tray

That's one big dude.

You can definitely see how firing Coop and hiring Katz has focused this pitching staff.

I think the Sox should trade Collins to a team where he can eventually become the starting catcher.

Hard to tell from the webcast but Eloy looked to me like he is a few pounds heavier than he was last year.

I asked: "During the White Sox 2005 playoff run including the World Series, how many games did AJ not start? " The point of asking was that often a back-up catcher may not play a major role defensively in a protracted play-off series where a team has a premier starting catcher. Under those circumstances, a back-up catcher's ability to pinch hit, especially if he is a pinch hitter with power, could be of value. I value clutch pinch hitting especially in late innings. Some players are better suited to it then others. Vulture said: There’s no room for a pinch hitter like that in today’s game. I don't know about today's game, but there was room for Mercedes might in yesterday's game.

During the White Sox 2005 playoff run including the World Series, how many games did AJ not start in? I'm asking, because it seems to me that the primary value of a back-up catcher during the play-offs (absent some unexpected injury to the starting catcher) may well be as a pinch hitter. LaRussa would never start Collins or Mercedes or even Lucroy in a Wold Series game over Grandal, for example. But oif a situation came up where the Sox could use a blast to get back in the game. it would be great to have Mercedes step up to the plate for Poquito (Madrigal) or Eaton or Leury.

Back in the 60's the late 60's the White Sox had a short pudgy catcher named Smoky Burgess. (to digress, I recall Jack Brickhouse announcing him and Floyd Robinson). Anyway., by that time in his career (late 30's) Burgess was used by the White Sox almost exclusively as a pinch hitter (seldom as a catcher and no DH way back then). His role became so clearly defined that he always stayed in the pen to warm up pitchers unless and until he got called up in the late innings to pinch hit. Long story short, Smoky was known as one of the most clutch hitters in baseball. I I could see Mercedes in the role. a DH and Mr clutch pinch hitter. He was pretty clutch today when he came up with the bases loaded, nearly hit a grand slam, and racked up a three quick rbi. Collins and Lucroy can hit but they don't have the same pazzazz and presence that Mercedes does at the plate. Clutch hitting is a real thing and an important quality, at least from my perspective.

Crochet first pitch at 98 mph.

As Hawk used to say, put a JM next to that one....Just missed.

Yermin bases clearing double! Just missed the grad salami.

pops out.

Vaughn comes up with bases loaded.

Eaton beats out an infield hit.

Robert rips a single to Right.

ReyLo with another 1-2-3 inning.

Burgur smoked an infield single to 3rd, then gets picked off first.

First six batters in Tribe line-up are LH bats. ReyLo gets them 1-2-3 in first.

I tuned in to that link early and it worked. I still have the game on but I opened another window and the link goes to talk radio. I will try to figure a way around the re-direct. I have the same URL with the game as with talk radio.. Mercedes fouls out. Sox 2-0 after half inning.

Robert rocks a lead off single and easily steals second.

I think got radio here men: https://radiostationusa.fm/online/newsradio-wtam-1100

Good analogy. Nothing wrong with keeping it in the family. I think it lends stability to the franchise.

"Do you define fair weather as fans who don't watch during tough times? " Yes, if you decide to watch only if the team has a winning record, you are a fair weather fan. I watched the 2005 World Series at a SS bar where several Sox fans shed tears of joy after we clinched it because this was their team, our team. They stuck with the White Sox through thick and thin and through all the years...several .decades in some cases. It's OK to be a fair weather fan if that is what one chooses to become. All aboard this year and if it doesn't work out, maybe show up on the North side when fair weather hits up there.

I wish every ST game was televised because I enjoy watching the game, win or lose, official or unofficial.

The Sox brass who approved the Dunning/Lynn deal weighed the value of a long term contribution by Dunning vs. a one year deal for Lynn. Presumably, they made that call because going for it this year was a priority. A decision to have Vaughn on the OD roster would appear to be consistent with that strategy.

After one learns how to handle winning and accept defeat they can enjoy the game. Fair weather fans never learn that.