As MLB’s regular season continues, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the day today:
1. How low can the White Sox go?
The White Sox are in the midst of history—for all the wrong reasons. The Twins’ 13-7 victory over Chicago yesterday marked the 20th consecutive loss for the South Siders. You may know that there have been just seven streaks of 20 or more wins in a row in MLB history and, as MLB.com’s Sarah Langs noted yesterday, 20-game losing streaks are just as rare with the current streak by the White Sox being the seventh in MLB history. Four of the other six teams (the 1906 Boston Americans, the 1916 and 1943 Philadelphia Athletics, and the 1969 Montreal Expos) saw their losing streaks end at 20, meaning that if the club loses tonight’s game against the Athletics in Oakland the losing streak will jump from a five-way tie for third place into a two-way tie for second place, joining an Orioles club that rattled off 21 consecutive losses to kick off the 1988 season. The 1961 Philadelphia Phillies lost a record 23 consecutive games.
2. Diaz day-to-day:
There was a scary moment for Rays infielder Yandy Diaz in yesterday’s game against the Astros, when he was struck in the wrist area by a 110 mph grounder off the bat of Yordan Alvarez while attempting to field the ball. The 32-year-old was pulled from the game in obvious pain and replaced by youngster Curtis Mead at first base, though the Rays later announced (as relayed by Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times) that x-rays were negative and that Diaz had been diagnosed with a left wrist contusion. Diaz said after the game that he doesn’t expect to require a trip to the injured list but had not yet tried to grip a bat or put on a glove due to pain when closing his hand. He’s expected to get treatment for the ailment while the Rays are off today before a determination is made about his status for Tuesday’s series against the Cardinals.
3. Series Preview: Phillies @ Dodgers
Two of the National League’s best teams are set to face off this week in what could prove to be a preview of this year’s NLCS when the Phillies head to Chavez Ravine for a three-game set against the Dodgers. The series kicks off at 7:10pm local time this evening with a battle between Aaron Nola (3.43 ERA) and Tyler Glasnow (3.50 ERA). Tomorrow’s game will see breakout lefty Cristopher Sanchez (3.36 ERA) square off against veteran lefty Clayton Kershaw (5.87 ERA through two starts), and the series will wrap up with a pair of rookies on the mound as Tyler Phillips (4.39 ERA through five appearances) takes on Gavin Stone (3.63 ERA).
California 8
Good article.
It’s time for Anaheim to trade Trouty for a massive haul while they still can and reload their farm system He’s still the #1 player in MLB, still has at least 5 yaears of prime. to build a team around and almost every team would be thrilled nearly empty out their farm system for him alone and would jump at the chance to do it. Should have done it with Ohtani too, but at least they can still get a massive haul of marquee prospects for Trout and Trout would bring in dramatically bigger haul than Ohtani ever would have brought in for Angry Arte. And Trouty can go to a contending team and win a World Series and try to erase the memory of the World Baseball Classic.
Do it now.
Discostu
While Trout has had an amazing career, he is hardly what most teams are looking for considering his injury history. It’s unlikely that the Angels eat enough of his salary to get any major haul. To top it off, he simply doesn’t have 5 years of prime baseball left based on his age, let alone his durability.
knuckleheads
The massive haul is unlikely to be there any longer for Trout. Even if he comes back next year and plays like the stud he was previously no one is about to pay full price given his injury history and 30something age. Sorry, too late…
aragon
Troll of the trolls.
Susannah
If the Angels pay entire Mike Trout’s salary, they may get something back. Btw, his prime was over 5 years ago.
User 401527550
They might not get much back paying all of his salary. His knees and back are shot. His career is for the most part over.
User 401527550
He went on the IL with back problems and tore up his knee rehabbing. He re-tore the knee rehabbing the knee. The back issue is a degenerative issue the same as David Wright had that he had to retire early. There is every reason to think he won’t be 100% ever again.
Canuckleball
This year, yes.
2021: Calf strain – missed 139 days
2022: Back inflammation – missed 35 days
2023: Broken hamate – missed 89 days
2024: Torn meniscus – missed 153 days
He’s missed over a month in each of the last 4 years, and at least 3 months in three of the last four years.
Sadly, he is the definition of injury prone.
Tigers3232
@Mets Costoveterabal dysfunction is not degenerative like Spinal Stenosis. It can’t be corrected with surgery but is far less problematic for an athlete and can be much easier treated.
Canuckleball
The issue isn’t so much a lingering injury as that there is always another notable injury right around the corner.
I’m sure he’ll fully recover from the knee injury, and then early next season twist his ankle and be out for 2 months with a high ankle sprain, or strain a wrist ligament, or need Tommy John for his elbow, or suffer a neck injury, or break a toe on a foul ball.
There really haven’t been many/any repeat injuries. It’s just something different every year.
I’m not hating on him. I hope he has a healthy year next year. But recent seasons say he won’t
California 8
He banged 6 SB and he banged 10 HR to go along with an other-worldly arcade level OPS. 30/50 pace. Was going to be his best all time season by A LOT.
Do it now.
Luis_Fazenda
Yes….but for how long. It’s been one thing after another for the poor guy. COVID year aside, the last injury-free season he’s had was 2016. That isn’t going to instill confidence in prospective suitors.
paddyo furnichuh
Yeah “now” ….. *all readers laughing at 12981’s ignorance*
stymeedone
There is every reason to expect he won’t stay at 100%.
fljay73
Are the Angels willing to pay a good portion of his salary? Trout basically means IL nowadays.
Walk Off IBB
Trout wants to be in Anaheim.
B Thomas
lol. Prime? Yeah for 80-100 games a year. You might be surprised on the return. It will be significant but not what you would’ve gotten 2 years ago
User 401527550
He isn’t getting any return.
Oldguy58
Too late
Dumpster Divin Theo
To Dodgers for salary relief and some AAAA hitters
teddyj
Have you been drug tested recently or is that sarcasm? That ship has sailed.
Dumpster Divin Theo
Yes please id like to test drugs got any?
hdtrip
“What’s my drug of choice?
Well, what have you got?” – Alice In Chains “Junkhead”
Niekro floater
Back in the day Trout woulda commanded a kings ransom in prospect capital in trade. That ship sailed awhile ago. Just like Angel’s shoulda dealt Ohtani n gotten something in return for best player on planet @trade deadline last yr. Coulda retooled the farm system plus received mlb ready prospects. It’s the Angel’s. Would be nice to see Trout in Philly or in Dodger blue just so he can get to playoffs. Gota stay healthy.
Cat Mando
Still stuck on that “massive haul” drivel, huh 12981? It ain’t gonna happen As great as Trout has been in the past he has averaged 64 games a year since 2020 at $37,116,666. It ain’t gonna happen.
Give up the pipe dream, rejoin and face reality. Do it now.
Paleobros
12981, stop being a silly goose.
Teacher
A massive haul won’t happen, numbers. Contract, Career altering injuries, age and because I said so.
JoeBrady
Irony or sarcasm?
Rsox
I feel like this some form of De Ja Vu because i distinctly remember reading this exact same post a few days ago.
There is zero massive haul coming in a deal for Trout. If Trout were to actually be traded the Angels would have to include at least one top prospect to offset the amount of money they would have to send with Trout
chemfinancing
He’s still the number one player in baseball what locoweed are u smoking bro haven’t u heard of shohei ohtani, gunnar henderson, Paul skenes
twentyfivemanroster
MLB history consecutive loss record is 23? Since the MLB was founded in 1876, then the 1889 Louisville Colonels, who lost 26 should be the record. Should it not say ‘in the modern era’ instead?
Canuckleball
Full MLB didn’t form until 1903. That was when the NL and AL merged. Prior to that, it was just the NL.
The writer was correct.
Dumpster Divin Theo
“I’m too drunk to taste this chicken” – Colonel Sanders
MacGromit
@25man
Have hope. The White Sox can just lose another 7 and be the sole holder of the longest losing streak. Problem solved.
avenger65
Look out, Phillies! We’re coming after your record! All credit to jr and his clueless puppet, Getz.
JoeBrady
How is this Getz’ fault? They were #27 last year. On balance, I like his trades and acquisitions.
Dumpster Divin Theo
Youre prolly right JoeBrady, Getz just has sad clueless puppet face
its_happening
If the Negro League stats are being counted, so should the 1889 Louisville squad that lost 26 straight.
avenger65
happening: That is, if anyone is dumb enough to think the Negro League records count (not you).
bronyaur1
Please don’t go there.
Chicken In Philly?
What? Why shouldn’t they? It was the equivalent of MLB and formed out of necessity. Get with the times.
lesterdnightfly
avenger65:
What are you “avenging”? The Emancipation Proclamation?
avenger65
Holden: It’s two separate leagues who never played each other except exhibitions which, at least for now, doesn’t count. If we’re going to count the Negro League, why not the women”s league during WWII? Or the Dominican League? Puerto Rico, Venezuela and on and on.
its_happening
Bronyaur- precedent was set by MLB trying to right a wrong that will never be right. Once you open that door, the other door (like Louisville) opens.
Chicken In Philly?
Why? Because those current leagues’ players have access to MLB. And the Women’s League stats can count- I didn’t say they couldn’t. At least the Hall recognizes their contributions. Combining the statistics rights a historical wrong. You can’t always do that, but when you can, you do.
its_happening
Holden it’ll never right a historical wrong. Do not kid yourself into thinking it does. The fact that you had to say, “I didn’t say they couldn’t” referencing women’s stats tells us all we need to know about how you don’t want to offend people. Your two wrongs make a right stance is noble but not right.
Chicken In Philly?
It does right some of the wrongs for their families, and for equity in baseballs’ record books. And you’re really simplifying a person down to “I didn’t say they couldn’t” into them not wanting to offend people? While I prefer arguing based on ethics and facts over insults, if that’s what you truly mean, I fear you don’t, which just makes you ignorant. You gatekeepers are the ones scared of offending your fragile white identities.
letitbelowenstein
Sox have three with the A’s and two with the Cubs. I predict 2-3.
avenger65
That means the Sox will set the record against the cubs, the ultimate humiliation.
Acoss1331
White Sox are 20 straight, I say why stop there? Let’s go for the all-time record of 26! Full throttle boys!
Dumpster Divin Theo
“Don’t stop now, boys!”
Unclemike1525
The White Sox are already worse than the A’s and the Rockies. I’m pretty sure that’s the bottom. This is where even drunks go,” I think I need to make a change”.
WtfMate
“you’ve got to be bleeping me”
Fever Pitch Guy
acoss – What is even more surprising, the ChiSox have lost 8 consecutive Crochet starts.
I can see why nobody acquired him, he hasn’t gone more than 4 innings in any of his last 5 starts.
Acoss1331
Fever,
There’s a reason so many people insisted on Crochet becoming a bullpen arm down the stretch, his innings were going to become a problem.
avenger65
Fever: He’s already proven his durability so innings aren’t a problem, though grifol inadvertently is keeping Crochet fresh for his next team. His losses are more a result of the AA team behind him.
Oldguy58
White Sox at Oakland, who’s Shohei taking?
brodie-bruce
@oldguy58
Not sure who shohei has but his new translator is putting 2 dimes down on Oakland.
Acoss1331
Brodie,
Oakland looks like a World Series team in comparison to the White Sox lol
avenger65
Warden: If Fisher is indifferent to his team, he’s Branch Rickey compared to the uncaring Bozo in Chicago.
Acoss1331
Avenger,
Jerry is most definitely a bozo, he and Arte share a lot in common. I’m not sure who’s worse between Arte Moreno, Jerry Reinsdorf and John Fisher though…
deepseamonster32
does Arte get credit for his big spending, or lose points for always spending it on guys like Rendon?
Susannah
That would be $0.20 more than I would bet.
drasco036
The White Sox could very well set the record for most losses in a single season and won’t have a draft pick in the top 10 of next years draft.
cwsOverhaul
JR loves to stick within the family, so if they want to at least have a pulse next year bring back Ozzie. Say what you want about crudeness, he is smart when it comes to baseball and a character for fan interest/mlb in general.
If both okay with it, AJ as bench coach to get experience. They are almost out of the check cashers outside of Benintendi and Robert-even those guys will likely change for better with leadership they respect.
Canuckleball
No idea if Ozzie would help performance, but at the very least, he’d make the losing much more entertaining.
avenger65
cws: Why would anyone want to manage the Sox when they don’t – and won’t – have the players to win? When Ozzie led the Sox to the 2005 World Championship he insisted on Williams getting him the players he needed, and Williams did that. If anyone thinks Ozzie is past it, last year Venezuela or a Venezuelan team was about to finish last. The president of the country asked Oz to manage the team and he led them to the championship. But with Getz the GM now, no one in their right mind would want to manage the Sox besides the inept grifol,who is the right man to lead this Titanic of an organization right into the iceberg.
Dogbone
avenger, I think you are right – – there is absolutely no way Ozzie would want any part of being the manager of this mess.
Maybe though, what Reinsdorf is waiting on – is for Manfred to declare the franchise as a Disaster Area, and have a special player draft, to bail them out. I wouldn’t be surprised if Reinsdorf actually would ask.
cwsOverhaul
Ozzie would be lucky to even get an interview elsewhere b/c he is so outspoken. That doesn’t mesh well with Ivy league control freaks. That’s why he would accept the challenge if offered the job.
Current FO at least recognizes they had/have a few goldbricks. Ozzie wouldn’t have to sell them on lighting a fire under certain vets and being fair (without babying) the younger guys. He’d tell them as a former SS that Montgomery needs a lot more work in minors to stick there-they need some honesty in-house.
drasco036
Saying that a guy is a “pedophile” and making homophobic remarks isn’t being “outspoken” and those are the reasons Ozzie won’t be considered for a job.
cwsOverhaul
He managed quite a while following his lash out at the obnoxious writer. Had to even look up that was ’06. One can learn from mistakes where he crossed a line. Like I said, only one who would give him a shot is the WSox b/c he is competent in managing a team.
JoeBrady
no one in their right mind would want to manage the Sox
=======================
Of course they would. This is like the conversation I had about Kim Ng turning down an interview for the RS GM position. That was incredibly stupid. These positions don’t come up every day.
If Ozzie gets a shot, it’ll be like Christmas for him.
YankeesBleacherCreature
She wasn’t the only one:
masslive.com/redsox/2023/10/kim-ng-declines-red-so…
Now senior advisor to an upstart women’s pro softball league.
its_happening
If you bring back Ozzie you give him 3 years to turn it around, not 1 or fire him in year 2. No matter the heat or hard times you give him 3 seasons no matter what.
Atlanta Jack
This is just a sad sad situation with very little hope for the next few years. MLB is going to punish the White Sox fans with no chance of a top 10 draft pick next year. How about fining the owner a large amount of money for tanking. That would stop it now.
avenger65
Atlanta: Manfred won’t fine jr or take the team away from him – which he should do – because Manfred’s salary is being paid by the owners.
drasco036
What a stupid comment by a typical fan, fine the owner? Seriously? Why? Because the team isn’t spending enough money for you?
These pathetic White Sox fans bragged for years about “rebuilding the right way” and “showing teams how it’s done” only to realize after the fact that they blew money on the wrong players and spending. It wasn’t the owner that threw the entire budget at extending prospect and bullpen pieces, nor is it his fault Benny is terrible but blame the owner, punish the owner
Atlanta Jack
It was the owner who hired Hahn, the owner who hired williams, tho owner who had to fire the both of them and than hire the guy down the hall with no GM experience to get this team in the mess we are in today and the years to come.
drasco036
Kenny Williams, the guy who won the World Series? Yeah that was an awful hire.
Atlanta Jack
Williams was here about 30 years and Ozzie and some great players won in 2005.
drasco036
Ozzie, the guy they had to fire? (Using your own words against you).
And actually, that White Sox team didn’t have any “great” players aside from maybe Buhrle and a very past his prime Frank Thomas. It simply had some good players
Atlanta Jack
How many World Series did Williams win in 25 years without Ozzie 00. How many playoff series without Ozzie 00. That’s none without Ozzie in 25 years!!
drasco036
Well get that the White Sox is an inept, joke of a franchise, you don’t have to keep giving us examples of it
What’s hilarious is Williams 25 year run is the most successful run of post throwing the World Series White Sox history.
Atlanta Jack
I was talking baseball not post throwing.
drasco036
Oh let me explain, prior to the White Sox throwing the World Series, they were a successful franchise. After throwing the World Series, they have been a joke. “Post” means after. After the White Sox threw the World Series, they never won back to back division titles, they never appeared in the post season in consecutive seasons until 2020 and 2021.
mike127
Atlanta—they aren’t tanking. They stink. They built it team that had a lineup of multiple DHs (Eloy, Vaughn, Abreu, Sheets, Grandal, Anderson, Burger) and expected to win. It worked for about 4 months in 2021….and has failed ever since.
MLB is not punishing the fans with no chance of a top 10 pick. They are a major market, revenue sharing team.
Don’t remember anyone crying when that Nationals got slotted tenth last season.
I don’t see any outcry for the A’s picking 11th in the 2025 draft (unless the Sox catch them and then the Sox fall to 11th—ps—not happening).
Gonna guess the Sox will probably have the best odds of first pick in 2026.
norcalblue
Taking on that Soler contract is a head scratcher to me. Avoiding long-term commitments To flood assets is something they’ve been pretty good at. I just don’t see how he’s a difference maker for them.
CKinSTL
Let me start by saying that the White Sox are one of the worst run teams… but I wouldn’t say it is from lack of effort from Jerry or the FO. The White Sox genuinely tried to put a winner out there over the last few years. They got a ton of young talent, locked them up, spent large sums on free agents. In hindsight, nearly every move was a trainwreck.. the players just played terribly and/or couldn’t stay healthy.
Atlanta Jack
It was wrong this year and it was wrong last year as well.
Niekro floater
I remember when O’s dropped 21 straight. Seemed like it lasted forever. WS are embarrassment to league.
letitbelowenstein
Yeah. And Cal Ripken, Sr. got canned after six games. 88-188 Pedro has a miles-long leash.
olmtiant
Wasn’t it 3-4 years ago the White Sox were the Odds on AL pennant winner and second in WS odds??? Tim Anderson was being shopped for Xander and a few others… Father Time … still undefeated…
mike127
2 years ago (2022 season)…..three years ago they won the division by 13 games. Came into 2022 as “one of the favorites” and chic pick.
Unclemike1525
Yeah that’s when Reinsdorf started getting ideas. Next stop -Oblivion.
msqboxer
I believe that Reinsdorf is in Stan Kronke mode. He knows full well that the state and city aren’t going to fund a new stadium, especially when the Bears are having problems doing the same. What better way to get a franchise ready for sale then gut it so the new owners can put their stamp on it and the die hard fans stop coming to the park giving him the out. There are plenty of billionaires who would want nothing more than to own a franchise that they get to choose their location.
Unclemike1525
Bears are willing to do something Reinsdorf never will. They are putting up like 600 million of their own money. Let me know when Reinsdorf does that.
Atlanta Jack
I pray for that day every night. New owners before I die.
bmann300
As a longtime White Sox fan – what really upsets me about this awful season is no one and I repeat no one from the players all the way up to the cheapskate owner seem to give a darn about what is happening. No player outburst- no manager waking up – no GM firing anyone or making any moves- and nothing but silence from Mr. Reinsdorf. Let’s see some emotion and action and a lot less bullpen!
Atlanta Jack
Yes, that’s called no accountability!!
Dogbone
Comon Bmann – usually plenty of emotion on the After Game shows!!! They’re entertaining.
bmann300
Yeah there is! But these guys are not part of the Sox or there definitely would be some changes made! Love all the guys on the After and Pre game show except for Beckham.
Dogbone
I don’t know, I really think Pods is absolutely useless. He seems pretty weird.
bmann300
No socks Pods!
Rsox
Well if you are going to suck, suck spectacularly. Shoot for that new record White Sox!
30 Parks
Fire Chris Getz today.