"How the White Sox win the World Series"

[Thad Bosley]

I unfortunately agree with you. I see years of bad White Sox baseball ahead of us. My hope is that JR sells the team soon, hopefully after the 2017 season.

It's not likely that he would sell after this season, although one can dream. It's more likely that, given his age, a change in ownership could occur somewhere at the back end of this rebuild. But one thing for sure, Reinsdorf really needs this rebuild to be successful and produce future returns to the postseason and hopefully another championship or two. His legacy to date is not so great as we all know, so this is his last chance to give said legacy a boost, lest history dispatch him to the bin of other unsuccessful White Sox owners once its all said and done with.

[ChiSox59]

Fun read. Definitely more exciting than reading about how dominant the Barons and Knights are going to be. It's an interesting thing to consider and one Soxtalk has mainly ignored the past few months. I do genuinely wonder what type of moves the Sox make if they start out hot and find themselves 5-10 over come mid June. Do they stand pat and bring up the kids? Do they say screw it, we planned on sucking anyway, so let's trade Frazier, Q, Melky, Lawrie, Robertson, Gonzalez, etc.? Or do what the writer suggested and perhaps just eat money and pick up a few expiring contract veterans to fill the gaping holes in CF, C and RF. Who knows - maybe Tilson or Liriano will have proven to be adequate big leaguers. It's an interesting thing to ponder, but I don't see any scenario where the Sox subtract legitimate prospects, even if they start out hot. And They shouldn't. But I do agree with the writer in stating that this team as currently constructed isn't nearly as terrible as every here expects.

[Quin]

Theo took over the cubs in 2011 and that's pretty much when their rebuild started. Theo had his work cut out for him due to the horrible contracts Hendry left in his wake, namely Soriano and Dumpster who's contracts made them difficult to trade. Once those contracts were gone, which required them to eat money to be rid of them, the pace of their rebuild did pick up but it still took a good 4-5 years.

 

Trading Sale and Eaton has already put the Sox ahead of the cubs/Astros rebuild pace. Imagine how much further along the Sox will be when Q is traded. There's potential to move even further along if the Sox are able to get some kind of value for Robertson, Frazier and possibly Jones at the deadline. Now add the June draft and July intl signings and the Sox organization will be in really good shape going into next winter.

 

And that's not counting guys the Sox drafted prior to the rebuild. Rodon, Anderson, Collins, Hansen, Fulmer and others have them a good starting point for a rebuild and trading their valuable assets will make it even faster

 

[southsider2k5]

Fun read. Definitely more exciting than reading about how dominant the Barons and Knights are going to be. It's an interesting thing to consider and one Soxtalk has mainly ignored the past few months. I do genuinely wonder what type of moves the Sox make if they start out hot and find themselves 5-10 over come mid June. Do they stand pat and bring up the kids? Do they say screw it, we planned on sucking anyway, so let's trade Frazier, Q, Melky, Lawrie, Robertson, Gonzalez, etc.? Or do what the writer suggested and perhaps just eat money and pick up a few expiring contract veterans to fill the gaping holes in CF, C and RF. Who knows - maybe Tilson or Liriano will have proven to be adequate big leaguers. It's an interesting thing to ponder, but I don't see any scenario where the Sox subtract legitimate prospects, even if they start out hot. And They shouldn't. But I do agree with the writer in stating that this team as currently constructed isn't nearly as terrible as every here expects.

 

It would really take a miracle for this team to be anywhere close to contention, and even if it was a collapse would be right around the corner. This team just doesn't have the horses for 162 games.

[steveno89]

It would really take a miracle for this team to be anywhere close to contention, and even if it was a collapse would be right around the corner. This team just doesn't have the horses for 162 games.

 

Fans need to be prepared for three rough seasons, but with 2020-2023 behind our prime window to contend

 

2017 = awful

 

2018 = subpar, but slight improvement

 

2019 = on the right track, ideally get back to .500

 

2020-2023 contenders

[Bob Sacamano]

Fans need to be prepared for three rough seasons, but with 2020-2023 behind our prime window to contend

 

2017 = awful

 

2018 = subpar, but slight improvement

 

2019 = on the right track, ideally get back to .500

 

2020-2023 contenders

 

Hopeful draft pick spots:

 

2017: #11 obviously

2018: Top 3 (if everything goes right, #1)

2019: Top 6 or 7?

2020: 10-15 range, inching closer

 

Obviously if we end up becoming good enough for contention sooner, than even better. But yeah, I'm expecting at least 3 bad/mediocre seasons. Guys gotta get through some growing pains. Not everyone will just come up and click right away.

Edited February 17, 2017 by soxfan2014

[ChiSoxFanMike]

Hopeful draft pick spots:

 

2017: #11 obviously

2018: Top 3 (if everything goes right, #1)

2019: Top 6 or 7?

2020: 10-15 range, inching closer

 

Obviously if we end up becoming good enough for contention sooner, than even better. But yeah, I'm expecting at least 3 bad/mediocre seasons. Guys gotta get through some growing pains. Not everyone will just come up and click right away.

Agreed dad. My predictions would be similar to yours.

[Bob Sacamano]

Agreed dad. My predictions would be similar to yours.

 

I'm definitely not old enough to be your dad haha

[steveno89]

Hopeful draft pick spots:

 

2017: #11 obviously

2018: Top 3 (if everything goes right, #1)

2019: Top 6 or 7?

2020: 10-15 range, inching closer

 

Obviously if we end up becoming good enough for contention sooner, than even better. But yeah, I'm expecting at least 3 bad/mediocre seasons. Guys gotta get through some growing pains. Not everyone will just come up and click right away.

 

If by 2020 we are not at least a .500 team then the rebuild has not been done the right way

 

2017 and 2018 are total write offs, likely 2019 we should be seeing some progress, 2020 we need to be .500 or better

 

Your estimates are reasonable, but we all should hope they turn out better than that

 

 

[Bob Sacamano]

If by 2020 we are not at least a .500 team then the rebuild has not been done the right way

 

2017 and 2018 are total write offs, likely 2019 we should be seeing some progress, 2020 we need to be .500 or better

 

Your estimates are reasonable, but we all should hope they turn out better than that

 

? The draft spot in 2020 is based on the 2019 season. I didn't say anything about the results of the 2020 season lol

Edited February 17, 2017 by soxfan2014

[BlackSox13]

And that's not counting guys the Sox drafted prior to the rebuild. Rodon, Anderson, Collins, Hansen, Fulmer and others have them a good starting point for a rebuild and trading their valuable assets will make it even faster

Great points and I agree. The Sox have already established a very solid foundation for this rebuild. Sox fans just need to have some patience and perhaps a bit of faith in Hahn. Clearly this rebuild is Hahn's baby so let's give him a chance to see what more he can do. Personally, I like what he's done so far despite the trade returns bringing back more pitching than hitting.

[BlackSox13]

Agreed dad. My predictions would be similar to yours.

wow, soxfan2014 really got started early didn't he.

[Bob Sacamano]

wow, soxfan2014 really got started early didn't he.

 

I'm almost 26 so....haha

[Jose Abreu]

I really think you guys aren't giving the roster enough credit in your predictions. It's not like all of our big prospects are many years away. The majority of them will be up as soon as 2017/2018, and we know that Hahn will make more moves in that span. I think we could be a fringe playoff team in 2018, and a contender as early as 2019.

[southsider2k5]

I really think you guys aren't giving the roster enough credit in your predictions. It's not like all of our big prospects are many years away. The majority of them will be up as soon as 2017/2018, and we know that Hahn will make more moves in that span. I think we could be a fringe playoff team in 2018, and a contender as early as 2019.

 

If we are looking at the roster as currently constructed, plus the minors as currently constructed we have zero offense in our future and barely any in our pipeline. If our hitters are coming from prospect trades and the draft this team is at least next decade away.

[BlackSox13]

I'm almost 26 so....haha

Lol, I thought you had recently mentioned your age in another thread. That's why I kinda giggled when I read Mike's post. I knew it was a typo but just couldn't help myself. Mike's a good dude so I had to have a little fun with him.

Edited February 17, 2017 by BlackSox13

[ChiSoxFanMike]

I really think you guys aren't giving the roster enough credit in your predictions. It's not like all of our big prospects are many years away. The majority of them will be up as soon as 2017/2018, and we know that Hahn will make more moves in that span. I think we could be a fringe playoff team in 2018, and a contender as early as 2019.

While I see what you're saying, your scenario is under the assumption that the key young guys (Moncada, Giolito, Lopez, etc) will establish themselves right away as productive big leaguers. That probably won't be the case. There might be a learning curve for these guys and it will probably take time for them to reach their ceilings if they reach them at all.

[southsider2k5]

While I see what you're saying, your scenario is under the assumption that the key young guys (Moncada, Giolito, Lopez, etc) will establish themselves right away as productive big leaguers. That probably won't be the case. There might be a learning curve for these guys and it will probably take time for them to reach their ceilings if they reach them at all.

 

It is much more reasonable to think it will take guys a full season or two to really get comfortable as major leaguers, once they get here.

[ChiSoxFanMike]

It is much more reasonable to think it will take guys a full season or two to really get comfortable as major leaguers, once they get here.

Agreed. Obviously 2017 is a lost year, but I don't think 2018 will be that much better. I've said 64-98 in 2017, so maybe 71-91 in 2018. By 2019, I hope they hover around .500, and by 2020, they'll be a playoff team if things go like they should.

[ChiSoxFanMike]

Lol, I thought you had recently mentioned your age in another thread. That's why I kinda giggled when I read Mike's post. I knew it was a typo but just couldn't help myself. Mike's a good dude so I had to have a little fun with him.

I love you too man.

[greg775]

I unfortunately agree with you. I see years of bad White Sox baseball ahead of us. My hope is that JR sells the team soon, hopefully after the 2017 season.

Please, please JR, sell the team.

 

it is indeed happening. Like it or not.

I don't like it at all. OK we've made two trades and made what could be a steal in Zach Duke for Tilson. But that's it. Pretty lame beginning to a rebuild when we still have all these veterans. My point is if we've got all these veterans, if the Sox weren't so cheap they'd have acquired a catcher (one is still available) and an outfielder and DH and a reliable seventh inning guy and we'd win the crappy AL Central. We could still rebuild while doing so. Why? Well we're not gonna trade Frazier now in his last year of contract and ditto Melky last year. If Rodon has an excellent year we have a great 1-2 punch in Q and Rodon.

 

Great points and I agree. The Sox have already established a very solid foundation for this rebuild. Sox fans just need to have some patience and perhaps a bit of faith in Hahn. Clearly this rebuild is Hahn's baby so let's give him a chance to see what more he can do. Personally, I like what he's done so far despite the trade returns bringing back more pitching than hitting.

Everybody's assuming our rebuild will be as successful as the Cubs' was. We shall see.

[BlackSox13]

I love you too man.

Miley, you're the son I always wanted but never had.

 

Hey. Been meaning to ask you, did you draw your avatar? That's really good dude. Much better than the stick figures I'm capable of drawing.

 

[ChiSoxFanMike]

Miley, you're the son I always wanted but never had.

 

Hey. Been meaning to ask you, did you draw your avatar? That's really good dude. Much better than the stick figures I'm capable of drawing.

Aw.

 

But no, my sister drew it for me for my birthday. I have no artistic ability whatsoever but she's really good. She was only 13 when she drew it too, she's even better now. Thanks for the nice comment.

[GreenSox]

Theo took over the cubs in 2011 and that's pretty much when their rebuild started. Theo had his work cut out for him due to the horrible contracts Hendry left in his wake, namely Soriano and Dumpster who's contracts made them difficult to trade. Once those contracts were gone, which required them to eat money to be rid of them, the pace of their rebuild did pick up but it still took a good 4-5 years.

 

Trading Sale and Eaton has already put the Sox ahead of the cubs/Astros rebuild pace. Imagine how much further along the Sox will be when Q is traded. There's potential to move even further along if the Sox are able to get some kind of value for Robertson, Frazier and possibly Jones at the deadline. Now add the June draft and July intl signings and the Sox organization will be in really good shape going into next winter.

That's the issue. The Cubs got key pieces for mediocre pitchers like Feldman and Dempster. They got a great piece for a good pitcher Samardzija. (to be fair, Cubs also gave away LeMahieu in the dispersal process). A lot of that, coupled with the Rizzo gift, is good fortune - honestly, if the Sox December trades end up with what the Cubs got for Feldman/Dempster/Samardjija that will be pretty good, despite the fact that the Sox traded the vastly superior players.

 

In addition to the players you mentioned, Sox might also have Gonzalez and maybe (if we get really lucky) Shields nicely dressed up to be dealt in July. Out of that whole second tier group, the Sox need to come away with a couple of keepers. But that's a lot of players to trade in basically one trading period, including Q, whom the Sox haven't been able to move.

 

Every team is set up differently. The Sox had a lot more quality to trade than either the Cubs or Astros (who got very little out of its dispersal).

Edited February 18, 2017 by GreenSox

[Chicago White Sox]

Honestly, 2018 could be worse than 2017. Our offense will be losing at least two key contributors in Frazier & Melky and maybe even Abreu. The only prospect worth a damn replacing them at the moment is Moncada. That could be a really ugly dropoff. The pitching side should be better with Giolito, Lopez, Fulmer, & Burdi all up, but they'll all have their growing pains and will have to offset any potential contributions from Quintana, Robertson, and possibly Jones this year. That's not a guarantee by any means.

 

We're going to need add a few more near major league prospects and see some fast development for 2018 to be an improvement. This is all assuming they don't plug some holes with legit options in free agency.

Edited February 18, 2017 by Chicago White Sox