South Side Hit Men

I wanted them to do this in for 8-10 weeks last year to manage Kopech and Rodon's workloads, and everybody's including the bullpen (theoretically starters could go longer with the added rest) coming off the 60 game season. Makes sense to do so again this year once Lynn returns, convert to a 5 man rotation after Labor Day so pitchers can get acclimated to normal rest entering the playoffs. Giolito, Kopech, Cease, Lynn, Keuchel, Velazquez/Cueto. They can target an extra few outs if they are still strong, with the extra rest it may help. Save pressure bullpen, perhaps add 1-2 quality arms in July. Not sure Tony is up for it, but also could go with an opener for the 5th and if going to 6, 6th spots). Perhaps Foster and or Lopez can serve in these roles. Convert Keuchel to a swing role closing out August, if he is productive can roster him in the playoffs.

Yes, that is the point. Quality, not quantity, is what is important. Banks, Burr, Foster, Graveman, Hendriks, Kelly, Lopez, Ruiz and Sousa. These are the "multi-championship" bullpen options in May, 2022.

Graveman and Liam were his only two good options tonight, and in the foreseeable future. Injuries played a role (Bummer and Crochet), but it's primarily on Hahn, for not drafting / developing quality bullpen depth throughout his tenure. Going strictly on baseball acumen, given an option of having a solid GM and Tony as Manager, or having Hahn and a solid Manager, there is only one proper answer.

Trusted Keuchel through 5 (though should have had someone warming up after the second base runner, Justin Case). Used Graveman against the heart of the order, and for two innings. Pulled Kelly while they still had a lead. Pushed Abreu down to fourth in the lineup (he should stay 4th/5th). Started Engel in RF, had their best defensive lineup. Tony really feared going down 3-0, nice to see he and the team responded the way they did.

It was his best game in his 11 years in a White Sox uniform.

^^ This

DJ: "They are saying this is they guy they don't want to beat you. Abreu has 1 hit in his last 5,000 at bats."

Must be nice to have a catcher who can handle pitches in the dirt. Nice walk Yoan!

Kopech and Crochet pitched great out of the pen. Need to draft and develop more of these types.

Without the exorbitant salaries beyond Chapman (in final year) Green $4M German $1.8M Loaisiga $1.7M Holmes $1.1M King $0.7M Schmidt $0.7M

Much weaker lineup in the 9th as well. Still liked Liam to start the 8th with the heart of the order up there. Tony could have left him in the 9th for the one thing Tony cares about, giving Liam a Save.

Nice out, though not sure he'll get 4 more with fastball only.

Wish Tony went with this plan from the Bottom of the 5th.

Dave Duncan's son.

Left On Base: 8 Feels ominous.

With everyone but Eloy back, he shouldn't be DH anymore, play when he is able to catch and rest.

Regardless of the outcome, this has been his best managed game in a White Sox uniform. Beyond having someone at least up in the 5th, he has done everything else right. Mega Dittos, Tony.

So Graveman two innings, Liam two innings?

Great game tonight Dallas! Someone better be warming up during the bottom half of the fifth, and inserted in the 6th.

Is someone warming up, or is Tony focused on the flask?

Obligatory

Sox should play this lineup behind Dallas for all of his starts (sit Leury). Their best defensive squad is more important for his starts than the other four starters based on his "stuff". Would like for Engel for some starts against RHP if he is healthy enough to play more than 40-50 games, or at minimum playing him the final few innings if Sheets is out there. Glad they pulled the plug on the Pollock in RF experiment. He was never a RF, doesn't have the arm for it, and is actually a plus in LF as compared to Vaughn or Eloy.

It's a great place to visit. Take Tony's plaque down please.

Cesar Hernandez wasn't a signing, but he was far worse and also cost a prospect and had a higher salary. Cesar Hernandez 2021 53 Games, minus 0.7 bWAR Josh Harrison 2022 20 Games 0.0 bWAR

Elite!