35thstreetswarm

Russell was a big one, he was supposed to be part of the core and we all know what happened

Why do you keep saying Soler “followed” the core 4? As I already mentioned, he was one of the earliest prospects. He debuted a year before Contreras and Bryant.

To steal a joke from the Athletic comments: “I just drove by Wrigley and they were hanging a “Spirit Halloween” banner on it”

It is kind of crazy how the bottom fell out despite their keeping the “core” intact. A lot of casual fans (and plenty of not-so-casual fans) assumed at the beginning of the window that you could just project contention as long as Bryant, Rizzo, Contreras, Baez stayed healthy. It was conventional wisdom back in 2016 that since these guys all “hit,” and were so young, that you could pencil them into the playoffs for a decade. Well, they stayed basically healthy and it wasn’t enough. Just goes to show you how much more there is to sustaining success in baseball. A little scary, and a reminder to make the most of the good years because they might not return again. More importantly, F the Cubs.

it is crazy, and should satisfy those that want to see the FO “send a message” and “run with the big boys” and the like

I don’t know—Bryant (who came at a much lower price with likely greater impact) plus a reliever who does not come with a massive salary and prospect price tag is what comes to mind.

Hilarious self own. “Yoan id great” ?

This isn’t the reliever you’re looking for…unless you’re just categorically against trading for relief pitching?

I just keep looking at that return for Kimbrel and…wow. That’s just a lot, man. Way more than I would’ve expected. I’m excited about the prospect of our lockdown bullpen in the playoffs, and that’s what I’ll focus on, but I can’t help but feel there were more efficient ways to improve.

Soler was first wave. His debut was in 2014.

I was a Madrigal fan, but I guess he could be a fun guy to root against.

I'm going to have to pretend not to hate this shit now, aren't I...

Truth. I can't stop vomiting and might vomit straight through the final innings of each playoff game. I mean I'm excited but I'm genuinely worried about how it will affect my body

Let's hope this is our Torres for Chapman move. Let's hope this isn't our Torres for Chapman move.

You might find yourself feeling glum today when the Sox don't make the move you were hoping for. When you get there -- hitting "delete" on the "Bryant in a Sox jersey" image you've been working up, burning with envy as the Yankees sign three more players to supercharge their push for third in the AL East -- please just take comfort in the fact that you really have no clue what you're talking about, and a strong track record of being super wrong. Instead of dwelling on the players your team didn't get in the moment, revel in *your* great moments from the season past: cursing the FO in the offseason for failing to convert on CY-level internet troll and Miller Man of the Year candidate Trevor Bauer. Shaking your head as the Sox raided the bargain bin for Carlos f'ing Rodon instead of spending merely triple on Corey Kluber, James Paxton, Garrett Richards or the many other clearly better alternatives obvious to anyone who was not a complete idiot. Or lamenting the Sox's inability to land perfect-fit Marcell Ozuna. Or nodding your head knowingly as you cast your Soxtalk poll vote for the Sox to take third in the AL central in this "development year," when the title clearly goes through the battle-tested Bomba Squad. Close your eyes, inhale deeply, and let the realization of your own ineptitude wash out all the negativity like a mighty tide. Then open them, look at the standings, and draw yourself a nice hot bath. It will all be OK! (Or maybe not, but likely not for the reasons your dumb ass supposes.) Cheers!

Oh, good to know

God I'd just love to see the Yankees miss the playoffs after acquiring All The Players at the deadline

Yes, please don't make me turn on our acquisition already.

Weird...so this is it at 2b?

Or the Yankees, who cemented their superiority over the White Sox in April but are going to miss the playoffs.

Absolutely. Planning on it.

Man, obviously far more important issues to unpack here but…somebody should tell that “fan” the division race is over. Imagine spending all that crazy on the f’ing 2021 Cleveland Indians.

hopefully that changes at the deadline.

Glad we won tonight. Just wish we could’ve won Saturday so we could’ve taken the series and been a “juggernaut”, in what will forever be known as the “juggernaut game.”

Huge whiff -- they had the chance to have the coolest name in MLB (Spiders) with limitless branding opportunities. This is at best boring, and has the added detriment of echoing the unveiling of the "Guardians" name for space force, which was pretty roundly mocked. Oh well, not my team and I guess I don't have to be jealous that a division rival gets a cool new name.