South Side Sox: All Posts by Chrystal O'KeefeThe best in White Sox coverage since 2005!https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/35559/southsidesox-fave.jpg2024-03-27T18:49:07-05:00https://www.southsidesox.com/authors/chrystal-okeefe/rss2024-03-27T18:49:07-05:002024-03-27T18:49:07-05:00Visiting Dugout Podcast 39 — Detroit Tigers
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<p>Chrystal chats with Walker Kelly about the first series of the 2024 season</p> <p class="p--has-dropcap" id="kWsHML">Welcome back, friends! The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and the <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">White Sox</a> are, well, attempting to play baseball this season. The <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">White Sox</a> will host the <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> for the first series of the season, and again about 70 times. I kid, but it certainly feels that way. </p>
<p id="rcLIYV">Walker Kelly, new to the pod, joined to chat about the Motor City Kitties, the opening series, and how the team might fare in a pitiful American League Central.</p>
<ul>
<li id="dkEJpx"> What’s going on in Tiger land these days?</li>
<li id="z4Jhys"> Grading the offseason acquisitions — is the best Jason Benetti?</li>
<li id="RzJYt5"> Confidence levels for the 2024 Tigers</li>
<li id="03LTSQ"> Pitching matchups</li>
<li id="V6ROgY"> The keys, the fears, and what player will have the most impact on the series</li>
<li id="0zMvim"> Thoughts and predictions for 2024</li>
</ul>
<p class="c-end-para" id="l9jTjv">You can find Walker on <a href="https://twitter.com/BigDaddyDrix">Twitter</a> and over at <a href="https://twitter.com/fballabsurdity">Football Absurdity</a>. </p>
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https://www.southsidesox.com/2024/3/27/24113054/chicago-white-sox-visiting-dugout-podcast-39-detroit-tigers-opening-day-2024Chrystal O'Keefe2024-03-22T19:19:50-05:002024-03-22T19:19:50-05:00White Sox split squad goes 1-for-2 vs. California
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<figcaption>Hero of the game: <strong>Dominic Fletcher</strong> | John E. Moore III/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>You win some, you lose some</p> <p class="p--has-dropcap" id="Xt8HMI">The <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">White Sox</a> split their split-squad day on Friday, losing to the Angels, 2-0, and stomping the A’s, 8-2. </p>
<p id="AtL4HI">The first game started at 3:05 p.m. CT against the <a href="https://www.halosheaven.com/">Angels</a>. If you happened to be in California or have MLBtv, you could catch the game. The second game against the <a href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/">Athletics</a> was only available on the radio — in Oakland. But thankfully, I watched one and can read box scores for the other!</p>
<p id="KlDucF"><strong>First up — Angels 2, </strong><a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/"><strong>White Sox</strong></a><strong> 0</strong><br>There are not a ton of noteworthy moments from this game. The White Sox lost, 2-0, after a sacrifice bunt plating Brandon Drury in the fourth and an RBI single from Mickey Moniak that sent Nelson Rada home. Both teams managed just five hits apiece, with the White Sox stranding six and Angels five. </p>
<p id="6OGMhM">The pitching was exceptional for both teams, with good guy Tanner Banks going two innings without a single hit or walk, and striking out four. Chad Kuhl struggled a little in the one inning he pitched, allowing a run. Jonathan Cannon, on the other hand, struggled the most in his four innings. Cannon gave up four hits, a run, and a walk, boosting his ERA to 2.45. </p>
<p id="rDOxWE"><strong>White Sox 8, Athletics 2</strong><br>Naturally, the game no one could watch unless you were there in person turned out to be the better game. So, to a crowd of likely no one, because who wants to watch these teams, the White Sox beat the A’s, 8-2.</p>
<p id="6SNhIa">To start things off in the game, Andrew Vaughn grounded out but was able to advance Yoán Moncada and send Nicky Lopez home. Paul DeJong singled on a line drive with two outs and two on in the first. The single sent Moncada and Rafael Ortega home. Keeping the hope alive, Dominic Fletcher homered to right center, with DeJong crossing the plate ahead of him. Thankfully, there is video proof of that. In case you weren’t keeping count, that’s 5-0 for the Good Guys.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ladies and gentlemen: Dominic Fletcher <a href="https://t.co/xm0nBJDvKe">pic.twitter.com/xm0nBJDvKe</a></p>— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) <a href="https://twitter.com/whitesox/status/1771284523772153979?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2024</a>
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<p id="3l6FUA">Hoy Park would answer in the second for the A’s, with an RBI double that sent Esteury Ruiz home. </p>
<p id="gAxeTi">More action would come for the Sox in the bottom of the fourth when Martín Maldonado hit a ground-rule double on a liner to right, allowing Fletcher to score. That’s not it, friends. Brett Phillips doubled on a fly to center plating Matt Hogan, and Nicky Lopez singled to left giving Phillips the chance to score. The fourth through eighth would remain 8-1, Sox. </p>
<p id="7jpawM">Carlos Pérez homered in the top of the eighth — <em>their </em>Carlos Pérez, not ours — but that’s the end of the line for the A’s. </p>
<p id="pAF5NC">Jake Woodford had both the best and worst time on the hill today, but ultimately got the win. In 4 2⁄3 innings pitched, Woodford ended up with four hits, one run, four walks, but also four strikeouts. </p>
<p id="VL7tBP">After the game, the White Sox announced that veterans Mike Moustakas and Kevin Pillar, high in TWTW but lacking in talent, were released.</p>
<p class="c-end-para" id="cc6QxX">The Cactus League wraps up this weekend with a game tomorrow and the finale on Sunday. </p>
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https://www.southsidesox.com/2024/3/22/24109177/chicago-white-sox-split-squad-goes-1-for-2-vs-californiaChrystal O'Keefe2024-03-22T12:11:28-05:002024-03-22T12:11:28-05:00Full White Sox 2024 promo schedule released
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<figcaption>Say hi to Pudding, happy to be at Dog Day 2023! | Chicago White Sox</figcaption>
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<p>What are you standing in line for this season?</p> <p class="p--has-dropcap" id="2pPwAq">The <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">White Sox</a> announced additional 2024 promotions, inaugural theme nights, and returning fan-favorite celebrations with just a week left until Opening Day. If you missed the initial release, don’t worry! I covered <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/2024/1/12/24036214/chicago-white-sox-2024-promo-schedule-announced-luis-robert-jr-bears-blackhawks-jerseys">the first round of promos</a> back in January. </p>
<p id="k8ghgA">So, what’s added to the mix?</p>
<p id="dNDefW">Two limited-edition bobbleheads will be available, and believe me, you’re going to want to get to the park early. </p>
<p id="wguMBf">First up is the 30th anniversary of <strong>Frank Thomas's Back-to-Back MVP bobblehead</strong>, presented by Binny’s Beverage Depot, on August 31 vs. the <a href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">New York Mets</a> (first 15,000 fans, ages 21 and up). </p>
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<cite>Chicago White Sox</cite>
<figcaption>Frank Thomas back-to-back MVP bobblehead</figcaption>
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<p id="13Cc9m">The second is a <strong>La Pantera Alebrije bobblehead</strong>, presented by Modelo, on <strong>Hispanic Heritage Night</strong>, September 13 vs. Oakland (first 15,000 fans, ages 21 and up). A first-of-its-kind giveaway, the bobblehead features a custom Alebrije (a brightly colored mythical creature depicted throughout Mexican folk art culture). The La Pantera Alebrije bobblehead features a mystical panther with wings and talons, donning Luis Robert Jr.’s No. 88 and distinctive cultural designs.</p>
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<cite>Chicago White Sox</cite>
<figcaption>La Pantera Alebrije bobblehead</figcaption>
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<p id="cKeMQJ">The White Sox also will celebrate the legacy of Chicago’s storied Negro Leagues team with a <strong>Chicago American Giants Jersey</strong> (first 10,000 fans) on <strong>African American Heritage Night</strong>, August 14 vs. the <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">New York Yankees</a>. Continuing to recognize the intersection of sports and cultural heritage, the organization’s American Giants giveaway commemorates the profound impact of the Negro National League’s flagship team, while highlighting this important era of baseball and its connection to Old Comiskey Park.</p>
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<cite>Chicago White Sox</cite>
<figcaption>Chicago American Giants jersey</figcaption>
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<p id="tpbVn1">In addition, the White Sox will welcome fans to its first-ever <strong>Mexican Heritage Night</strong>, presented by Modelo, on June 26 vs. <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Los Angeles Dodgers</a>. The giveaway is an Aztec-inspired <strong>Mexican Heritage Night Jersey</strong> (first 10,000 fans, ages 21 and up) and is a green, white, and red, “Somos White Sox” jersey, and the night includes scheduled live banda and mariachi performances to further spotlight the significant contributions of the Mexican community on Chicago history.</p>
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<cite>Chicago White Sox</cite>
<figcaption>Mexican Heritage Night jersey</figcaption>
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<p id="8W2UMf">Additional giveaways added to the 2024 White Sox season slate include:</p>
<ul><li id="N20fgz">
<strong>White Sox Short Sleeve Hoodie</strong>, presented by Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, on July 27 vs. Seattle (first 20,000 fans who enter the ballpark)</li></ul>
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<cite>Chicago White Sox</cite>
<figcaption>White Sox short sleeve hoodie</figcaption>
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<strong>White Sox Rugby Shirt</strong>, presented by Miller Lite, on September 14 vs. Oakland (first 15,000 fans, ages 21 and up who enter the ballpark)</li></ul>
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<cite>Chicago White Sox</cite>
<figcaption>White Sox rugby shirt</figcaption>
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<p id="TbHLMI">Wrestling fans — this one is for you! White Sox fans can <em>get ready to rrrrruuuummmmble</em> at Guaranteed Rate Field for <a href="https://www.mlb.com/whitesox/tickets/specials/themes#wwe"><strong>WWE Night</strong></a> on Thursday, May 9 vs. Cleveland. Along with specially priced tickets, fans who purchase tickets now at <a href="http://whitesox.com/wwe"><strong>whitesox.com/wwe</strong></a> will receive a limited-edition WWE Southpaw figurine.</p>
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<cite>Chicago White Sox</cite>
<figcaption>WWE Southpaw figurine</figcaption>
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<p id="dDpCq3">Additional theme nights, joining more than a dozen returning fan-favorite celebrations, include:</p>
<ul>
<li id="2B3lEv">
<a href="https://www.mlb.com/whitesox/tickets/specials/dog-day?affiliateId=tdl-Chicago_White_Sox-Tickets-White_Sox_Promotional_Tickets-Promotion_Buy_Tickets_Button-x0-Desktop-Landscape&adobe_mc=MCMID=15988877029219061714493310810115818846&MCORGID=A65F776A5245B01B0A490D44%40AdobeOrg&TS=1711059947"><strong>Dog Day</strong></a>, sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, on April 29 vs. Minnesota (dog registration required)</li>
<li id="Jn2W4g"> <strong>Pride at the Park</strong>, presented by Vizzy, on June 18 vs. Houston</li>
<li id="w1ZBbw"> <strong>NASCAR Day</strong>, on June 30 vs. Colorado</li>
<li id="zvziAm"> <strong>Margaritaville Night</strong> and <strong>Postgame Fireworks</strong> on July 12 vs. Pittsburgh</li>
<li id="WE9HUr"> <strong>Yoga at the Park</strong>, presented by Guaranteed Rate, July 14 vs. Pittsburgh</li>
<li id="1Qqo3i"> <strong>90s Night and Fireworks,</strong> presented by Guaranteed Rate, on July 26 vs. Seattle</li>
<li id="irkTEO"> <strong>Christmas in July</strong> on July 28 vs. Seattle</li>
<li id="P5zrV2"> <strong>Star Wars Night</strong> and <strong>Postgame Fireworks</strong> on August 30 vs. New York Mets</li>
<li id="vcS6td"> <strong>Nurses Night</strong>, presented by Saint Xavier University, on September 9 vs. Cleveland</li>
</ul>
<p id="AgiQu6">For more information on specialty theme night packages, including group rates, exclusive promotional items, and gameday programming will be shared leading up to select games. For a complete list of exclusive giveaways and season-long promotions, visit <a href="http://whitesox.com/promos"><strong>whitesox.com/promos</strong></a>.</p>
<p id="BVPj0F">White Sox single-game tickets, including Opening Day on Thursday, March 28 vs. Detroit (Clear Tote Bag, presented by BMO, to all fans), are available for purchase now. Fans can visit <a href="http://whitesox.com/tickets"><strong>whitesox.com/tickets</strong></a> for more information.</p>
<p class="c-end-para" id="FrE41U">The Box Office at Guaranteed Rate Field is open to fans on non-gamedays, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For all White Sox home games, the box office opens at 9 a.m. and closes two hours following the scheduled game start time.</p>
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https://www.southsidesox.com/2024/3/22/24108158/full-chicago-white-sox-2024-promo-schedule-releasedChrystal O'Keefe2024-03-15T18:56:16-05:002024-03-15T18:56:16-05:00White Sox 3, Cubs 2: A rainy win in eight innings
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<figcaption><strong>Paul DeJong</strong> celebrates hitting <em>another</em> home run. | John E. Moore III/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Turns out we’re only playing one today</p> <p class="p--has-dropcap" id="WBYCLM">The <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">White Sox</a> game today started on a rain delay, as the usual sunny Arizona turned overcast quickly, and ended before the ninth inning could get underway. Let’s go over the highlights.</p>
<p id="evCKV4">Chris Flexen continued his first-inning scoreless streak, but alas, the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> would ruin his outing a bit in the second with four hits, two of which were doubles. The <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> struck first and brought in two. </p>
<p id="ZIeNVS">However, the <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">White Sox</a> quickly knotted the score with Paul DeJong’s third homer of the Cactus League, after Jordan Wicks walked Andrew Vaughn during the previous at-bat.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Paul DeJong goes boom! <a href="https://t.co/DRCgrMY3OZ">pic.twitter.com/DRCgrMY3OZ</a></p>— White Sox Talk (@NBCSWhiteSox) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSWhiteSox/status/1768746212587446588?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2024</a>
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<p id="GdGVLg">The defense stayed spectacular in the top of the third with some incredible catches, especially one from Andrew Benintendi. </p>
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<p lang="et" dir="ltr">Benintendi in midseason form <a href="https://t.co/SpEXiooI8X">pic.twitter.com/SpEXiooI8X</a></p>— White Sox Talk (@NBCSWhiteSox) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSWhiteSox/status/1768748722056249498?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2024</a>
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<p id="xu374Q">Vaughn launched an RBI double to right field that put the Sox in the lead for the first time. In other exciting news, Flexen had a successful pick-off at first with Braden Shewmake tagging Brennen Davis for the third out in the top of the fourth. </p>
<p id="iaTX3l">The White Sox pitching remained consistent throughout the game with some defensive help, keeping the Cubs out of scoring position. I’d love to provide more game updates, but it started raining. </p>
<p id="GYpgp3">Thanks to the one-run lead going into the bottom of the eighth, the White Sox got the win, as the game was called. Fans flocked from their seats as the tarp started unraveling on the diamond. </p>
<p id="qToS6b">The Cubs ended the day with seven hits but just two turned into runs, while the White Sox capitalized on just four hits and three runs. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Four in a row <a href="https://t.co/z6KzbQJXip">pic.twitter.com/z6KzbQJXip</a></p>— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) <a href="https://twitter.com/whitesox/status/1768769707618832835?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2024</a>
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<p id="AwjYwf">In perhaps the most apt metaphor yet for this 2024 White Sox season, the Future was cancelled. OK, that’s stretching it, but the Spring Breakout game pitting the top White Sox vs. Cubs prospects, part of an innovative new idea running across MLB, had to be canceled due to the inclement weather. So it’s just this recap for the evening. </p>
<p class="c-end-para" id="yeMUyg">Weather pending, the White Sox host Seattle on Saturday afternoon.</p>
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https://www.southsidesox.com/2024/3/15/24102308/chicago-white-sox-3-chicago-cubs-2-a-rainy-winChrystal O'Keefe2024-03-15T14:40:00-05:002024-03-15T14:40:00-05:00Gamethread White Sox vs. Cubs
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<figcaption><strong>Chris Flexen</strong>’s class picture. | Michael Reaves/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Let’s play two!</p> <p class="p--has-dropcap" id="H9qXpb">Happy Friday, folks! We’ve got a redline series today in sunny Arizona. The <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">White Sox</a> face the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a>, who have demolished the South Siders twice so far in the spring training games. Can the White Sox win on their home field, or will the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> continue to decimate the Good Guys?</p>
<p id="i9Ahfp">Chris Flexen is on the mound first with a fairly reoccurring (maybe even Opening Day) lineup. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">White Sox vs. Cubs at Camelback Ranch! <a href="https://t.co/UCTmzqnSqb">pic.twitter.com/UCTmzqnSqb</a></p>— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) <a href="https://twitter.com/whitesox/status/1768668887690690792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2024</a>
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<p id="IyO5HM">For those interested, here are the Cubs starters. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Let's play two!<br><br>Here is the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cubs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cubs</a> starting lineup against the White Sox at Camelback Ranch! <a href="https://t.co/JPDA4Hk2XJ">pic.twitter.com/JPDA4Hk2XJ</a></p>— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cubs/status/1768686110325268813?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2024</a>
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<p id="F2H9ug">If that isn’t enough baseball for you, the Futures game — also known as Spring Breakout — will be on soon after. Here is the White Sox lineup:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpringBreakout?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpringBreakout</a> starting lineup! <a href="https://t.co/9LNdo2Ohqc">pic.twitter.com/9LNdo2Ohqc</a></p>— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) <a href="https://twitter.com/whitesox/status/1768679835084198092?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2024</a>
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<p id="lcVmO6">As well as a fun way to get to know some of our minor-leaguers (WARNING: Nick Swisher content). </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Get to know <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBPipeline?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MLBPipeline</a>'s No. 9 overall prospect, Colson Montgomery.<br><br>You can watch <a href="https://twitter.com/whitesox?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WhiteSox</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpringBreakout?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpringBreakout</a> action today at 5:05 PM ET on ESPN+. <a href="https://t.co/4hYXT9VMfi">pic.twitter.com/4hYXT9VMfi</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1768692549638623279?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2024</a>
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<p id="yYfxjt">For those interested, here is the Cubs Spring Breakout lineup:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here is today's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cubs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cubs</a> starting lineup for the inaugural Spring Breakout game at <a href="https://twitter.com/SloanParkMesa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SloanParkMesa</a>!<br><br>Tune in: <a href="https://t.co/Gs2hZXyTjH">https://t.co/Gs2hZXyTjH</a> <a href="https://t.co/fmEr4ryX0G">pic.twitter.com/fmEr4ryX0G</a></p>— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cubs/status/1768687153951707606?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2024</a>
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<p id="Ov7ZKP">You can catch the Major League game on NBC Sports Chicago or ESPN Chicago (1000 AM) at 3:05 p.m. CT. </p>
<p id="V4KJS7">The Spring Breakout game is on the Marquee Network or ESPN+ at 4:05 p.m. CT. </p>
<p class="c-end-para" id="JIIdf6">I’ll be back for the MLB game and Melissa Sage-Bollenbach will be here to recap the Spring Breakout. </p>
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https://www.southsidesox.com/2024/3/15/24102216/gamethread-chicago-white-sox-vs-chicago-cubsChrystal O'Keefe2024-03-10T10:24:00-05:002024-03-10T10:24:00-05:00Meet the Players: International Women’s Day Edition with Allie Wesel
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<figcaption>Allie Wesel/South Side Sox</figcaption>
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<p>It’s the snack sack queen herself!</p> <p class="p--has-dropcap" id="Rr9gvw">I remember the day Allie was brought in; we had been Twitter mutuals for a bit and Brett asked me if I knew anything about her. Eager to jump right in, I was able to e-meet Allie as I walked her through the steps for her first article. I doubt she needed the help because she’s a smart cookie, but it was a great introduction nonetheless. </p>
<p id="zBOwwL">Allie has been all hands on deck since the beginning, taking on several different articles and joining in on podcasts. But perhaps more importantly, she is the snack sack queen. For those unfamiliar with a snack sack, or the rules behind it, you are allowed to bring a gallon bag of food from home (or wherever, go get a sandwich somewhere). That way you’re not only saving money, and eating better food, but you’re also NOT giving Jerry any concession stand money. Like I said, Allie is brilliant. </p>
<p id="mBmhtc">We are truly lucky to have her on the team.</p>
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<p id="yB7Q4c"><strong>What questions are you tired of being asked as a woman in sports media?</strong><br>Not a question but more so the sentiment, “Wow, you really know your stuff!” or “I didn’t realize you really knew baseball.”</p>
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<p id="ForolN"><strong>How did you arrive at South Side Sox?</strong><br>I had been seeking ways to get more involved in the online baseball community, specifically the <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">White Sox</a>. Brett sent me a DM and I thought it was the perfect opportunity to dive into this world.</p>
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<p id="JmQKpl"><strong>What particular challenges have you found in covering baseball?</strong><br>There are A LOT of games. Finding new ways to spin a recap, talk about a strikeout, describe a home run, etc. can be a lot. Additionally, when your team is bad it is really hard to care about writing about said team.</p>
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<p id="T7dBKt"><strong>What particular satisfaction have you gotten from covering baseball? </strong><br>I take so much pride in seeing the final product and being able to share my stories with friends and family. “You see this? I wrote that.” Interacting with people who have read my stories and can relate or get a laugh amid an abysmal season will never not be fun.</p>
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<p id="FvSQBr"><strong>If you could say something to the next generation of women in sports media, what would it be?</strong><br>It will never be enough. If you think you’re asking for too much or you are asking above what you deserve, stop. Ask for the moon. Write, record, and talk about it. If you think it’s a story worth covering, cover it.</p>
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<p id="ntpHIm"><strong>What brought you to love baseball?</strong><br>My mom played softball through college and was one of the biggest <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> fans I ever knew. She planted the seed that would turn into my passion. Baseball was always on in our house, and in elementary school I was lucky enough to have a grandfather who had season tickets to the White Sox. I spent many weekend evenings in the car with my grandparents traveling to U.S. Cellular Field. I remember my Papa always talking about random baseball things and being so interested in how he knew so much. I fell in love with the game in Row 1 of Section 544. When he passed in 2021, watching the team he loved so dearly and learning everything I could felt like a great way to honor him and his memory.</p>
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<p class="c-end-para" id="648DbO"><strong>The sports world thankfully has plenty of trailblazers now. Is there someone you look up to or who inspired you to start covering baseball? </strong><br>I can’t say there is a woman who inspired me to cover baseball specifically, but women like Jenny Finch who dominated in softball and then slowly made her way to the MLB Network and other spaces made me realize there is a place for women in baseball. Today people like Jenny Cavnar, Kim Ng, and Jen Pawol remind me that it’s not just about women covering sports, it is about women integrating themselves in all spaces of this industry. </p>
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https://www.southsidesox.com/2024/3/10/24094830/meet-the-players-international-womens-day-edition-with-allie-weselChrystal O'Keefe2024-03-09T17:29:32-06:002024-03-09T17:29:32-06:00White Sox 1, Padres 1: No One Wins
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<figcaption><strong>Garrett Crochet </strong>continued his Cactus League domination with another scoreless outing on Saturday. | David Durochik/Diamond Images via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>What a way to spend a nice Saturday</p> <p class="p--has-dropcap" id="ruzmp3">Nothing quite beats watching the <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">White Sox</a> play the <a href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">Padres</a> on a Saturday afternoon. It’s even better when they tie and no one wins, because there are no ghost runners or extra innings in spring training. The excitement was palpable as Len Kasper (who could barely be heard over the music at the ballpark) talked about anything but the game. </p>
<p id="nZTBVz">The <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">White Sox</a> started out looking good: Eloy Jiménez doubled (now 14-for-26 this spring) in the first but Andrew Vaughn left him and Yoán Moncada stranded to end the top of the first. Unfortunately, the momentum shifted and the Padres struck first. Manny Machado's RBI double in the bottom of the first sent Jake Cronenworth home to make it 1-0. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">In some respects, that Machado drive was for the White Sox in certain ways.</p>— Asinwreck (@asinwreck) <a href="https://twitter.com/asinwreck/status/1766561711203492168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2024</a>
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<p id="MIr13c">Jiménez singled to left field in the fifth, sending Moncada to second and Nicky Lopez home to tie it up. That’s where the scoring stopped. </p>
<p id="id__9pg7sbhksso">The pitching, on the other hand, was phenomenal. Michael Soroka gave up just one run on two hits, one walk, and struck out five in three innings. He owns a cool 3.60 ERA between his two starts. Garrett Crochet dominated throughout 2 1⁄3 innings, only allowing three hits but striking out four. In total, the Sox gave up six hits and only allowed one run. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhiteSox?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhiteSox</a> pitchers fanned 15 in a 1-1 tie with the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padres?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padres</a> today (Soroka 5, Crochet 4, Berroa 1, Kuhl 5)</p>— SoxNerd (@SoxNerd) <a href="https://twitter.com/SoxNerd/status/1766600863856959897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2024</a>
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<p class="c-end-para" id="mNaZ7V">The Padres’ pitching was good enough, allowing 11 hits but only one run. </p>
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https://www.southsidesox.com/2024/3/9/24095645/white-sox-1-padres-1-no-one-wins-pitchers-duelChrystal O'Keefe2024-03-09T14:01:14-06:002024-03-09T14:01:14-06:00Gamethread: White Sox at Padres
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<figcaption><strong>Michael Soroka </strong>Wants You. | Michael Reaves/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Because what else is there to do on a Saturday afternoon?</p> <p class="p--has-dropcap" id="G7Em4f">Another day, another <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">White Sox</a> spring training game. Will this be their 12th loss (already!) or can they pull through? This afternoon they take on the <a href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">Padres</a> in Peoria, Ariz. This lineup might just be the regular starters we’ll see all season. </p>
<p id="Q6POkM">Michael Soroka is on the bump today, continuing his comeback tour. He allowed one run on two hits with one walk and two strikeouts over two innings on March 4 vs. Arizona in his last start.</p>
<p id="4XBQZw">Soroka ended the 2023 season on the 60-day IL with right forearm inflammation, and missed all of 2021-22 due to consecutive Achilles tears. He has pitched fairly well at camp and will likely make the starting rotation for 2024. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Your <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhiteSox?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhiteSox</a> lineup in Peoria <a href="https://t.co/XC0WPFkge9">pic.twitter.com/XC0WPFkge9</a></p>— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) <a href="https://twitter.com/whitesox/status/1766483202284060742?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2024</a>
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<p id="FPXqtU">Matt Waldron takes the mound for the Padres. His last outing (earlier this week) against the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> was great, striking out six. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Let’s try this again, shall we? <a href="https://t.co/ZKS1OvK2Jy">pic.twitter.com/ZKS1OvK2Jy</a></p>— San Diego Padres (@Padres) <a href="https://twitter.com/Padres/status/1766506270691873214?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2024</a>
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<p id="5Mzl7o">The Padres did have an unplanned off day yesterday after storms affected the Phoenix area. Thankfully, today is sunny and shows a 0% chance of rain. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The one game I get to go to for Spring Training and we get this… <a href="https://twitter.com/Padres?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Padres</a> <a href="https://t.co/d02CJ5YtnL">pic.twitter.com/d02CJ5YtnL</a></p>— Bret (@wiR3d777) <a href="https://twitter.com/wiR3d777/status/1766290505598705952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2024</a>
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<p class="c-end-para" id="0a7PKZ">You can catch the game live on <a href="http://whitesox.com">whitesox.com</a> at 2:05 p.m. CT or listen on ESPN Chicago 1000 (AM). Don’t forget to report back after the game for the recap.</p>
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https://www.southsidesox.com/2024/3/9/24095548/gamethread-white-sox-at-padresChrystal O'Keefe2024-03-09T10:58:24-06:002024-03-09T10:58:24-06:00Meet the Players: International Women’s Day Edition with Kristina Airdo
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<figcaption>Kristina Airdo/South Side Sox</figcaption>
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<p>Coming in hot — Kristina Airdo!</p> <p class="p--has-dropcap" id="G6kq8b">It’s time to roll out a story on our marketing queen, Kristina. I am constantly impressed with her designs and how she completely revamped our Instagram account and brought our social media presence to TikTok. Our Instagram following went from next to nothing to more than 200 in no time. She’s also built relationships with several minor-league players and prospects by tagging them when they are mentioned in any article. She also brought in the families of those same guys to follow and share. </p>
<p id="TJwmD3">Her ideas are always brilliant and she’s always down to help anyone out. In her time with <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">South Side Sox</a>, Ktina has been an absolute force. She creates all of our branded social media graphics, even in a crunch for some breaking news. Her marketing brain, eye for design, leadership, and clever articles are quite the gift to our staff. I can speak for everyone on the site when I say we’re incredibly grateful to have her on the team.</p>
<p id="rsZ668">Outside of this site, she is also one of the kindest and smartest people you’ll ever meet. I’m always thankful for our friendship. </p>
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<p id="hVdr89"><strong>What questions are you tired of being asked as a woman in sports media?</strong><br>It’s not so much the questions, but rather when men (or anyone, but mainly men, let’s be serious) assume that because you’re a woman, you can’t possibly have in-depth sports knowledge or understand how baseball stats work. And as soon as you start dropping numbers and facts, some can get all salty because they weren’t able to prove that they know more than you, a silly little woman who doesn’t know baseball.</p>
<p id="tYmdSB">Alternatively, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten into arguments with guys who will sit there with a straight face and promote a terrible baseball strategy and attempt to force you to believe it’s correct. For example, suppose you tell me that with runners on first and second with no outs and your cleanup hitter at bat you should BUNT, after that guy already has two hits and extra bases on the day. In that case, I will laugh in your face and never take you seriously about baseball again.</p>
<p id="VHDvWS">If you’re reading this now and think bunting is good in that situation, I’m so sorry to tell you that you don’t know ball. :/</p>
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<p id="Jl7NiR"><strong>How did you arrive at South Side Sox?</strong><br>One random evening in December 2021, Brett reached out to me via Twitter DM and told me that “he’s seen some of my tweets and wants to know if I’d be interested in writing for South Side Sox.” My initial thought was “oh god he’s read my tweets.” My second thought was immediate intrigue, then followed by extreme anxiety after taking a minute to think about people reading something I write about baseball — something I’ve never done before. Brett and others encouraged me that I could do it, and while I was still very unsure, I jumped in and was able to quickly learn thanks to our amazing staff of writers. I’ve grown to love writing even more than I have before, and have been here for a bit more than two years now!</p>
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<p id="Pbr2uM"><strong>What particular challenges have you found in covering baseball?</strong><br>The main challenge for us is working to cover games and team-breaking news updates without having direct access to anyone within the organization like traditional news media, while still reporting factual information. Other challenges I’ve faced are people’s rude comments if they disagree with you, but being on Twitter for several years I’ve certainly learned to roll stuff like that off my back.</p>
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<p id="PeA74N"><strong>What particular satisfaction have you gotten from covering baseball? </strong><br>It’s been really cool interacting with some of the <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">White Sox</a> minor league players via social media while working more with our social media channels. I also really enjoy putting all of this random knowledge and information I’ve collected in my brain about this team and sport down on paper to share my thoughts with the larger community … and people actually read it! I’ll always be appreciative of anyone who reads and supports my articles, so if you are reading this, or have read any of my work, thank you! :) </p>
<p id="8BWuG4">I’ve also met an amazing group of people with South Side Sox, many of whom have become great friends, and I’m beyond thankful for that after joining the team!</p>
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<p id="Vajj90"><strong>If you could tell the next generation of women in sports media, what would you say?</strong><br>Don’t be afraid to do what you love and speak your mind. There is always going to be a small group of miserable people who will try to bring you down, say you don’t know anything, or constantly refute your sports knowledge. Just keep doing you and learn to ignore the toxic negativity that can be thrown at women in sports.</p>
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<p id="FXuoHs"><strong>What brought you to love baseball?</strong><br>My grandpa and uncle were huge White Sox fans, which made me love the team and the sport at a young age. I also grew up with all boys, so I learned all the rules and watched all the games with my brother and cousins since we all hung out all the time. I had to keep up with them so we could play even teams of two — naturally, I ended up being just as good as they were. My grandpa, cousins, and I got to attend the 2005 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/world-series">World Series</a> opener together and that was an amazing experience I’ll never forget. </p>
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<p id="wudpW5"><strong>The sports world thankfully has plenty of trailblazers now. Is there someone you look up to or who inspired you to start covering baseball?</strong><br>Janice, Chrystal, and Jacki were three people I had already built some online rapport with and I loved reading their work for South Side Sox and other baseball publications, which made me way less hesitant to join South Side Sox. I think I even DMed Jacki before my first article asking a million questions because I was so worried I was “doing it wrong.” Ha!</p>
<p class="c-end-para" id="h7yqMQ">Outside of our amazing team, there are women I’ve looked up to. I’ll continue to admire people such as Kim Ng, who has been a great executive pretty much everywhere she has gone, and Alyssa Nakken, who became the first female to serve on an MLB coaching staff. Of course, when I was younger, I was also obsessed with Lisa Fernandez and Jenny Finch, and I think my first softball bat was a Lisa Fernandez bat.</p>
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https://www.southsidesox.com/2024/3/9/24093338/meet-the-players-international-womens-day-edition-with-kristina-airdoChrystal O'Keefe2024-03-08T18:41:11-06:002024-03-08T18:41:11-06:00Guardians 2, White Sox 1: Thankfully, no one had to watch
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<p>Watching paint dry would’ve been more interesting anyway</p> <p class="p--has-dropcap" id="JY0AR9">The <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">White Sox</a> played the <a href="https://www.coveringthecorner.com/">Guardians</a> today, and it was exactly as exciting as you would assume. The game was only available on a Cleveland radio station, so I hope no one was commuting while listening because I’m sure it would’ve put me to sleep. </p>
<p id="Zi1Lbs">Here is a quick recap of the highlights: </p>
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<li id="HVUzG0">Bo Naylor singled to center field allowing Andrés Giménez to score in the second inning. </li>
<li id="ribhJX">José Ramírez homered to right field in the fourth. </li>
<li id="jfsFkZ">Braden Shewmake took a sacrifice fly to deep right field in the seventh. Zach DeLoach advanced to second and Dominic Fletcher scored.</li>
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<p id="ximvID">Both teams tied at six hits each. Both starters, our Erick Fedde and Cleveland’s Tanner Bibee, pitched through three innings with very similar lines and minimal walks. </p>
<p id="7h15UR">That’s really all there is to report here. So, let's have some fun instead. </p>
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<p id="3unFhe">As a painful reminder, the <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">White Sox</a> signed yet another Royal to the team, although this time to a minor league deal. Perhaps it’s a good thing Tim Anderson is in Miami now. Or maybe it would be interesting if he was still around to deal with Brad Keller. Who knows. </p>
<p id="DoeNa3">Anyway, here is a great highlight reel, so everyone can get reacquainted with Keller. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Every HR Brad Keller has given up to a White Sox. <a href="https://t.co/EC0adERdub">https://t.co/EC0adERdub</a> <a href="https://t.co/sC5rejMpwA">pic.twitter.com/sC5rejMpwA</a></p>— CHGO White Sox (@CHGO_WhiteSox) <a href="https://twitter.com/CHGO_WhiteSox/status/1766226658938208347?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a>
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<p id="silVA0">Hopefully, Chris Getz isn’t on Twitter or following a friend of the site, Courtney. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">White Sox are really missing the boat by not signing Zack Greinke. I am legitimately shocked this hasn’t happened yet.</p>— Courtney Finnicum (@courtney883) <a href="https://twitter.com/courtney883/status/1766225496046510129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">lol unreal <a href="https://t.co/KIcAqzF6T7">pic.twitter.com/KIcAqzF6T7</a></p>— SoxOptimist (@OptimistSox) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptimistSox/status/1766166525776625765?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a>
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<p id="iFDetQ">The last one, I promise. </p>
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<p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/9TC8hjvWGI">https://t.co/9TC8hjvWGI</a> <a href="https://t.co/ws85QukKKk">pic.twitter.com/ws85QukKKk</a></p>— Ricky Tan (@SportsByRick) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsByRick/status/1766166780861411732?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a>
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<p class="c-end-para" id="NkYpzr">If you’re still here, go thank the women in your life because it’s International Women’s Day. And be sure to check out <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/meet-the-players">our recent series about the women of South Side Sox</a>. Oh, and vote in our polls!</p>
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https://www.southsidesox.com/2024/3/8/24094829/cleveland-guardians-2-chicago-white-sox-1-thankfully-no-one-had-to-watchChrystal O'Keefe