The 2021 White Sox left everybody needing more
Ostensibly, the “if somebody told me…” device intends to keep one aware of the big picture. In practice, I often find it lacking. Sometimes it comes off as patronizing, sometimes it comes off as too forgiving.
Loser talk, in other words.
That doesn’t count the times it’s deployed to startle. For instance, if somebody told me before the season that Gavin Sheets would provide just about all the offense in a postseason game, obviously that would be great news for the individual and a rough outlook for the team, but it presents the good news/bad news whammy effectively.
When it’s used to soften the blow, it’s not something you always want to hear.
For instance, if somebody told me before the season that the White Sox would win the AL Central by 13 games before exiting the postseason in the ALDS in four games to a high-quality Houston Astros team, I’d probably register it as success, albeit one with a premature ending.
But the spin is less positive when lies of omission are embedded in the grooves. I might picture a White Sox team that simply proved too strong for Minnesota and Cleveland over the course of the summer, but suffered bad breaks right before October. It feels a little cheaper when you learn that no other AL Central team finished over .500. That the lead was eight games at the All-Star break. That it never dropped below that number over the final 2½ months of the season.
As the White Sox entered the second half, they had the luxury of resting players, pacing others, and being very conservative with injuries. They knew a postseason shot was assured at the trade deadline, and could exercise every bit of caution in order to arrange everything just so.
If somebody told me that the pitching staff would still give up 31 runs over four games despite this purported advantage, and no starter would last more than four innings, then I’d wonder how these White Sox would fare when actually challenged for a six-month stretch. There’s the feeling that their mettle wasn’t really tested, and when they finally got their shot, they didn’t look much more composed than the 2020 team whose exit in Oakland led to Rick Renteria’s surprise dismissal.
After a drubbing, some of that bitterness might be one’s ringing ears talking. White Sox fans can’t afford to discriminate when it comes to division titles, and the Sox’s 26-man roster quality and stability is still the envy of the AL Central, which is a big part of the job. We’ll be reviewing the season once we examine the remains of the postseason, and we’ll cover plenty of great moments that happened over the last six months.
But Rick Hahn certainly has some choices ahead of him. There are standard procedures like club options and qualifying offers, but losing the ALDS with such a disparity in the on-field product, it’d be understandable if he wanted to adjust the roster to alter the shape of the team. That Hahn traded Nick Madrigal suggests that other players perceived to be part of the core could be on the block. That Hahn traded Madrigal for Craig Kimbrel suggests that he’s still not free from a track record that still requires a lot of work in order to become trustworthy.
That assumes that Hahn will be able to conduct any of those moves, at least when he wants to make them. The collective bargaining agreement is set to expire on Dec. 1, and if Major League Baseball and its Players Association remain oceans apart on a framework for a deal, we could spend a lot of the winter in a work stoppage. When viewed this way, you can kinda credit Jerry Reinsdorf and the other owners for actually seeing this season through to completion, because that hasn’t been a given when the Sox have held first place in the not-too-distant past.
While we’re lowering the bar, let’s acknowledge a few other benefits from even a short postseason run. The White Sox still have a winning record when it comes to blackout games, 3-2. Also, by winning one game, White Sox fans retained the right to make fun of the Minnesota Twins. The AL Central is 2-14 in the postseason over the last three years, and the Sox have both of those wins.
And once the sting fades away, the White Sox should still see a lot of carryover from this season’s surge in interest. If the White Sox can make it out of the CBA sturm und drang without getting sore about paying players, there’s no reason to think they can’t be in the same place at the end of September in 2022. From there, we’ll have to cross our fingers that lessons were learned, but some of the moves made in the 10 months prior should also inform our hopes.
* * * * * * * * *
And we’ll be covering those moves all winter long. If you’re new to Sox Machine, there’s no reason to make yourself scarce. We have new stuff every day, starting with the autopsy of the postseason, a review of the regular season, followed by the Offseason Plan Project, which usually shows up right before the World Series. When the offseason starts, our focus shifts to rumors and moves, although I imagine this winter will be heavy on the business-of-baseball stuff that really gets the heart pumping. If that fails to excite, I’m working on other ideas to fill time during a potential lockout.
I’m able to do this because your support has made covering the Sox full-time possible. It was hard to get a real sense of the feasibility during last year’s lockdown, but a full, proper season with fan attendance and the ability to hold at least one glorious meetup worked out as tenable for the foreseeable future. I couldn’t do it without your past, present and future support, and of course the conversation.
If you’d like to support Sox Machine on Patreon, here’s where you do it.
I also couldn’t do it without Josh and his tireless work on the Sox Machine Podcast, not to mention that Milwaukee tailgate and everything else he does for the enterprise. Here’s hoping the general national situation will improve to host more live events, but just like the White Sox’s divisional title, we have to appreciate the immediate progress, however stilted.
Also, thanks to Ted, Patrick and Greg for bringing their ideas to the site, and for pitching in when I go on vacation. Bennett was a big help with his Wake-Up Calls and Sox Machine Live. Thanks to Billy for fulfilling various design requests for the site and for merch, and Carl for his artwork, including his second-to-none scorecards.
Aside from saying farewell to the 2021 White Sox, there’s nothing else “goodbye” about this post. Hell, the Arizona Fall League opens today. The baseball is over, yet the baseball also continues, and so do we. You should, too.
(Photo by Matt Marton/USA TODAY Sports)
Author
First of all, a big thanks to Jim, Josh, and the staff. I don’t post often, but I read daily. This is my source for all things Sox, and I love everything about this site–the articles, the community, everything.
Second, and I know we’ll be talking about this plenty over the weeks to come, but this offseason is going to be a tough one. Looking at free agency, I just don’t know what the path to improvement is for the Sox. Maybe that’s because it’s so hard to diagnose the problem. Sure, there’s obvious holes (2B, RF), but the pitching staff utterly breaking down over these four games is so unexpected that it’s difficult to discern what needs to change for next time. Especially since the SP free agency pool isn’t that deep–maybe we go after Ray or Stroman?
Maybe there’s trades to be made, but I don’t even know what pieces the Sox have that hold enough value to bring back a strong return yet won’t be dearly missed. Sheets seems a candidate, but dealing a power-hitting lefty with years of team control (and Abreu entering his final year) seems like a very, very poor idea.
Anyway, I’m not trying to be a downer! I’m saying it’ll be interesting to see how Hahn addresses making this team ready for next year. Because now, the goal is clear: They have to compete with the Astros of this world. That’s the next step. It’s the only thing that matters.
(Also, they should do everything they can to sign Semien; just throwing that out to the universe.)
Ditto to everything you say about the site and about the team.
For me the winter comes down to pitching, pitching, and more pitching. I don’t know who or where or how, but we need deeper pitching.
Hulksmash, Steve, you are on point as to 2022. Sox NEED another starter, maybe 2, depending on how Keuchel, Kopech and Lopez fall out – there’s nothing else from the minors until 2023-4.
They need a 2b or a RFer, you’d love both but my guess is that Jerry’ budget won’t allow that – I’d pick 2b, as there’s a real chance that Sheets is a player – wouldn’t it be Sox-like to trade Sheets, have him hit 30 HR somewhere else while signing Joc Pederson, who hits the Adam Dunn/etc. Sox wall.
Jim and staff, great and original commentary. I disagree very occasionally (e.g., hierarchy of decision-making), but 99% of the time I find myself shaking my head up and down.
Giolito, Cease, and Lynn are absolute givens for the rotation, and one can only assume they intend to throw Kopech into the mix. Barring an unexpected cashiering of Keuchel and his remaining salary, I don’t think the White Sox are going to be in the market for any serious starting pitchers, but maybe somebody who’s more of a quality swingman if there’s one available. I still think Rodon should re-evaluate what he brings to the table and look into swingman duty; he just is not durable enough to be a full-season starter. Swingman duty could help keep him fresh through the course of 162 games.
I have the likely unpopular choice of letting Rodon go and pursue his long-term dreams elsewhere. Rodon is awesome, but he can’t stay healthy, and that comes back to bite you sooner or later. If the White Sox give him a QO, and he accepts, then yes, welcome aboard. If he does not, than wave bye bye.
I think this is where we start to see how bold the Sox will or won’t be. Because if you’re swapping out Kopech (as a first year starter) for Rodon and keeping Cease-Gio-Keuchel-Lynn, the rotation is more or less the same. Again, it would be bold, but the big play would be to either cut ties with Keuchel or make him the 6th starter/long bullpen arm. Is that feasible? Would it even work? I honestly don’t know. But a Gio-Cease-Lynn-Kopech-Ray/Stroman is much, much better and makes you a damn hard team to get through in October.
If they do something like this and add an impact bat (Semien, Castellanos) that might–might–get them over the hump.
That’d be adding like 60M+ to this year’s payroll after raises and new contracts wouldn’t it? There’s bold and there’s “hell freezes over” territory.
The funny thing is, that’d put the Sox where they should be in terms of payroll. But it is hell freezes over territory–I’m with you. Because that’s what this organization has taught us to expect, and that’s a shame.
I mean, that’s getting close to luxury tax isn’t it? Before even addressing second and right field and any bullpen additions like keeping Tepera.
Oh man. Semien would be a great get. The one that got away!
I was gonna say “Semien won’t want to come here only to be shunted to 2B” then I remembered he was primarily a second basemen with the Jays. He would be great.
Semien or Castellanos are two names that would help immensely. I know one statement that I think speaks for many fans including those I know: Sox fans are tired of excuses. They need to get the best guy available in an instance or two, and at least partly bridge the 55 million dollar gap in payroll with the Astros. Watching them win a lone playoff game after absolutely pathetic FA signings like Eaton is a show that will get old quickly.
Big thanks to you guys. The baseball season is a marathon and it sure is nice being able to quickly catch up on the Sox when life pulls you away from the season every now and then.
The on-point diss of the Minnesota baseball club deep in this post is yet another reason to be grateful for the always-excellent writing, quizzing, and podcasting here at Sox Machine. This is a model for good independent media practices, and we have the good fortune that it is focused on our favorite baseball team. Glad to experience the first-ever back-to-back postseason runs with you all, even if (like all postseason runs in my lifetime save for 2005) neither run resulted in a postseason series victory.
Thank you for Sox Machine. Looking forward for the off-season project.
And yes, baseball continues, I’m going to a winter ball game.
Big Thanks to the whole team for outstanding coverage all year. You and your crew has made this the first stop for any reaction or news regarding White Sox and I wish you all great success going forward. Even when I am not commenting, I will be here everyday to check out new content. Go Sox !!!
I felt pretty down after the series, Jim. Thanks for reminding me I can still laugh at Minnesota
Thank you for another year of the fantastic coverage. That you’re able to do it full time and independently just speaks to the amazing quality that’s been the standard at this site for years.
Favorite memory of this season was sitting on my in-laws porch and watching the Field of Dreams game through the window in the living room. I can’t count how many times I watched replays of Tim’s walk off.
Looking forward to the Offseason projects.
My heart warms over the few things in life that are better than they need to be. No. 1 on my gratitude list: Sox Machine. The gap between the quality of the Sox and the quality of your coverage narrowed this season, but you guys still have a lead of 8 games or so…. Big thanks all around!….
Thanks to you guys for providing some of the best coverage and analysis anywhere!
I will probably offer this opinion multiple times this off-season, but the Madrigal/Kimbrel trade made sense at the time and makes more sense now after the series with Houston. As much as we all grew to love Nicky Two Strikes style of play, this order does not need another singles hitter. We need hitters top to bottom that can hit for power, basically what Houston has now. I am totally on board with going after Semien.
Obviously Kimbrel didn’t perform well at all, so the trade looks terrible, but I’m saying I get the logic. Will be interesting to see if they pick up his very expensive option.
MLBTR has the arb projection numbers up
Also the qualifying offer is set at 18.4 mil could be important for Rodon
Rodon is such a tough call. Do they give him the QO and hope he doesn’t take it? It’s hard to see him having a lot of value to a team aspiring to win a title, when even after pitching very little in August and September he still couldn’t go 3 innings. He’s like a 3 month mirage of spectacular ability, with virtually no chance of not being fatigued or on the DL at the end of the season.
I hope they part ways, personally. Unless they can convince him to pitch out of the pen, which is probably the only thing that can give him a lasting career. He’s like Smoltz, who had to do that. He might be close to the best reliever in MLB if he accepted that role, limit him to 50-70 innings or something so that he might actually be able to pitch at full strength in October. That, or keep him on the DL until August every year so he doesn’t pitch enough to wear down. Crazy and unusual as it would be to do that, it’s not a totally bad idea if he could pitch like he did in April/May in the postseason. April/May Rodon could start game 1. They just need some sort of practical plan that acknowledges his limitations and works with them rather than denies them.
Might be a wild off season, you have an 18 mil choice to make on rodon, you probably want to extend gio, nightengale already saying they are going to pick up kimbrels option and trade him during winter, you have to fit some square pieces in round holes with 2nd, DH, and RF somewhat open and some players like Burger, Vaughn, Sheets to fill those spots, a backup C who is good defensively seems a priority… its a very good nucleus obviously but going from a playoff team to a world series still is going to take some work.
Kimbrel’s option is 16M. Why would any team want to trade for him after what we’ve seen? I think it’s a stupid risk and that there would be a good chance that nobody would trade for him, and they would be stuck with him for 16M. Cut losses and walk away.
I think he has a lot of value a team will look past his ineffectiveness as a setup guy and put him back into a closer role. 1 year 16 mil for a guy who has many times shown to be an elite closer isn’t that big of a risk.
I hope you’re right, sounds like they are planning on picking it up. I doubt teams will be fighting over themselves to trade for him, but hopefully somebody will.
Good point. The problem with trading for Kimbrel is that you don’t know what you’re going to get using him as a setup guy. That’s either on Hahn (I seem to recall him commenting after the trade that he would be used for both) or TLR or both.
Kimbrel’s WAR in the last three seasons (with 2020 scaled to ~162G):
fWAR: 2.2 / 0.3 / -1.1 : Total=1.4
bWAR: 2.5 / -0.3 / -0.5 : Total=1.6
WARP: 1.5 / 0.9 / -0.2 : Total=2.2
He’s been averaging ~0.5-0.7 WAR per season depending on your metric.
Even if you think that he’ll end up being pretty good again (Fangraph’s Depth Chart would project him for 1.3 WAR over 70 IP at them moment), $16m is still a lot to pay for that production ($12m/WAR), even for a reliever.
All of this is to say, I don’t see how the Sox would get much of anything in return for Kimbrel. At best, $16m is ‘market value’ for him, so the Sox get some random guys in A-ball and that’s it.
Hey, to me, it looks like he’s improving every year! Rick needs to sell him with the Disco Stu Disco Sales Record chart.
No team is going to evaluate Kimbrel like that, nor should they. 3-year averages are helpful, but only part of the story. This ignores a long track record of being elite before 2019 (for example, his bWAR the two prior years was 2.3 and 3.6). 2019 is clearly an outlier.
Plus, it ignores his performance within a given season. This isn’t always important, but sometimes it is. Take 2020. Looking at his season numbers, it looks like he had a down year. But look at his game log. The first 4 appearances he made were a disaster: in total, 2.2 IP, 5 ER. After that, he made 14 appearances. In only one did he give up a run (earned or unearned). A similar story could be told about ’21, but this time the disaster came at the end. To be clear, that’s *not* to suggest these struggles don’t matter. They do, and they do make him less valuable. But it’s absolutely clear is that this guy can still pitch at an elite level.
Finally, as we all know, teams put a major premium on less committed years/guaranteed money. That’s why White Sox fans would consider offering Carlos Rodon a QO this offseason, but wouldn’t think of guaranteeing him 3 years, 50m (even though it’s less $ / year). $16 is a high price for one year, but it’s still a paltry commitment for a pitcher who can still be elite, even if he has some imperfections. I mean, the Dodgers guaranteed Blake Trienen more money last year (the post-pandemic Free agency, too), for example, and even his recent history shows he’s far from a sure thing.
Of course the Sox won’t beef up their system with a couple of top 100 prospects for Kimbrel. They won’t recoup the value they lost. But there absolutely will be a trade market for him.
I have seen it pointed out that they might be able to get a decent player or prospect if they pay for a good amount of the option themselves. No indication that they are willing to do that, though.
I think this would be the key. At what point would a team look at Kimbrel as a worthwhile risk and be willing to part with a decent-to-good prospect? $10M? $5M?
They could also trade him for another high paid player on a short-term deal at a bigger position of need. This might actually make some sense for RF if they really believe in Cespedes or Colas for 2023.
What galaxy brain logic concludes it’s worthwhile to WILLINGLY take on a player who needs to be salary dumped?
Can’t risk Rodon accepting the QO.
Nobody is going to take Kimbrel’s contract. If the Sox pick it up, they’ll be stuck with him.
Fragile egos in the FO unable to admit they made a terrible trade.
I would much rather they decline Kimbrel and make the QO to Rodon. One thing this season has shown is you should have as many quality starters as possible.
Is he permanently limited, or is 2021 the result of virtually no activity in 2019-20? You could well be right. It will be interesting to see the level of interest he garners.
He’s had arm issues his entire career, that’s the thing. Even with all the rest he got it was still the most innings he’s had in 5 years.
If they knew before the season that he would be that spectacular at the start, and break down only near the end, the thing to do would have been to start his season in the 2nd half, unusual as it would be. If they could save his April/May performance for the playoffs, it would be totally worth having him sit the rest of the year really. He’s a difference maker, they could win any playoff game with him at 100 percent. If he pitches the whole year, it’s just exceedingly unlikely he’ll last and be a real weapon in October. I hope they can keep him if they come up with a plan to adjust to his body, rather than hope his body becomes better.
I get that there is legitimate concern with Rodon for future seasons but the man pitched all of 42 innings in 2019/2020 and pitched 130 innings this season. That’s such a huge jump that expecting him not to get worn down at the end of the season seems like you set expectations too high.
I didn’t think he would last 50 innings, honestly. Nor did I think he’d be good, much less outstanding. I think most people were surprised by his season. Their choice to re-sign him did not get a lot of favor on here I recall.
The problem is that he didn’t get worn down. He re-aggravated a repetitive stress injury in his shoulder.
This is what was always going to happen,and will again, as his innings increase.
Are you the team doctor or his mom? Because that’s the only way you could possibly know that it was an injury versus fatigue. He’s had surgery to deal with the bursitis so it seems eminently more reasonable that the guy who has pitched next to know innings wasn’t prepared to pitch a full workload, especially given how 95% of all other pitchers in MLB this year dealt with similar issues from the shortened 2020 season.
When the initial shoulder injury occurred I spoke with Dr’s who do know. The injury the Sox falsely called “bicep bursitis”.
This exact scenario was covered ad nauseam 4 1/2 years ago on the “other” site.
It is medically more reasonable to know the Sox are, once again, misreporting the issue and the ligament in his shoulder is inflaming the bursa.
Unfortunately, an issue he will continue to experience for as long as he continues pitching. As that surgery is not a permanent fix.
Maybe Rodon will finally acknowledge his limitations. With such an arsenal of pitches, he could limit fast balls, work from the bullpen and possibly last years longer. QO him on that basis.
You’re not wrong, but also the fact that this is the healthiest season he’s had since 2016 and he still struggled in the end isn’t a lot of comfort. Shoulder injuries, in particular, can be worrisome and he’s now missed time with shoulder issues for fourth time in five seasons (and the only season where he didn’t is when he missed almost the whole year with a UCL tear).
Throw in general concern about regression – 2021 was a huge departure from his career average – and there are a lot of warning signs for Rodon.
Now, I’m fine with giving him a QO. If he produces even half as much value as he did last year he’ll be worth, but there’s definitely some decent reasons to doubt that he’d be able to accomplish even that.
The worst case scenario here is we give him the QO, he accepts, we keep Dallas on the team because no one will trade for him or we don’t want to trade him, and we either have a 6 man rotation with Kopech added in or Kopech stays in the bullpen as a fireman. I don’t think anyone would like it but extra days off/fewer looks might do good for Kopech, Rodon, and Keuchel for various reasons.
Best case scenario is we QO Rodon and he pulls a McCann. He gets another pay day and we get whatever compensation is under the new CBA.
I mean it should be pretty obvious that “just having a crowded rotation that give Rodon and co. a couple extra days off” is not at all the worst case.
For the worst case, I would like to suggest the Carlos Rodon 2020 vintage – where he misses ~70% of the season due to injury and is below replacement level when he returns (-0.2 WARP). Not to your taste?
Perhaps you’re more of a Carlos Rodon 2018 where he still misses ~40% of the season and then is terrible upon return (-1.8 WARP)?
Looking for something a little milder? Then Carlos Rodon 2019 is the one for you – little action (missing 75% of the season), but serviceable upon return (0.6 WARP).
Maybe hoping for something with a little more action than the 2019 flavor? I think you must be a Carlos Rodon 2017 kind of guy – more going on (only misses 60% of the season) with the same blandness (0.3 WARP).
The actual worst case is very obvious – Rodon is hurt/bad for the whole season and we just wasted ~$18m we could have spent elsewhere. I still think it’s fine to make the QO, but I think that there’s way too much variance in Rodon’s possible outcomes to really have a strong opinion on it IMO.
I mean, it’s worst case without touching on actual results. You’re adding ~$18M in payroll without shedding any and using an extra roster spot on a starter which is either going to stress the bullpen, stress the bench, or force a lot of churn to get through the season. It’s a worst case scenario if we really want to maximize the utility of the roster.
I’d sign him as a starter. I don’t think he gets the premium bucks this offseason due to his injury and fatigue issues and the fact that next offseason the SP market is LOADED. If he can even give half a season of HARD KARL for a decent price, he’d be well worth it. The Rotation can go six men if it needs to (I think they’re gonna move Kopech to the rotation next year)
I’m sure the sales pitch is Rodon wore down after his first full season since returning from Tommy John. He was fatigued, but not injured. All they have to do is convince one team of this and he’ll get paid. I hope the team that thinks he can hold up for 180 innings isn’t the White Sox.
I man, we have a very similar case study in Shohei. He pitched all of 1.2 innings last year after having TJS in 2019. He pitched 130 innings this year to protect his arm going forward. Is it the exact same situation? Absolutely not. Is it easy to draw the comparison if you’re Rodon’s agent? Absolutely.
Thanks Jim, Et Al for the content. I don’t comment much, but I read often. It’s easy to wonder why the team was .500 for the second half of the season and your reasonings are plausible. I can’t help but wonder the overall effect. Did playing average baseball bring sluggish baseball to the postseason? What the heck happened to our pitching? I was so hopeful that would be the strong suit of the post season. I was also HOPING the bats would wake up more often then they did.
Yesterday stunk because the 1:00pm start didn’t allow for me to watch. And then I was busy moonlighting after my normal job. I checked the score on my phone often. I was so sad to see the runs continually tallying up for the Astros.
It really sucks to see your team get pounded, but I still consider this season a success. I was depressed after the game not only for the loss, but now no more meaningful baseball. I’m going to miss this team.
Thanks Josh and Jim, long time lurker here. These years the Sox make the playoffs are much more interesting than those tanking years. I’m sad now but optimistic for the future
Huge thanks to Jim, Josh, and everyone else – the quality of analysis is so much better than any other baseball source, and you guys somehow always make reading about this benighted team entertaining.
It’s pretty clear that some big moves are needed in the offseason. This team is good enough to win the Central but can’t match up with the top teams. My fear again is that Hahn et al just aren’t savvy enough to pull off the necessary acquisitions. But we’ll find out.
I’ll chime in as a rare commenter as well. I read nearly everything you post, Jim. It is not an exaggeration to say that my ability to remain an active fan for this team (in previous years) is more than a small part the quality of information I get from you. And, I’ll add that I often read as inspiration for my writing. Your ability to turn a phrase and avoid redundancy is admirable.
This site’s a wonderful gem for us lifelong Sox fans. Insightful analysis by a Sox fan who understands Sox fan culture. Jim, thanks for all the hard work and great writing.
Hi! I noticed maybe 2 weeks ago that I am receiving ads, even though I am an patreon supporter, I’m logged in, and my Sox Machine account is linked to my patreon account. I didn’t want to say anything about it since I know you guys were busy with HOT HOT PLAYOFF COVERAGE, but maybe now’s a good time to troubleshoot it?
As always, I’m grateful for your insight and hard work. It’s always a pleasure to read from a trusted source.
Oh, I should clarify that, ever since I became a patreon supporter, I did not receive ads (as expected). The ads just started out of the blue a few weeks ago.
Go to your profile and unlink your patreon account. then link it again. Every now and then you seem to have to do this. That should solve the problem.
Trying now. Will report back later.
WELP. That was easy. Thanks, As Cirensica!
I want to emulate all those who post thanks note for Jim et Co coverage of the White Sox during this year. This is my main White Sox content blog, and by far, my favorite. I like to read things that are well-written, and Jim, Greg, Ted, Patrick, and Josh provide that. Also, the quality of the podcasts has been impressive year after year with Josh getting even better and better. Thank you guys, and I will see you in the off-season
Let the offseason begin! https://twitter.com/BNightengale/status/1448299699828498443?s=20
I think the Sox will either get next to nothing in return or will be picking up a good portion of the salary (maybe both?).
There is also the option of taking on some other team’s overpaid underperformer in return.
The attempt to save face has commenced.
I don’t think this is what you had in mind as part of their offseason plan to spend!
Hopefully they can offload the whole contract.
NO. NO. NO. NO. NO. NO!
Do you think the Phillies would give up Alec Bohm for him if we kicked in some salary?
I have no idea but the real question is why would we want Alec Bohm in the first place?
Phenomenal work this season, Jim.
Did I see talk of a way to support this site without the monthly donation thing? I would much rather just make one payment for the year and be done with it.
Yes, there is an annual option now. https://www.patreon.com/soxmachine
I wouldn’t call it a donation. I don’t feel I am donating anything to Jim. I’m getting a lot back. I might be in debt here. Just semantics.
I’m sorry I upset you. If you share your gofindme link I’ll make a donation.
I’m an infrequent poster these days, but wanted to chime in with a thanks to Sox Machine, Jim, his team, and the entertaining posters.
I’ll also add that despite the crappy ending, I really enjoyed the Sox making the postseason two years in a row for the first time in…ever. And my gut says next year will be three. Looking forward to the offseason on this fine site.
As regular readers know, I like when posters have profile pictures. It makes the posters more identifiable and gives the site some variety. I obviously don’t expect the profile pictures to be great given my own blah profile picture.
General Turgidson: You have a great username. There are a nearly infinite number of great photos of George C. Scott in the role of the general and it is hard for me to believe you haven’t taken a minute to upload one of them as your profile picture!
I had one on the other site, but didn’t bring it along. I don’t think it’s fair to condemn a poster because of a single slip up, sir.
Still…no excuse. Found the one I used to use.
I was just giving you a hard time. Not one bit of serious criticism intended.
Still I’m glad to see the profile pic of General Turgidson.
No offense taken. Second sentence is a Turgidson quote (adjusted for purpose). Go Sox
Man, I love it here. How lucky we are to have Sox Machine. Thanks Jim, Josh and crew for another great season of entertainment, the most intelligent baseball discussion around, and the best group of Internet friends. Sox fandom is the best fandom and you guys are a big reason why. Next season starts today, and per usual I’ll be here every single day excitedly checking to see what y’all have created for us. Go Sox. Thanks.
I’d like to see us address the glaring needs via FA signings or trades, and then trade anyone we have no plans of using moving forward, even if it’s just trading them for intriguing minor league depth.
Thanks to all associated with TSM, for the great content.
Here’s hoping for a productive offseasen with an open checkbook!
Amazing job this year Jim. I occasionally looked at other blogs to see what was going on. But I was / am here every day. The writing and content are far superior to anything else i saw.
And even when I was looking at those other blogs, i was thinking about Sox Machine, baby.
Looking forward to Popeye updates from the AFL!
Thanks for all the hard work and good reading during the season.
Long gone are the days of heavy participation but Thank You, Jim and Sox Machine! Looking forward to the offseason. I’m hopeful (unrealistic Sox fan to the day I die.)
Thank you Jim and the entire Sox Machine team for another wonderful year of coverage. You are by far the best site out there. Looking forward to an interesting off season. Go Sox!
Guten tag team and thanks for all you do!
Longtime lurker here (if we’re being honest, I probably read almost every article) and like ParisSox and co., I was glad to be able to watch some of the day games after we moved from the Midwest to Deutschland this summer.
That aside, I’m still in agony over the Kimbrel trade because Nicky was a kindred spirit (vertically challenged, diminutive stature, parse it how you will). Had they not suffered a slew of early injuries, it would’ve been fascinating to see him continue to feed TA some RBI’s. I’d gladly take a one-for-one back to the Cubs at this point.
Also have to agree with many of you that another starter is absolutely in order. That and the obvious (renewed) need of an actual RF’er. Assuming we clear the CBA cesspit this winter…
Looking forward to more posts and hopefully an NL sweep of whichever slanderous ALCS team advances to the classic!
Thanks, Jim. I am a lot quieter than I used to be, but I still stop by every day. Your writing ever remains a pleasure to read.
I started reading the other blog when I found it some time during the 2008 season. It was easily the best community White Sox blog out there. Jim, when you took over a couple years after that, I admit I was a little sad to see change of leadership on a website that I thought was already perfect. Then I got to read your articles. Your writing is probably too good for this team and they should put you on payroll somehow because it was then that I started following this team every day. Making this team interesting, worth following, and ultimately more enjoyable during the lean years is an incredible task that you are able to accomplish. I do wish more of the commenters there would have followed us back here. I love the community here, but I do miss a bit of the craziness that would erupt over there once in a while. Sox Machine is a gift for White Sox fans. Thank you to the other writers and contributors for making this the only sports related website I have bookmarked in my browser.