Tony

But here is the argument you haven't answered. You made the statement: "The White Sox minor league system was woefully behind the rest of baseball in all new development tools and methods." According to his bio, when he was named President of Baseball Operations for the White Sox, this is how it read: So even assuming he realized he needed those things and they were not available, given that he spent seven years in the White Sox front office before being promoted to President of Baseball Operations...What was he being judged on? According to you, his job was was "basically entry level" (which is another ringing endorsement for being given the President of Baseball Ops job) so what earned him the large promotion? You can't seem to cite any large success stories that you believe Getz was responsible for (again, his job, according to you was "basically entry level" in what he was doing...so why should fans believe he is the right guy to oversee the major league team?

This is where your argument breaks down. The point, many, are trying to make is that quality teams have a pipeline of talent that usually helps support, or in some cases, carry a roster. It's not just about first round talent, and it starts from an organizational philosophy. The Twins were brought up, and for some reason you only brought up Byron Buxton. Some of the players you didn't mention were guys like Max Kepler, Jhoan Duran, Jorge Polanco, Miguel Sano, Luis Arraez, Jose Berrios...quality MLB players that were developed by the Twins. Let's stay in the division with Cleveland. Steven Kwan, Shane Bieber, Aaron Civale, Tanner Bibee, Cade Smith...etc...a pipeline of players grown in the organization that are contributors to the ML team. We can keep doing this with the Braves, Brewers, etc....Now try doing it with the White Sox. No one is saying Chris Getz is solely to blame. But he also shares some of the blame, and yet he received a fairly large promotion for his efforts.

Given where the offensive line is, I don't think it's crazy to play Bagent tonight. From a simple risk vs. reward standpoint, both short term and long term, I'd sit Caleb tonight.

I think tonight is the game Poles gets fired (in the offseason) It’s on national TV, division opponent, offensive line has like two starters on it, and the Vikings are going to take advantage, it’s gonna get ugly.

This is correct. I’m sorry, but I can’t muster much emotion around any of this. Yes, the Sox seemed to acquire some young players that have the potential to be solid MLB regulars. Why should any of us believe they will be developed? It would be simply a faith-based argument, which is fine I guess, but it’s history has continually showed us this organization has failed consistently on player development. We’re all hoping for the best, but at this point in time, my expectations are still incredibly low, until shown otherwise

From the reports I've seen, Getz is asking for a 2023 return on Robert, not his results from 2024. If someone wants to pay 2023 prices, fine...but if they are only offering up packages that line up with his production from 2024...no reason to trade him right now.

Sort of ironic it's the Red Sox again, as Crochet and Sale have a lot of similarities. We should all be rooting for Crochet, hope he thrives.

I mean, a trade around Mayer seems to make the most sense, right?

They should absolutely interview all 4, and my guess would be one of those names is your next HC. But I would hope they interview as many candidates as they can, simply to hear different opinions about what an HC would do for this specific roster/team. This process can be so valuable if done correctly, but what you do with that information is the key

That’s absolutely a concern, but there really isn’t a “good” option. It’s very “Bears” anyway they do it. But if they have any hope with Caleb at QB, they need to get the right coach/GM in the building ASAP. If they don’t think it’s Poles, then cut bait now

Silvy was on the radio today saying he’s heard that Poles was told when he was hired he would be reporting straight to ownership, and he wasn’t happy when Warren was brought in. He went on to say while he hasn’t heard anything about his future, he wouldn’t be surprised after the season, if they end with 4 wins, there is a “mutual” parting of ways. And honestly, the more you think about it, I don’t know how it makes sense for Poles to come back. You’re going to have a new HC/Staff, and we’ll be on Year 4 of Poles, and his record is…not impressive. If they suck again next season, there is almost no way you can bring him back..so now Poles hired that new coach, now Poles is gone, new GM comes in and doesn’t have his coach or his roster…and the cycle of suck continues.

Quality, not quantity. I'd much rather two high quality guys than 4 borderline guys

It’s the most obvious draft in Bears history. Not that they don’t need help in other areas, but a lot of problems get fixed with strong trenches

Said earlier this week WAY too early to give Thomas Brown the long term HC tag.

He wasn’t even involved with the Bulls when Michael came to the org

It would be great if we lived in a world where this was true...but it's not.

Whats the difference in your eyes?

I think it's incredibly honest and if you gave truth serum to the 2024 White Sox, my guess is a majority of the players would say the same thing. They won 41 games. By July, from a simple human perspective, I think it's a very natural reaction. Of course I would want every player to be giving 100% all the time. I also don't think it's realistic. And while I completely understand baseball is different than most other professional fields, if you're at a job or with a company that has zero direction, poor leadership, poor training and poor infrastructure...when you roll up to your cube each day, are you going "all-in" for that company each day, giving it max effort all 40 hours a week? For most...probably not? I'm not defending Kopech and saying his actions are acceptable, but I'd also be a liar if I said I didn't understand where he was coming from with that quote.

I absolutely agree it's very Bears/Chicago...but there is still a decent chunk of the season left. If they don't win another game, or even win one, I think it's going to be a tough sell to bring back Brown on a 4-14 team or whatever.

I agree that at this point, Vrabel is my favorite as well. It's dependent on the OC he wants to bring in, which will play just as big of a role, but given where the Bears are, I want a commanding force in the HC role that was a proven track record and fills that "leader of men" role. Ben Johnson, to me, could fall very much into the Nagy mold. I understand he's been calling plays for 3 years, way more than Nagy ever did...but the Lions have a fantastic OL which allows Johnson to execute the offense he wants to run. When you have that luxury, most OC's are going to look pretty solid. I'm not against Johnson, I just think it comes with more risk than people realize.

He joined the Browns in January of 2016. During that time, the Browns have gone 54-87, and he was credited with helping orchestrate maybe the worst trade in recent sports history, sending 3 first rounders, a third and two 4ths for Deshawn Watson, and put the cherry on top by giving him FULLY guaranteed contract of 5 years/$230 million, while the sexual assault allegations were already on full display. They’re also 3-8 this year. So I’m not really throwing any roses at Paul Depodesta or calling that a “hit” for a non-football guy.

Just because Poles might not be the guy or as smart as we thought doesn't mean a "football guy" shouldn't be making "football" decisions. Kevin Warren has accomplished a lot in his career, but they are business related victories. Paul DePodesta certainly seemed like a very bright baseball mind...based on his tenure with the Browns, I wouldn't want him making decisions for my football team.

Poles did NOT come off well in that presser. He sounded and felt very small, the presser made it seem like Warren is in charge, which is troubling since he really shouldn't be the decision maker in football decisions, but seems like he very much will be

Why would we expect anything less from the Bears? Hate beating the dead horse, but there is simply no reason other than blind faith to think they’ll get this right.

The major similarity to Jerry is George wants to do it “his way” That means no one “bigger” than the Bears, that means a family friendly environment (no swearing on Hard Knocks) and that means a nice guy at the HC spot that won’t ruffle any feathers. It’s why Trestman, Nagy, Eberflus, Pace and the others not even worth mentioning all had jobs here. And until they show us otherwise, we shouldn’t expect it to change