Lip Man 1

Pitching is not only a science but a big mental chess match.

They've had a ton of injuries but guys are starting to return. Don't bet against them come October is all I'm saying. And in 10 days they'll go out and trade for issues they feel need to be taken care of.

Can't argue with his comments.

I do remember reading a story in the mainstream media which said the Sox asked him to change his off season program and I remember seeing posts from fans (for what that may be worth) that they were surprised he wasn't stretching before games like some other guys.

I was going off of what was agreed upon during the 1994-95 impasse. He was a Stanford economist but your comment would work as well.

The owners and the union had no issues agreeing on one during the 94-95 labor impasse. The owners though didn't like what the Stanford economist found when he took a close look at their books.

Considering a pitcher has never been killed on the field in the history of baseball in the modern era (since 1900) your suggestion is a little extreme in my opinion.

Some guys are definitely playing themselves into valuable trade pieces.

Completely agree

Story in the Athletic again today that Manfred is recruiting former players to join his team on the salary cap crusade and the union is upset about the maneuver. Pretty clear he's going to push the salary cap idea which means he feels that's what the owners want. It's going to be a long cold winter after the 26 season ends. Here's the link for those who can read it: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6505095/2025/07/21/rob-manfred-former-players-mlb-salary-cap/

Very true but unless the owners are willing to open their books to the union and let an independent economist look at them it is going to be a very hard sell to the union to claim things are going south financially.

A.J. said that it was.

I would be absolutely shocked in the MLBPA agreed to any type of salary cap. Clark has already said under NO circumstances would they agree to one and the union is upset (as well as some team reps) that Manfred is trying to work around the union and talk to players directly trying to sell a cap. Just not happening. One thing the players have been very good at is holding ranks regardless of how long a lockout or labor impasse lasts.

Keep in mind they already removed him as a team ambassador last year. They only way he returns is when JR is gone.

https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox/2025/07/20/white-sox-in-wait-and-see-mode-ahead-of-trade-deadline

Anytime this team can win three games in a row is cause for a massive celebration.

Robert actually over .200, Houser got roughed up a bit, trade them both now!

I honestly don't think they'll be competing in 2027 because JR really won't do much to improve the team until a new CBA is figured out. So they'll be stuck where they are until after it ends.

Ishbia at worst takes over in 2033. Compete by my definition means you have a very good chance to at least, at least post a winning season. Do that and you generally give yourself a shot with the expanded playoffs. From 1981-2006 for example the Sox had 16 winning seasons in 26 years.

I can tell you from a high ranked person in the front office if they have their way Schiffren isn't going anywhere. They are very pleased with his work. (Their words not mine). Don't know what Stone's future is but getting Plesac involved was an excellent move. The question with him is would he want to leave the MLBN? Personally as a broadcaster myself I don't think Schiffren has improved that much in year #2. Doing play by play for baseball is an art form, a real skill. It is so different from doing football, basketball and hockey. I was told by both Pat Hughes and the late Dave Wills it is different from anything else a broadcaster may have done before.

That's because winning costs money. JR by the way said himself after the Sox won the division in 1983 that he didn't realize how much winning costs because after the season a lot of the players wanted raises or new contracts.

I hope when the Sox get good under Ishbia that they realize you have to pay the price for good pitching and you better have it in spades. Particularly starting pitching. If you have six even seven reliable guys you can rotate them and have these "phantom" injuries (LOL) to give them a break during the season without seriously hurting your chances to win.

Coming in 2026:

You are right, there is no hope until a new CBA is reached and Ishbia takes over. I wish that wasn't the case but that is reality.

His defense needs a lot of work in my opinion. Also just my opinion but the Sox need to stop trying to make seemingly all their guys into "utility" players supposedly able to play multiple positions. How about becoming competent, even very good at ONE position? Put together a solid lineup/order and stay with it.