South Side Hit Men

MLB has a formal Selig Rule in place for over two decades, 3 years before the Rooney Rule. Whether owners follow it is another story. https://www.mlb.com/news/richard-justice-selig-rule-first-of-its-kind-in-sports/c-58500104 “The Selig Rule requires every club to consider minority candidates "for all general manager, assistant general manager, field manager, director of player development and director of scouting positions."

Jeter / Mattingly called the shots until they were forced last year. Kim should get 4-5 years before you can fairly assess her strengths and weaknesses. She was able to land Arraez and Burger this year, working on half the budget Hahn had. Not the perfect candidate, but in terms of possibly 2-3 people on Earth Jerry knows and might trust beyond 35th and Shields, she’s likely a much better option than Getz. Still holding out hope they go external, but not listening to any more games until a decision is made, or any games in a Chris Getz Era.

Moore was fine defending Luke Heimlick who as a teen molested his 6 year old niece. No legitimate reason to sign this guy period, let alone hand him a job without a legitimate job search because he is Chris Getz’ “MLB Front Office Daddy.” https://www.nbcsports.com/mlb/news/dayton-moores-defense-of-luke-heimlich-stinks-to-high-heavens

Yoan could barely breathe at times in 2020 with COVID. Put up a 5.1 WAR in 2019, 3.6 in 2021. Grandal was a terrible signing. The Dodgers wanted no part of him after they acquired him, largely benched him for the playoffs because he is a Balco DH, not a catcher. It’s why there was only one offer. The team could see it, Tim could see it, starters with sharp breaking balls didn’t want him to catch. Tim called him out. He always reminded me of Dornan from Major League. Ricky benched guys the few times there was lack of effort. Everyone played hard, even though Hahn’s tanking roster had a shitload of minor leaguers. The only accountability under Tony revolved around the unwritten rules.

They all played well for Ricky, then dropped off when they were exposed to Tony’s s%*# day in and day out. Go work for a s%*# manager for months / years, the post office, and see how motivated you are seeing so much s%*# and knowing you can’t stop the bleeding no matter if you kill yourself or skate through each workday. I always gave my best because my work reflected on me and my values, but I’ve worked at a couple places where management culture were so bad i just tried to survive until I could quit. Most humans have many options, but most baseball players are stuck for most / all of their careers in an organization (minors plus 6 years MLB). Only a small percentage reach meaningful free agency.

There was likely a quid pro quo, Willie wanting to return to Chicago and Jerry calling in a favor from the Cubs. Perhaps the Cubs did a favor for the Reds. Jerry set up Tony in Oakland, these owners ship / vouch for people all the time. There has not been any consequences beyond fines for all but one owner (Marge Schott) since Jerry shitcanned Fay Vincent and installed his used car salesman puppet. Marge made Donald Sterling, Robert Sarver, Dan Snyder, Jerry Richardson and dozens of other scumbag owners appear woke in comparison.

Bob has interviewed Jerry on the record multiple times over the years. Has any other media member conducted interviews with Jerry Reinsdorf the past decade? Because the last two I recall were Jerry calling in to discuss David Stern immediately after he passed away, and an interview with Carmen De Falco and someone else where Jerry was pissed they asked a question he didn't like, said they weren't going to get a bite out of the apple again. Bob quoting Jerry: July 15, 2020 - Jerry's lies ridiculed the following day. July 15, 2020 - Second article, this one with Jerry speaking about how Michael would have reached the Majors. August 15, 2017 - Jerry to repay the fans with "a winner". I guess time will tell if Bob continues to break correct scoops about the White Sox now that Kenny and Rick are both gone, if there is another "leaker" in the organization beyond Jerry.

Goodfellas Treatment: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kenny-williams-rick-hahn-get-goodfellas-treatment/id396927404?i=1000625491571

Jerry owned media and other corporate media have a lot of ass kissers and apologists for Jerry and Hahn. There are also some media and FO guys who have an axe to grind with Kenny. Garfien, Kaplen, Levine, the McGuffey guy I never heard of until this week, others. I pay no heed to their bullshit. I only look at Boob's White Sox tweets because he has been mostly accurate with leaks of Jerry's actual plans. People should take note of gaslighting and tune these people out in the future.

I feel bad for the generation of Sox fans who had to sit through .456 (749-893) Winning Percentage baseball, listen to his smug arrogant bullshit for 11 seasons with zero postseason success and one measly division title, all the while playing in the worst division in MLB. He should have been fired in 2015 or 2016, and banked significant cash solely because of his dad being friends with Jerry.

Known Jerry management hires with little to no experience, dubious at best qualifications, and zero additional known legitimate candidates: General Manager - 1985 Hawk Harrelson - Played for the Carmines, White Sox announcer. Zero FO experience. Manager - 2012 Robin Ventura - Played for the White Sox. Zero Coaching or Managerial Experience. General Manager or EVP TBD - Chris Getz - Played baseball at Michigan, accumulated 1.4 MLB bWAR, seven year record of failure as Director of Player Development and Asst. GM with the White Sox. Additional hires which were completely indefensible and without a formal interview process of other legitimate candidates: Manager - 1995 Terry Bevington Manager - 2021 Tony La Russa

Chris Getz developed four drafted players with a higher career bWAR than Chris' 1.4, during his seven seasons in player development with the White Sox (2016-2023). Career 3.3 Nick Madrigal (2018 R1 4th overall) - 1.6 earned with the Cubs 2022 - YTD 2023 2.7 Jake Burger (2017 R1 11th overall) - 0.9 earned with Miami the past three weeks 1.7 Garrett Crochet (2020 R1 11th overall) 1.5 Ian Hamilton (2016 R11) - 1.7 earned with the Yankees in 2023 White Sox Career bWAR > 1.4 1.8 Jake Burger 1.7 Garrett Crochet 1.7 Nick Madrigal

Tony La Russa's Schedule for Monday, August 28, 2023 6:00 AM - Interview Willie Harris for the GM Job. 6:07 AM - Meet Jerry for Breakfast - Owners Box.

I agree with the tickets part, but a James Click / Joe Espada or Jeff Luhnow / Joe Espada pairing would have been a major upgrade.

Hahn also had the benefit of learning under Kenny, and did actually start with one area of competency (business, contracts, law). The Sox lost their best talent evaluator yesterday, as limited as though he may have been at this stage. Now it sounds like Tony has that mantle. I thought nihilist SoxTalk was over after nearly 3 long years starting with the La Russa debacle. Was looking forward to enjoying a new era of White Sox baseball. And then I woke up this morning and read Bob’s tweets of Jerry’s plans.

A reporter on 670 last night stated they saw security escort Kenny Williams while he was on the field and into the clubhouse. Doubt either thought Jerry would pull the trigger while they were at the park yesterday.

First Two Horses, Either Order = Quinella First Two Horses In Correct Order = Perfecta First Three Horses in Correct Order = Trifecta First Four Horses in Correct Order = Superfecta Saratoga - Where Arnold Rothstein hatched the plan to fix the 1919 World Series.

The White Sox actually stated this in their public announcement. I believe Jerry either has a definite target, possibly a verbal or written agreement on the EVP and GM positions. I wish for once this organization would conduct a legitimate job search for their most important positions.

He must be signed by August 31st to be eligible for the playoffs. https://www.mlb.com/glossary/transactions/postseason-roster-rules-eligibility

I'm really hoping he gets a chance with a playoff contender to help win games late as a defensive replacement and pinch runner. Sadly, he had trouble hitting in Charlotte, so this could be his final season. A truly unique player, someone who had a joy playing, engaging with the fans and media, and bringing rare fun to following the White Sox while he was here.

Well this solves another Jerry problem as this won't be a future issue as far as Dayton, Tony and Getz are concerned.

Bittersweet, as I would have gone to a game if he started, including a September callup. Hopeful that a playoff team can use him as a 13th position player that can win a game with his speed and glove in the late innings. He was my favorite player still in the organization from the past few seasons, with Abreu gone. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/08/white-sox-release-billy-hamilton.html

It's time. I don't agree with the end of the first sentence, agree with the rest of it. I won't be looking for another team if this happens. I will just back off baseball until Jerry is gone and there is hope for the future.

The rubber will meet the road if anyone offers him another GM job. MLB Teams worse than Rick Hahn (2013 - August 21, 2023) 26. .456 749-893 Rick Hahn 27. .456 748-894 Colorado Rockies (1 GB) 28. .455 748-895 Cincinnati Reds (1 1/2 GB) 29. .453 744-899 Detroit Tigers (5 1/2 GB) 30. .437 717-925 Miami Marlins (32 GB)