The White Sox have announced the 26 players (12 pitchers, 14 position players) who will comprise their roster for their AL Division Series against the Astros. Lance Lynn will start Game 1 today, while Lucas Giolito will get the ball for Game 2 on Friday.
A starter has yet to be named for Sunday’s Game 3, though either Dylan Cease or Carlos Rodon would seem to be the top candidates. Rodon missed time in August due to shoulder soreness, and the Sox have been carefully managing his innings since his return. In his last five outings, Rodon hasn’t thrown more than five innings and he has only once topped the 77-pitch threshold, so it remains to be seen exactly how he’ll be used in the playoffs.
In other rotation news, Dallas Keuchel is conspicuous by his absence on the ALDS roster, though he is part of Chicago’s nine-man taxi squad. A staple of the Astros’ pitching staff during their 2017 World Series run, Keuchel isn’t likely to face his former team in October thanks to a string of rough outings at the end of the season. Keuchel had been somewhat inconsistent throughout the entire 2021 campaign, but with an ugly 8.62 ERA over his last 31 1/3 innings and eight appearances, the White Sox decided to omit Keuchel in favor of more in-form pitchers.
Right-Handed Pitchers
- Dylan Cease
- Lucas Giolito
- Liam Hendriks
- Craig Kimbrel
- Michael Kopech
- Reynaldo Lopez
- Lance Lynn
- Jose Ruiz
- Ryan Tepera
Left-Handed Pitchers
Catchers
Infielders
Outfielders
Brian Goodwin ended the season on the 10-day injured list due to back spasms, and his omission from the ALDS roster indicates that the veteran outfielder is still not 100 percent. Hamilton instead gets Goodwin’s backup outfield spot, and will also be the top choice off the bench for pinch-running situations. There aren’t many true surprises on the position player mix, as there was never any doubt Abreu would make the roster, though the 2020 AL MVP has been battling the flu in recent days.
Even though it’s the right call, I’m still a little surprised Keuchel didn’t make it on the roster. I suppose since it’s a short series, that’s why Mendick’s on the roster as an extra IF (which I’m assuming is for his D, since it’s certainly not for his hitting).
Even though they couldn’t really go wrong either way, I think Lynn going in G1 was the right choice. As long as the Sox win 1 of the 2 in Houston, that’s all that matters. Well, obviously winning G3 & G4 are equally as important.
It’s definitely for that D.
They could go wrong and they did. Lynn’s been batted around badly by the Astros in his last three starts against them. A fastball pitcher against a team that feasts on fastballs is a recipe for a quick loss..
But Giolito faces an easier opponent tomorrow.
So, hopefully, Sox split the 2 games in Houston.
Sox have no business not earning home field advantage. Too much experimenting and resting players down the stretch.
@hyraxwithaflamethrower
I guess that’s why I don’t manage the team (among many other reasons). Yes, Lynn did not pitch good, but the offense put him behind the 8-ball with yet another lackluster performance (no hits through the first 3, and 3 baserunners through the first 5). There’s no chance for any SP when the offense lays down like lambs.
It actually might benefit the Sox in the end if Giolito can help them steal G2. The Sox will get that needed win and the momentum heading back to Chicago. If the Sox lose tomorrow, they’re done. Mathematically they’re still in it, but realistically they’re finished, especially if the offense gets shut down again.
@chisox fan
Yeah sure, ‘too much experimenting’. Lol.
Either that, or just highly over HYPED.
But having shills like Stone and Benetti as your announcers would definitely push you in that direction. I’d love to hear them try to spin this game with their excuses.
They kept getting hurt. You want to play Vaughn on a bad back just to see him lost for the entire post season? Burnout what’s left in Rodon’s tank? Just for 1 more game at home which may not even be needed.
Well on the way, head in a cloud. The man of a thousand voices talking perfectly loud. But nobody ever hears him. Or the sound he appears to make. And he never appears to notice…
Keuchel is terrible. That is why he didn’t make it. You put your best players on the field for the postseason, it’s just that simple.
I’ll even take it a step further by saying there should be no room on a WS caliber roster for a guy getting paid TOR money to be a 5th starter, and a poor one at that. Keuchel should be traded, even if it means eating a portion of his contract.
Keuchel isn’t a major league quality pitcher anymore. He’s straight up BP
Keuchel has been awful post sticky checks…….
How’s that vesting option work for 2023? If he pitches 160 innings in 22 he’s owed another 18 in 23? Who’s gonna take that on? The angels wouldn’t even be that desperate unless you pay like 15 million of that.
Only way if Keuchel is valuable at all next year is if he misses a bunch of time at the start of the year and some team in the playoff hunt needs a innings eater. If he gets to 160 innings next year you gotta pay him 18 million next so it’s a complicated trade.
A rebuilding team might take that on so long as a decent prospect is included. Eat some money + prospect = trade.
What rebuilding team wants a 18 million dollar innings eater in 23? I’m assuming he gets to 160 innings next year.
@iverbure
That’s quite an assumption that he will reach 160 IP if he pitches in ’22 like he did this year.
Couldn’t the Sox just cut him halfway through next season if he pitches that badly? Or just stick him in a relief role, killing any chance of him reaching 160 IP?
Nah, I’m sure if he keeps pitching that badly they will just keep rolling him out there every 5th day, making sure he reaches 6 IP every game, even if he gives up 10 runs a game.
Common sense is a good thing, contrary to what certain posters on this website might think.
@ChiSoxCity
No one’s going to argue he’s horrible and has no business being on the roster. But it sounded like there was a good chance TLR was going to put him on the roster anyway. That’s why I was mildly surprised he didn’t make it on the roster. Mildly surprised, but thankful.
But yes, your assessment is correct.
Got it.
Solid – now execute
TA is primetime! Hope Sheets can square one up on nasty McCullers. Need to score quite a few when facing their potent lineup.
TA7 0 for 2.
Need him to get going or this Game 1 is over early.
I’d be thrilled to see the Sox win this thing. Considering how mediocre they’ve played since June/July, however, it wouldn’t surprise me if they got swept by Houston.
Almost EVERYONE in the lineup needs to play MUCH better in order to win this series. I don’t think it’s realistic that happens.
ALCS: Tampa vs Houston
NLCS: Milwaukee vs. San Francisco
WS: Houston vs. Milwaukee
2021 Champs: Houston Astros
Naaaah
I really hope I’m wrong.
I’m gonna go on a limb and guess your friends tend to call you a pessimist?
The Sox have definitely coasted a bit since July, but they are strong in every facet of the game with the exception of defense at a few positions. They have a terrific lineup, top 3 starting pitchers in the league, and the best balance of bullpen arms in the playoffs (Crochet/Bummer from the left and Kopech/Kimbrel/Hendriks from the right).
They could lose this series for sure, but it’d be because Houston is extremely strong as well. It’s the playoffs.
Yeah, that is the point. Houston has played better than the White Sox all year long. That’s why they should be favored by any unbiased observer.
You can’t go into the postseason playing sub .500 for months prior, and beat a team like Houston in a playoff series. They’re too inexperienced and too loose, with no track record to speak of. All that equates to an early exit this time of year.
Rick Hahn has done a tremendous job acquiring so much talent this rapidly. But his works not done with this roster that can’t score runs against quality pitching, and can’t defend with regularity behind a pitching staff that struggles with control WAY too often, and a bullpen that blows leads. These issues will need to be addressed this offseason (instead of kicking the can down the road) if they truly want to contend. And no, winning 93 games in the AL Central is not contending. Not sorry if you can’t handle truth based on facts and observation. It’s what I do.
There is being a pessimist and being a realist. This Sox team fails to appear against top talent in the league. Today’s game shows the Sox look more like a slightly above average team in a really mediocre division. We hope we are wrong, but seeing how bad the Sox performed not just today but all season against playoff caliber teams. I mean the Sox ‘Ace’ got lit up by the Astros today. If that’s what happens against the Sox ‘best’ pitcher I worry a lot about their chances. They need to step up against a better team (for once) and play like their lives depend on each game (because in the playoffs, it does). I just do not see any killer instinct by this club as constructed now. Hopefully Im wrong, but I also think that if Cleveland did not lost 3/5 of their starting rotation during the season, I’m not sure this Sox team makes the playoffs. (as they were owned by all of those pitchers when they faced them).
I think you’re wrong on Houston getting by Tampa. Rest seems right, with Rays finally winning a title.
As for the Sox mediocre second half, Houston has been just over a .500 team themselves over the past 50-odd games. They’re not exactly on fire.
Houston can score runs and pitch. They also have a proven track record of success against good teams in the playoffs. The Sox have basically benefited from playing in a division against teams that are rebuilding. They play great against their division, dog#### against everyone else.
I think Houston is not that good (at least as the Chicago Media is trying to make out), its just that the Sox are not that good (I mean you need to be a good team to be in the playoffs and the Sox have shown they are not). Maybe in another year when they get their bonafied Ace in Kopech into the rotation, but not now. They also need a few more position players that will not just disappear when the good teams come onto the field.
The highlights are that Robert and Anderson have been doing pretty well in the playoffs, but Abreu has disappeared when they needed him the most.
The pitching is strong with whitesox. The series will be a battle of astros offense versus white sox pitching imo.
Let’s go Sox!
LOL, this is normal for my White Sox. We always seem to have an overpaid, underperforming “Good Club-house guy.” That said, I’m sure Dallas is embarrassed, especially because our opponent is Houston. Oh well…GO SOX.!!! Almost game time!
I’ll go ahead and predict this now, while I’m on a roll.
Sox get swept, TLR retires after the last out of the WS. I respect the heck out of LaRussa, but a beer league coach could have managed this team to 93 wins this year. This roster needs some tightening up—lackadaisical defense, poor plate appearances, etc. for a team with this much talent. He’s been walking on eggshells since he got forced-hired. Can’t have that.
Madrigal meant more to this lineup than many people thought.
@Dogbone
I’ll be honest, I believe he does. He’s not a player the staunch metrics followers will like. But he’s a guy that can make things happen with the bat, even with no power. All it takes is a base hit to start a rally. Don’t know if he would’ve made a difference in G1, but he very well could’ve in G2.
I think you’re going like him a lot, Dogbone, I really do. I definitely miss him now.
Straight up owned by the Astros tonight.
I believe they have a better chance tomorrow but not by much. We’ll see what happens but as someone else already stated, if they lose tomorrow then they’re done.
Infield shifts require hitting your spots.
Another bad line-up by Cora with Kiki hitting 1st not 9th so the first inning starts as usual. Kiki makes an out Schwarber walks Bogaerts makes an out and Devers makes an out. With JD in the 3 hole they would have Bogaerts, JD and Devers all up with a man on. Instead, the games starts with an out and Schwarber’s daily first inning walk is wasted.
In the meantime, TB hits Arozarena, Franco, Lowe and Cruz their four best hitters. Gee, I wonder why a guy like Kevin Kennedy doesn’t stick a crap .250 hitter at the top of his order? Ahhhh, yes, it’s because he knows what he’s doing!!
Also, Cora starts E-Rod (who has performed like a bad 5th starter) and after 1 inning his WHIP is 4.00 his ERA is 18.00 and he gave up his first run after a walk (his big problem throughout his career) and a double to the best young player in baseball.
Whether the Red Sox win or lose in this game or series, Cora’s decision making has to be questioned and not ignored because the players performed well and won.
Wrong Sox…
The Sox can’t stand prosperity. It will be tough for me to watch G3 if the Sox let this one slip through their fingers (though I will watch it).
This reminds me a lot of the 2000 playoffs. Great team, but you just had the feeling the whole series they were going nowhere, which is exactly what happened. I would say the ’83 playoffs also, but at least you had the feeling they had a chance in that series.
Prove me wrong, Sox, and make me a happy fan.
83, Watching both games it looks leadership left with Abreu’s flu and the lineups aren’t deep enough to stand our pitchers not playing their best, which they’re not.
@Rallyshirt
I agree. They just laid down like lambs once the Astros tied it. Even when it looked like they were threatening, someone would get an out and their momentum was like a balloon deflating. This series really does have the same feel as 2000 playoffs. This is what I feared going into the playoffs, and I was hoping I was wrong.
All year, White Sox have that team/family feel, picking each other up, etc. This looks like a bunch of individuals and our gutsy management getting beat by Astros advanced analytics.
Serious disappointment. Houston is simply the better team, period. The Sox will be lucky not to get swept.
The Sox will dump Hernandez and Kimbrel. Boy, the Kimbrel trade really looks horrible now. I don’t knock Hahn, because at the time it was a risk worth taking, despite the serious gamble. I won’t be quite as sick to my stomach watching Madrigal in a Cub uniform like I do Tatis in a Padre uniform, but I still will cringe with every Madrigal highlight. I’ll be curious to see who they get for next year at 2B.
Astros might be better, but when they get all the breaks too they kind of own anybody.
@Rallyshirt
True. Technically the Sox can sweep the next 3 and go on to the ACLS, as impossible as it may sound. “Technically” being the key word. Realistically, it’s a far different story.
At this point I just want them to win a game, just to show they have some competitive spirit in them. Just don’t lay down like lambs on Sunday. I’m curious to see whether Rodon or Cease goes in G3.
“The Sox will dump Hernandez and Kimbrel.” Are you sure? Hernandez more likely because he cost salt, but does Hahn stubbornly refuse to acknowledge and rectify his mistake because of stupid pride and brig back the overpriced and ineffective Kimbrel?
Don’t want to call myself the smartest guy in the room, but I hated the Kimbrel deal from the start for two reasons. One, Madrigal was too high a price to pay. Two, the Sox were not a reliever away from making a deep playoff run this season.
This series has been boys against men. Anybody surprised?
Can Hahn retool and move the club forward in ’21? Maybe, but he is the guy who signed Eaton, a move that is still impacting the club today with the backup Engle playing as a starter. He also traded for Hernandez who has been a bust and Kimbrel who has been a double bust.
Look at the starting nine the Sox have rolled out in Games 1 and 2. Tell me seriously if that is a top-end group?
I am not suggesting Hahn should be fired, but just put the brakes on “In Hahn We Trust” because all he has done is won the weakest division in MLB. Can he build on that next season? I am sure he’ll get another chance.
@The Brokenheart Kid
Hahn’s not getting a pass on this one either, because of exactly what you said with RF. And yes, I cringed immediately when Madrigal was traded at the time, but I could at least see it (even though it was a big gamble). I think we all could see some regression from Kimbrel, but nothing like that. I wasn’t expecting quite the production Hernandez gave before the trade, but I don’t think anyone expected him to be that pathetic for the Sox.
Hahn needs to redeem himself this Winter with 2B. Actually, this Winter will show whether or not Hahn should stay as GM. I don’t know how difficult moves will be this Winter with the virtually 100% certain work stoppage, so that could prove to be an obstacle. But that’s no excuse, because at some point before the season starts, he will have opportunities to make the necessary improvements.
And I should rephrase what I said: “The Sox should dump Hernandez and Kimbrel.” Good point, just because Kimbrel needs dumped doesn’t mean Hahn will do it. And that’s a key move/non-move that will show whether Hahn should ultimately stay or go as GM.
We agree that Hahn isn’t going o get fired this offseason. He shouldn’t if a “summer of fun at the ballpark” is the key measure of his job success. He should if the key measure of his job success is assembling a club that go punch for punch with the big boys and deliver the KO.
Even if Hernandez is dumped, who is to say it won’t be for a player of equal or lesser value ad one far more expensive than Hernandez and Madrigal combined? Hahn took 2B, a position of growing strength manned by a player with years of team control ad turned it into a weakness. In some circles, that would get a GM fired..
Which is worse:: the Sox bringing Kimbrel back in ’22 or trading him for salt but having to retain the maximum allowed of his $16M just to get a buyer?
Then there is the still unplugged RF black hole. Grandal has deservedly taken a lot of heat in this series, but does any Sox have more confidence in Collins? Collins is great on a team that is ramping up to become a contender, but supposedly the Sox are past that stage. The team needs another catcher and not a dumpster dive like Lucroy.
Is Hahn content with the carousel of DHs? I am not. The position shouldn’t be a pit stop for Abreu and Grandal or others needing a day off.
Look at the position players the Sox have on their 26-man roster.. How many of those guys should be here next season? I see a lot of filler there. Thank you, men, for your service and good-bye and good luck.
Vaughn has been suffering badly at the plate for a long time due mainly to the ups and downs of being a MLB rookie. Maybe he bounces back next season or maybe, if there is no real position for him on the team, he spends he season at AAA honing his craft and paying his dues.
Don’t know if TLR was making a very public statement to Hahn yesterday when he gave Hendriks mop-up duty, but in a game filled with Hahn’s ineptness, Hendriks throwing a garbage inning really stood out for me. No knock on Hendriks, to be sure, but couldn’t Hamilton or Mendick have pitched the 8th?
@The Brokenheart Kid
Regarding Kimbrel, I was just hoping they would decline his option. That would make the trade a horrible one for the Sox, but it would free up I believe $14MM.
Good point on Hernandez/Madrigal. They will either have to settle for a equal/lesser 2B than Madrigal or spend a ton to get a serious upgrade. Yes, Hahn handled the 2B situation badly–no spin doctor can make that look good.
They have enough tools to where they don’t need a ton of major upgrades (though they definitely need some). Abreu, TA, Moncada, Eloy, Robert, Grandal are fine in ’22, and I’d even throw Vaughn in there (I think he will fare much better in ’22).
2B and RF (or DH if Vaughn is the primary RF next year) are the major problems. At some point Cespedes will get that shot in RF (not saying that will solve the problem, because it easily may not). And right now, the best hope for 2B in-house is if Burger can prove he can play 2B or Yolbert can figure it out at the plate in the minors (that is 2 extreme ifs I really hope they don’t rely on).
So 2 (or 3 if you’re not sold on Vaughn) major holes to fill. And upgrade the bench as much as you can without spending a ton. Engel’s fine, if they can sign Leury again, that’s fine also, either Goodwin or Hamilton as the 26th man, I could live with, though that should be an upgrade. Backup C, that’s a serious needed upgrade.
The rotation should be fine once they realize Keuchel has no business ever being in the rotation again. Giolito, Lynn, Kopech, Cease, and either Crochet or Lopez (or if they decide to re-sign/QO Rodon). That should be fine. Of course that creates some major holes in the pen, even if they decide to re-sign Tepera, which is no guarantee.
Very good points on your part. We’ll see this Winter if Hahn is up to the task or he should be gone. Hopefully TLR will decide on his own he will leave the Sox, but if it were only that easy.
BTW, I should clarify my stance on how Hahn handled the 2B situation. If it were me, I would’ve either made the trade for Hernandez and not made the Kimbrel trade or if I made the Kimbrel trade, I would’ve went for a much stronger 2B option before making the Kimbrel trade.
I know, hindsight is a wonderful thing to have and it’s easy for me to be the armchair GM. But at least if something potentially goes very wrong with both trades (like it actually did), at least they would be covered at 2B in ’22, which they’re not even close to being right now.
I could accept the Hernandez trade when it went down because he was a Gold Glover and he was hitting with pop. That trade hasn’t worked out. Fair enough.
As soon as Hoyer said the price for Kimbrel was Madrigal, that should have ended any more discussion. I wouldn’t call that the benefit of hindsight either as the kid was supposed to be a big part of the team’s success for the next five or so years, so why trade him for an aging reliever when the ’21 Sox were more than just an old reliever away from being championship caliber? Trading for Kimbrel was a lightning in a bottle move which made no sense when the club was supposedly on a slow and steady trajectory.
Best move now for the Sox is to refuse Kimbrel’s option for ’22. I would hope that based on his riding the pine in Games 1 and 2, Hernandez not returning in ’22 is a foregone conclusion, which it should be.. .
Vaughn was drafted to be the Sox first baseman of the future, If that plan is still in place, then he should be splitting his time a 1B in ’22 with Abreu, who will be on the last year of his contract. Should Abreu be extended beyond ’22, it should be as a full-time DH and part-time at 1B.
Can Sheets play RF full time in ’22? Intriguing but not sold on that. Maybe he should be groomed for 1B and Vaughn in RF.
I am not sure Burger has the athleticism and instincts to play 2B. Is there even a place for him on the big time or is he more valuable as trade bait?
Could Burger play 3rd and Moncada traded? I am not eager to trade Moncada because as much as he underachieves at the plate, he is pretty solid at 3rd. His competitiveness is off the charts, so I only mention trading him in terms of bringing back a haul that will fill all or some of the gaping holes on this team. I’m not keen to shift Moncada back to 2B, but could he play RF?
I don’t share your optimism about SP for two reasons. One is that I am not sold on Kopech being a reliable starter. The kid has great stuff but his health seems wonky a best, so I have grave doubts he is ready to take the ball every fifth day. He might be better to be a spot starter and pensman in ’22. The other is that even with Kopech as a starter, none of the starters under contract is a dominant, fearless and rock star. That the club was musing over starting the series with Lynn or Gio is proof of that. The club went bold by signing Hendriks. Why don’t they do that with a top-end, aging starter like Max–1 year $30M? It would be great if one of the existing starters could find the next level and be that guy., but I am not sure that happens in’22.
If Keuchel can’t be moved, might he find success by becoming a reliever? Even if he can, the pen needs a drastic overhaul in the offseason as it isn’t very good. As it stands now, Crochet, Bummer and Hendriks should be be locks. (I include the struggling Bummer because his team-friendly contract isn’t a drag on the payroll unlike Kimbrel’s.) I want to see Kopech in the pen in ’22 but he and others might have a different plan. Tepera would be worth bringing back if the price is righ.t. Cordero should be able o return sometime in ’22, with tempered expectations. A couple of free agent relievers should be targeted.
As for the skipper, LaRussa calling it quits and riding off into the sunset wouldn’t be the worst outcome. That said, if JR gives Hahn a free hand to choose his own manager, do you really have faith that Hahn will hire the right guy? I do not. I think the club has bigger issues with its roster than who is managing the club, so I’d rather see Hahn focus his attention on filling the roster holes this offseason than conducting a managerial search.
@The Brokenheart Kid
Personally, I would’ve done the same thing as you regarding the Kimbrel trade (I really like Madrigal). But I see why Hahn did it, and I don’t knock him, even if it wasn’t the right move. Had both guys worked out like Hahn was hoping, this season (and playoffs) might’ve played out much differently. Plus, as much of a fan as I am of Madrigal, if I were to trade anyone from the core (which I wouldn’t), he would’ve been the one to trade.
Yes, you’re right in regards to the Sox rotation not having a dominant pitcher. In fact, Kopech is probably the most likely to ever become one, and that might take 2 or 3 seasons to become one, if he ever does. Giolito is a strong #2, Lynn a strong #3, Cease a solid #4 right now, and Lopez a decent #5. I’m not including Rodon in this because of his uncertainty with the Sox in ’22.
That being said, the ’05 Sox really didn’t have one either. Contreras peaked at the right time for the Sox, Buerhle and Garland were obviously not dominant pitchers. Actually I think Garcia was probably the closest to potentially being a dominant pitcher, and I can’t say he was actually ever dominant. The ’22 Sox (whoever ends up in the rotation) can be as good as the ’05 Sox, obviously minus the playoff CG’s.
I’m not entirely against keeping Kopech in the pen as long as he gets a later role. I’d have him as the primary 8th inning guy (unless matchups would benefit Crochet in the 8th that particular game).
The Sox (LaRussa, let’s be honest) set themselves up for failure months ago. They decided to coast early with a double digit lead in a weak division. No only did they lose home field advantage to a team (Houston) that is dominant at home, it rendered them incapable of playing postseason style baseball (intense, mistake-free). They were too cautious, too satisfied with their performance with 85% effort and mediocre play. Many of us fans expressed concern with their poor play/lack of strategy (playoff positioning) many weeks ago. They are done this season.
In order to improve they’ll need to move on from LaRussa (a living walking legend) and several players taking up space on the roster. They absolutely must find a RF who can contribute something offensively to this team (for a change!). Maybe Vaughn is that guy, who knows.
Cesar Hernandez was a scrub before he went to Cleveland. He finally starts playing like a big leaguer for once, and we took him out of the environment he was used to in Cleveland. He shrank, as most guys would under those circumstances. Losing Madrigal was a gamble, but they gambled on the wrong guy, and it might set the team back years at that position.
I’m not sure what the hell happened to Grandal behind the plate, but he is an unmitigated disaster. He has to be the most unathletic catcher I’ve ever seen… can’t run, can’t throw, and the passed balls galore have become routine… like EVERY game. They’re stuck with him, I know. But you’re not winning anything with Grandal Catching like that.
Needs: RF, 2B, trade Keuchel, trade Bummer, and I don’t know what they do about Grandal.
p.s. to those of you saying Keuchel has zero trade value, I say it doesn’t matter. A pitcher with no velocity or movement is completely useless, especially with his contract. Trade him for cooler of gatorade, I don’t care. Just get him out of here.
@ChiSoxCity
Yes, Keuchel has zero trade value, but absolutely trade him if the opportunity does actually present itself. That may prove to be virtually impossible though, since the Sox would have to eat pretty much all the remaining contract (doubtful since it’s JR’s money).
If they want him gone, they’ll probably just have to cut him and since it’s JR’s money, I doubt it (at least early on in ’22). If nothing else, since they’re stuck with that albatross, just stick him in the pen and put him in extremely low leverage situations. Definitely not the ideal solution, but since they’re stuck with him, that’s the option that will hurt them the least.
Regarding Grandal, they’ll keep him for his offense and his handling of the pitchers. If Collins and/or Zavala could’ve developed better, then you could consider moving him if you so desire, but the drop-off between him and them is monstrous. He will stay until they find a better option at C (or at least one relatively close to him).
You are spot on with LaRussa and the Sox lack of killer instinct. They look like they have no business being on the same field as the Astros. The Sox have too much talent to look like a team that simply got in because they dominated the worst division in MLB.
And putting Leury in RF so he could butcher the ball hit to him should never have happened. Keep Engel out there and the Sox might have had a chance (might being the operative word). But the offense had no prayer down by 5 late to a legit playoff team.
Astros-2,”The Good Guys”-0. Love it!!! One more, one more!!!!!!
Cubs fan here who isn’t a Sox hater.
I’m not giving up on them. I remember a team 5 years ago that needed to win 3 games in a row and did it. All it takes is one hit when you need it. A great play in the field. A strikeout to shut down a rally. The WS are as talented as any team in the playoffs. They just need a spark. I hope they get it today.
Go Go Sox!!
Or the Black Sox can keep cheating like they did 102 years ago.
The ‘Black Sox’ threw a WS (did not cheat to win) and the 8 guys implicated got banned from baseball, genius. They also did it because Comiskey would not pay them. If the MLB ( and the spineless commissioner) had the same thought process half of those ‘winners’ on the Astros would have been banned for life for what they did and they would/should not be allowed in the playoffs for at least a decade if they had a commissioner now that was worth a damn.
The PED guys were considered cheaters as well.
We know how that turned out… so far.
Nice how the Black Sox fans yell “cheaters” when the Astros come up to bat, then Yasmani Grandal clearly blocks the throw home by running towards the mound allowing his teammate to score. smh
White Sox 1 play – debatable
Astros 3-4 seasons – League investigation, emails, public apologies, fines and firings
The rule book says that Grandal can have his path to first as long as he does not block the throw to first. The Astros @#$ing cheated to win a WS, they are lucky that half their roster did not get suspended indefinitely for that crap…. The Astros will always have an asterisk to their ‘win’ . Ttbh, I would not be surprised if they got caught doing that again this year….