South Side Hit Men

Locked on Sox had a good discussion regarding Lynn / Rodon FA contracts on their podcast (23 minutes in). https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-274-all-star-preview-the-rodon-lynn-decisions/id1486968407?i=1000528696124 The missing piece in their discussion was the budget considerations, but both felt Lynn (2-3 years $15M) and Rodon ($20M + 3-4 years) would be good signings, and that the Sox "could afford both", Since the Sox are at the upper range of all time payroll, I'm not so sure they will spend for both, with the other substantial contracts on the books (assumption for this exercise is Keuchel makes 160 IP this/next year and club picks up these options *, and Arbitration estimates (guesses)); 2022 ($136M): Abreu $19.7M, Grandal $18.3M, Keuchel $18M, Moncada $13.8M, Hendriks $13M, Anderson $9.5M, Jimenez $7.3M, Giolito $6M (A), Robert $6M, Bummer $2.5M, Engel $2.2M (A) (Eaton $1M) + 15 More Players ($19M - most at minimum which may increase with CBA plus a few in the $1M-$3M range) 2023 ($137M): Keuchel $20M, Grandal $18.3M, Moncada $17.8M, Hendriks $14M, Anderson * $12.5M, Jimenez $10.3M, Robert $9.5M, Giolito $8M, Bummer $3.8M, Engel $3.0M + 16 More Players ($20M - most at minimum which may increase with CBA plus a few in the $1M-$3M range) If you're Rick Hahn and given a $155M-$160M budget for 2022 and beyond, what do you do? Sign Rodon at $20M for 3-4 years, Lynn at $15M for 2-3 years, both and trade higher priced contract to make it work, or neither and spend the money on cheaper FA pitchers, trade acquisitions and or hitting.

Moved a million hearts in mono.....

if the Braves want him, they likely figured they don't have to provide any compensation. They only have to pay $252K for the remainder of the season. He'll probably pick them even if another team bids, they have a history of fielding old grinder types in right field. So $7.7M (if claimed) or $8.0M (if not) for a solid April. Meh. .

True, whether it is The Atlantic's staff or PTATC, medical commentators provide their best take/analysis based on prior experience and publicly known data and disclosures. (which is why I "thanked" his post). Just posted this as additional information to consider (the same article had no concerns to date regarding Robert's recovery). Hoping the Sox medical / training team can manage this from afar conservatively, so that there are no setbacks from Eloy pushing it because he 'feels good". Still concerned he is attempting to play LF.

Home runs are not the extent of “power”. Even with Robert out most of the season and Eloy all of it, the Sox rank 9th in MLB in slugging percentage.

"Why can't Yoan be more like Pat Boone. I wish Pat played third base for the White Sox. It would be swell." - SoxTalk anti Yoan Moncada brigade

From The Athletic's medical staff: https://theathletic.com/2695140/2021/07/08/mlb-injury-mailbag-updates-on-luis-robert-and-eloy-jimenez-kyle-schwarbers-realistic-timeline-and-more/

I recall getting a lot of grief about not wanting any piece of this guy because of his makeup. Character means a lot, there was a reason Bauer (and Puig who was also discussed) were dumped quickly by teams who experienced them first hand, regardless of their on field talent.

Baseball Prospectus had a piece on the Top 8 Risers/Fallers during the first half of the minor league season, and Jose "Popeye" Rodriguez was listed among the Risers. Clipped a few sentences from the write-up.

Anyone else available you would like to see the Sox draft at this point? Any super sleepers for the bottom 10 rounds? You nailed the first two picks.

Read this on Gosswein, not a great 2021 collegiate season, but potential upside, feel they can use savings from slot money for their first three picks. https://www.southsidesox.com/2021/7/12/22574270/white-sox-draft-lhp-brooks-gosswein-in-the-fourth-round-124th-overall

One cool thing I found while reading the toothless / penalty free “mandatory” ASG language, is the fact that each White Sox player will get 15 large if they’re on the active roster for the Children of the Corn Iowa game. That’s a nice payout for those making league minimum/ slightly above .

Soon we will see a photo shop or video edit of Eloy as The Ugandan Giant.

No. The Cy Young is earned based on being the best pitcher of the league. It’s based on an entire season. If Lynn or Rodon started this weekend, or were injured and did not play or even attend the ASG, it has no barring on their first half accomplishments. They get paid any contract incentives for being named. The fact that there was such widespread player and fan apathy forced the owners to first make it “count”, and then when that didn’t work, inserted a clause in the CBA ordering elected and name players to attend the game or get permission to bail on it. LOL. The NHL takes a game payment from players for skipping, the MLBPA is too strong for that BS. All sports should cancel the game. I guess a Spring Training version (have two games, a FLA and AZ game) would be fine, since it’s nothing but a glorified exhibition game. It could be the Daytona 500 of Spring Training to kick off games. Otherwise, Hard Pass. Don’t get hurt and too bad you can’t get the much needed rest like your teammates, hope you have a contract bonus to compensate for your inconvenience.

Yes. this is the "backup plan" @Y2Jimmy0 mentioned in his preview thread. Here is the writeup. https://www.futuresox.com/2021/07/09/2021-draft-preview-wes-kath-3b/

Ohtani will bring in tons more fan interest. All I care about in terms of the game are if any are inserted, they are in and out ASAP and do not get hurt. I stopped watching the All Star game as a child, not sure how anyone can sit through it. Selig had to come up with a gimmick "This time it counts" to counteract complete lack of interest and his idiotic photo. Hell, they have trouble enough getting anyone to watch the most important games unless the Dodgers, Yankees, Red Sox or Cubs are involved. That's what happens when you run the sport like a cigarette manufacturer, hoping to suck whatever money is left before you kill your customers.

More BS opinions. Whether you, I or anyone else likes or dislikes La Russa has baring on what took place. I stated the White Sox brought in Katz for interviews based on his long working relationship with Giolito, Tony and Katz had no relationship whereas Lucas had a longstanding relationship and recruited Katz. These statements are true, not "opinions" that you attributed to me. And enough with the weak strawman statements. Never said Tony had "nothing" to do with hiring his staff. He brought in his crony friend's son, and had a prior knowledge or Cairo based on Walt Jocketty's relationship in Cincinnati. Tony also inherited several staff and coaches who were already here, including Frank Menechino, who you claimed Tony "hired".

Well then cut with your bullshit opinions. There is zero evidence Tony had any knowledge of Katz, and in fact a statement by Katz they never met or ever had a discussion prior to Lucas' recommendation, based on the well documented history with Lucas and the team approving of Katz' work with their Ace pitcher.

Do you have any quotes of Tony discussing Ethan Katz, or anything else prior Lucas and Rick bringing him in? There was a years long connection between Lucas and Katz, including Hahn and the organization approving of Lucas' work with Katz over the years. https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/white-sox/ct-chicago-white-sox-coaching-staff-20201201-l2lndmiu7raexiuzjoatfwyhai-story.html This hiring article discussed Giolito's work and history with Katz, Hahn and the organization approved of Lucas working with Katz over the past few years. Katz said he had ZERO previous connection and never met or spoke with La Russa prior to Hahn and Lucas bringing him in.

So, well over 100 during this span. Third in team HRs, second in extra base hits (two off the team lead). Just turned 23, brand new more difficult position, with only A ball two years ago under his belt. "Vaughn has made it through seven platoon partners, got thrown into Left Field with a few hours of preparation, and he ain't dead yet. Does that mean anything to you, huh? Vaughn ain't meant to die! The only thing that can kill Vaughn is Vaughn."

Recruited by Lucas, hired by Rick Hahn. Tony didn't know the difference between Ethan Katz and Felix the Cat. Would have hired Dave Duncan if he didn't laugh in Tony's face and tell him to give his son a crony job instead.

@Y2Jimmy0 nailed it like always. That's my like there. Give Jimmy a like, he deserves 1,000!

Let the hatred of Jordan Wicks flow. LOL Yankees have the biggest reach per MLB pre draft rankings, 55th ranked player taken 20th.

Got it, thanks for correcting / noting. Two picks to go, the god damn Yankees and then the Cubs before the Sox are on the clock. They are streaming it free on MLB.com. Don't see Mel Kiper Jr, WTH.

Montgomery went early, Kath still around. I still think it's an upset if the Sox take their first 1st round HS pick in the Hahn era. Getting excited with only three teams to go before the Sox pick.