Irreconcilable Differences

[kitekrazy]

I'm almost there. I don't see any future in rooting for this organization. My Sox badge and decoder ring may have to be taken away.

 

Farm system - what has Buddy Bell and scouting really done to keep their job. It seems some of these youngsters are clueless about baseball on things that high schoolers could do. They can't run the bases. If they can field they can't hit then when they can't field they can't hit either. Trading for prospects is the worst thing they could ever do since when they become a Sox they do the bad things in baseball. Instruction has to be terrible. This organization hasn't been able to develop a catcher. You can't win a division if a Tyler Flowers is your catcher.

 

Hitting - I still believe the AL and NL are two different leagues. Will 2nd time be the charm of taking a NL player and transitioning them to DH. There's not enough inter league play where they can transition to be an immediate success. I've always wondered if the stadium contributes to players losing any discipline of situational hitting. Is this even taught in the minors? This team could probably go through a dozen hitting coaches and the results are the same. So maybe scouting is to blame even with free agents.

 

Ownership - The 'inbred' mentality of keeping it in the family needs to go. I guess that will only change when people in the organization pass away. The north side takes chances on experienced managers. The results are not always great but they think it's a priority. In this century we've had Jerry Manuel, at least Ozzie was groomed into management from another organization. Even when Ventura was hired I thought it was a WTF decision. Who is the next former Sox retread? Fans are not buying it. If they fired Ventura and got Gardenhire I don't know if there would be much difference but at least it would be someone different and spark some interest.

 

They won a WS during the KW era but it seems this team was more exciting during the Schuler era. They had untouchable prospects. Mark B. was a product of the Schuler and his fundamentals on the mound can't be touched by most of the kids today. Before the internet era we had to drive back home because there were no tickets. If we could only have that strike season back.

 

This is one of the most boring teams to watch and it's been that way for a while. Even Stone mentioned that on the SCORE last year.

 

Our stud young players like Sale and Abreu did not get poisoned by the farm system. Maybe they realize that and don't want to ruin Rodon. If he is better off with Coop then shouldn't Coop's philosophy be spread to the minors? I don't know if that is the case.

 

The loyalty thing stops short of the fan base. Why don't they raid successful organizations when it comes to coaching, scouting and philosophy?

 

It's like watching a movie over and over hoping this time the end will be different.

 

 

[elrockinMT]

You give up to easily and quickly

[Texsox]

You never would have lasted as a Sox fan in the 60s through the turn of the century.

[caulfield12]

On the other hand, seven years is a long time to wait for things to turn around with no or little reward as a fan.

 

Casual fans, they fall to the wayside. Just look at SoxTalk and WSI from 2005-2008 and compare with today. There's been the same 40% or higher dropoff as evidenced by the attendance downtrend.

 

Not rocket science.

 

If you're born a White Sox fan...and hardwired for it, there's never a thought of changing allegiances, any more than you change your biological family.

 

 

I'm sure someone eventually in this thread will say "good riddance, don't let the door hit you on the way out." Don't take that to heart. People are just starting to reach their breaking point with this organization. And, with the experience of 2005 in the rearview mirror, it's surely easier to bail than for Cubs fans who have been patiently waiting a lifetime for the ultimate payoff.

Edited May 22, 2015 by caulfield12

[Kyyle23]

On the other hand, seven years is a long time to wait for things to turn around with no or little reward as a fan.

 

Casual fans, they fall to the wayside. Just look at SoxTalk and WSI from 2005-2008 and compare with today. There's been the same 40% or higher dropoff as evidenced by the attendance downtrend.

 

Not rocket science.

 

If you're born a White Sox fan...and hardwired for it, there's never a thought of changing allegiances, any more than you change your biological family.

 

Yea this is wrong

[caulfield12]

Yea this is wrong

 

 

If you were to compare gamethreads from 2011-2015 with 2005-2008, you're telling me the sheer numbers and quality are higher right now?

 

I don't mean one or two day blips when there's a major trade or injury.

 

If the numbers are improving, how can that be true running directlyin the face of tv ratings and attendance trends, unless the growth is directly related to the implosion of WSI and absorbing new members and guests from over there?

 

Is Sox fandom shrinking/contracting or simply relocating/migrating/hibernating?

Edited May 22, 2015 by caulfield12

[Kyyle23]

If you were to compare gamethreads from 2011-2015 with 2005-2008, you're telling me the sheer numbers and quality are higher right now?

 

I don't mean one or two day blips when there's a major trade or injury.

 

If the numbers are improving, how can that be running in the face of tv ratings and attendance, unless the growth is directly related to the implosion of WSI and absorbing new members and guests from over there?

 

Is Sox fandom shrinking/contracting or simply relocating/migrating/hibernating?

 

You are the one throwing a 40% drop off in soxtalk membership compared to 05-08. Why don't you go ahead and prove it.

 

 

This site is thriving despite a huge drop in messageboard usage everywhere. Not only thriving, expanding, growing, and evolving.

 

 

[LittleHurt05]

You never would have lasted as a Sox fan in the 60s through the turn of the century.

 

Or the 20s, 30s, 40s, and most of the 50s

[caulfield12]

You are the one throwing a 40% drop off in soxtalk membership compared to 05-08. Why don't you go ahead and prove it.

 

 

This site is thriving despite a huge drop in messageboard usage everywhere. Not only thriving, expanding, growing, and evolving.

 

The minor league coverage and interviews, definitely.

 

That said, there's so much more information out there than 10-15 years ago when Baseball America was it. There's a ton of competition, with the proliferation of scouting sites and places like Bleacher Report, twitter, the more sabr-oriented sites like baseball prospectus, baseball reference and fangraphs...those who refuse to change or evolve with the times will die a quick death.

[Southwest Sider]

Frankly, and I know this is going to seem blasphemous to some, but I think Sox fans overall are watching the transformation of the franchise on the north side and wishing it was us. I haven't completely given up hope on the Reinsdorf regime or this team and its future, but our tanking of the last couple of seasons would sure seem a lot tolerable if it was overseen by Epstein/Hoyer. I know I wanted Theo on the south side but knew it wouldn't happen because of JRs loyalty to KW. Why didn't we make a push for Maddon? Because of JR/KWs loyalty to RV. Maddon, if given the choice, would have taken the Cubs job anyway. Their tanking has produced what appears to be a team that is going to be playing an exciting brand of baseball, much more so then the White Sox have been. I hate to pile the pressure on the Sox even more, but they REALLY need to start finding a way to consistently play exciting baseball. Exciting, but not necessarily dominating baseball. Because, and again this is going to sound blasphemous to some (I'm not a Cub hater like I used to be pre-2005), but I won't fault the casual fan for opting to watch Cubs baseball instead of the Sox.

 

I won't ever switch sides but if it gets to the point where the Sox keep playing like we're used to, and the Cubs keep getting better and better, you better believe I'd rather spend the little time I have to watch baseball games watching an invigorating brand of baseball then the same lethargic baseball that we're getting used to. I'll always be a Sox fan first and foremost. If the teams met in the World Series, it's Sox all the way. But this is just the harsh reality for some. The Cubs represent the city I am from too, and they have done literally everything with their baseball operations that I wish the Sox had done. It's hard for me to not respect what they've done up to this point.

[Soxfest]

Frankly, and I know this is going to seem blasphemous to some, but I think Sox fans overall are watching the transformation of the franchise on the north side and wishing it was us. I haven't completely given up hope on the Reinsdorf regime or this team and its future, but our tanking of the last couple of seasons would sure seem a lot tolerable if it was overseen by Epstein/Hoyer. I know I wanted Theo on the south side but knew it wouldn't happen because of JRs loyalty to KW. Why didn't we make a push for Maddon? Because of JR/KWs loyalty to RV. Maddon, if given the choice, would have taken the Cubs job anyway. Their tanking has produced what appears to be a team that is going to be playing an exciting brand of baseball, much more so then the White Sox have been. I hate to pile the pressure on the Sox even more, but they REALLY need to start finding a way to consistently play exciting baseball. Exciting, but not necessarily dominating baseball. Because, and again this is going to sound blasphemous to some (I'm not a Cub hater like I used to be pre-2005), but I won't fault the casual fan for opting to watch Cubs baseball instead of the Sox.

 

I won't ever switch sides but if it gets to the point where the Sox keep playing like we're used to, and the Cubs keep getting better and better, you better believe I'd rather spend the little time I have to watch baseball games watching an invigorating brand of baseball then the same lethargic baseball that we're getting used to. I'll always be a Sox fan first and foremost. If the teams met in the World Series, it's Sox all the way. But this is just the harsh reality for some. The Cubs represent the city I am from too, and they have done literally everything with their baseball operations that I wish the Sox had done. It's hard for me to not respect what they've done up to this point.

Casual fans are gone for good at this point. All you here on radio and TV is a Cubs love fest 100%. If someone has only so much disposable income they are going to the North side not the South side. Sox have a uphill battle at this point, I do not think they will ever win with JR as owner. I have said this before, but the blind loyalty is killing this franchise.

Edited May 22, 2015 by Soxfest

[caulfield12]

Frankly, and I know this is going to seem blasphemous to some, but I think Sox fans overall are watching the transformation of the franchise on the north side and wishing it was us. I haven't completely given up hope on the Reinsdorf regime or this team and its future, but our tanking of the last couple of seasons would sure seem a lot tolerable if it was overseen by Epstein/Hoyer. I know I wanted Theo on the south side but knew it wouldn't happen because of JRs loyalty to KW. Why didn't we make a push for Maddon? Because of JR/KWs loyalty to RV. Maddon, if given the choice, would have taken the Cubs job anyway. Their tanking has produced what appears to be a team that is going to be playing an exciting brand of baseball, much more so then the White Sox have been. I hate to pile the pressure on the Sox even more, but they REALLY need to start finding a way to consistently play exciting baseball. Exciting, but not necessarily dominating baseball. Because, and again this is going to sound blasphemous to some (I'm not a Cub hater like I used to be pre-2005), but I won't fault the casual fan for opting to watch Cubs baseball instead of the Sox.

 

I won't ever switch sides but if it gets to the point where the Sox keep playing like we're used to, and the Cubs keep getting better and better, you better believe I'd rather spend the little time I have to watch baseball games watching an invigorating brand of baseball then the same lethargic baseball that we're getting used to. I'll always be a Sox fan first and foremost. If the teams met in the World Series, it's Sox all the way. But this is just the harsh reality for some. The Cubs represent the city I am from too, and they have done literally everything with their baseball operations that I wish the Sox had done. It's hard for me to not respect what they've done up to this point.

 

Agree 100%

 

Last night, Bryant and Russell homered.

Today we're deciding to sit Rodon out for his next start.

 

Next, we will return to Samardzija trade talk. Meanwhile, the Cubs have about 5-6 guys they could trade to improve their team's chances THIS year (ahead of schedule) by improving their rotation and/or back end of the bullpen One step forward for Cubs, one step backwards for White Sox.

 

It's also the ongoing issues with Ventura, whereas the Cubs lured one of the brightest baseball minds and best media manipulators this side of Buck Showalter in Joe Maddon.

 

Let's not even get started on comparing Schwarber with Anderson or Hawkins.

Edited May 22, 2015 by caulfield12

[gatnom]

 

 

[bmags]

I probably have complained more than most on this team. It has been really difficult to go to more games than ever in my life and just not really enjoying the experience the way I used to.

 

Really over-the-top statement: watching White Sox baseball really takes the fun out of seeing the best players in the world.

 

But hell, just last year I would have said this team was exciting. April and May were awesome. Most of last season was really fun except for that quite awful July.

[caulfield12]

"D.J. is a born leader," Goff said. "There's no question about it. It's going to take a little bit of time for these guys to adjust to him. He's always had the ability to make people feel and perform better than what they are, which is what it takes in a great manager. It takes that mentality to get people to play above their ability."

 

Marlins.com

 

 

This is the exact same thing we heard repeatedly about Ventura. Let's see it!!!

Edited May 22, 2015 by caulfield12

[Soxbadger]

Good luck, Cubs have always been for the bandwagon/front runner/fair weather crowd.

 

 

[chitownsportsfan]

Good luck, Cubs have always been for the bandwagon/front runner/fair weather crowd.

 

A team that hasn't won a WS in 100 years and last made the playoffs 8 years ago has a bandwagon? Not a good example.

[shipps]

IMHO unless you are actually there where you have given up on your fandom there is no need to make this thread. We have all been there out of frustration where we say almost but never really mean it. You are just frustrated like the rest of us and like Tex said this isnt even that bad. There are current fans out there that have endured hell of a lot worse with their teams and just keep chugging along waiting for that better day.

[elrockinMT]

The late 50's especially 1959 and 1960-67 and the 70's were a lot of fun bt frustrating as a Sox fan

[flavum]

This is how you spell irreconcilable.

[The Ginger Kid]

On the other hand, seven years is a long time to wait for things to turn around with no or little reward as a fan.

 

If you can quit on your team, then they're really not your team.

 

Try being a Black Hawks fan (yes, when it was 2 words). Or a Sox fan before they won a WS. Or a Bulls fan before the Jordan era.

 

Sox take their swing and they leave us frustrated and all the criticism that's heaped on the organization is mostly justified, but man, that's pro sports. I'll bet there are Patriots fans who b**** and get fed up, too.

[JoshPR]

Or Bulls fan after Jordan. No matter how much I get mad, I bleed Sox and will for ever. Being a Sox fan is one of the greatest things my mom gave me since I was a toddler. I still remember in '79 my Sox uniform pj's

[BigEdWalsh]

Like some others have alluded to, if you're a real fan you don't just stop being a fan. I've been a Sox fan since the 1950's and boy have I weathered a lot of sh*t. The Sox in the mid to late 60's had a dreadful offense. They usually struggled to hit even .250 as a team. A couple of years nobody on the team even hit 20 home runs. Attendance dwindled to historic modern day lows. In 1970 they averaged just over 6,000 a game. I want to several games back then where the crowd didn't even total 1,000. There were serious concerns about the Sox leaving Chicago. I didn't quit being a fan. Things got better with the arrival of Dick Allen and then about 5 years later they got pretty bad again. And then good again, Winnin' Ugly! Then bad again. Then along came Frank Thomas. You get the picture. Often, even these days I'll mention to my son to whom I passed on this insane fandom, "Why the hell are we White Sox fans?!". I'm not exactly serious, mind you when I say this. It ain't easy some times, but ya hang in there.

 

[JoshPR]

In 68 they couldn't hit a lick but led the league in ERA

[OmarComing25]

I was born in 1990 and didn't follow the Sox full-time until half-way through the 2004 season. This means my first full season of fandom ended at the mountaintop, and since then it's been all downhill. The last 7 years have been very frustrating in multiple aspects, but I would never consider switching teams.