There's Always A Silver Lining

 

This season is the worst I have ever experienced as a White Sox fan. I still love the team, but it's a tough love. It would be an understatement to say that the Pale Hose are going through a bit of a rough patch.

They have tied a single season American League losing streak. They are well on their way to breaking the single season loss record (post 1901). Most of the jettisoned players have experienced resurgences on their new teams. It has been difficult to let go of favorite players. It has been even more difficult to watch the Sox get underwhelming returns.

Some blame the manager. Some blame the players. Some blame the GM. Some blame the owner. There are many factors that contribute to a toxic environment. All of these have their blame, to some degree.

What gives me hope in these dark times is knowing that the trying times do not last forever. There will be better opportunities that will present themselves for the team. It just won't be this season. The seeds to that better tomorrow may well already be planted. We just have to find the right pathway and watch the team grow. It won't be overnight. It won't be next year. It will come soon, little by little.

If I can have a favorite part of this process, it would be the wealth of brand new White Sox cards that will be available this year and over the next few seasons. Trade all your talent away? There will be new bodies to take their place. Those players didn't work out? There will be new bodies to replace them. All those people showing up and then being shown the door will need cards.

You had a cup of coffee with the White Sox? You get a card! That big name player that's down on his luck that signed because it was the last option? They get a card! That prospect that was called up because there were no other options? He gets a card too! That big hype guy that will become the next big bust? Yes, they get a card too.

This is the time to load up on White Sox prospect cards. The next Fernando Tatis Jr. could be toiling in the White Sox minor league system right now. All it takes is a lopsided trade for an aging veteran to unlock their true potential.

This is also the time to buff up on your obscure team players for immaculate grid. That guy was on the White Sox? Yes he was! He's the answer to the top left square!

This may not be a very fun time to be a White Sox fan, but there are positives in any bad situation. Always look for the positives, even if you have to look outside the box for them.