JUSTgottaBELIEVE

How have old guys like Cueto, Hendriks, Graveman, and Abreu been a waste of money? They’ve been the best players on the team this season.

They improved 2b and RF. Filled Rodon’s departure with Cueto. What other glaring needs were there? This season has been far more about the failure of the veterans that were already on the roster than the failure of the offseason. If Moncada, Grandal, Lynn, and Giolito were anywhere close to last season’s performances, this would be a 50-55 win team today.

Time to take a look at the offseason acquisitions as we approach the All Star Break. Despite popular belief, they haven’t been bad and overall I’d give Hahn a B- on these acquisitions. Joe Kelly (-0.8 bWAR): F No way to sugarcoat it. He’s been either hurt or bad for most of the season. The stuff is there but the control isn’t. Hopefully he finds his control in the second half. AJ Pollock (0.0 bWAR) C- He’s been surprisingly healthy but the power is lacking this season. Hard to grade much lower considering they were able to dump Kimbrel in this deal. Vince Velasquez (0.0 bWAR): C He was a cheap signing and been about what you’d expect. Ate some valuable innings early in the season when it was desperately needed. Josh Harrison (1.1 bWAR): B- Started the season slow at the plate but coming on of late. Has been great defensively all season and provided much needed versatility when everyone was hurt. Has solidified 2b position for this team. Reese McGuire (0.6 bWAR): B Has been the perfect backup catcher. Plays solid defense and calls a good game behind the plate. An ideal postseason catcher due to his plus D. Kendall Graveman (1.0 bWAR) A- Has been exactly what the Sox needed from a setup guy. He’s even closed games in a pinch. Basically, he’s been everything that Kimbrel should have been. Johnny Cueto (2.3 bWAR): A+ Most fans here disliked this signing at the time but he’s been terrific. Perhaps the best signing of ANY team last offseason. He’s filled in for Rodon’s starting slot at a fraction of the cost. The guy is an absolute bulldog and winner.

Mr. Consistent even in his mid 30s. Special, under-appreciated player

Despite all the noise around him, Abreu just keeps doing his thing. His third highest wRC+ of his career at age 35 nonetheless.

Bring back all the former Sox closers. Colome and Robertson should come cheap next month.

Mentioned it recently but the offseason acquisitions are really starting to come around. Big energy and pollock starting to hit. Cueto has been amazing. Graveman has been good. VV and McGuire have been serviceable and hopefully Kelley is the next to turn it around.

@caulfield12 can finally believe in this team again :)

If they win one of the next two games it’s time to believe in this team again

As bad as the offseason moves looked a month ago they’re coming around now. Cueto is been great. Graveman has been very good. Pollock has been hitting much better of late. McGuire has been a solid #2 catcher. Kelly is TBD because he hasn’t been healthy but hopefully finally healthy. VV has been passable as a 5th starter/long reliever. Heck, even Harrison has been coming around at the plate and has played solid D all season.

Cueto sporting a 2.95 ERA in 42.2 IP this season. That’ll work.

Why are four games in the middle of June the magical threshold for believing again? Even if they win 2/4 you’ll move the goalposts again and say it doesn’t mean anything until they pass Cleveland and Minnesota in the division blah blah blah.

I’m not complaining. I’m asking for him to give the Sox offense credit where credit is due. Earlier this week it was “well let’s see them do it against a good team.” Is Verlander/Houston good enough?

Nah. For the amount @caulfield12 posts about the Sox failures the number of my posts are nothing relatively speaking.

I would trust Big Mike as well. The rest seem to clam up against good teams in big situations.

I just love that he’s fearless even against big offenses like Houston. Cueto DGAF

@caulfield12 and @southsider2k5 didn’t believe me a few weeks ago when I said Sox offense was going to wake up. I’d say they’ve woken up eh?

He’s been so solid. A guy that can eat innings with a sub 4 ERA is very valuable. It’s been a great signing so far.

White sox offense even making @caulfield12 a believer

Are there statistics available that support this? Wouldn’t left handed hitters that hit RHP also generally feast on poor RHP and struggle against good RHP? I don’t see how handedness makes a difference personally.

I really like that comp. I was leaning towards Konerko for obvious reasons but I think Mags is a better comp.

No, way too early

No

They scored 14 runs in 3 games against the Dodgers too. They started showing signs of life against Toronto and Tampa a couple weeks ago.

Told you all Sox offense was going to heat up. I was mocked a couple weeks ago