Saufley

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Jan 19, 2016 -> 03:15 PM) 10 years ago also was the peak attendance of the franchise. The thing is, they drew a lot more last year than any year before Reinsdorf owned the team. I believe a Cespedes signing would help with the attendance and fan base but, wonder what affect in $$ and actual numbers?

QUOTE (Lip Man 1 @ Jan 19, 2016 -> 02:59 PM) Wall Street Journal had a story today on the "15 Pro Franchises Running Out Of Fans..." The Sox came in 5th from the top (which in this case is the worst). Here is what they had to say numbers-wise: 5. Chicago White Sox > Sport: Baseball > 10 year attendance decline: 24.1% > Avg. home game attendance: 21,947 > Avg. capacity filled: 54.0% The only baseball franchises ranked worse than the Sox were the Indians (4) and Phillies (2) So you've got the Sox among the biggest decline in fan attendance over the last decade coupled with both Fan Graphs and ESPN.com stating they were the worst watched franchise in MLB ratings-wise. This is a franchise in major trouble. Mark Yes, sadly it is.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Jan 19, 2016 -> 02:08 PM) There definitely will be people on this board and off who say Cespedes is a must, who, if Cespedes does become a White Sox will eventually complain about the contract. It's not my money, spend, spend, spend. Of the big 3, Cespedes was my 3rd choice, definitely coming off an outlier year during a contract. Supposedly Beane didn't like him as a player, Boston was happy to get rid of him. He basically carried the Mets to the WS but they only want him back at a cheap rate. He would be an upgrade, and who knows, my handle was known as trouble and a malcontent when he came to the White Sox, maybe he gets with Abreu and that keeps him motivated. He is the best out there now, but if they don't get him and get Fowler or Jackson instead, they still should be an improved team. Any kind of bounce back from LaRoche and they really could be cooking with gas. I loved it when he would be walking to the plate and in the background you would hear playing "Jesus Christ Superstar".

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Jan 19, 2016 -> 02:08 PM) There definitely will be people on this board and off who say Cespedes is a must, who, if Cespedes does become a White Sox will eventually complain about the contract. It's not my money, spend, spend, spend. Of the big 3, Cespedes was my 3rd choice, definitely coming off an outlier year during a contract. Supposedly Beane didn't like him as a player, Boston was happy to get rid of him. He basically carried the Mets to the WS but they only want him back at a cheap rate. He would be an upgrade, and who knows, my handle was known as trouble and a malcontent when he came to the White Sox, maybe he gets with Abreu and that keeps him motivated. He is the best out there now, but if they don't get him and get Fowler or Jackson instead, they still should be an improved team. Any kind of bounce back from LaRoche and they really could be cooking with gas. I loved Dick Allen, as a player, when he was with the Sox! I have to be careful how I phrase this knowing you guys out there.

QUOTE (SoCalSox @ Jan 19, 2016 -> 01:20 PM) Have seen a few people today on twitter that have said the Sox have called them asking them if they are going to games this year. Most have never even be to a Sox game & are Cubs fans. Seems weird to me. Are the Sox having a "Cub night" at the Cell this year?

QUOTE (Y2JImmy0 @ Jan 19, 2016 -> 12:35 PM) Do you follow Sox fans on twitter? It's just a terrible place right now. Yeaaa, so what!!! Some Sox fans eat, sleep and drink White Sox! It's a big part of their life!! It's their team!! To many it is a terrible place right now!

QUOTE (LDF @ Jan 19, 2016 -> 11:56 AM) isn't that all about being a fan.... dreaming on the "what if" "What if" we, as Sox fans, had an ownership group that would spend for an Upton or Cespedes. Now that really is dreaming! Maybe the next ownership group will!! LDF, let's hope you and I will see that someday, along with a FO that knows how to build a farm system.

QUOTE (SoxPride18 @ Jan 19, 2016 -> 12:14 PM) No he's not, because until Cespedes is signed, there is still hope he signs with the Sox. Yes I am, in my mind!! If it happens fine. If not, I'll unhappily accept it!

QUOTE (LDF @ Jan 19, 2016 -> 12:12 PM) ahhh then you are talking about those who post on forum and msg boards. i still love the time of being a youngsters and discussion the what if.... but the bottom line you are correct. I did a lot of dreaming and wishing for a Cespedes signing just like you. I still hope there might be a surprise but, I have this empty feeling. I'm still a Sox fan, though!!

QUOTE (LDF @ Jan 19, 2016 -> 11:56 AM) isn't that all about being a fan.... dreaming on the "what if" There comes a time when the fan has to become realistic. I think we have reached that time, at least I have.

QUOTE (SoxPride18 @ Jan 19, 2016 -> 11:20 AM) True. I really think that all the Sox have to do is add that 4th year with an option 5th year and that can get Cespedes to the Sox. I think we have to stop dreaming about Cespedes!

QUOTE (Al Lopez's Ghost @ Jan 18, 2016 -> 08:56 PM) The light at the end of the tunnel is an on-coming train. Things aren't all that bad. I think I'll draft Upton for my fantasy baseball teams!

QUOTE (fathom @ Jan 18, 2016 -> 08:52 PM) 3-50 is higher AAV than 6-132, right? If only Ricketts could have bought the White Sox!

QUOTE (Soxfest @ Jan 18, 2016 -> 08:50 PM) Do not worry Hahn will announce Shane Victorino signing at Soxfest! announcement to an empty room.

QUOTE (OmarComing25 @ Jan 18, 2016 -> 08:46 PM) Well this board sounds like it's going to be a fun place this year. There will be more people on the board than at the games.

QUOTE (bmags @ Jan 18, 2016 -> 08:41 PM) Us thinking Rick Hahn is playing poker here is like watching a dead possum thinking they'll wake up any second. You always make me laugh when I need to.

QUOTE (Dunt @ Jan 18, 2016 -> 08:41 PM) Your 4th or 5th place Chicago White Sox ladies and gentlemen. Fire sale on the southside!!

QUOTE (Sockin @ Jan 18, 2016 -> 08:40 PM) The free agent crop for the next two years is absolute crap. I was joking!!

QUOTE (fathom @ Jan 18, 2016 -> 08:35 PM) Free agency has really sucked as a Sox fan so far Don't give up. Remember this is only going to be year two of the three year rebuild. We still have time.

QUOTE (BlackSox13 @ Jan 18, 2016 -> 08:26 PM) You aren't kidding they would be scary. Makes alot of sense for Upton because he should put up some really good numbers in that park with that lineup and set himslef up for a wicked contract next year. Sorry my man. Just posting what I come across. For some crazy reason I still have faith in the FO to get an outfield upgrade despite the Cespedes/Upton rumors. Just not sure what the heck that upgrade will be. Oh, I can handle it. I've had a lot of practice being a Sox fan for a lot of years!

QUOTE (Baron @ Jan 18, 2016 -> 08:24 PM) Oh good...great news Let's get this over tonight. Upton can sign with Detroit and Cespedes can sign with the Mets. Then we can ---- I don't know what we can do!

QUOTE (BlackSox13 @ Jan 18, 2016 -> 08:17 PM) http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/texas-rang...er-justin-upton ESPN senior writer Buster Olney wrote that, "If Justin Upton gets to the point when he seriously thinks about a one-year deal the Rangers may well be the best option." "Texas has an excellent lineup already, they inhabit a really good hitters' park, and Upton wouldn't go there expected to carry the offensive load himself," Olney observed. "He could slot in among Prince Fielder, Adrian Beltre, Shin-Soo Choo, Rougned Odor and others and do some major damage there, which would give him an excellent chance to play in the postseason before hitting the market again next fall." More "good" news for my White Sox. This is getting more depressing everyday.

QUOTE (SoCalSox @ Jan 18, 2016 -> 08:04 PM) Ah gotcha. Wasn't sure what type of context the conversation was in or anything like that. FWIW, I'm really starting to think the Sox end up with close to nothing before the end of the season. At this point I have no idea what direction this team wishes to take or will take. If RV takes this team nowhere early maybe they can trade Frazier and lawrie mid season to help build the farm system.

QUOTE (CaliSoxFanViaSWside @ Jan 18, 2016 -> 02:36 PM) I don't honestly have a clue . I can be shocked by a totally unexpected development or they can miss out on everyone and it ends up Avi again. I'll second that!

QUOTE (Lip Man 1 @ Jan 18, 2016 -> 12:32 PM) As much as I'd like to see them sign someone and "go for it" I can understand if they don't. I think in their 'heart of hearts' the Sox realize you are still looking at 2017. Still far to many holes and question marks to realistically think they are going to 'contend' in 2016 in my opinion. Back end of the rotation is 'iffy', bullpen could be weaker if they don't resign Albers, shortstop is a question mark, DH is a black hole and then you have Garcia in right. A lot would have to go right even if they signed another big stick in that division. Like I said, I hope they do but it won't surprise me if / when they don't. Mark Thanks, Mark! You have just answered the question I was going to ask.