Dollars and Sense

Clare called last night to say, “I have bad news for you.” And what, pray tell, would that be? “The White Sox non-tendered Adam Engel and Danny Mendick.” Clare is at that point in her life where she’s the same age as certain players. That would include Engel (she’s three weeks older) and Mendick, sort of (two years and two months older). For me, it was Brian Downing and Jim Morrison. Maybe it’s a family thing. General manager Rick Hahn released a statement in which he reiterated how “a lot of consideration and analysis” goes into the decision to forego the arbitration process with a player. But, hey, they could come back because Hahn plans to “stay in contact with all three players [also non-tendered was outfielder Mark Payton] and evaluate their ongoing fit with our club as we move forward through this offseason.” Spoken like a true flannel mouth. I root for the underdog. As a White Sox fan, how could I not? Engel came out of nowhere in 2017 to make a name for himself with his glove. If only he were half as talented with his bat. Do the Sox need a lifetime .224 hitter as a fourth or fifth outfielder? No, but it’s a bad look to cut ties with a player who, for six years, has hustled and delighted fans by stealing homeruns from the opposition. Last time I checked, Engel was the one who took the blame for running into that outfield triple play against the Twins in July. Nice way to reward a team player. Ditto Mendick, who embodies the grinder ethic that those of us on the South Side adhere to. Last time I checked, Mendick tore his ACL trying to make a great catch and keep Lucas Giolito in a game. Nice way to reward effort, especially when Hahn mentioned Mendick as part of the mix at second base for next season. Here’s a thought. Maybe if Hahn didn’t throw money after the likes of Dallas Keuchel and Yasmani Grandal, there’d be something left over for players who deserve better. Waste not, want not, Rick.