South Side Hit Men

Vaughn would be a good candidate, especially vs. LHP. Mendick should be playing more as well, another candidate. Also, Hamilton and Garcia should never both be in a game, at least until the final three outs of a game. OPS+ Solid: Dylan (560); Yermin (171); Tim (136); Jose (131); Yoan (124); Danny (124); Vaughn (115). Average/ Below Average; Catchers (Both 101); Eaton (92); Lamb (88); Madrigal (86). Not ML quality hitters, play one until Engel returns: Hamilton (47); Garcia (46).

Adam was great in limited opportunity last season. Not to oversell it, but if he retains that form, he will be a valuable 3rd/4th OFer for years to come. Should really be in rightfield, if Tony cvn find the flexibility to put Eaton and Garcia in LF. Engel is a HUGE upgrade over the current alternatives. Adam Engel 2020: .811 OPS 120 OPS+ 2021 Alternatives Leury Garcia .510 OPS 46 OPS+ Billy Hamilton .515 OPS 47 OPS+

James Fegan posted video the other day of him running. After a likely AAA assignment to get his timing, I'm looking forward to his return and hopeful continuance of the major steps he took hitting in 2020. I believe he can provide vital contributions in the OF, even when Robert returns. While you really rather have your regulars available, if Eloy makes a full recovery later this season, this may truly be a "blessing in disguise", both for his career (quickened transition out of LF) and the opportunities provided to Vaughn in LF and Yermin at DH. Yermin would likely not have made the team if Eloy remained healthy.

I'm OK with giving Adam rest, let him recover. Would like to see two primary lineups until Engel returns, though OK with Collins sticking with Rodon and Giolito starts, as their comfort more important than marginal hitting improvement. vs. LHP: 1. SS T. Anderson; 2. LF A. Vaughn; 3. 3B Y. Moncada #; 4. 1B J. Abreu; 5. DH Y. Mercedes; 6. C Y. Grandal #; 7. RF D. Mendick; 8. CF B. Hamilton #; 9. 2B N. Madrigal. vs. RHP: 1. SS T. Anderson; 2. RF A. Eaton^; 3. 3B Y. Moncada#; 4. 1B J. Abreu; 5. DH Y. Mercedes; 6. C Z. Collins^/Y. Grandal #; 7. LF A. Vaughn; 8. CF L. Garcia #; 9. 2B N. Madrigal.

That's the way!!! Now go kick their asses Chicago White Sox!!!

Smart play sending the runners by KC, taking advantage of the situation.

Nice to see Collins is able to stay in the game.

If you read the entire Twitter exchange, Rob Liberty's assessment was in quotes, the twitter poster who praised Stone for Stone's "low key criticizing of Moncada's lack of effort at times, and seeming lack of interest". Steve made no effort to dispute that assessment. What he chose to respond to was the second Twitter poster who defended Yoan. Steve's responses were first to insult Yoan by comparing him to Jose. Steve then doubled down by stating Those are direct quotes from Steve, which are even more indicting the response to the praise he received for his "low key criticizing". Steve didn't dispute this assessment in anyway, he amplified it. He is also stating it's a "fact" that Yoan lacks everyday hustle, not merely Steve's opinion. Not sure how one can state that as "fact". All this from the initial post which didn't even mention Moncada, but was team related. Steve Stone could have just ignored the Moncada comments, he choose to engage the poster defending Yoan. It's clear to most readers Steve does have an issue with Moncada's "lack of effort and interest", and those who object to that characterization.

Well they are paid directly by a Jerry owned corporation in Stone's case, radio announcers are indirectly controlled in terms of rights for refusal. Scott Merkin is paid via the team. I went to the contract page to confirm Yoan's is signed through 2024 with a 1 year option. Sometimes announcers will have inside information in terms of interest in resigning/arbitration, but in this instance I don't believe this is coming from JR or the FO. Tony would rather have any issues handled by himself and his coaches, especially based on Tony's personal sensitivity regarding broadcaster criticism from the start of his career when he brought his coaching staff to pick a fight with a 50 year old Jimmy Piersall, extending to a few years ago with his "heated discussion" with Pirate announcers while serving as "Chief Baseball Officer" of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Just Stone being Stone, IMO. Wonder if it will end for him here as it did in 2004 on the North Side.

Can see flights selling out from St. Louis to LAX really quick for Memorial Day weekend. Ticket scalpers in Saint Louis have to be thrilled as well. Saint Louis Cardinals @ Los Angeles Dodgers: May 31, June 1-2. And if Albert stays through the Summer: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Alta California, North America @ Los Angeles Dodgers: August 6-8. Los Angeles Dodgers @ Saint Louis Cardinals: September 6-9. If he accepts being a role player for a chance at a third World Series ring, he may be willing to play sparingly and enjoy the final season.

Not garbage, just not an everyday player at this stage of his career. https://www.mlb.com/whitesox/video/albert-pujols-three-run-homer-in-4th The White Sox were the last team to intentionally walk Albert Pujols, unless someone intentionally walks him as a Dodger. Not sure how he'll get regular playing time there, especially when Bellinger returns in a couple of weeks.

I typically wait until a White Sox lineup is available, but it may come late today due to the fact that Jose Abreu is attempting to pass final medical testing to play in the game. The probable starters for today are LHP Mike Minor for the Royals facing another lefty, Carlos Rodon. Here is an appetizer while we wait for the main course.

Really appreciate everyone’s responses. Steve typically provides excellent analysis, including thoughtful criticism when warranted, though typically conveyed in a measured low key manner during a game or on his Score appearances. However, I was shocked by the tweets today, did not think they were consistent with how others felt regarding Yoan’s commitment or effort, including the well deserved and widespread praise Yoan received last season for his efforts gutting out plays and games last season.

Jessie Jackson is first and foremost when I think of the word moot.

I listen to games, watch only a few (don't have cable). I don't see a lot of ripping on Yoan in game threads, nor criticism on the radio broadcasts. Does Steve Stone throw a lot of shade at Yoan Moncada during games, and do fans think Yoan doesn't play hard on a regular basis? Not saying Yoan's efforts are on par with Jose Abreu's, don't see many across baseball who have that level of intensity. However, when I read media or posts here, listen to radio broadcasts, or watch highlights, beyond criticism at times about not calling off a fly / not listening to call outs on a fly ball, I don't see much criticism of Moncada who I really like, and feel plays hard batting and defensively. When I think of "lack of effort" or "interest", I think of a player like Javier Baez, great at times, totally uninterested at others. I don't see any current Sox player in the same light, including Yoan. Watching more games last year when they were televised on WGN, and seeing highlights and on broadcasts, I felt Yoan was busting his ass while gutting out terrible COVID symptoms last season. Not trying to have a discussion about Yoan vs. Jose, but rather does Steve Stone have valid criticism of Yoan in terms of having a "lack of effort and interest" during ballgames on a regular basis?

White Sox Winner!!!

Nice play Collins!

In comes Hendriks.

I don't like hearing the Cleveland sound effect. Would like the RBI Baseball ending sound after a win.

Need to track that down fresh. Will be picking up my favorite WCIPA next week out West, Beachwood Amalgamator. Love Pliny as well but they’re not in Nevada. Locally, Spiteful IPA and their Bike Messenger Fall release are the best options here.

Thanks. I'm heading to Vegas Tuesday, but can still keep the thread going if a four game streak is in place, Otherwise I'll hold off jumping back into the mix until June or July, if a spot opens up. Hoping for lots of winning streaks this year, and several posters carrying streaks beyond six games. Go White Sox!!!

Didn't know the rules, just so I and everyone else knows, typically someone new starts the thread after any loss? Hoping another 6 game win streak happens, will definitely not start one in the future if this is the standard / tradition, doubleheaders or otherwise. The win streak / same poster concept was also new to me (and likely others) who joined late last season or in the off-season.