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Infusing the organization with young talent was an important part of the Cubs’ transformation then, some of which was already within the organization by 2013 via trades, international signings and the draft, including Kyle Hendricks, Javier Báez, Willson Contreras and Albert Almora Jr., who already were working their way through their minor-league system. The Cubs’ high-upside prospects predominately played in the Arizona rookie league or at the A-ball level this year, which will require patience in the speed at which they can ascend to the majors.
Prosecutors alleged that for years, Bruce Lee, 35, owner of Chicago-based brokerage Great Tickets, would pass former White Sox ticket sales booth staffers James Costello and William O’Neil an envelope full of cash, and they would pass back an envelope of tickets that, using insider knowledge, he had fraudulently procured for free or at a heavy discount.
“We just have enough experience in these things that you need to see how the first two games go and then see what you do,” La Russa said. “Not whether they’re wins or losses, but mostly who’s available, who you’ve used, the candidates. Dylan (Cease) would definitely be a candidate. We’re still waiting to see Carlos (Rodón’s) availability.”
“Coach Nagy came to us and challenged us,” right tackle Germain Ifedi said. “He said, ‘All right, we’re going to run the offense. Our identity is going to start up front.’ We know if up front we’re not doing it, the offense isn’t going to (work) whether we’re running it or throwing. We just wanted the opportunity to show who we are. I think Sunday was a step in the right direction of, all right, this is who we are.”
On Oct. 5 that year, the White Sox played the Tampa Bay Rays. It was Game 3 in the series and the first home playoff game for the White Sox. The team gave away 40,000 black rally towels. Coming home with two losses in Florida, the Sox won that game 5-3. They lost the series the following night, with the Rays winning 6-2, ending the White Sox’s playoff run.
“We’ve had several discussions in the clubhouse about how stubborn he’s going to be about admitting how he feels for the game (Thursday),” La Russa said. “We’ll just put his hand on the baseball bible and see. But I think for certain, if he’s not in there (Thursday), he’ll be in there (Friday).”
Chicago White Sox broadcasters Jason Benetti, left, and Steve Stone prepare for a game at Guaranteed Rate Field Thursday, July 4, 2019, in Chicago. Benetti and Stone won’t be calling games as the White Sox enter the playoffs, but Benetti said he’ll be following the team closely and has tickets to Game 4 of the upcoming series against the Houston Astros. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)
“What needs to be understood the plan and process we had going into this was important,” Nagy said. “When Andy got hurt with his knee, that sped the plan up. I have always said from the beginning, we’ll know and he’s done everything to show us he’s ready for this opportunity.”
They can now pivot to Brewers head of baseball ops, David Stearns, and Oakland A’s executive VP of baseball operations, Billy Beane. The Mets will need permission to speak to Stearns and Beane, as both are under contract. Alderson and Beane have a close relationship, beginning with their time in the Oakland front office in the early 1990s. Alderson, then-GM of the A’s, hired Beane to take over the position in 1997.
“That’s what Connecticut is really good at, making adjustments” said Vandersloot, who 13 assists, five rebounds, a steal and a block in Game 3. “They have players that can do multiple things defensively. … I’m prepared for that. I look a lot to my teammates to make a lot of plays.”