star Break: Brian Goodwin: .200 / ,250 / ,200 (.450 OPS) Billy Hamilton: .214 / .214 / .286 (.500 OPS) Adam Engel: .217 / .333 / .261 (.594 OPS) It's why Luis Robert was ranked the 7th most irreplaceable player in MLB by Fan Graphs.

Not sure if Engel would be back on the IL if Robert was here. Adam has started in consecutive games just twice this season (June 10 & 11; July 18-21) until he apparently was hurt again (Tony mentioned limited availability in Milwaukee). I would prefer if Adam has limited availability that he plays CF (or Billy vs. a LHP) on days Eloy plays LF. Have no issue with Vaughn in RF if they "must" play Eloy in LF, he has been working there pregame for some time now,

Royals lineup available, with note regarding Brad Keller's performance in July. Two changes at the bottom of the lineup from yesterday: Ryan O'Hearn for Jarrod Dyson in RF & Nicky Lopez for Hanser Alberto at SS MGM Sportsbook Odds: U/O 4 1/2: Jason Benetti mentions of Nicky Lopez' "Chicago"/Naperville/Naperville Central connection.

He needs to be fired immediately in both of his roles (USOC Hockey GM). Can't blame any hockey player for refusing to play for the Chernobyl of the NHL/professional sports world.

Anticipating something like this tonight: SS T. Anderson (R) RF G. Sheets (L) 1B J. Abreu (R) 3B Y. Moncada (S) LF E. Jimenez (R) CF B. Goodwin (L) DH A. Vaughn (R) 2B L. Garcia (S) C Z. Collins (L) Vaughn seventh to help adapt to DH role, coupled with Tony's obsession with the RLRLRLRL lineup, which hopefully comes to an end with the return of Luis Robert.

Tony prefers veterans, and you don’t lose players with options so as long as he finds value with Goodwin, he’ll stay. Lamb vs. Goodwin once Robert returns is the key decision (or a phantom Hamilton injury to keep him for the playoffs). I’m hoping Engel is healthy enough to play RF beyond starts vs. LHP. He has shown much improvement vs. RHP last year and in limited time this season and his defense is far superior to Lamb/Goodwin.

Of the three starters Grandal regularly caught, Keuchel appears to be the most impacted to date. In his last three starts with Grandal behind the plate, Dallas gave up 1 barrel in 65 batters faced. In the four games since (three with Zavala), he has given up 7 in 95 batters faced. Going in, I though Dylan would have the greatest impact, with Lance and Dallas not caring much. Dylan has pitched about the same, and Lance Lynn is as expected. I expect the same rotation when Grandal is able to catch regularly (Lynn, Cease, Keuchel with Rodon and Lucas sticking with Collins). The wild cards are who works with Kopech if converted and whether Collins sticks with both in the playoffs (my hunch is Lucas only with Grandal at DH).

Tony is now 10-13 in 1 run games this season. With his strategery, I don't see this improving until he is gone.

Agreed. Sox offense is in a temporary lull, This too shall pass. RBIs (7/21-7/26 = 10): Vaughn (4); Lynn (2); Engel (2); Collins (1); Zavala (1). HRs (7/21-7/26 = 1): Vaughn (1). The key in August is to get Eloy, Robert and Grandal's hitting timing back, so that they are hitting full stride in September and October.

I don't see many, if any, beyond the Dodgers and Mets willing to take on that contract until at minimum the next CBA is passed and there is clarity regarding "luxury" tax and other disincentives to spending. Most of the big market teams are focused more on staying under the tax threshold than winning. Even the Padres are up against it. The Dodgers and Mets are the only two teams willing to go over the threshold, and they may not be more desperate than now with their current situations (Kershaw hurt, domestic violence/rapist sticky stuff guy likely not returning anytime soon; the Mets decimated by injuries). Otherwise, the Sox can't even DFA him because if someone picks him up at the minimum and he reaches the 160 the next two seasons, the Sox will be responsible for all three years, and the claiming team just the ML minimum.

Cancel your cable, no need to pay over a grand for garbage like JR's RSN.

This post didn't age well.

Andrew Vaughn is the July MVP!!! Comes through again.

What excuse with Dallas come up with postgame?