Lip Man 1

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/04/mlb-players-union-labor-negotiations/

Wasn't speaking about Getz specifically in this case but as I pointed out the arrogance has been linked to JR, Kenny Williams, Don Cooper, Einhorn, Hahn and others with their public comments towards the fan base. Even Garfein has had his moments.

Sox Machine looks at the signing: https://soxmachine.com/2025/12/following-up-anthony-kay-fits-white-soxs-type-perhaps-too-well

https://www.mlb.com/whitesox/news/white-sox-prepare-for-2025-winter-meetings

Speaking of Manfred and the probable lockout. Here's an interesting story on some "cheap" teams trying to spend and why: https://defector.com/why-mlbs-cheapest-teams-are-at-least-trying-to-seem-like-theyre-trying

They had four years above .500 between 81 and 85. 81,82,83 and 85. JR was still the owner and could have said no to the deals that brought in Bannister as a free agent, outbidding the Yankees which got Steinbrenner PO'd, and the trade for Cruz so he has to get some credit. I'm the very last person to talk in a positive manner about JR but fair is fair and there was a time period where he actually cared. Those days are long gone and the way he has destroyed the franchise can't be excued in any way, shape or form.

Didn't believe it for a second. My "trust" of JR was never solid, all I was saying was that based on results in the time period from 81-06 he earned the benefit of the doubt. Since 2007 the benefit went by the boards.

A long solid story on Manfred's legacy. And yes, the upcoming labor lockout is discussed in detail: https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/rob-manfred-legacy-mlb-commissioner-pitch-clock-astros-cheating-scandal-pete-rose-cba-lockout-expansion/

Well for one thing Cali at least JR was trying to win back in that time period. One example was the period between 1981-1983. Every year the organization made the moves and/or spent the money bringing in good players: 81-Fisk and Luzinski 82-Kemp and Paciorek 83-Bannister and Cruz Given they also had 16 winning seasons in that time period is why I thought JR got the benefit of the doubt. Since the start of the 2007 season, the results speak for themselves. You're reasons regarding Getz are valid he's under real handicaps. But also look at what he hasn't done? All the money literally thrown away on his acquisitions where other "small market" teams have had better results with their bargain basement signings. His lack of success as head of the minor league system for all those years also is a major red flag. (In all that time, even with a cheap owner, they couldn't produce any solid players? And just the way he was hired, fair or unfairly leaves a bad taste in the mouths of Sox fans including myself.

Because the owners are stupid? There are always a few who think that "breaking" the MLBPA is just around the corner.

Since when have baseball owners done logical things in regards to labor relations with the MLBPA? Just look at their history.

Ishbia has made it clear they aren't moving to Nashville...the second part of your comment is what is going on. Also to be clear it's not a strike, the owners are going to lock out the players.

Fair enough but just a reminder, this is going to be year #3 coming up for Getz as far as full seasons are concerned. If they lose 100 games again this year I'll be very interested on what your take is going to be. For that matter even if they lose 90+ and not hit 100.

As far as the plan Getz has said some things to the media about self-improvement (for wont of a better term) from the young players and "building from within." With the lockout coming the belief is JR has told him no contracts longer than a single year which automatically rules out any good free agents. More than likely the plan will be to look for pieces that could be dealt at the trade deadline for prospects. Some call that "dumpster diving" which isn't inaccurate in my opinion. You are correct nothing really changes until JR is gone from the organization along with his lackeys and ass-kissers. My guess with Tauchman is because he is in his mid-30's has been injured often and they think he won't stay healthy enough to repeat his production. Hill supposedly gives them a guy who can play center field when Robert is either traded or gets injured. Hill of course can't hit worth a damn.

Unreal: https://www.mlb.com/whitesox/news/pope-leo-receives-nellie-fox-bat-as-gift

I was very happy when they won in 2005 and have been accused in the past of setting the bar to low because to me just having a winning season (at least 82 wins) is a positive on the year. That's what JR has done to the fan base, just having a winning season is a reason to celebrate. And it wasn't always like this, there was a time when he had earned the benefit of the doubt. From 1981 through 2006 they had 16 winning years and most times were in contention for the division. Since 2007? One of the worst teams in baseball. My opinion or comments shouldn't impact you one iota. Trying to "ruin" it for everyone? Since when do you give a s#$% about what I say or my opinion? If what I say or write bothers you at this forum I'd submit the issue is on you. I'll tell you what bothers me, and it should bother you too, that this franchise is incompetent, dysfunctional and inept. A laughing stock. A few incremental improvements don't amount to much not when you consider how far behind they are even compared to teams in their own division. The standings don't lie. Getz is a joke passing himself off as a G.M. He sucked as a player, he sucked as the person in charge of the minor league system and he sucks as the G.M. He was hired because he kissed JR's rear end and from what I was told specifically undercut Hahn and Williams in order to get the job. (Not saying those two didn't deserve to be fired). But if you think he's doing a good job that's OK, you're entitled to your belief. And you having that belief doesn't ruin it for me even if I think that attitude is naive and fails to see reality. I respect you as a Sox fan though I will give you that.

The White Sox were one of the best franchises in baseball from 1990-1994 and from 2000-2006. The can be again. No guarantees, I'd be VERY happy, repeat VERY happy if they could consistently string together winning seasons. You do that with expanded playoffs, you have a chance. Let's put it this way Westy, having a winning record as opposed to be a historically inept and embarrassed bottom feeder is REAL progress, that's not happening with JR, based on Ishbia's public comments (unlike JR who doesn't talk to the media) I'll take my chances. Oh another advantage is Getz will be quickly fired when that takes place. Happy, happy...joy joy!

I'd be more than happy to lose a playoff series due to an error because that would mean the Sox actually GOT to the postseason. And I'm guessing the Phillies weren't near the bottom of MLB in defensive metrics or number of errors/ unearned runs et al unlike the Sox who have been near the bottom for literally years. Feel free to keep trying though, remember everything seems to be fine for a franchise that has lost 100+ games for three straight years.

Correct. That's why he had the clause in his deal about being one of the "top three" paid players in the game and why MLB removed him from the committee that advises the commissioner on all labor matters. They were really pissed. “The owner who’s railed the loudest and longest about curbing player salaries had just broken the bank. Randy Levine rushes into the hall where he sees Rob Manfred, who’s just heard the same news. “What the f***?” says Levine, and both men rush back to Levine’s office to call “Bud” Selig.” “Bud” have you heard the news? Levine asks. Selig has not. Levine fills him in, and there is silence on the other end of the line. “Thank You,” Selig says. “Selig is soon on a conference call with the game’s owners and one thing quickly becomes clear: Reinsdorf’s stunning decision has broken any remaining resistance to the deal they’d just rejected. Another vote will be held in six days. But first, Selig wants to talk to Reinsdorf, who has spent the day telling reporters that he’s just trying to win. “It doesn’t mean I like the system,” he tells every reporter who reaches him. And that’s what he tells Selig when the two speak later that day. “But Jerry, all you’ve done is preach about getting spending under control,” says Selig, who knows there is little reason to discuss this much further. What’s done is done, and Reinsdorf has done what every owner in baseball has ever done, whatever’s best for his team. Reinsdorf has one request for Selig. “Please don’t work the owners,” he asks. “Let’s go to Chicago and have an honest discussion.” But it’s not long after Reinsdorf walks into the O’Hare Hilton Ballroom on November 26 that he realizes Selig has the votes he needs to approve the deal. “I can’t believe he fucked me,” Reinsdorf mutters and he’s still muttering when the roll call reaches him. “No” he says, but only Cleveland, Kansas City and Oakland join him and the new labor deal is approved 26-4.” – From the book ‘The Game’ by Jon Pessah. Pg. 199-200. Published 2015.

Westy: I was talking about the franchise in general terms. I wasn't specifically referring to the outfield (which for years has been brutal. Hell before Robert the Sox couldn't find a good center fielder or right fielder to save their souls). For years you hear the same BS in spring training, "We're working on fundamentals. Spending a lot of time on them." Then the regular season starts and it's missed cut off's, botched run-down's, inability to advance runners or score runners from third with less than two outs, awful stupid base running and guys who can't hit their weight." Ergo my comment about finding guys who can catch the ball AND hit. But please carry on.

They will be when Ishbia takes control. Until then JR says, "You'll get nothing and like it!"

Congratulations to the Chicago Bears...a statement win and it guarantees their first winning season since 2018. That's more progress than I could have hoped for this season.

It's unfortunate the White Sox can't see to find players who can actually catch the ball AND hit. It's funny, other teams seem to be able to do so.

Very true. It's all in the eye of the beholder. If Cease performs up to his norm, Toronto makes the playoffs a few times during his deal, and (I assume) they'll reap the benefits vis a vis attendance, marketing and advertising money it won't be a bad deal at all.

“A lot of people say athletes don't deserve to get the money they get, but the one law of economics that has never been repealed is the law of supply and demand. There is a very small supply of athletes who have the ability to play at the major league level in any sport--and the demand is great enough that they command these salaries because that's the law of economics." – Jerry Reinsdorf to the Chicago Sun - Times’ Terry Savage. July 30, 2000.