South Side Hit Men

No, he was rushed last year because Hahn of course had no other options and barely ready for AAA. Like Lee, they should stay in AAA until it's likely they can have at least some success at ML pitching. Colas also did a lot of dumb s%*# in the field, so he needs to work on that as well. I want someone who can field the position and hit decently, and also want to never see Gavin Sheets wear an OF glove again. I'd say there are 39 other players on the 40 man roster who agree.

His projected 2024 fWAR of 2.6 is between Lucas (2.4 $39M/2) and Eduardo Rodriguez (2.9 $80/4). Hope it's an overpay, glad they also have to pay a posting fee. They had to do something before Cubs Convention.

I agree with you they aren't spending $10M, but with the number of OFers left and the limited number of teams looking to add, I can see a $4M-$6M signing, perhaps some sort of option or buyout, among the three guys I mentioned. There hasn't been much movement with 5-6 weeks to go beyond some at the top of the position player pecking order, and there will be lots of shake out and guys taking less than what they wanted/expected as ST approaches. One of the attributes with Hahn is that he always acted early and paid top market for FAs, seemed to pull the trigger on trades quickly. I like Getz' patience at this stage with Cease, where I'm pretty certain Cease would have been gone at the Winter Meetings of Hahn was still here with not nearly the return they will ultimately receive.

My guess as to how the innings might look: Fangraphs FIP Projections 140 Fedde 5.35 120 Cease (Traded in July) 4.30 120 Soroka 4.59 110 Toussaint 5.05 90 Kopech 5.34 70 Flexen 4.97 65 Crochet 4.03 60 Banks 4.37 60 Shuster 5.44 55 Santos 4.02 55 Garcia 5.40 50 Drohan 4.84 50 Lambert 5.13 50 Hill 4.86 45 Nastrini 5.35 40 Speas 4.53 40 Scholtens 4.89 40 Peralta 4.76 35 Kuhl 5.17 35 Ramsey 5.29 30 Eder 5.32 20 Leasure 4.70 20 Navarro 5.42 18 Cousins 4.59 16 Foster 4.94

I agree at this point, but Duvall would be an upgrade offensively for those games. I'd be happy with Gallo, could be a nice feel good story with him launching bombs into the RF concourse. I'd be happy with Aaron Hicks for his flexibility, but can see him opting to retire vs. coming here.

I like Duvall strictly because he can adequately cover Robert for 20 days off in CF (10 rest games / 10 DH games). Gallo would be my strictly RF selection in terms of the White Sox budget. There are only a few teams willing to spend more than a couple million with a need for RF. Los Angeles Angles and Seattle are the only two. Thinking the Sox can land either of my choices.

New update from the Dominican Republic. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/01/wander-franco-to-face-lesser-charges-in-dominican-republic.html Doesn't look like he will regain a U. S. Work Visa, and he would be barred from entering the United States in the future if convicted per a former US ICE Prosecutor.

Baseball is an entertainment business, at least in theory. I didn't get a response from you earlier, but how does hiring Thom help the White Sox organization? Wouldn't this be yet another White Sox move that would be universally condemned? If Thom wants to work as an announcer, perhaps he needs to work for a lesser profile gig (minor leagues, some team or sport that wants him) to rebuild his reputation. It just shouldn't be here, especially with the current state this organization in the eyes of a dejected fanbase. Would say 90% + of fans feel that way across all religious, political or societal viewpoints.

You keep repeating the same condescending posts, but they do not change the facts. The 2020 102 game owner lockout "Championship Season" was not a farce because cardboard cut-outs. It was a farce because 60 games was a glorified Deluxe Spring Training slate, and players didn't face the attrition of a full season (or near full season like in 1995). My points are indisputable. There is and will always be far more parity in MLB with an open free agency system and teams like the Dodgers, Mets, Padres, and any other possible owner who wants to field a competitive team with no salary cap than there ever was pre 1975. Point two, the Dodgers have always had a substantial advantage in terms of resources, but it never translated to championships once Free Agency was enacted. I suspect ten years later when the Dodgers have amassed zero, one, or clutch your pearls two max World Series over Ohtani's contract, assuming The MLB is still a thing a decade later, the goal posts will be shifted to "well that billion spent was merely a marketing deal". I can pull the same bedwetting quotes by the usual suspects here, Jerry Reinsdorf, and others about San Diego, the Mets, the Yankees when George was alive. It's bullshit, all of it.

Benetti is a highly desired broadcaster with top assignments throughout all sports, and his resume is superior this early into his career. Brennaman is completely toxic, and would only bring even more negativity to White Sox baseball. There are enough crony nepotism people in the Reinsdorf orbit. Let his daddy, who also had a similar incident, because the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, get him a job somewhere else. Talk about tone deaf.

He’s been in his job since 2015 and hasn’t won a legit World Series in a legit season which human beings have attended. Neither has the previous Dodgers regime, or the one before that, or the one before that. All this insurmountable brain power and money. Nada. But carry on with the bed wetting because 29 teams were unwilling to sign Teoscar Hernandez.

So, how many of you are heading East to meet Jeremy Huber and Rick Hahn in Ann Arbor at the parade?

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/01/yankees-kevin-smith-agree-to-deal.html

I don’t see Nashville not getting one of the two expansion teams. There is not enough interest in baseball within the Nashville - Charlotte - Atlanta triangle to add them both. Portlandia or Montreal are the likely second team cities, with Portland MLB’s top preference based on public funded stadium shakedown possibilities (not happening in Canada) and allowing an eighth MLB team west of the Rockies for their likely four team division scheme. NL West: Arizona, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego AL West: Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle Salt Lake City or Sacramento would be longer shots. San Jose would make most economic sense even over Portland, but the Giants would need significant compensation for that to happen.

Apparently Brooks Boyer has returned to the office after his three week Christmas vacation.

Won’t impact the White Sox affiliation agreement which runs into 2030. They are looking to get around $100 million, after paying an inflation adjusted $20 million in 1997. https://charlotte.axios.com/347369/charlotte-knights-uptown-truist-ballpark-for-sale/ https://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/news/2024/01/08/charlotte-knights-minor-league-baseball-don-beaver.html?utm_source=st

I'm expecting what the Dodgers have done every year they play an actual season, overspend like the Mets and Padres the past few years, and come up short as always in the postseason. Hope they also sign Snell, Bellinger, Hader and Chapman, and end up getting swept once again to some 80ish win wild card team. Would love to see Lance Lynn once again take the ball in an elimination game after the inevitable half dozen injuries and annual Dodgers domestic violence suspension decimates the rotation. Bring back Kershaw as well so he can get b**** slapped in Game 1. The best part is all these deferrals will hamstring them with likely further penalties for exceeding "luxury taxes" in the next CBA which two dozen teams are fiddin' to impose on teams which dare to field competitive teams.

Is there legitimate hope the Sox are looking to add someone like Duvall or Gallo, or would the price have to get really low before the Sox would consider? I only see Seattle and the Angles as possible legitimate fits for those two (Colorado, Oakland and other tanking teams excluded). Perhaps the Reds if I squint enough. Or are they likely looking at the Ross bin again for someone like an Aaron Hicks, Randal Grichuk Kevin Pillar, Kole Calhoun type bin if any are willing to wear Jerry's laundry for a couple million and they are heading into ST without a single offer? Are the Sox looking to shed Cease and Eloy to get at $100M? @Harold's Leg Lift

People keep bitching about FO and Players with Royals connections coming here, but just how many external people with other options are actually willing to work for Jerry Reinsdorf, and if yes, work for this organization at this stage of bottom five tanking for the next few years? There are a few significant hires I'm pleased with, and this will take some time, especially with the budget and person signing the checks. Also, this is like trying to rebuild Hiroshima. They didn't even have job descriptions, a formal employee review process or establish formal employee or player goals each year. Jerry, Kenny, Hahn and Boyer literally ran this like a child's lemonade stand, though with a grown up (Howard Pizer) in charge of the money and other critical functions.

The Immaculate Grid Players acquired to date: Tim Hill Free Agent 2014-2018 Nicky Lopez Trade 2016-2023 Martin Maldonado Free Agent 2019 Brett Phillips Free Agent 2018-2020 Available Royal Free Agents (Rostered Through October 2023) Jackie Bradley Junior 2023 Hunter Dozier 2013-2023 Matt Duffy 2023 Amir Garrett 2022-2023 Zack Greinke 2002-2010; 2022-2023 Brad Keller 2018-2023 Nick Wittgren 2023 Available Formal Royals (2007-2023) Hanser Alberto 2021 Scott Alexander 2010-2017 Jacob Barnes 2019 Brad Boxberger 2019 Aroldis Chapman 2023 Jesse Chavez 2010-2011 Johnny Cueto 2015 Jake Diekman 2019 Cam Gallagher 2011-2022 Liam Hendriks 2014 Eric Hosmer 2008-2017 Jakob Junis 2011-2021 Whit Merrifield 2010-2022 Adalberto Mondesi 2011-2022 Mike Moustakas 2007-2018 Wil Myers (2009-2012) Drafted and signed but never played in MLB as a Royal jake Odorizzi 2011-2012 Manny Pina 2010-2012 Carlos Santana 2021-2022 Jorge Soler 2017-2021 Michael A. Taylor 2021-2022 Luke Weaver 2022

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2024/01/07/mlb-rumors-10-predictions-2024-spring-training/72133963007/ Makes sense after losing out in the Jerry GM Sweepstakes. Would like to hear more about Wong. Bob also reporting Cease is likely staying to open the season, which I prefer without a blockbuster return.

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/01/mets-in-agreement-on-two-year-deal-with-sean-manaea.html Two years $28M total with an opt out. Leaves five free agent starting pitchers left with a 2.0 + projected 2024 fWAR. 3.3 Blake Snell 3.2 Jordan Montgomery 2.6 Shota Imanaga 2.6 Marcus Stroman 2.3 James Paxson Also rans (1.0-1.9): Ryu, Kershaw, Bauer, Urias, Clevinger, Lorenzen, German, Greinke, Carrasco, Junis, Wood.

Counsel has won one playoff series (over the hapless Colorado Rockies) over nine seasons. He's a good manager, but if the postseason ended today, the Cubs are still an F, or D- if you're generous with the Counsel hire. Obviously these grades will change over the rest of the offseason, but these grades are if the offseason ended today strictly in terms of has the team improved, treaded water, or regressed with what have transpired to date. Bowden Grades vs. South Side Hitmen Grades and commentary (Net YOY Change Increase Decrease - Cot's Contracts Current 2024 vs. OD 2023 40 Man Payroll) National League East Atlanta 104-58 ($$26.9M) B + vs. A I don't understand every move, but as a whole Atlanta is much better positioned in 2024 without sacrificing the future. Philadelphia 90-72 ($3.5M) B vs. C + Getting Nola back very important, could still use a few complementary pieces before Spring Training. Miami 84-78 ($0.2M) C vs. D + Bendix good hire considering the team budget limitations, but they need significant trades or signings to add much needed offense. New York 75-87 ($41.2M) C + vs. B This is a transition year, but feel Sterns is a significant hire and they have made savvy under the radar moves to date. Washington 71-91 ($23.7M) C vs, D Increase nearly all internal salary increases, marginal signings. Look to continue to tank, need several additions to improve. National League Central Milwaukee 92-70 ($13.1M) C vs. C - Significant brain drain, Cut in payroll will drop the Brewers to around .500. Chourio extension their biggest move for future. Chicago 83-79 ($7.2M) C vs. D - Sure Counsel is an (expensive) upgrade over Grandpa, but they have significant losses they need to fill just to tread water. Cincinnati 82-80 ($4.7M) B vs. C + Pretty much agree with Bowden. Spending offset 2023 Votto $25M. Like to see them go for the jugular and try to win division. Pittsburgh 76-86 ($1.6M) C vs. C + Grade in the context of their perennial tanking budget. Smart moves to date, should also go for it in 2024 in weak ass division. Saint Louis 71-91 ($3.5M) B vs. C + Gray signing was good, but really should do a lot more to upgrade a bad team. No excuse finishing in last in this division. National League West Los Angeles 100-62 ($55.5M) A + vs. B + Obviously big signings, but really risking the future with these long tail contracts and unknown future CBAs. Arizona 84-78 ($20.1M) B + vs. B Agree with Bowden, should add a few more pieces to continue opportunity for post-season runs. San Diego 82-80 ($90.3M) B vs. B Very savvy moves considering kick turnaround required post Owner death. Would have been A- range but Shildt hire is s%*#. San Francisco 79-83 ($28.6M) B - vs. C Really don't like their signings beyond hiring Melvin, need 2-3 major signings to make a significant impact. Colorado 59-103 ($27.1M) C - vs. F This is the worst organization in baseball, simply don't give a s%*# and dumb moves result in a middle payroll with meager talent. American League East Baltimore 101-61 ($19.7M) C vs. D - GM is very good beyond censorship, but ownership is worst in baseball and they are at $80M which is pathetic as is Kimbrel. Tampa Bay 99-63 ($19.7M) B vs. B + Organization best in MLB despite owner / revenue. Savvy moves as usual in light of losing Glasnow and Franco. Toronto 89-73 ($6.9M) D vs. D Has to suck trying to get players to come here between the weather, PM and other obstacles. Pissed away entire window. New York 82-80 ($1.6M) B + vs. B Agree with Bowden regarding good moves, OF defensive issues. Really need to add top SP and RP to go for a Championship. Boston 78-84 ($8.6M) B - vs. C + Good moves in terms of budget restraints, though Giolito will have trouble in A. L. East. Worst big market ownership in MLB. American League Central Minnesota 87-75 ($27.0M) B - vs. C - Grade would have been lower without the TV uncertainty. Sure the heirs are less racist than pop pop, but still cheap bastards. Detroit 78-84 ($21.6M) B vs. B Agree with Bowden's take. s%*# pizza heirs suck if they don't add a lot more. Could own division rest of decade if they gave a s%*#. Cleveland 76-86 ($9.5M) C - vs. F Lost the lone class piece in the dugout with Tito retirement. Still tanking, will likely sell off more. F Pork Face Ramirez and Pronk. Chicago 61-101 ($51.0M) B vs. C + Clean up self-inflected Chernobyl with a limited budget. Don't agree with it all, but he is cleaning house. f*** JR, RH and TLR. Kansas City 56-101 ($22.1M) B vs. A - Added a lot of necessary pieces within a tight budget. Think this team will be solid contenders with new stadium. American League West Houston 90-72 ($44.2M) C + vs. C + Unlike the White Sox, the money truly has been spent, so likely at limit with budget. Need to rebuild farm system. Texas 90-72 ($16.3M) C vs. C + Like Houston, their previous aggressiveness limits significant additions, but really like what they have built in Arlington overall. Seattle 88-74 ($2.4M) C vs. D The GM is doing the best he can under absurd circumstances. The owner and president are pathetic, exposed themselves earlier. Los Angeles 73-89 ($60.5M) C vs. D They really need to take the time and do a complete rebuild here. Poor Mike Trout. Oakland 50-112 ($12.8M) D vs. F - Worst ownership in North American sports. John Fisher is the antithesis of Peter Seidler. Fisher is parasitic scum.

I’d rather relive the 2023 Chicago White Sox season then read through this entire thread. Not even counting the next 200 pages.