Lip Man 1

At the same press conference he also said they wouldn't be signing any pitchers to long term deals.

Absolutely agree, he'd be a refreshing change from what JR has been feeding us since 2007 but until he actually takes over in a different sport under different conditions it's hard to say what will happen. I think he will spend and spend a lot but until it happens who knows for sure.

https://soxmachine.com/2025/07/spare-parts-white-sox-starters-have-justified-market-prices-for-better-or-worse

It's hard to predict anything really considering the strong chance for a lockout after the 26 season which will definitely impact JR's thinking on spending and of course the fact that we have no idea when Ishbia will actually take over and what his philosophy is going to be.

It would be complete stupidity to hang on to him then waive him this off season because JR won't pay him 20 million. I'm sorry that makes ZERO sense, get a bag of balls for him if you have to, ANYTHING is better than nothing. Again that is predicated on JR refusing to pay him his contract option for next year which barring something completely unforeseen and based on history would appear to be the case.

i hope he's right too but I seriously doubt it. With the lockout coming JR isn't going to spend a dime knowing the 2027 season could be severely impacted, he won't take risks remember. I wouldn't be shocked after the Sox trade Robert and maybe Beni, that he orders another payroll reduction for the 26 season. We'll see.

By WAR Billy was the best pitcher in the decade of the 1950's. * Won 186 games with the White Sox from 1949-1961 (211 overall) * Had 11 years of double digit wins (12 overall) * 20 game winner in 1956 and 1957 * Threw 35 shutouts (38 overall) * Had 19 saves (38 overall) * Led the American League in complete games in 1956, 1957 and 1958 (Had 193 in his career) * Led the American League in ERA in 1955 (1.97; for his career his ERA was 3.27) * Led the American League in strikeouts in 1953 (186; had 1,999 in his career) * Threw four one-hitters, including losing a perfect game with two outs in the 9th inning (1958) * Seven time All-Star and the only Sox pitcher to ever start an All-Star Game multiple times (1953, 1955, 1956) * "Sports Illustrated" cover boy in May 1957 * "Sport" Magazine cover boy for October 1957

20 straight on the road from May 30 - June 15. Sox went 8-11-1.

5th time this year the Sox trailed going into the 7th inning or later and won the game.

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.