South Side Hit Men

This all occurred after Kenny Williams broke his agreement with Ozzie to make no decisions on extending his staff until after the season, and Kenny went behind Ozzie’s back and extended his clubhouse snitch, the absolutely worthless for the next eight seasons Don Cooper, before the end of the season. Kenny Williams installed his clubhouse snitch as a manager for the final two games, permanently smudging the White Sox record book.

People need to think about the way the White Sox FO conducts business before jumping on guys when they are hurt. Stevie Wonder could see Luis Robert wasn’t healthy enough to hold a bat this month. I don’t want to see a single guy in the Organization’s FO / Clubhouse (excluding Paddy) ever in another MLB media guide, definitely not in a White Sox media guide. Assuredly the usual suspects both here and in the media will point the finger at Tony and exculpate Hahn, but in a court of law, just like with Brian Ball’s lawsuit, pathetic Hahn is ultimately responsible for who is or is not an active player on the Chicago White Sox, whether his cowardly ass is hiding on the North Shore, or punching cabinets in his office, or wherever.

Go Caufield Go! Leave Hahn Leave!

This entire organizational management from Jerry down are cowardly pieces of s%*#.

But fashion savvy. Baseball is just a minor component of the complete Yoan Moncada package. Priorities.

The Dodgers view Lux as a platoon player. I wanted the Sox to target him last year. Don't think it will be easy to get him, but worthwhile for a reasonable package. Sox would have had a great year if they had Robbie Ray, Pablo Lopez, Wilson Contreras and Gavin Lux shoring up the rotation, defense and offensive upgrades, though Zavala developed really well. I have to credit Jerry Narron if his work helped him the past year. Also think Gallo would have had better numbers here than in NY. Couple that with a new manager and coaching staff and this team runs away with the division, and has a good chance to be competitive in October. Targeting guys in their 20s is nearly always preferable to guys over 30 (Ray was my only target with that threshold as he turned 30 last October). People can quibble about the details, this player or that player, but the bottom line is to get continually younger in terms of players who can contribute now and have upside as they approach their peak value (age 26-28 for hitters, slightly higher for pitchers based on their development timeframe). Catchers also take more time to develop, and it's OK to spend $4M-$6M on a decent catcher or backup who plays defense and manages the staff well, and can hit at least .650 OPS. What I'm against are large long term contracts for over 30 catchers, like Grandal or Contreras, who looks great now but likely won't in 3-4 years. The optimal way to field catchers is to develop them yourself. If Narron or the next staff can work to develop even league average catchers on a consistent basis would really help roster construction, because you can pay $2.0M-$6.0M for your two catchers and have the $14.0M in savings to spend elsewhere. Catchers typically can't go beyond 90-100 games behind the plate, so you are really looking for two solid part time players at reasonable deals. In terms of Hinch, what has he had to work with in Detroit? His entire rotation was down at one point. I wanted Espada then and now, but would have been happy with Hinch and mentioned him because his signature was on the White Sox' official Tony La Russa announcement.

Could also play Colas in RF, Robert CF and Nimmo LF or a different LF which you can get easier. You would significantly improve the outfield defense, which helps the pitching staff, and also the offense with significant upgrades for both corners (Pollock and Sheets removed, Vaughn should hit better playing a normal position for him)). That mega Dodger deal would likely end up at least somewhat different, don't think they would take all four of those players, but it's consistent with what I've been calling for entering a third year now which is to: 1. Get younger / acquiring late 20s FAs who can help you win now. 2. Acquire legitimate starters at 2B and RF. 3. Stop signing high priced old people. If the Sox did that and hired AJ Hinch or Joe Espada, and fix the scouting and minor and major league instructors/coaches and the Sox would actually be in a legitimate "multi-championship window".

I guess teal is required to denote sarcasm.

Dodgers don't care about luxury tax. Looking at MLB Trade Values, for discussion purposes only. White Sox send: T. Anderson ($45.7M), Hendriks ($17.8M), Moncada (-$11.9M) & Grandal ($10.2M) = $40.9M (Net 2.6 2022 bWAR) Dodgers send: G. Lux ($34.1M) & Brudsar Graterol ($12.4M) = $46.5M (Net 3.2 2022 bWAR). White Sox Contract savings: $113.6M over two seasons. White Sox swap or sign: D $9.5Mefensive upgrade at Shortstop Elvis Andrus (2.6 bWAR vs. Tim Anderson's 1.2 bWAR) Offensive upgrade at Third Base Jake Burger (.761 OPS vs. Yoan Moncada's .635) Free Agent signing Omar Narvaez ($5M AAV 2 years), significant upgrade over Y. Grandal (0.3 bWAR vs. -1.3 bWAR) Oscar Colas promoted 2023 Opening Day to start in LF, shift Robert to CF and sign Brandon Nimmo to solidify OF offense and defense. Every position but 3B shows a significant defensive upgrade over 2022, lineup significantly younger with upside as six players below age 27 peak year. Get rid of multiple reported clubhouse cancers. (Opening Day Age & Batting Stance) 2022 OPS Salary (Linked free agent AAVs from Spotrac) $42.3M Lineup + $22.4M Bench = $64.7M 2B G. Lux (25 L) .768 $0.7M RF L. Robert (24 R) .746 $9.5M (.808 career OPS - 2022 impacted by Hahn/Tony playing him crippled during 2nd half) CF B. Nimmo (30 L) .778 $14.0M DH E. Jimenez (26 R) .868 $10.3M LF O. Colas (24 L) .895 Minors $0.7M 1B A. Vaughn (24 R) .766 $0.7M 3B J. Burger (26 R) .761 $0.7M C S. Zavala (29 R) .729 $0.7M SS E. Andrus (34 R) .696 $5.0M (Decline club option, sign as FA) Bench: C O. Narvaez $3.2M; INF D. Mendick $0.7M; INF/OF L. Garcia $5.5M OF AJ Pollock $13.0M. SP ($50.5M): L. Lynn ($19.5M); L. Giolito ($10.0M); D. Cease ($3.5M); M. Kopech ($2.8M); Free Agent ($14M budget - 1 or 2 SPs); M. Davis ($0.7M) RP ($32.5M): K. Graveman ($8.0M); J. Kelly ($9.0M); R. Lopez ($4.0M); A. Bummer ($3.8M); M. Foster ($1.2M); G. Crochet ($0.7); B. Graterol ($0.7M); Two Free Agents (Two FAs $5M total budget) Total Payroll: $147.6M ($50.0M reduction year over year) If Jerry is only looking to cut $30M or $40M, it gives you more flexibility. in terms of maybe adding another significant starting pitcher or added depth upgrades for position players or the bullpen.

Don't see the White Sox' primary organizational objective to make the team "better"; it's to make Jerry and the owners bank accounts better. Jerry was willing to crank up payroll for his BFF, but with Tony gone and attendance heading further downward next season, there is little to no motivation to sustain that kind of payroll. Don't think they will do a complete teardown. They can sell off 2-4 players, saying we needed to change the team, have a new approach and with a rebound and health of the remaining players, they expect to compete in 2023. Not saying it will work or that many here will buy it, just seeing that as more likely than the Sox bumping up payroll to get an actual RF, 2B, 5th Starter, relievers you actually want, etc..

Willie was one of two managerial finalists in 2020. He could be once again. Joe Espada if he's not being promoted this offseason (he's not leaving Houston for a lateral move, really a downgrade since the Houston job is far superior in every aspect).

The thing about Eloy and Moncada is they are in their 20s, and both will be highly motivated over the next two seasons for their next big contract. Dodgers are the most likely trade partner. Moncada to replace Max Muncy. Lynn and or Giolito helps with depth with Price ($32M) and likely Bauer ($35M unless he somehow wins his arbitration) off the books. Liam to replace Kimbrel. Anderson to replace Trea Turner if the Dodgers don't want to commit to what he is seeking. Eloy to replace Justin Turner. The could shed a few veterans" Grandal, Pollock, Graveman, Kelly and/or Leury, could net some solid prospects as well if Hahn isn't involved. Don't think they would take payroll down to $50M-$80M, but they could get payroll down to $140M-$160M on Opening Day and claim they will be competitive. Most here won't buy it, but the general fan base might be satisfied with a new manager, guys coming back healthy and a new attitude in the clubhouse.

It's a shame Detroit can't catch the Sox this year.

While I agree Moncada won't bring much, but ditching the deal would be value. Eloy would defiantly bring a decent return back, especially with his close out of 2022. Lynn was going strong before flatting out the past few starts, but teams always are looking for starting pitching, and someone would likely take a flyer.

Payton => Abreu => Vaughn grind out a run. Now up, Hahn's $13M man.

No, this is to purge salary, which will be Reinsdorf's and the White Sox number one priority this offseason. Could be a win short and long term depending on who you are dealing. If it were my team, I would trade all veterans for solid younger players, eat the shitty Hahn contracts for 2023/2024, rebuild the entire organization and target 2025 for a sustained competitive window. It's what the Sox should have done in 2016 or 2012.

You can also pair him with players teams do like, with the Dodgers a possible destination (Anderson if they are not signing Trea Turner, Hendriks, perhaps one of the core). Dodgers are fine DFAing guys or having $18M bench players or relievers (Price) to get players they want. Pretty much the one team willing to do it. However, I don't want Hahn making the deal, he'll just make the situation worse like he did with double doink Kimbrel. Best call in sports history:

Do they have $1 Hot Dog night at Soxfest? Up and over. More Brittney as well.

If Hahn stays, no trades of consequence. Let him keep doing stupid s%*# and keep signing expensive middle aged relievers and let the team fall in the 50-60 win range until there are under 10,000 attending games and Jerry finally shitcans his worthless ass. If Hahn leaves the organization, and a competent person is hired (longshot, I know), then shoot for 2024/2025 and trade, don't resign (if FA) or keep in AAA the following: Players to keep (14): Abreu, Burger, Cease, Crochet, Giolito *, Gonzalez, Kopech, Lambert, Lopez, Mendick, Robert, Sosa, Vaughn, Zavala. Core to trade for value (3): Anderson, Jimenez, Moncada (* Keep Giolitio for walk year bounce back season, trade at the deadline if tanking). Might get something in return (6): Bummer, Graveman, Hendriks, Lynn, Martin, Sheets. Won't get something in return - Keep for organizational depth or DFA next season (16): Banks, Bilous, Crick. Diekman, Foster, Garcia, Grandal, Haseley, Kelly, Padilla, Payton, Perez, Pollock, Ruiz, Sousa, Stiever. Free Agents to go, thanks for the memories (5): Andrus, Cueto, Engel, Harrison, Velasquez.

I'll personally pay for Will Smith's first class airfare and VIP access to Sox Fest should Rick Hahn still be with the club and scheduled to appear.

Now film Rick Hahn.

They needed to either option Zavala or cut Grandal to keep McGuire once Grandal was removed from the IL. They couldn't keep 3 catchers unless they dropped a reliever from the roster (they couldn't go with only two non catcher bench, especially since Hahn carried 1-2 injured guys throughout the season.

They have significant profit from CSN that they don't include in their White Sox results, since Jerry owns this separate from the team. Also have tons of new shared MLB revenue, the Sox could operate with a $200M-$250M payroll indefinitely and still come out with a higher profit margin than most businesses.

I believe, but I'm not positive, that none of Jerry's Bulls and White Sox business partners own a piece of the RSN; he owns the entire 50% Sox/Bulls share (NHL Team and CSN owns the remaining 25% shares). When Jerry's estate sells the team, the White Sox share in the network would likely be included for the Reinsdorf family to avoid losing a large share of capital with no Spring/Summer programming with a Sox relocation. So in that respect, it helps keep the team here, vs. being broadcast by an independent entity. That said, it would be really smart for the Sox (and perhaps the Bulls) to consider over the air broadcasts and also Spanish Language over the air broadcasts. Jerry won't do it, but if he passes before the next TV deal is finalized, there is a chance forward thinking new owners would consider trying to maintain/grow future fan interest, versus serving an increasingly dwindling number of cable viewers. The Sox pissed away their 50/50 fan split in Chicago primarily due to the 1980s Sportsvision debacle, and chasing away Harry Caray.