Lip Man 1

Bottom four in the lineup went 0-12. 11 strike outs, zero walks for the team. Nothing has changed there. The first of many losses and bad baseball all summer long.

I'll be curious to see what the attendance is for today. Got an e-mail this morning from the Sox saying that tickets were still available. Just a sad, sad situation.

Two stadium notes to pass along tonight. Saw on the news where the attempt by the Caps and Wizards to move to Alexandria, Virginia is now dead. The Alexandria city council said negotiations are now at an end. One of the council members put out a statement thanking everyone who put pressure on the local government to say no. And from Cleveland comes word that the Browns are now saying they need a billion dollars in renovations to Paul Brown Stadium or they need two billion to build a new domed stadium.

21 by the Orioles in 1988. N.L. record is 14 straight by the Cubs in 1997. White Sox record is 10 to start the 1968 year.

It would be interesting to know if he really wants to or not. He seems like a sharp baseball guy.

https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports-media/2024/03/27/what-happens-when-new-sox-voice-john-schriffen-meets-former-sox-voice-jason-benetti

https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox/2024/03/27/the-garrett-crochet-starter-experience-starts-opening-day-for-white-sox

From Merkin's story this afternoon: Starting pitchers (4): Garrett Crochet, Michael Soroka, Erick Fedde, Chris Flexen Crochet’s first Major League start also will be his first Opening Day start. Although he’s a rookie, Nastrini, Chicago's No. 8 prospect, has shown good stuff and good results in Arizona (3.77 ERA across 14 1/3 innings), possessing the moxie to carry himself through rough big league starts. With the White Sox not needing a fifth starter until April 3, they will break with nine relievers and Nastrini should get the call at that point.

I saw where this was expected given they don't need a 5th starter for 10 days or so.

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.