Lip Man 1

Take this for whatever it may be worth. Keith Law was on WGN-TV and he was asked how long before the White Sox will contend again. He said three to five years. He said the farm system was terrible and they are trying to improve it, he felt the Sox didn't get as much as they should have for Cease. He said part of the minor league system problem was Williams/Hahn was too conservative in their approach to the draft and this struck me, he said he hopes Getz would let the scouts do their job. Obviously a slap at Williams/Hahn. Also this little item from someone who covered the Sox this spring. They told me a month ago they were with a group of media types and said that it was remarkable the Sox found someone who was more arrogant that Rick Hahn. They were talking about Pedro Grifol. The person told me both Garfein and Merkin were upset that this person made that statement. ?

Nope. Just that I'm guessing it costs a lot.

Looks great but I bet it costs an arm and a leg.

Honestly I feel the same way and this is my 64th as a Sox fan. They have drained a lot of the passion out of me the last few years.

As the famous Seattle Pilot pitcher Gary Bell (he also pitched for the White Sox) said in Ball Four by Jim Bouton..."Smoke em' inside! ?

Did a detailed history of SportsVision which will be included in Dr. Fletcher's next book on the Sox which comes out next year. Regarding The Baseball Network when it came out regional sports networks were already well established along with Superstations but the concept just didn't go over and it was abolished after the 1995 season, it just didn't work. The focus on "national telecasts" at the expense of "local/regional" games (which were blacked out) was part of the reason. And of course the labor impasse didn't help matters. ABC Sports president Dennis Swanson, in announcing the dissolution of The Baseball Network, said:

Former Gov. Quinn says "Put it on the ballot..." (Which could be the end for either stadium): https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2024/03/26/bears-sox-new-stadiums-public-funding-taxpayers-city-council-ballot-referendum-quinn-poll

https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox/2024/03/26/white-sox-have-opening-day-starter-but-will-they-have-an-ace

In 1994 MLB thanks to Eddie Einhorn tried something like what you proposed called The Baseball Network. It didn't go over very well from an advertising standpoint.

Very true and so did Mike Mussina. In Schillings case he told the Arizona Republic it was because of something JR said to him in a meeting between owners and players during the 94-95 labor impasse. Schilling never revealed what was said, but he did say it was so personal he never would forgive JR nor play for the Sox.

We'll find out soon enough I guess.

https://awfulannouncing.com/espn/espn-reportedly-leaning-towards-opting-out-of-mlb-contract.html

Warren said the Bears are having continuing “productive conversations” about seeking joint public funding with the White Sox, who are exploring the potential for a new South Loop stadium. Warren said he is “energized and excited” about the Sox project. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/03/26/chicago-bears-stadium-kevin-warren/

To all White Sox fans: Hang in there during the season. It is what it is as Kenny would say. Things eventually at some point will get better.

https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox/2024/03/25/max-stassi-to-open-season-on-il-catcher-korey-lee-makes-opening-day-roster https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox/2024/03/25/michael-kopech-could-be-wild-card-in-white-sox-bullpen

All they have to do is speak in very broad general terms, "this is a work in progress, we aren't where we need to be or want to be yet..." That simple concept seems to be beyond their understanding.

An interesting and detailed story on how difficult it is to move a baseball franchise vis a vis Sox threats of going to Nashville: https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/03/25/could-the-chicago-white-sox-really-move-to-nashville-its-complicated/

I went to UK and broadcast football and men's basketball for the campus station WBKY as well as writing for the school newspaper. Kentucky has been good to me and that's plenty of soul.

Franco had a great year hitting behind Frank. Darrin Jackson was a solid replacement for Ellis Burks, the Sox also had a strong bench and a deep bullpen even without Scott Radinsky who missed the season. Jack McDowell by the way started the year 2-7 so he went 8-2 in his last 10 decisions. He and Jason Bere won the critical two games in Oakland which guaranteed the Sox would finish in first place and be awarded a post season slot should a settlement have been reached in time to have the playoffs.

There is some truth to your comment. I guess there's always the chance a miracle takes place a la 1977 and 1990 but man that's really stretching belief.

???????????????????? If by "great" you mean they'll only lose 95 games instead of 100, then I'm right with you.

Because it's the White Sox way! ?

https://www.mlb.com/whitesox/news/kevin-pillar-re-signs-with-white-sox-after-release

I guess we can put our expectations for the year in this thread as well. I've got only two: 1. Don't lose 100 games. 2. Hope some players have good first halves so they can be traded for something useful at the deadline. Such is the state of things.

With spring training over DVS of the Sun-Times has a wrap up story and asks the question 'how do Sox fans feel?' https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox/2024/03/24/gm-chris-getz-likes-what-he-sees-from-white-sox-manager-pedro-grifol-says-see-for-yourself