South Side Hit Men

My ballot: Bonds and Clemens. I have a stricter criteria than most, believe most veterans committee and a few BBWAA elected players shouldn’t be in. If you have to think about it / it’s not a no brainer, the player should likely not be in the HOF. That said, I’m fine with Bonds and Clemens waiting until Veterans Committee eligibility before entering. That will likely be how it goes down. Just feel the two were HOFers with or without steroids, and career long cheating hasn’t disqualified players like Gaylord Perry. I also understand completely why people would leave them off their ballot, and wouldn’t argue on their behalf. Think Pete Rose should be allowed in perhaps after he passes, especially in light of the fact MLB is fully immersed in gambling.

Even if MLB eliminated the rule prohibiting doctoring baseballs, Trevor Bauer would not get anything close to that term or AAV. Count me on record stating I want nothing to do with this guy, in terms of salary or clubhouse impact. There are legitimate reasons why the Cleveland Indians wanted nothing to do with him and finally had enough after one of his tantrums, and he has been toxic wherever he plays. Add to that his demand to disrupt a teams’ rotation with his every fourth day nonsense. He’s also beaten the odds regarding avoiding TJ / major injury. Chances are he breaks down sooner rather than later. His teams have only advanced once, and he has one postseason win during his first decade in baseball. Hard pass. https://defector.com/trevor-bauer-should-just-admit-it/

Linked below is a good article regarding the defeat of MLB through the Supreme Court, and good possibility of a positive result for minor league players MLB refuses to pay minimum wage. https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/62717/senne-v-mlb-could-bring-change-to-milb-players-from-past-present-and-future/

Family were Chicago Cardinal Fans. Was a Packer and Steelers fan growing up, My youngest brother was a Dolphins / Marino fan, the middle brother a Dallas Cowboys fan. Loved going to Packer games at Milwaukee County Stadium, and also Steelers games including the final Steelers game at Three River Stadium, the last NFL game I watched or attended. Worked for the Bidwell family at Sportsman's Park. Don't follow the NFL anymore, though have a smile whenever I hear the Bears have lost. University of Chicago - THEE Monsters of the Midway. Chicago Cardinals - Chicago's Original Football Team, named for the color of the hand-me-down uniforms they obtained from the University of Chicago. "All football comes through Stagg" -Knute Rockne on All Time Great Amos Alonzo Stagg (Basketball and College Football HOF Member), the leader in college football wins until Coach Paul Bear Bryant's final season ((Roll Tide!). 1905 Western Conference, precursor to the Big "Ten" (sic), College Football National Champions and True Monsters of the Midway. (Coach Stagg in suit far right).

I picture Jerry rather taking his chances with COVID versus handing out that much cash. Hahn: Colome 2 years $7-8M/year Walker SP for 2 years $11M/year + Team Option, (Walker) (If two pitchers aren't signed) Jackie Bradley Jr. if two pitchers aren't signed 2 years $9M/year + Team Option. Jerry: SoxTalk = Spaulding Jerry = Judge Smails

Cots states Robert $3.5M and Yoan $6.8M in 2021. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QdJEFEHa6YbLrnNhI7Z3DCZwOEycKPNVVMnkI_eN8zU/edit#gid=1520401900

Since when is opposing drunk driving and a two tiered justice system deemed virtue signalling? You would think most people would deem opposition to either as simple human decency and common sense.

I agree your listed “opener bill” pitchers need to build up innings over the next year or two to be at a point they can pitch 30 starts on the ML level. Katz may even be able to help turn around Lopez or Rodon. One veteran #3 or #4 would be valuable to bridge the gap over the next two years. Plus you can never have enough pitching depth. The 2005 team had solid established veterans (Garcia, Contreras, Buehrle, El Duque) and a rising Garland to close out an quality rotation which remained healthy all season (McCarthy the only other pitcher to start). Katz can lead the way and unlock the potential these pitchers already have. They just need work, experience and confidence.

You can't even type what was in Levine's post on this board. What kind of scum has that kind of photo on his phone? What would you say or do if someone said that about your mother, wife or daughter? Would he still be there if it were Michelle Obama instead? “Jerry's guys". Mike North, his media guy. LaRussa, his baseball guy. Levine and Nightengale there to ask asinine questions and carry Reinsdorf's water by leaking and saying stupid shit. A DUI jail sentence is the equivalent of staying home with the flu. What kind of "man" makes a living this way. All of them crony worthless morons. None of them with the male anatomy to take responsibility for their pathetic actions. Birds of a feather, Reinsdorf's flock. Time for the chickens to come home to roost.

He's lucky he didn't join McNeil after his tweet this Summer. I do agree he sucks, and swallows, anything Jerry and Co. feeds him. https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/08/24/bruce-levine-tweet/ I also don't see the Cubs having a major fire sale, and Darvish would be the last to go, and these Marquez proposals here are absurd. I rather play out with what the Sox have vs. overpaying prospects for 1 or 2 pieces. Expect at least a few of the young starters to take a leap forward with Cooper gone and Katz here.

No, but was disappointed Portillo's was closed for carry-out when I passed by to use the rest of my gift certificate yesterday (for a combo and free survey fries). For hot dogs, I don't like Vienna. The only places I go these days are Superdawg & Costco. I miss Wally's (Diversey / Central), Nickies/Johns (Addison / Long) and Bowser Dogs (Irving Park near 6 corners) from the Leon's Sausage / Garden on a bun heyday. Like 35th Red Hots for a pregame Polish and Fries. It's the same owner I believe as Red Hot Ranch, which serves fresh burgers (unlike Portillo's frozen patties). Harlo Grill in Melrose Park also has great burgers. Usually just wait for Spring Training to start before evaluating the off-season. I posted my preferred off-season "dream wish list", one of which thankfully already occurred (Katz for Cooper). It may be the most important change over the next few years regardless of whether they sign a single FA. Really glad Hahn and Lucas closed the deal. Heading into last season, I liked the Keuchel signing, thought Mazara was an OK low cost gamble, didn't like EE or Grandal signings, thought it hindered current roster construction and wanted $ spent on SP and RF. In the same boat this year (SP / RF + Colome or another closer or solid late inning reliever). I don't expect, or even believe the White Sox need to sign Springer and/or Bauer to be competitive. Wouldn't be upset with either coming, baring a ridiculous overpay, but certainly don't expect it. Mets will likely get Springer, not sure even Bauer knows where he may be headed.

Hosts on the Score have speculated Jerry hired LaRussa to dissuade free agents from wanting to come here. There will likely be minimal to no fans allowed once again. Jerry and owners will likely pull the same bullshit as last year and lock players out again for a 40-60 game exhibition season and 16+ team playoff scheme, and then cancel 2022 and perhaps 2023 in an attempt to grab a few dollars extra in the next CBA. Perhaps Jerry can run out the entire clock on the White Sox competitive window if he lives long enough. ‘Finish in second place every single year because your fans will say ‘Wow, we’ve got a shot, we’re in it,’ but there’s always the carrot left. There’s always one more step to take.'” - Jerry Reinsdorf's White Sox Mission Statement written in 1980

Tony LaRussa DUI About 3,430,000 results (0.40 seconds) Perhaps LaRussa can time travel to several decades, when old times were not forgotten (perhaps the 1940s or 1950s) before he began drinking and driving, and think about someone other then his selfish ass for once in his life. Perhaps Jerry Reinsdorf can also travel back in time, though he only needs to travel a few months to the time he stated there was no reason for Tony LaRussa to go back to managing. Of course this was before Tony's latest DUI and need for the job to pay millions in bar tabs across the country. "Managing, it just takes an awful lot out of you. There's nothing else for him to accomplish. You know, he's won three World Series, and uh, he's in the Hall of Fame. And so, there's no reason for him to go back to managing, and have to try to deal with people 22 years old when you're 75 years old." _ Jerry Fucking Reinsdorf, earlier this year. 6:23

It has, you are either unaware or choose to ignore it. A Google search of "Tony LaRussa racist" comes up with 446,000 results. Ron Gant, Ozzie Smith, Royce Clayton, Brian Jordan. "You do the math. Something's not right there." La Russa banned Ozzie Smith from the Saint Louis clubhouse as manager. Ozzie Smith truly is a "Legit" First Ballot Hall of Famer, but unlike Tony, Ozzie drives sober, so no need to flash his HOF ring during DUI arrests like "Jerry's Guy". Also, how many managers feel the need to deny being a racist at their introductory press conference, despite the fact Tony was prepped for weeks and was not even asked if he was a racist. LaRussa's performance and responses reminded me of a dying Governor George Wallace in Four Little Girls. Wallace referred to Eddie Holcey, his male Black nurse/caregiver, as his best friend. Eddie looked at Wallace with an expression of WTF?! The lady doth protest too much, methinks. Tony LaRussa, sincerely committed to restoring the WHITE in Chicago White Sox.

Just waiting for TKKKLR's next drunk driving video and arrest documents to be released on TMZ. In the interim, Jerry asked Kenny to add an additional job duty to his role to insure no future DUIs occur while Tony is manager. Below is a clip of Kenny's first day driving Miss Tony. Sorry, the part of Tony demanding Kenny kiss his HOF ring is not included.

Sox made a major move I hoped they would this off-season, replacing Don Cooper with Ethan Katz. Would like to see the following to close out the team (Priority Order). Add a #3/#4 SP: Walker, Quintana, Odorizzi, Paxton (2 years / $10M year). Perhaps add a second flyer, Garrett Richards ($7M / 1 year + a team option). Alex Colome (2 years @ $8M/year). Sure, Springer would be great at a reasonable contract, but wouldn't mind Bradley Jr's defense and ability to sub Roberts for off days or an injury. Pederson is OK as a third option, but more of a platoon at this point, not sure if he's worth it. Wouldn't mind seeing a few RPs brought in for depth, nothing high profile is needed, reevaluate in July.

Kim was well qualified for this position, more so than many in the role today. Congratulations to the Miami Marlins for their excellent hire. I expect a third Marlins World Series Championship under her tenure. Perhaps she can then replace the asshat in Manhattan and become the first woman commissioner in North American Sports, and the first human and competent MLB Commissioner in decades. Kim Ng Might Be IS a Giant. Rick Hahn: "You're asking for the world for this player." Kim Ng: "I don't want the world, I just want your half."

The White Sox had the American League's last Player Manager (Don Kessinger) under Bill Veeck in 1979. Pete Rose was the only one who served after. The White Sox were also the last team to consider a player manager, Paul Konerko, before signing Robin Ventura (a missed opportunity IMO).

We can only speculate, but my take was he was just trying to control his emotions, stop from crying. It took him a minute or so at the beginning to stop crying after the announcement. Jose is pretty laid back on the field and would assume off, and this was a unique circumstance. If it were Carlos Quentin, I may have a different assumption. Viewers could see how really important the award was to Jose, both for professional and personal reasons, which made me / us even more happy he won it.

Ha, haters gonna hate. @Leonard Zelig _ The word is slang when coupled with Sugar.

Funny segment at the end of Laurence Holmes covering Jeff Passan’s interview about breaking the DUI story, including speculation regarding Twitter posters @wetbut23 and @Mr.Sugar(male anatomy) as Passan’s DUI source, and whether it was in house or not. Coupled with all the Twitter banter here with random Chicago chain fast food IDs, very amusing day and much needed after the debacle. That Twitter World be cray cray, but keep’em coming.

Thanks for linking. Very emotional. I have family in Cuba, never seen my grandparents alive. It’s incredibly difficult to leave people you love with a strong chance you’ll never see them again. Jose hit his forehead at the end, very mixed emotions for him, bittersweet. Hope he can one day find peace and reunite with his parents and family.

Robert Kraft co-sign. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/crime-courts/robert-kraft-prostitution-charges-dropped-florida-prosecutors-n1240964 Jim Irsay co-sign. https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/nfl/jim-irsay-suspended-6-games-after-dwi-plea-1.2753283

Agreed. Great hire. I’d prefer Hahn and key players like Lucas Giolito and Tim Anderson recruit and hire the coaching staff. Tony would never have recruited Katz.

Not sure why they made announcement this week, when they could have done so after their broadcast team was signed.