South Side Hit Men

Glad I can listen to all 162 White Sox Games in 2024.

Hate to be the bearer of bad news for you, but Rocky Wirtz died a few months ago. My condolences to you for your loss.

Well, I don't get worked up over his battles with the mostly worthless or worse media. And here is the entire quote, not a correction made down to road by a PR lacky or talking points given to La Russa at his press conference, just days before his latest publicly known DUI. Perhaps you're not old enough to know who Connie Chung is beyond possibly knowing she is married to Maury Povich, and or do not remember the full interview. The clumsy language was critiqued, but in no way did RMK condone rape as you're limited quote out of context suggests. Tony's beloved charity you praise was sued, and his wife and daughter disavowed any affiliation with it after being sued for both racist and age discriminatory practices by their CEO hired and defended by Tony, a court case which I believe is still ongoing in or around Oakland. Must not have heard of the thousands of charities Robert Montgomery Knight was involved in over the years. Now you're concocting imaginary stances of RMK's thoughts of professional athlete celebrations? LOL Funny, you also seem to forget numerous acts of in the Jerry Reinsdorf & Tony La Russa era, starting with Tony La Russa, yes that fucking Tony La Russa, bringing a coaching posse, because he wasn't man enough to do it alone, to physically threaten a 50 something year old JImmy Piersall for calling out his inept management and team. Tony has physically threatened announcers as recently as his previous stint before his latest publicly known DUI when he threatened the Pittsburgh Pirates broadcast team. Also haven't heard you say squat about the Reinsdorf's C Suite violent rampages, including John Paxson literally choking Vinny Del Negro and Kenny Williams' reported attack on Greg Walker which even Ozzie was too scared to discuss or help defend his staff. We get it, you and the usual suspects hate Robert Montgomery Knight. Most of our exchanges, whether we agree or disagree over my time here, have been cordial and fact based. If you have anything else left to piss on RMK's grave while it is still above ground or after it is lowered, try to aim using actual statements and actions in your attempt to feel good berating the dead while the family and greater community mourns. Be a better person. In the first post, I had two videos, commented on his strong support among his players over the decades and quoted his remarks on Patrick Knight's Senior Night, a tradition RMK started and made sure was telecast each season following the final home game across the Indiana University Television Network. The second post address Quin's non factual statement that my criticisms of TLR were consistent with appropriate criticisms of Coach Knight, and stated that when a person dies, it is best to either honour the person or remain silent, regardless of whether you may agree with a person over the years or not. And now we are at post three, where again, Quin's attacks are either inaccurate and or omitting key facts / omitting context of entire statements, so sadly I must spend my time correcting the record versus mourning with the Indiana University faithful and the World at large. Quin and at most times Balta will at least engage in good faith conversations or debates, so I will respond where appropriate. At times I will use hyperbole to make a point, but when it comes to Robert Montgomery Knight, Anthony La Russa Junior, and Jerry Michael Reinsdorf, I can assure you I am being completely earnest. Steve Alford breaks down remembering Coach Knight One of three legitimate / non tainted perfect NCAA Men's Basketball D1 Championship Seasons in NCAA history (joining North Carolina and San Francisco) OG One Shining Moment - 1987

Like you and like most seasons since 1993 I didn’t watch a second of it. TV Ratings matter to indicate how much interest general fans have. Forty years ago, like the Kentucky Derby or the Super Bowl, many everyday wouldn’t follow MLB games every day (or horse racing or NFL), but would generally flip on the WS (and KD and SB). Now nobody gives a rats ass except for the SB. I don’t believe analytics played a role, but do believe less people watching games locally (minor leagues contraction) and playing games (pick up games, organized leagues) has played a role. Much of our recent immigration is from Latin America which has a baseball tradition. Growing numbers of people each can’t access games anymore (games all on cable) and after years of this you shrink collective interest. Out of sight, out of mind. The NFL could make a lot more money short term like the MLB and other leagues did and start putting all games on cable or pay per view, but they are smart enough to know having 95% of your games available for everyone is the best way to sustain and grow your business. Teams from the NBA and NHL have started to shift some or most games to over the air broadcasts with much success. The Las Vegas Golden Knights have more than doubled their TV viewership over last year shifting to a VHF station. https://www.ktnv.com/news/golden-knights/vegas-golden-knights-tv-ratings-more-than-double-from-last-season-with-scripps-sports-new-data-reveals The Sox were greedy and stupid shifting all games off of WGN. In a generation, they will be lucky to draw over 1 million fans if they continue down this path, and they will blame everyone on Earth except themselves for what they had wrought.

I'm seeking an open session with at least theoretically objective reporters (team employees + Bruce Levine do not count).

I don't see any connection to Getz, the Royals, or anything to do with developing players beyond the collegiate baseball. Not sure if Chris Getz plans on speaking to the media before Spring Training, but it would be helpful to Sox fans if Getz and the new hires conducted a Q & A to get a sense of what the direction of the team is, and stating the reason(s) and thought process behind bringing in guys like Bannister, Barfield, Watson and Janish.

I don't recall Coach RMK having the attributes I criticized TLR, including racist statements, multiple drunk driving incidents, status and any WL success primarily based on cronyism and steroids, hanging on until he was senile and near death, not knowing WTF was going on in the game while coaching (10 years ago with Saint Louis or his entire second tenure here), etc.. Everyone has regretful actions in life, including every poster here, but setting aside all athletic accomplishments, his emphasis on academics and support of players over the years has built the foundation of near universal former player support over the years. I don't agree or condone what happened with Reed, and do support the updated rules allowing players to transfer without adverse consequences and to make money from endorsements and other methods as players. I don't agree with charging RMK with the actions of others, such as High School coaches you list, because everyone is accountable for their own actions, and high school or younger athletes are children, not young adults. Finally, everyone is entitled to their opinion, but when a person dies, I feel it is not a time to focus on negatives. That goes for when Jerry Reinsdorf dies, or Selig, or Manfred, or anyone else I don't agree with how they conducted themselves over time. I will be pleased the White Sox may have the possibility of having a new non Reinsdorf ownership group (until Bob Nightengale kills all hope with a tweet within 14 hours), but will not celebrate the death of the human being who has family and friends that have mutual love, caring and bonding over the years/decades.

Coach Robert Montgomery Knight has been ill the past few years, Alzheimer's and other acute illness which kept him hospitalized the final six months of his life. Coach Knight has supported hundreds of student athletes on and off the court. I appreciate Purdue University's moment of silence this evening. I hope the entire Knight Family can find peace and solace, and reflect on the great times they shared with RMK throughout their lives. RMK's All Time Favorite IU Basketball Player, 1:42 begins "It wasn't easy for Patrick to come to Indiana. This has not been an easy situation for him. Patrick could have gone to a lot of smaller schools, and played basketball and probably played it a lot more, and in a lot more of a front position than he has here. Grew up watching Indiana Basketball, he has chased balls on this floor for everybody from Steve Green to Michael Jordan. And I was extremely happy when he decided to come here and play; and playing as a role player, knowing that you're going to play a couple minutes here and a couple minutes there, Requires a special kind of kid; and I think Patrick has been that during the time that he has been here. I have a great admiration for him for choosing to come to Indiana knowing that it was not going to be an easy four years for him. And I look back over the players that we've had, and I love Alan Henderson. He's one of my favorite players. Channey, Woodson, there are a ton of them. But I leave you with this, and then I turn it over first to Patrick and then to Alan. I do leave you with this thought. Patrick Knight is my all time favorite Indiana Player.

Millions more Americans care enough to watch Women’s College Basketball Championship over Manfred’s Wildcard Series. Millions. https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/ct-world-series-texas-rangers-arizona-diamondbacks-20231101-d6pbfqolvjd7bhm6ljphxjwdc4-story.html Women’s College Basketball Final (April 14) TexSox’ MLB 94 Total Game Regular Season Schedule (April 15 - June 30): 44 American League Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees (44 Games) 44 National League Chicago Cubs vs. Saint Louis Cardinals (20 games) Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers (18 Games) Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Francisco Giants (6 Games) 6 Inter-league Games Chicago Cubs vs. Nashville White Sox (6 games held at Wrigley Field) 22 other teams: Contracted All Star Game Week (Week of July 4th) National League Wildcard Series (July 10-20 Best of 7): All Four Teams Eliminated on July 20 Dodgers vs. Giants Brewers vs. Cardinals League Championship Series (July 10-20 Bye & Best of 7): National League: Chicago Cubs = Bye Week Nashville White Sox play Cubs over seven Exhibition Games held at Wrigley Field to keep Cubs fresh for World Series (July 10-20). American League: Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees World Series (July 21-30): Cubs vs. ALCS Winner. All games held at Wrigley Field. Taste of Chicago, Air & Water Show and the Chicago NASCAR Street Race moved to July 21-30 to keep fans occupied on off days. NFL Hall of Fame Game (July 31) MLB completely avoids competing against both the NFL & College Women’s Basketball under new schedule and playoff format. MLB may possibly beat the Woman’s College Basketball TV ratings if all goes right.

Now do DeWayne for Outfield coach.

This has been reported and these purchases have been going on for years. https://www.chicagobusiness.com/consumer-products/more-reinsdorfs-want-stake-sox Not sure how you missed this, or why you think it’s ironclad the Reinsdorf’s will liquidate after Jerry’s death. Jerry will be dead, the heirs will sell only if it makes sense financially, not because of some public statement from years / decades ago.

Not sure if the Russo reference, but responded to loose ends / responses including your TV ratings post. Will not watch a second of the WS, including tracking White Sox alumni. Will track MLB trade rumors for Sox updates unless someone posts a response to an earlier post by me that requires a response.

I went away February 2023 until returning in late April (non ban ?). Only returned to watch the massive accident at the side of the road (record losing streak / winless series streak and 100 loss season). Hoped it meant a roadmap to real change, which surprisingly happened, and I was happy for 14 or so hours until Nightingale tweeted Getz was likely the next GM. I’m waiting for Getz’ first offseason snd first press conference with his ST and LT vision. I’m not going off rumors reported by Levine and Garfein. Getz deserves a shot to explain his vision, and then we must see if it is good (revamp org, emphasize player acquisition and development, hire real qualified people for both areas), and whether Jerry will allow it. If no long term hope is confirmed, then you’ll see me next after Jerry is no longer Chairman, and beyond assuming a non Reinsdorf takes charge. I’m not staying for Chairman Michael, who would most likely resemble kids solely interest in milking cows (Steinbrenner, Illitch, Angelos, Pohlad, etc.). MLB will join the other sports for me, dead, unless Montreal gets their deserved team.

TLDR Response: The bottom line is The MLB is the only team sport in North America which lost total fan championship interest. When I mean lost I mean significantly lost 20 (first Cubs / Red Cubs WS in a century) to 30 million (normal WS) fans interested in watching the World Series leaving 10 or so million left. Whereas all other Professional sports gained millions of fan viewers in their championships over the same period. Detailed response: This is not about cherry picking this Jordan year, or this or that BLM boycotted playoff year or other anomalies supporting either of our points. This is about the fact that for decades the top three American Sports across the general public were Baseball, Boxing and Horse Racing. And they are all on various stages of life support / death in terms of interest of the average American. MLB had a far superior advantage until Pete Rozelle took charge in the 1960s and began to run rings around these MLB Owner / Commissioner assclowns. MLB still had a substantial advantage over all other sports when the Brooklyn Dodger Fan Sunshine Boys first destroyed fan interest in the White Sox locally, and then MLB as a whole by installing Jerry’s puppet Bud to completely destroy the sport to “kill the union”. MLB had a 30+ million fan advantage, and they not only pissed it all away, but have been vastly surpassed by the World Cup, have lost any advantage over the NBA, especially by people under 50 or 60, leaving the Canadian sport the last one left MLB is above for general public interest. MLB was the one North American sport where the regular season mattered. And they passed it away. Pissed away credibility with the only sport where stats matter when they promoted steroid HR races to regain the lost fans after 1994. They cancelled nearly another entire season, tripled the number of playoff teams to let 84 win teams win the World Series, nuked dozens of minor league terms further destroying local fan interest, and will likely be below 10M in fan interest this year and another all time low. With each and every owner short term motivated change, they lowered American interest further and further to the point where less than 4 in 100 Americans bother watching the World Series. This is Jerry Reinsdorf’s legacy when people look back on the collapse of MLB without drastic changes to the “stewards of the game”. MLB is down to erectile dysfunction, gambling, and Jesus advertisements. Soon it will be funeral plots, Life Alert and nursing homes. This is how tobacco and other dying industries operate, maximize profits off a dwindling dying fan base. The NFL, NBA, NHL and Football / Soccer owners are forward thinking. Not the case with our sport.

Jerry cannot evaluate player talent, and neither could his decade tenured GM. Jerry still wanted to give Rick Ken more time, same as keeping Gar Pax forever before his son purged them, but he only acted because the person he most values and trusts, TLR, told Jerry it was clearly time for a change, reinforcing conversations with Getz. Likely an owner or two also spoke with him in Cooperstown as further reinforcement that this was the best option. The same act that played out in 1985 (Hawk discussing games, team issues and solutions with Jerry) played out with Getz planting seeds in Jerry’s ear. Getz got a promotion, Tony got revenge for Ken & Rick undermining him since being hired. This is all very clear based on what came out the past few months, by people without an agenda or vested interest in what went down in clown world, which is exactly how this has played out with Jerry over the decades.

You’re the one who is being obtuse. What people around the game are saying, which I largely agree with, is the fact that giving the best teams over the course of 162 games a marginal advantage of one possible home game waters down the value of the season, and disincentives owners to invest in their teams, especially along the margins at the deadline, when there isn’t a significant advantage finishing 14 or 16 games ahead of your opponent, when all that matters in the post season is winning a best of 3/5/7 series by one game. That spending like the Mets, Padres or Dodgers give a marginal edge that doesn’t come close to matching the EV (on field and current revenue and future goodwill revenue post a pennant or world series) of the meager edge a team has fielding superior regular season teams. To me, the obvious solution is to only have regular season division champions involved. If these owners are so desperate to squeeze a few more wild card dollars more out of playoffs most MLB fans don’t even bother watching if their team is out, to do it like the Japanese or Korean leagues where the regular season champion has the advantages winning the far more substantial regular season affords. Top seed only plays one round for the championship, higher seed hosts all home games, higher seeds start with a series lead before it begins, etc. Its ludicrous for a team to win their division by 16 games to have to beat the same team in the best of 5 or 7. The second, third or fourth place teams already lost their chance at a credible “World Championship”. They couldn’t even beat four teams. Not surprised most here seem to be fine with it, with Americans used to taking it up the rear in most other aspects of life from their “leaders”. That’s why over 75% of MLB fans don’t give a s%*# about the World Series anymore. May as well use lottery balls to conduct the playoffs. Fans see right through it and know it’s all bullshit, as is the 162 game exhibition season.

Yes. Also these shares are sold privately with no public market, at a share price determined by Jerry, not based on publicly known or estimated information as determined by Forbes. Cutting costs increases current net income and cash flow. Jerry can’t be sued for short term fluctuations in the Fair Value of privately held shares. Cutting short term expense, at the risk of losing revenue with less fans can be argued to be a good short and long term management strategy. And from what I read, shareholders wanting to cash out are stuck with Jerry’s price, which is a fraction of what they would receive if all shares were sold to a new ownership group.

NBA The degraded the 162 game season since 1995 with wild cards, doubled down the past three years, just to sell an extra few games. MLB World Series interest has declined by 2/3 since Jerry bought the team, whereas the other three sports held constant or grew fan interest. The Bulls finished worse than Getz' record and still drew 96% of capacity and outdrew the White Sox most of Hahn's tenure, despite having equally bad (some would say worse) teams. Were now on a the second generation removed from the Jordan era. MLB also collectively killed interest in the sport by contracting dozens of minor league teams, exacerbating long term growth trends. Won't be any advertising left in a few decades when the medic alert, funeral plot / insurance and nursing home companies flee. Jerry & Eddie Enter the Chat 1981 Season (1980 Census 226.5M) American Television Ratings: NFL 68.2 M MLB 41.4M 1982 World Cup Final 9.1M NBA - Only two games aired live, the rest on tape delay (Hardly Anybody) NHL - Aired CBC coverage on USA Network (Literally a bit more than nobody) 2022 Season (2020 Census 329.5M) American Television Ratings: NFL 112.2M World Cup Final 25.8M NBA 12.4M MLB 11.8M NHL 4.6M Now turning local, Jerry pulling the plug on even bare bones minimal White Sox fan outreach has kept attendance at 50% capacity). He furnishes Bulls fan outreach and they continue to sell out, with far higher ticket prices per game. Chicago Bulls vs. Chicago White Sox Rick Hahn / Chris Getz Era 2013 Bulls 45-37 (21,716) White Sox 63-99 (22,105) 2014 Bulls 48-34 (21,716) White Sox 73-89 (20,896) 2015 Bulls 50-32 (21,343) White Sox 76-86 (21,947) 2016 Bulls 42-40 (21,820) White Sox 78-84 (21,828) 2017 Bulls 41-41 (21,680) White Sox 67-95 (20,626) 2018 Bulls 27-55 (20,776) White Sox 62-100 (20,110) 2019 Bulls 22-60 (20,084) White Sox 72-89 (21,442) 2021 Bulls 31-41 (18,804) White Sox 93-69 (20,466) - Covid restrictions impacted Bulls more than Sox due to timing 2022 Bulls 46-36 (20,881) White Sox 81-81 (24,704) 2023 Bulls 40-42 (20,537) White Sox 61-101 (21,405) Sarah Silverman Performs at a 2023 World Series Watch Party

Hopefully they will continue considering High School players after the Montgomery and Schultz selections. Also hopefully can improve player development to have quality players ready after 4-5 years of development. 2019 MLB First Round Draft

If only the White Sox had Dan Moriarty as VP of Marketing. Fan Fest - Check (and it’s free) https://www.nba.com/bulls/bullsfest Season Ticket Holder Events - Check https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bulls/ct-spt-bulls-rebuild-season-ticket-jim-boylen-michael-reinsdorf-20190509-story.html But yeah, Boyer’s Great, Rick Hahn’s Good, Let’s blame Jerry like we should. Amen

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/sports/mlb-playoffs-backlash-rcna120282 The Braves (104-58), who were 14 games better than the Phillies (90-72), and the Dodgers (100-62), 16 games superior to the D-backs (84-78), were eliminated in their best-of-five rounds, with the Braves winning one game and the Dodgers none. https://mollyknight.substack.com/p/the-five-best-regular-season-teams?r=7dijz&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post

The only thing I will follow is the TV Ratings to see if this series claims the all time lowest TV rating (under 9.785M average viewers). https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Series_television_ratings Hope MLB has to refund Fox millions of dollars due to failed minimal ad metrics. Making the regular season an 162 exhibition season like the other three pro leagues continues to bite MLB in the ass.

Pfft. The Sox have the smartest man in the world at the helm.

It’s nice to know a team can recover from a Tony La Russa as president of baseball operations within 6 years. Recovering from Jerry / Boyer / Getz et al will take significantly more effort, but it’s possible within a decade assuming Reinsdorfs relinquish any role. Since 162 games don’t matter, perhaps Manfred can replace the two league “champions” determined over seven games with a new Commissioner selection Final LCS. One Game Max Excitement Wildcard Commissioner Selection League For Real Championship Games: AL League Final: Boston vs. Yankees NL League Final: Dodgers vs. Cubs