Lip Man 1

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.

Just a few years ago Sox fans paid for billboards to be put up at various locations telling JR to sell the team. Cost around three grand if I remember right.

Because the pathetic division by and large still has FAR more talent, especially the Tigers, than the White Sox.

The ghosts of Al Smith, Jim Landis and Mike Hershberger. 😆 Seriously does it even matter?

That is true but JR's position in the 93-94 impasse and then the White Flag Trade severely impacted the perception of the franchise by the fan base. Even in 2000 fans were reluctant to get on board still feeling betrayed and angry over his actions.

Absolutely no question that a top notch ballpark and entertainment area are needed today but let's not also forget that winning makes up for a lot of issues. If the Sox solve that one, the other things will fall into place.

This dysfunctional organization simply can't get out of their own way can they? 🤡

Episode 4 (I think this is the final episode):

Stranger things have happened but keep in mind the Fire owner said he'd pay for the new stadium himself. Which is something the Sox have not said they would do... not even say they'd contribute a substancial amount towards it. Based on published comments from politicians that is a deal breaker par excellence. Unless that happens a new stadium is a dream for the Sox. (And no they aren't moving to Portland, Montreal, Charlotte, Salt Lake City, New Orleans, Nome, London, Istanbul or Calcutta...😆)

Oh I know the owners will never again agree to open their books, I'd suggest under ANY circumstances. Just like the MLBPA will never agree to a salary cap.