South Side Hit Men

White Sox players had a modern approach to hitting, until Tony came in and dictated a change, played players who suited his style. Players were healthy until Tony felt uncomfortable with Brian Ball and now they are crippled. Pitching has been good only because Lucas Giolito recruited the guy he was working with on the side because Don Cooper sucked, and Dave Duncan wouldn't come here. https://whitesoxpride.mlblogs.com/white-sox-name-frank-menechino-hitting-coach-c883f5a3c1cc

Frank is implementing what Tony wants. Tony stated at his hiring press conference everyone is playing for three true outcomes and waiting for 2-3 run home runs. Tony stated it is easier to win in today's game, because he can use his gut and play for a run, moving runners over.

2-1 scores at the OG Comiskey Park dimensions made sense, but not in this ballpark, and not in 2022.

Win or lose, Tony plays the Latin music everyone in the clubhouse can dance to.

"There is a difference between being asleep at the wheel and being passed out at the wheel." -Tony La Russa, DUI Arrest

I agree on a few players, but when you read Hahn's top deadline priority is RP, and not these permanent holes, it's either because He has no money available to make it work. They don't believe they have holes at RF, 2B, C They don't believe this team is going anywhere. Would say it's a combination of all three. Would still like to see them sell off the expensive veterans as best as possible tomorrow and this offseason. I don't see Jerry bumping up payroll with season tickets likely dropping due to this poor season and another year of Tony and Hahn on the horizon.

Jerry doesn't have "trouble with cash", he just chooses not to spend any more of it. With the way Hahn spent $197M, would you give the idiot a penny more? With the way this team has played for four months, and with the current health of several key players, would you be chasing good money after bad?

Yes he is. They haven't had a RF or 2B during this "multi-championship" window, and I'd argue they need a starting catcher as well now that Grandal is down (thanks for the five good months for $73M).

FTFY Hendriks is valuable because he is under a reasonable contract for two more seasons, whereas Hader is under contract for a year and two months. 37 year old Bard just got $19M for two seasons. MLB Trade Values Hendriks $20.6M Hader $15.5M

The money has been spent. "My team is on the floor." - Rick Hahn

Yes, I don't think this trade was either a buy or a sell. It was replacing one of Tony's poor options with another. That said, I wonder if the Sox will acquire another catcher, unless they think Grandal will be able to handle more than 2 games behind the plate each week. Zavala as a regular catcher has to put fear in the hearts and minds of White Sox pitchers.

Not to mention be stuck with three catchers when Robert is also off and they have two DHs playing the corners.

The Twins acquiring Hard Carl would be Armageddon.

Jerry: "Rick, I know you worked really hard on trying to get Ohtani to Chicago. I want you to take a few days off and relax." Rick: "But Jerry, we still have a day before the deadline to make the Sox better." Jerry: "That's what I'm trying to do, too."

Possible, but if Tony remembers him, and Tony likes him. Tony will want him and Tony may get him. Quite frankly, I'm just grateful the Cardinals are in contention to prevent the Sox from landing Pujols, Molina and Wainwright for every prospect.

$13M more on the bullpen. Yeah!

I went up to Des Plaines and offered my White Sox Baseball Card collection for 50% of the winning ticket, but the owner passed on my offer. I tried, though perhaps I should have thrown in my Comiskey Park and Chicago Stadium bricks.

Who did the Bears turn to for help? The Arizona Cardinals Who would Jerry turn to for help? Tony La Russa. Who would be the first President, GM and Manager/Head Coach in any sport since George Halas? Arizona Diamondbacks' Tony La Russa

Mychal Givens is most certainly not at The Head of the Class.

We have two months to see how it plays out. I'd wager Cueto, Cease and Kopech will finish with higher ERAs, and Giolito, Lynn and Kelly will finish with lower ERAs (vs. 7/31 for both).

The Sox are two back Lucas and Lynn should see their numbers improve as they are pitching way below their expected FIP. Mike Matheny and the Kansas City Royals are in town. Tony and Jerry are one day closer to enjoying a long and relaxing retirement.

Johnny has pitched well and was a great pickup, but will likely regress as his ERA is above his expected Fielding Independent Pitchiing. Carlos Rodon fWAR 4.2 (#1 across The MLB) ERA 3.00 xFIP 3.06 Expected ERA Regression: Johnny Cueto fWAR 0.8 ERA 2.86 xFIP 4.33 Dylan Cease fWAR 3.3 ERA 2.01 xFIP 3.02 Michael Kopech fWAR 0.9 ERA 3.16 xFIP 4.96 Jimmy Lambert fWAR 0.1 ERA 2.13 xFIP 4.99 Expected ERA Improvement: Lucas Giolito fWAR 0.7 ERA 5.14 xFIP 3.75 Lance Lynn fWAR 0.2 ERA 6.42 xFIP 3.66 Joe Kelly fWAR 0.2 ERA 5.91 xFIP 3.18 Josh Harrison fWAR (0.1) ERA 9.00 xFIP 6.59

Hard to argue the Sox are any more effective managing player acquisitions or team payroll (not saying that you are). Both teams have identical records and spending levels over the past decade (Source Cots Contracts - OD Payrolls). Colorado Rockies 678-781 .465 Payroll $107.8M Average Per Season Chicago White Sox 670-786 .460 Payroll $107.2M Average Per Season Your initial point about appeased fanbase is supported by the fact Colorado completely dominates the White Sox in terms of attendance, including leading the Sox by 1/3 this season (1.85M vs. 1.26M), despite the goosed Sox 2022 Season Ticket sales prompted by 2021 playoff ticket rights. That said, it's hard to estimate how many fans like me simply refuse to spend a penny on an owner who brought in Tony La Russa. I attended 15-20 games in 2019, attended 2020 Spring Training, and at least through October 28, 2020, had intentions to go to attend 30-45 games, and likely several road games in 2021. These plans changed on October 29, 2020, a date which will live in infamy.