South Side Hit Men

Looking forward to the interview.

Tim has four fingers up. I would like to see six tomorrow afternoon.

I would like to see Dallas transitioned to the bullpen now, so he is ready for his playoff role. There are five off days between now and the final game. They can bring up Steiver for the one DH start against Cleveland, and go with Reynaldo as the fifth starter. He may also be needed as a fourth playoff starter if something unexpected happens. Transition Keuchel both mentally and physically for his bullpen role now, and next season as he can serve as a long man or first/second replacement for an injured pitcher in 2022. The Sox have 20 million legitimate reasons to do this.

For the regular season, whatever at this point, but Lamb mustn’t be a consideration for a postseason roster. He has no defensive position, and does not have a platoon capable bat (.702 OPS vs RHP). Mercedes would be a much better option, since at least he can mash RHP (.909 vs. LHP), and can at least serve as an emergency third catcher. I would still prefer (assuming Engel returns as RF) a playoff bench of Zavala, Garcia, Hamilton, and then Goodwin if he is not starting, with Sheets, Mercedes or Mendick as a possible 14th position player (ranked in the order I would like to see them). Would also rather have Burger, or even Collins or a mop up pitcher over Lamb.

I agree, unless he is able to go somewhere and be a top reliever approaching his Boston peak for 4-7 more years, he may get support primarily because of his JAWS score, and the fact he pitched for four letter network media darling Boston. He won ROY, impressive for a closer, and pitched poorly in his one World Series, though they won. RP JAWS In: Eckersly 49.9; Rivera 42.5; Wilhelm 36.8; Gossage 36.4; Average 32.6; Smith 24.8; Suter 24.2; Hoffman 23.7; Finger 22.2. Current Comps: 18th Joe Nathan 24.2; 29th Jonathan Papelbon 21.4; 35th Francisco Rodriguez 20.9; 38th Kimbrel 20.4. Historical Comps: 36th Keith Foulke 20.7; 38th Kimbrel 20.4; 39th Jesse Orasco 20.4; 40th Moe Drabowski 20.3

The Chicago White Sox are now 4-0 vs. the Cubs this season. They will attempt to extend their current winning streak to three games later this evening. Projected Starters: The White Sox will send RHP Lance Lynn (10-3, an AL leading 2.20 ERA among qualified starters, 130 2/3 IP, 145 Ks), who despite pitching well in August (2.86 ERA, 1.045 Ratio) is without a decision. The Cubs will counter with RHP Alec Mills (5-6. 4.76 ERA, 81 1/3 IP, 62 Ks), who pitched out of the bullpen until joining the rotation on June 15th. This will be Alec's first appearance against the White Sox. Starting Lineups: Will be posted when available this afternoon. Bullpen Availability: (# Pitches in last appearance(s) on F = Friday, Th = Thursday, W = Wednesday, T = Tuesday) The Chicago Cubs did not play on Thursday, Adrian Sampson (37 F), Michael Rucker (40 F) and Ryan Meisinger (30 F) will likely not be available tonight. The Chicago White Sox have the following anticipated bullpen availability: Available: Bummer (27 W), Hendriks (29 T), Ruiz (11 W), Tepera (8 Th). Likely Available: Kopech (27 Th). Likely Out: Crochet (18 F & 8 Th). Out: Kimbrel (24 F & 6 Th), Lopez (59 F), Wright Jr. (29 F). White Sox Position Player Availability: Barring any roster moves today, the Sox have three bench players. Tony La Russa announced Friday Seby Zavala will catch tonight. Jake Lamb and Brian Goodwin were the other two Friday reserves. I have not heard an official pronouncement regarding Yasmani Grandal's availability to start at DH or 1B, or to PH, as the team navigates his return to full health. Zack Collins cannot return to the White Sox until 10 days after his Friday option (Tuesday, September 8th in Oakland, The Field of Screams). Final Thoughts: Outside of Dallas Keuchel angst, the Friday game thread went well given the circumstances. Let us all strive to continue with positive thoughts and commentary, and remember we are all in this together. The team is here for us to enjoy, and we are here to support the team. Thank you for reading, and I hope we enjoy another White Sox victory. Go Sox! Eh Cumpari, ci vo sunari Can you dig it? Yes I can...

And the Tigers will knock the Sox out of the final Wild Card spot.

Ya, whatcha gonna do about it.

It takes a long time to wash spider tack off your body.

Yasmani awarded the Crosstown Classic Cup!

Hernandez’ glove is solid, don’t care if he doesn’t hit much, which I wouldn’t assume he won’t.

The Sox need to call Liam’s wife, she can fix him.

Tony said Zavala is catching tomorrow, but he’ll likely play DH, possibly 1B, unless they have a health plan which dictates he won’t play two consecutive games for X days.

Yes, Reynaldo is stretched out and only at 48 pitches. Good with Wright or Ruiz.

Love the fact the Cubs have to eat up their bullpen, will help the next two games with a fast turnaround time (36 hours). Lynn should go deep tomorrow, and if Cease pitches as well as earlier this week, they will be in great shape in the bullpen. Off day Monday as well.

Vaughn almost had a homer (xBA .650), and reached twice (walk and hit by pitch).

^^^^ This.

Gold Glover Right Fielder out there. Total Ass Whooppin'

Take bad pitches for balls, good things happen. Fourth time through the order in the bottom of the 5th.

James Fegan has the night off, and there are no other media who will confront Tony with the question tonight, or beyond, unless Keuchel is toast the next time with James back. Tony will bristle, but hopefully Hahn is looking at the busted windows he has after throwing a bunch of shit tonight, and is ready to discuss a bullpen demotion with Tony. This team is too good to worry about Keuchel's feelings, and even if he goes toxic in the clubhouse, I don't see many, if any, taking his side. Reynaldo Lopez earned the opportunity, Tony La Russa is the only person standing in his way. Based on his track record, and love of veterans, I don't feel they will make the move.

But what will Tony say?

The Sox will need to get 1-2 innings out of Wright tonight, to keep others fresh. Available: Wright (has not pitched this week) Kimbrel (pitched yesterday, 8 pitches) Ruiz (pitched Wednesday, 11 pitches) Bummer (last pitched Wednesday, 27 pitches) Hendricks (last pitched Tuesday, 39 pitches) Likely Not Available: Crochet (pitched yesterday, though only 8 pitches - so slight possibility) Not Available: Kopech (pitched yesterday, 27 pitches) Tepera (pitched the past two days, 8 on Thursday, 20 on Wednesday)

Eloy makes it Chicago White Sox 9 Cubs 6

More great hustle by Vaughn, this time it pays off. Chicago White Sox 7 Cubs 6