Loyalty, loyalty, loyalty.
Some organizations have it, some do not.
Some individuals have it, some do not.
Let’s talk first about one team that has it, unfortunately.
The White Sox. So full of loyalty, they’re going to waste Chris Sale’s career.
Oh, listen to the cries this week. “Jerry Reinsdorf’s problem is he’s too loyal to Robin Ventura! He needs to fire him!”
Um, yeah. Let’s clarify. We’ve identified the correct problem, but the wrong individual.
Ken Williams is where the loyalty problem lies. Since the World Series title a decade ago (that’s 10 years), the Sox have been consistently one of the most mediocre teams in the American League.
As for this year’s boondoggle, it’s absolutely unwatchable. I feel guilty commenting on it because you know, I haven’t watched them.
As for Williams, gosh, someone please hire him away. I sense the real brains of the organization belong to Rick Hahn. Let’s use those brains, and those brains only. They’re the only ones that work.
By the way, Sale. Unreal. Probably the best strikeout pitcher in the game. Eight straight games of 10 strikeouts or more. Sale’s record in those games: 3-3. Astounding.
As a result, he’s as tradeable as anyone else on the team, and that means everyone else.
More Top Picks Best Laptops For Homeschool
Of course, there’s also good loyalty. Thanks, Jimmy Butler and Mike Dunleavy. It’s called “doing the sensible thing” and both re-signed with the Bulls. Simple as that.
Of course, you can call Butler’s contract at five years and $90 million sensible in this day and age if you like. He bet on himself, as they say, and won. Just a heads up to Tony Snell, Doug McDermott and Nikola Mirotic. Bet on yourselves, get in the gym and win big.
Now, there’s also lack of loyalty. We say goodbye to the man-child, Brandon Saad. Oh, to be 22 years old with options. Unfortunately for him, that includes Columbus.
He bet on himself and lost!
Yes, more money. No, no more titles. Good for you, Stan Bowman. If you’re going to sell, sell high.
And hope the guys you get in return have some loyalty.
Bag Boy is a RedEye contributor.
For more RedEye sports, click here.