WestEddy

I thought I was being too exuberant in the bold predictions thread when I said 60 wins, so they exceeded my expectations. B. There seems to be a seriousness under Getz, and he lacks the Hahn-descension of the previous two GMs. I like how they handled Vargas and Colson, turning their seasons around. Crochet trade? Some here still complain we didn't get Kristian Campbell and Marcelo Mayer, and we'd be horrified with their output on this year's White Sox.

I have faith that Getz wouldn't run his own version of Gordon Beckham out there 5 years in a row.

I would say that outside of Brett Lawrie, they never actually tried since to fill the position. Moncada and Madrigal were intended but got injured/were moved to 3B. I would think they'll have a little better hit percentage with the way they're targeting SSs in the draft.

1) I don't think a "window" is a goal. A continuous flow of prospects is. Billy Carlson and 2026's 1st rounder probably don't hit the majors for good until 2029. 2) I don't see Sosa and Vargas as being part of a core unless they seriously step up their production (.850 OPS). Vargas is a nice place-holder, where if he stays at 3B and hits a little more consistently, he can be a 3 WAR player. If they can't replace Sosa's 101 OPS+ in the next 3 seasons, this team has bigger problems than a small window of contention.

Players don't need to defy age and play forever at the same level they are right now in order to have value to a team in a particular season. You seem to be arguing that because Konerko and Quentin are now old and can't play baseball at a competitive level anymore, they never had any value and never should have been traded for.

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.