Chicago White Sox

Holmberg pitching for Charlotte, I take it that means Lopez is being skipped today.

Swarzak time!

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Apr 29, 2017 -> 08:15 AM) The worst case is Jared Mitchell. The best case is he loses a step, but his game has never been predicated on stolen bases. That said, some hesitation in the outfield and worry in the back of his head about another injury are going to be hard for him to get over. It's just as much psychological as physical. His game has never be based on stolen bases, but base-running & range are two essential components to his game. Losing a step could have a significant impact on his production.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Apr 29, 2017 -> 08:44 AM) Tied for 6th in MLB run differential Up to 24th in ops, .680 Best ERA in MLB by 0.35 over the NY Yankees, 2.93 to 3.28 Also first in BAA at .215 Our pitching staff is currently ranked #1 in runs allowed. That's absolute insanity given how Quintana has pitched and having Covey/Pelfrey combine for five starts. Unfortunately for us, Gonzalez, Holland, & Shields aren't going to finish with 2.00 or below ERAs and our bullpen will certainly regress from their current GOAT production level. But let's enjoy it while it lasts and hope most of these guys can maintain enough to remain valuable trade chips come July.

The Sox currently have three relivers in the top 20 for WAR in Robertson (11th), Swarzak (15th), & Kahnle (19th). While Robertson has a track record of being an elite reliever, the other two are obvious surprises. Having said that, both of these guys have experienced increases in velocity that can be be explained to some extent (shift to relieving, mechanical tweaks) that suggests there might be something real here. What's crazy is the quality doesn't stop here. Putnam was having a great season (9.35 K/9, 1.04 BB/9, 1.28 FIP) before going on the DL with an elbow injury. Jennings has been very solid this year (0.93 ERA) despite core numbers that don't scream at out you. And we haven't even gotten to Nate Jones who was the 17th ranked reliever last year in terms of WAR and has been filthy after a slow start to the season (14 Ks, 2 BBs in last 8.1 innings). Long story short, even if a few guys regress, the Sox should have a ton of relief talent to dangle at the trade deadline. The question then becomes which of these guys do you prioritize moving and do any fit into the long-term plan. Below is the years of control for each of the six guys mentioned above along with their current age: Swarzak - 0 / 31 Robertson - 1 / 32 Jennings - 2 / 30 Putnam - 2 /29 Jones 4 / 31 Kahnle 4 / 27 I would love to hear everyone's thoughts. I'd honestly like to move most of them, but that's probably not realistic for one trade period, especially one where there could be a lot of sellers.

Good googly moogly that ball was crushed!

QUOTE (winninguglyin83 @ Apr 28, 2017 -> 09:07 PM) Giolito's 11 walks, 3 HBP and 4 dingers in 19 innings not inspiring. Lopez 13 walks, 1 HBP in 20 innings not much better. Gilolito is revamping his mechanics against AAA hitters. Not sure what's going on with Lopez, but he could be pitching working on a pitch. Still way too early to panic with either of these guys.

QUOTE (BigHurt3515 @ Apr 28, 2017 -> 08:59 PM) Typical White Sox Reverse jinx! Nice work bud!

Slap one up the middle Yolmer!

Wow, pretty much the worst possible outcome short of a triple play.

End this s*** Davidson.

This pen has been insane. If Quintana can rebound, we're going to have a f***ton of pitching to trade at the deadline.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Apr 28, 2017 -> 07:28 PM) No way they play in Columbus. Collins a homer but 23 k's in 61 ab's. At least he walks. Basabe two hits already. Tanner Banks doing well. They're playing right now. Willy already has a HR. Really hope Lopez brings it tonight.

QUOTE (Soxbadger @ Apr 28, 2017 -> 07:39 PM) The only problem I have with the pick is your adding a raw TE with an inexperienced QB. That being said, the Bears may as well go 0-16 next year and then get 2 1sts + 2nds + from whoever wants Darnold. I personally think Pace is being too cute with these picks, but at least this TE has a lot of people excited about his upside. The problem is that hes like either going to be really good or completely overwhelmed. Just no way to tell. If we go 0-16, we should draft Darnold and then trade Mitch for picks.

QUOTE (Soxbadger @ Apr 28, 2017 -> 06:33 PM) They got the Cards 2nd too. So its a pretty big haul for a few spots. Yup, excellent return when you're only dropping nine spots with plenty of talent still available.

Odds the Bears trade down? Has to be high. If not, I assume they take a DB.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Apr 28, 2017 -> 05:19 PM) You really think 29 other teams would trade for Dunning over Lopez/Giolito based on 4 Sally League starts? Some would argue against Giolito, but Lopez? 100% agree. Dunning has definitely opened some eyes given how good he was, but he should have never been assigned to low A in the first place. I'd still take Lopez & Giolito over Dunning at the moment no questions asked.

What I don't get is if we were going to invest so heavily in the QB position why didn't we make WR a bigger priority in free agency? The lack of weapons Glennon and/or Trubisky will have to work with is setting them up for failure. Watson must be going here right?

I would have been good with Trubisky at 3, but giving up all those picks is insane to me. Pace is putting his career on the line by betting on Trubisky being a legit franchise QB. Hope he's right for all our sakes.

QUOTE (fathom @ Apr 26, 2017 -> 07:24 PM) His fastball velocity and spin rate is so disappointing. He has an uphill battle IMO You have stats on spin rate this year?

QUOTE (chitownsportsfan @ Apr 26, 2017 -> 05:37 PM) Who else is going to be there? Seriously, he's earned at least another month of starts. This year? How about Tilson? Leury should play over May, but saying he deserves a full season opportunity in CF because of a hot couple of weeks is insane to put it mildly. This guy was considered a AAAA player by pretty much everyone just a few weeks ago. He's nothing more than a play it as it goes option.

QUOTE (raBBit @ Apr 26, 2017 -> 12:12 PM) I've had enough. Send Dunning to A+ already. This x 1,000,000.

What's our run differential in games Q starts vs. games he doesn't?

No excuse whatsoever to not land this kid. We should be considered the favorites IMO.

Big night for Fulmer & Kopech (so far). Nice to get two of our big starting pitching prospects back on track.