MLB Rumors: White Sox won't commit to 2024 plans just yet
The Chicago White Sox season did not go to plan. Any hopes of contending or building on last season's .500 finish went out the window early. A lot of Chicago's beefier contracts turned sour and the front office underwent foundational changes last month. It has been a mess from start to finish, leaving plenty of questions about the franchise's immediate future.
Tim Anderson, fresh off the worst season of his career, is due $14 million next season — with a $1 million team buyout. Closer Liam Hendricks has a $15 million buyout option, spread over 10 installments. The future of Chicago's pitching staff, after a year of Dylan Cease rumors, is murkier than ever.
The White Sox are taking the classic wait-and-see approach, not committing to a total rebuild or an all-out push to win games. GM Chris Getz spoke candidly to reporters about Chicago's plans.
"For me, it's coming in here and [figuring out] foundationally where are we with different departments so we can avoid these extreme swings. That's been the focus and will remain [the focus]. As we move through October and November, we'll start focusing more on what we need to do to put the best team forward for next year and years further."
He appears to have the right priorities in mind. The Sox have to establish some level of baseline consistency. Maybe that means rebuilding and slowly working back to contending status. Maybe that means running back the same nucleus and betting on internal improvement and better luck (Tim Anderson can't be that bad again, right?).
There are surely some antsy Sox fans out there eager for a full-blown teardown, but the MLB often rewards patience and stability. Chicago is not without quality pieces on the roster and the American League Central is a free-for-all, so Getz is right to hold his cards close to the vest and keep all options open.
MLB Rumors: Orioles sign 30-year lease to stay at Camden Yards
The first-place Baltimore Orioles have given the home crowd a lot to cheer about this season. A stunning 100-59 record goes to show the dominance on display from the MLB's least-expected contender. It has been ages since Baltimore had a real shot at the World Series. Ages since the O's were kings of the AL East.
A perfect capstone to a special 2023 season was just delivered to Baltimore fans. Any time there's a small market team struggling to generate wins and/or revenue, buzz about potential relocation starts to rise. It's rare, but the Oakland Athletics are about to become the Las Vegas Athletics, so it's not unheard of.
The Orioles' home stadium of Camden Yards is fast becoming a relic; it has been operational since 1992 when it was built to replace Memorial Stadium. In a day and age where there is often a thirst for 'new' or 'modern,' it can become difficult to sell fans, or more importantly (to ownership) business interests, on the charm of older stadiums. Thankfully, the O's aren't moving — locally or out of state — any time soon.
Baltimore agreed to a new 30-year lease to stay at Camden Yards on Thursday.
Earlier in the year, the Orioles and Maryland governor Wes Moore announced a joint commitment to "revitalize" Camden Yards, per ESPN.
"When Camden Yards opened 30 years ago, the Baltimore Orioles revolutionized baseball and set the bar for the fan experience," Moore said. "We share the commitment of the Orioles organization to ensuring that the team is playing in a world-class facility at Camden Yards for decades to come and are excited to advance our public-private partnership."
MLB Rumors: Hector Neris apologizes to Julio Rodriguez for benches-clearing conflict
Benches cleared between the Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners on Wednesday night after 'Stros ace Hector Neris struck out Julio Rodriguez and began shouting at the Mariners All-Star. Rodriguez did not take kindly to Neris' words and soon, the field was covered in a sea of navy and orange uniforms.
Neris and Rodriguez were teammates on the Dominican Republic's World Baseball Classic team. The two were considered friends with a positive relationship beforehand, so Neris' actions were a "surprise," Rodriguez indicated to ESPN after the game.
Neris said it was "nothing personal" and cited a desire to fire up his team.
Now, a day removed from the incident, Neris has released an apology to Rodriguez and his family for the exchange.
Neris essentially doubled down on the impersonal intent behind his actions, calling it "friendly ongoing banter" that is customary in the DR. Obviously Rodriguez did not agree with Neris' phrasing or his decision to walk toward home plate after the strikeout. Neris understands his mistake.
"I do understand how my actions could be interpreted [as disrespect]."
He also denies allegations of using a homophobic slur.
"My mother raised me to love and respect people for who they are and that is how I live my life."
The Astros and Mariners have engaged in on-field conflict on multiple occasions this season. Houston in general seems to get a little too fired up at times. Both Houston and Seattle have dropped to the tail-end of the wild card race recently, so emotions were understandably high in this game. It's nice to see Neris accept responsibility and opt for reconciliation, rather than perpetrating an unnecessary feud.
