On the One Hand...

The White Sox traded someone who won six games last seasons and nine games in a four-year career for four Red Sox prospects, all of them top-fourteen caliber and all of them from a system ranked third or seventh out of 30, depending who you believe. On the other hand, the Sox traded away Garrett Crochet. What it comes down to is this is a trade made necessary by Jerry Reinsdorf’s refusal to sign pitchers to big contracts. If Mark Buehrle couldn’t get paid what he was worth, Crochet didn’t have a chance. This is a reality Sox fans have to accept until the day Reinsdorf leaves the building, front entrance or back. That said, it could be worse. With Kyle Teel, the White Sox now have two hot-shot prospects behind the plate, Edgar Quero being the other. Plus Korey Lee. Not a bad logjam to have going into spring training. In addition, we got outfielder Braden Montgomery, who’s supposed to know how to hit, a rarity among White Sox outfielders in 2024. Montgomery, though, suffered a broken ankle before the Red Sox drafted him in the first round this summer. So, there’s that. But it’s December, I might as well be optimistic. The White Sox also acquired infielder Chase Meidroth, who had 105 walks to go with a .437 OBP in Triple-A last season. The seven homeruns could indicate another Nick Madrigal, or not. Again, it’s December, I’ll go with not. Did I mention it’s December, a time to count one’s blessings? For me, that means no more Mickey Mouse managing the White Sox and at least a glimmer of hope that next season will be better than last. Now, if Reinsdorf would just sell, I might even break into a smile.