To further this. look at this list from a couple of days ago. All kinds of ethnic backgrounds here. What to do almost all of them have in common? They played for the White Sox at some point.
https://theathletic.com/3108064/2022/02/02/on-the-other-side-of-the-game-nicky-delmonico-rejoins-white-sox-as-a-minor-league-hitting-coach/
Here's the thing. I don't think what Tony LaRussa looks like made any difference to the hire. Looking back on the Sox history, they bring in their guys to do jobs, simply because they were their guys. As much as a I hate Tony LaRussa and the joke of a process that brought him in here, I have very little reason to think it was race related and that Jerry only hired him because he was white. He hired him because he was Tony LaRussa and he has wanted him back since 1986.
Let's be honest here. Expanded playoffs are happening, almost certainly. The players will trade it for something they want. Better arbitration, higher minimums, something. They will get some cash, and the owners will get their new money.
When it comes to the White Sox their history of innovation and integration holds up better than pretty much anyone else in baseball. Their track record makes me trust them more than just words and interviews do.
How about responding to the one thing that owners do respond to... money? Set up some revenue stream or payment flow which kicks in more cash as the percentage of minority leadership grows to certain thresholds.
I read what you said. It might have been you didn't think of unintended consequences, but if you shrink the playoffs, the teams that don't make it have a zero chance at winning the World Series. That means only two teams have a chance to win instead of 10, or whatever MLB settles on. Your idea means less chance of the Sox winning a series on an annual basis.
It's coming. I think we have a few guys in the system right now who are capable of having a huge impact this year, top of the list is Norge Vera. I would also put Colas and Montgomery on that list. I almost expect them to be top 100 at some point, if not soon.
My purchases will probably end up through stubhub at discounted prices instead of directly through the team, though if this lasts at all into the season, I may well not go at all