MLB writers and insiders haven’t been very kind to the White Sox this past week.
It all began with The Athletic, which recently published an article where its baseball writers were tasked with assigning letter grades to all 30 teams. The White Sox received an F, the lowest of any team.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post reacted to this on 670 The Score with Mike Mulligan and David Haugh by saying, “That’s not a very good grade.”
Despite largely applauded moves like the hiring of Pedro Grifol and the signing of left fielder Andrew Benintendi, the Mike Clevinger deal backfiring continues to hang over an organization that’s had no shortage of controversy lately.
“I mean, I guess they took a shot with Clevinger and that looks like a mistake,” Heyman said. “That’s your big move … it’s probably hard to argue. But the offseason doesn’t mean that the season’s not going to be good, right? They lost Abreu, too, right? So, yeah, I would give them a D-minus. You know, that’s a bit harsh.”
The White Sox and Mike Clevinger agreed to terms on a one-year, $12-million contract in December, a deal that included a mutual $12-million option for 2024 and figured to bolster the back end of the rotation. However, it was reported last month that Clevinger is under investigation by Major League Baseball for domestic violence and child abuse allegations made by the mother of his child. The White Sox claimed innocence by saying they were unaware of Clevinger’s disturbing allegations at the time of his signing, though it doesn’t make matters any better.
“Major League Baseball and the Chicago White Sox take any and all allegations very seriously, and the White Sox are completely supportive of the Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse policy shared by MLB and the MLBPA. MLB opened an investigation after learning of these allegations. The White Sox were not aware of the allegations or the investigation at the time of his signing. The White Sox will refrain from comment until MLB’s investigative process has reached its conclusion.”
Official statement issued by the White Sox
Putting Clevinger aside, the White Sox are also set to enter spring training without a proven second baseman or right fielder. Internal infield options such as Romy Gonzalez and Lenyn Sosa figure to get their chance at an Opening Day roster spot, while highly touted prospect Oscar Colas has been tabbed as the favorite to start the season in right field.
Given the lack of additional moves and these question marks surrounding the team’s roster, many White Sox fans have rightfully expressed their frustration with the team deep in its contention window.
How would you grade the White Sox’s offseason? Submit your grade below.
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Featured Photo: © Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
The Sox will barely finish at .500. A new, inexperienced manager is not going to make a difference. They did not nothing to address 2nd base. They are rushing Colas for RF and he will fall flat on his face. And, they are still short on starting pitching.
Because of Ebenezer Jerry’s self imposed salary cap, they are garbage picking from other teams scrap piles for players (just like they always do).
Reinsdorf has shown time and again, all he cares about is his bank account. He refuses to invest the proper resources within the organization or bring in responsible management to run the franchise.
Can’t wait until he dies and hope a new owner comes in. Maybe then, they bring this team into the modern era. Overhaul the minor league system and scouting/draft departments.
While I’d like to see this team play going in on legit free agents.. I’d be just as happy if they drafted and developed a top notch minor league system and supplemented the team with decent FA signings that would give them a more realistic shot at winning.
Until that day comes, I will continue to boycott anything that might benefit a Reinsdorf.
“Can’t wait until he dies…” That’s harsh, immature, and callous. Shame on you.
That is the only way, this team will get new ownership!!!!