WestEddy

Yes, I did say that the assignment was to not set the loss record again. I also mentioned 7 other items I thought were positive moves forward. I would have liked for the team to avoid 100 losses, if only to kill the narrative. I don't find myself angry at where the team is today. This team did wind up in a uniquely bad spot that saw a convergence of bad draft picks, developmental failures, a complete collapse of the major league talent and historic neglect of talent acquisition. There's a lot to dig out from, and I believe Getz put a clear dent in the organization's issues. I fully encourage you to keep demanding better.

It seems that by your own definition, the White Sox did not embarrass themselves again, so they probably deserve an A for that. The 2024 Sox started out worse than an expansion team. An expansion team now gets to draft for a couple of years, then they have a draft where they pick players from other teams. The White Sox started out with a mostly depleted minor league system, and a veteran team that had completely collapsed. They really only had 3 tradeable assets, and two of those (Cease and Robert) turned out to have less value than we all expected. The fact that there's now a young core to build around is huge progress.

I'm not sure why you do this, Holden. Here, I'll clarify for you. If younger players get untracked by getting too in their own heads, or worrying about clubhouse politics, or whatnot, their skills won't matter. They need to remain focused on their responsibilities in order to perform and veterans around the clubhouse help set the example. Robert is a veteran, but I wouldn't call him a veteran leader. You only seem to be making my point for me. Robert needs veteran leadership (like Abreu provided) and his skills won't carry him if he's too in his own head.

It's a good thing nobody said that, then. GG said it's a positive because rookies came up and performed to the extent that they go into next spring training as the presumed starters. Coming out of 2025, we look to have most of an infield, 2 catchers, maybe 1 OF, 2 starting pitchers, and half a bullpen. I continue to say it's a rebuild, and I'm rooting for rebuild things. Get pieces in place. I fully support you in not seeing anything here as positive. Just quote us positive people accurately.

None of this has anything to do with what you're referencing.

I think veteran presence on a team is very important. Athletes across all sports talk about the importance of veteran leadership. I feel this would be like discounting stretching, or fundamentals, or wearing mitts on the field. Veteran leadership holds the clubhouse together, enforces good habits - all in a game that is 95% mental. If young guys get into the habit of stinkin' thinkin', it doesn't matter what their bat speed is.

I gave a B. The assignment was don't set the loss record, again, and they didn't. Traded Crochet for a good haul. Learned from the previous season's mistakes. Backed up Robert for the inevitable injuries. Didn't force trades on other teams' terms. I was told this pitching rotation would be worse than last years' and it was quite adequate. Filled RF, C, 2B, SS. I liked the glut of infielders so they could weather an injury or two without tapping into the Vinny Capras or Jacob Amayas of the organization after the All-Star break. .430 winning pct after the break. That's a 70 win clip. I would expect a bullpen cleanup, and maybe creating a glut of outfielders like they did with the IF could goose the win total into the upper 70s. Continued growth from the 2nd year players could push them up around .500.

Weird how Liptak doesn't have a list on that.

I'd love for someone to release audio of conversations between Getz and JR where JR is telling Getz to spend all of his money, and Getz is reassuring him that they can win with the lowest payroll in the league. *That* would make me bail on Getz.

Do any of the National Days honor the days Mao overcame his opium constipation and pooped? I've heard that was a big deal during the Long March.

And Drury was out the door much sooner. Positive me wins again!!

But here you are.

Bookended the season with 8 run efforts. Opened with an 8-1 win against the Angels. Los Angeles Angels vs Chicago White Sox Box Score: March 27, 2025 | Baseball-Reference.com

You should probably read the string.

Fletcher's a good fielder and had a solid hit tool through the minors with a little pop.

Yea! Positive me wins!! Eat it, negative me!!

Counterpoint: Yes they should.

Probably just hit the bag hard. He'll be fine in a couple of days.

White Sox winnah!!

I think Meidroth is solid. I have him as a guy who sticks around and maybe starts until the Caleb Bonemers and Billy Carlsons graduate and displace him in the lineup.

One of the Hall-of-Famers, King Kelly, caught cold on a ferry ride during the off-season of 1893, developed pneumonia and died. He had a song written about him, Slide, Kelly, Slide.

Looking at the 1882 Cubs, now, I find a couple of things interesting. 1) None of the players were born in the South. There was probably a period where Southerners entered the game. Does anyone know of a culture shock when this happened? 2) The team played 84 games, and used 12 players between fielders and pitchers. They only used 2 pitchers. One position player (Ed Williamson) threw 3 innings in one game. 3) They played at Lakefront Park 1, which was located at the corner of Michigan Ave and Randolph. The area is part of Grant Park, now. 4) Catcher Silver Flint led the team with 4 HRs. 5) Best record that season (55-29), only two HOFers, Cap Anson and King Kelly. 6) 5 of the players died before the age of 45.

1882 Cubs, for instance. 10 of the top 12 in WAR had moustaches. This was a replacement level 'stache.

Okay, they earned that one. No perfecto.

Looking at the top 12 in WAR for each white sox team, only George Davis had a moustache in the first couple decades. I think the golden age of facial hair was probably the 1880s, so the Sox missed out on obvious contenders. By the 40s, the red scare kept everyone clean shaven except Tugboat captains and Lumberjacks.