AND THAT'S A WHITE SOX WINNER!!!

[South Side Hit Men]

I listen to games, so only hear about 1/5 of the complaints of the strike zone during the broadcast than what are discussed in game threads.

It typically evens out over time, but for the good of the game I'd be for automated strike zones in 2022 (or 2023 / beyond if the owner's lockout exceeds one season). The umpires already agreed to it, though I would want controls in place where the players / umpires can prevent / veto any in-season changes (i,e, owners manipulate strike zones to increase offense in season, just as they have manipulated the baseball since purchasing Rawlings). The sport always needs safeguards to prevent ownership from destroying it further.

[ptatc]

1 hour ago, Tony said:

I'd be shocked if that doesn't win them the division. Obviously would love for them to play better than .500 ball for the rest of the season......but to your point....they may not have to. 

Here is the other thing people need to remember but of course won't because we have no emotional control. Things are probably going to get rough after the ASB for the Sox. They have a stretch in August where it's Yankees, A's, Rays, Blue Jays, Cubs. Obviously the Cubs will have sold by then, but those games are always weird. They probably won't have a great record in that stretch, and fans will freak out. 

But again.....it really doesn't matter. As long as the pitching stays healthy and these guys are ready for October (Rodon, Kopech, Crochet especially).....if Eloy-Robert-Grandal can actually come back for the playoffs.......it's a whole different team. 

Just get there. 

It's time to start thinking about shutting Rodon down with mysterious back issues. At this rate he either won't be able to pitch in October or will be really gassed.

[greg775]

1 hour ago, bmags said:

funny thing about this is that this team has finally gotten so consistently good that we just had a .500 stretch and it felt like we were the worst team in baseball.

Not trying to stir it up, but this is what happens when you have a real manager. The team on paper with the best team wins ... despite a ton of injuries. If Sox run away with this it may be LaRussa's best coaching job on his resume in his career. Eight games up with so many injuries. This isn't Robin or Renteria, folks.

As far as today's win ... nice to see Leury and Burger get multi hits and Timmy with the big game. Good pitching. I won't take for granted nice wins on the road. (Abreu and Sheets with the 0-fers. Is Sheets having trouble? Didn't watch today.)

Edited July 7, 2021 by greg775

[chitownsportsfan]

13 minutes ago, greg775 said:

Not trying to stir it up, but this is what happens when you have a real manager. The team on paper with the best team wins ... despite a ton of injuries. If Sox run away with this it may be LaRussa's best coaching job on his resume in his career. Eight games up with so many injuries. This isn't Robin or Renteria, folks.

As far as today's win ... nice to see Leury and Burger get multi hits and Timmy with the big game. Good pitching. I won't take for granted nice wins on the road. (Abreu and Sheets with the 0-fers. Is Sheets having trouble? Didn't watch today.)

La Russa has done a masterful job getting the most out of this hodge podge roster.  I don't think anybody can argue that.  He used his bench early and often and it turned out to be a genius move once all the injuries hit.  I do feel that he helped instill a "every man will be needed" mentality early by playing the backups and turns out every man  (perhaps literally) will be needed.

Edited July 7, 2021 by chitownsportsfan

[ron883]

2 minutes ago, chitownsportsfan said:

La Russa has done a masterful job getting the most out of this hodge podge roster.  I don't think anybody can argue that.  He used his bench early and often and it turned out to be a genius move once all the injuries hit.  I do feel that he helped instill a "every man will be needed" mentality early by playing the backups and turns out every man  (perhaps literally) will be needed.

Cmon, you know there will be some people who will argue that, lol

[chitownsportsfan]

1 minute ago, ron883 said:

Cmon, you know there will be some people who will argue that, lol

Can't wait for them to try.  Their only argument against him -- that La Russa had a stacked roster and any old bum could have managed them to a 1st place record -- has evaporated.  He is pushing all the right buttons.  He kept playing Leury when people wanted him DFA, now arguably Leury is our hottest hitter.  He played Hamilton "too much" and all he's done is peform.  He even might have helped convince ownership to move on from Eaton, who some said was in the old white guy (a bizarre complaint against Tony, who speaks fluent Spanish and has always vibed well with the latin players) club with him and that he'd never cut his bestie. 

I think the kids say the La Russa haydurs have been "BTFO".

[greg775]

37 minutes ago, chitownsportsfan said:

Can't wait for them to try.  Their only argument against him -- that La Russa had a stacked roster and any old bum could have managed them to a 1st place record -- has evaporated.  He is pushing all the right buttons.  He kept playing Leury when people wanted him DFA, now arguably Leury is our hottest hitter.  He played Hamilton "too much" and all he's done is peform.  He even might have helped convince ownership to move on from Eaton, who some said was in the old white guy (a bizarre complaint against Tony, who speaks fluent Spanish and has always vibed well with the latin players) club with him and that he'd never cut his bestie. 

I think the kids say the La Russa haydurs have been "BTFO".

It's results that matter and Sox pretty much are a strong team now despite a zillion injuries. Tony definitely knows what he's doing. Credit to the players, too. 

Edited July 8, 2021 by greg775

[chitownsportsfan]

39 minutes ago, greg775 said:

It's results that matter and Sox pretty much are a strong team now despite a zillion injuries. Tony definitely knows what he's doing. Credit to the players, too. 

michael kay, who is pretty tuned in and I doubt he'd just make shit up during games said that from what he's heard TA "loves, just loves" TLR and that the the Sox have no issues in the clubhouse.  This was during the Yankees series after the Yermin kerfuffle.

TLR basically managed a dynasty, or as close to it comes in STL there for a minute, this guy knows winning baseball.  He's old as shit, he's a drunk, he's kinda a madman with his bullpen at times -- but more often than not he gets the most of out his teams.

I want to also bring this back to Renteria, as that is so often the "measuring stick" -- I'd be shocked if Rick ever manages a MLB club again as anything more than an interim.  It's nothing against Rickie, he seems to be a good guy and I'd probably enjoy his cooking -- but two teams both shitcanned him as soon as they got serious about winning.  He's def got two strikes on him as a manager -- regardless of what the perception is of him from us fans -- the people he's worked for didn't seem to think much of him.

[CaliSoxFanViaSWside]

1 hour ago, ron883 said:

Cmon, you know there will be some people who will argue that, lol

No one argues things they cant argue with much. They usually just make fun of the poster or give laugh emojis. Arguing requires a long post and giving examples. This is a message board  not an academic institution or debate hall.

[BrittBurnsFan]

4 minutes ago, chitownsportsfan said:

michael kay, who is pretty tuned in and I doubt he'd just make shit up during games said that from what he's heard TA "loves, just loves" TLR and that the the Sox have no issues in the clubhouse.  This was during the Yankees series after the Yermin kerfuffle.

TLR basically managed a dynasty, or as close to it comes in STL there for a minute, this guy knows winning baseball.  He's old as shit, he's a drunk, he's kinda a madman with his bullpen at times -- but more often than not he gets the most of out his teams.

I want to also bring this back to Renteria, as that is so often the "measuring stick" -- I'd be shocked if Rick ever manages a MLB club again as anything more than an interim.  It's nothing against Rickie, he seems to be a good guy and I'd probably enjoy his cooking -- but two teams both shitcanned him as soon as they got serious about winning.  He's def got two strikes on him as a manager -- regardless of what the perception is of him from us fans -- the people he's worked for didn't seem to think much of him.

The thing about Renteria is tough.  An organization should do what they think puts them in the best position in which to win!  It hurts sometimes when a person (seemingly a very good person) such as Renteria is let go and kind of used as a scapegoat.  That said...playoff game 3 in the A's series was an absolute nightmare (I am new here so maybe I am weighing on something that could make people mad at me) on the pitching side!  Whoever came up with the idea for that strategy of pulling Dunning immediately is nuts!  I really don't think it was Renteria's but he must have signed off on it...or was told to!  Anyway...I think he is a good guy for any clubhouse...but maybe not the right personality for the "big chair".  I was 100% against the hire of TLR...but results will speak volumes and so far it has been tough to be critical of TLR when looking at the entire body of work.  

[pcq]

3 hours ago, Kyyle23 said:

He doesn't really beef with people as much as passive aggressive talk shit.  All winter he didn't think the Sox moves were good enough and he lauded everything the Twins did and it rubbed Sox Twitter the wrong way, and they have not let him forget it lmao

this gets shared a lot

 

Don't forget the Dobnak blockbuster. 

[chitownsportsfan]

5 minutes ago, BrittBurnsFan said:

The thing about Renteria is tough.  An organization should do what they think puts them in the best position in which to win!  It hurts sometimes when a person (seemingly a very good person) such as Renteria is let go and kind of used as a scapegoat.  That said...playoff game 3 in the A's series was an absolute nightmare (I am new here so maybe I am weighing on something that could make people mad at me) on the pitching side!  Whoever came up with the idea for that strategy of pulling Dunning immediately is nuts!  I really don't think it was Renteria's but he must have signed off on it...or was told to!  Anyway...I think he is a good guy for any clubhouse...but maybe not the right personality for the "big chair".  I was 100% against the hire of TLR...but results will speak volumes and so far it has been tough to be critical of TLR when looking at the entire body of work.  

Rickie loved the itchy trigger finger.  Often times it felt like he was making a pitching change just to make a pitching change because that's like what the Book called for or something.  I never really got the feeling he was able to get more outs of guys that had good stuff on that night.  Welcome to the board.

[BrittBurnsFan]

2 minutes ago, chitownsportsfan said:

Rickie loved the itchy trigger finger.  Often times it felt like he was making a pitching change just to make a pitching change because that's like what the Book called for or something.  I never really got the feeling he was able to get more outs of guys that had good stuff on that night.  Welcome to the board.

Thanks for having me on the board...I really enjoy talking White Sox baseball!  

[chitownsportsfan]

Just now, BrittBurnsFan said:

Thanks for having me on the board...I really enjoy talking White Sox baseball!  

Someone needs to deep fake a TLR dabbing gif, he is just dabbing all over Soxtalk as Leury Legend helps power a 6-1 win to put Chicago 8 games up with half the team walking wounded headed into the final games before the ASB.

Edited July 8, 2021 by chitownsportsfan

[BrittBurnsFan]

1 minute ago, chitownsportsfan said:

 

That is a great quote!

[chitownsportsfan]

6 minutes ago, BrittBurnsFan said:

That is a great quote!

the reviled on Soxtalk Leury has a 92 wRC+ and can play 7 positions competently.  For a decade the Sox couldn't find someone like this even if they overpaid in FA and would lose 2-3 games a year because of it, in addition to wasting money.  Hahn basically got Leury for free and he's one of the most valuable super subs in baseball on a division contender.  Cool.

Edited July 8, 2021 by chitownsportsfan

[DanofDuPage]

2 hours ago, ptatc said:

It's time to start thinking about shutting Rodon down with mysterious back issues. At this rate he either won't be able to pitch in October or will be really gassed.

Carlos has been great! Everyone knows his past the Sox should trade him now! We are not going to resign him. Get the right fielder we need for the next couple of years. Coming off TJ he is going to hit a dead arm period soon.

[Kyyle23]

22 minutes ago, pcq said:

Don't forget the Dobnak blockbuster. 

He also has a pinned tweet about justifying Mauers contract.  It's just a bit off

[Southwest Sider]

1 hour ago, chitownsportsfan said:

the reviled on Soxtalk Leury has a 92 wRC+ and can play 7 positions competently.  For a decade the Sox couldn't find someone like this even if they overpaid in FA and would lose 2-3 games a year because of it, in addition to wasting money.  Hahn basically got Leury for free and he's one of the most valuable super subs in baseball on a division contender.  Cool.

That trade was so long ago now I hardly remember it.

EDIT: PTBNL in the Alex Rios to Texas trade in 2013. Wow. Leury is 30 years old now.

 

But it's true. I was surprised he didnt hit at all earlier this year because in years past he has shown some competency with the bat. Glad to see him turning it around, because players like this are glue. 

 

Edited July 8, 2021 by South Sider

[wegner]

5 hours ago, chitownsportsfan said:

best moment of the game was after Goodwin got what was the 4th strike called on him that missed the plate by a good 2+ inches just ending his AB early by swinging at everything and letting Ed have it on the way back to the dugout.

Goodwin was not happy with Mr Hickox to say the least ?

[hankchifan]

On 7/7/2021 at 4:28 PM, Tony said:

Just keep collecting W's.

Only thing that matters at this point is making the playoffs. Whole new ballgame once that happens and hopefully (?)Eloy, Robert, Grandal are back, along with some reinforcements to really make them a force. 

Just keep the W's coming. 

Eloy is coming back for sure.  He is in rehab assignment already.

[hankchifan]

On 7/7/2021 at 8:57 PM, BrittBurnsFan said:

The thing about Renteria is tough.  An organization should do what they think puts them in the best position in which to win!  It hurts sometimes when a person (seemingly a very good person) such as Renteria is let go and kind of used as a scapegoat.  That said...playoff game 3 in the A's series was an absolute nightmare (I am new here so maybe I am weighing on something that could make people mad at me) on the pitching side!  Whoever came up with the idea for that strategy of pulling Dunning immediately is nuts!  I really don't think it was Renteria's but he must have signed off on it...or was told to!  Anyway...I think he is a good guy for any clubhouse...but maybe not the right personality for the "big chair".  I was 100% against the hire of TLR...but results will speak volumes and so far it has been tough to be critical of TLR when looking at the entire body of work.  

I think the awful Rentería decisions, particularly with the pitchers, in game 3 with the A’s sealed his fate and cost him his job.  If Sox would have won the A’s series, Rentería would probably still be managing the Sox.  He was better than Ventura at least.

[hankchifan]

On 7/7/2021 at 6:43 PM, ptatc said:

It's time to start thinking about shutting Rodon down with mysterious back issues. At this rate he either won't be able to pitch in October or will be really gassed.

It’s hard to shut Rodon down now with Cease, Giolito and Keuchel struggling.  Maybe take him out earlier in games ,cutdown on those 100 + pitch games.

[BrittBurnsFan]

11 hours ago, hankchifan said:

I think the awful Rentería decisions, particularly with the pitchers, in game 3 with the A’s sealed his fate and cost him his job.  If Sox would have won the A’s series, Rentería would probably still be managing the Sox.  He was better than Ventura at least.

Do you think it was Renteria's plan in game 3?  Or Cooper's and Renteria went with it?  Personally I feel that the (mis)management of the pitching staff had to be more than just those two making that decision.  Hahn had to approve of it right?  The one thing for certain after that game was that Dunning was gone no matter what!  No way he stays in the organization after doing that to him!