Good evening and a Happy Friday Will’s Fifth Quarter Special fans! This is host and creator Will Farlow here bringing you the newest Will’s Weekly Sports Quote. This is the first Will’s Weekly Sports Quote in written form in the show’s history. The Chicago White Sox fans witnessed a historical moment in the franchise of the team at 35th and Shields. Before the introduction of new general manager Chris Getz, team owner and chairman Jerry Reinsdorf spoke to the public. Which leads us as the mics and recorders of media officials go off. Jerry, Chris and staff leave the room maybe to talk to La Russa or team loyalty. Here comes in the fifth quarter moment, your newest Wills Weekly Sports Quote!

Chuck Garfien of NBC Sports Chicago has quoted Jerry Reinsdorf saying this during his press conference moment with the media.

“ The 2023 season was my 43rd season in baseball. It was absolutely the worst season I’ve ever been through. It was a nightmare. Embarrassing. Disgusting. All the bad words you can think of is the way I feel about the 2023 season. It was just awful.”
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Let’s dissect this significant quote here , Will’s Fifth Quarter Special fans!

The quote of Reinsdorf shows a new side of his view of the season most White Sox fans are trying to forget. Jerry shows in his words his passion for the game of baseball which is a similar passion to the average White Sox fan. Jerry is 87 years old guys, and let’s be honest to ourselves he wants more World Series wins. Reinsdorf isn’t getting any younger hence the urgency to change the front office after the team’s struggles. This is a great Will’s Weekly Sports Quote as it shows the average angry fan the view of the team owner who seems to want the same thing. Jerry wants this team to be better to the degree that he talked to the people today. Reinsdorf rarely speaks to the media , and I hope today shows he should more often. I feel as a fan of this team more optimistic then I was after hearing this quote in the press conference. The owner wants to do better for the organization and the fanbase.

Question is how he can prove that to the fans feeling it’s just the same old, loyal Jerry routine today. So in my view this is a special quote for our segment here to show a side of Jerry Reinsdorf fans don’t see often. I’m excited for the segment’s first historic blog post here. Be on the lookout Will’s Fifth Quarter Special fans for future Will’s Weekly Sports Quotes whether episode , live stream, or blog we have you covered. When the fourth quarter buzzer sounds you turn to us for your fifth quarter sports talk. I’m Will Farlow saying so long from this edition of Will’s Weekly Sports Quote.

Chicago White Sox fans have been hoping for change after another disappointing season. Fans headed to the stadium at 35th and Shields looking at their radios and phones in shock. Before tonights game against the Seattle Mariners , the White Sox fired General Manager Rick Hahn and Executive Vice President Kenny Williams. Here are my takes on the moves , and how it positively impacts the future of the Chicago White Sox organization.

Kenny Williams was the general manager that put together the White Sox team that won a World Series back in 2005. I think its good Kenny was let go as he lived off that for too many years. The White Sox did not do right by the organization keeping his mediocre leadership around the team. The team needs a new executive outside the organization that can help take this talented franchise in a better direction. General Manager Rick Hahn promised fans through the recent rebuild the team would win multiple championships . Rick Hahn years later in 2023 getting fired for his mediocre and ineffective work as a GM. Hahn did not fix issues the team had constantly , poor free agent signings, and awful coaching hires. I expected Hahn to be fired at the end of the season, but the firing of Williams was the most shocking.

The question is whether Pedro Grifol will stay as manager. Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf has said how tough it was for him to make these tough decisions. Reinsdorf spoke out saying a new head executive will be hired by the end of the season. I hope the organization doesn’t stay too loyal and hire internally as it would be a crucial mistake. Change is finally coming to the Southside. Chicago White Sox fans rejoice on this news, and feel hope for the future. Thank you for 2005 Kenny , but that’s many years ago.

By: Will Farlow

The Chicago Cubs entered this season with high expectations to try to return to the MLB postseason. The Northsiders have had a great season thus far in 2023. Headed to the trade deadline with not too many needs in my view shows a positive sign. The Cubs were smart amid trade rumors to hold onto soon to be free agents Marcus Stroman and Cody Bellinger. The Cubs made some smart trade deadline trades to help their team continue in the right direction in a winnable NL Central division. Here is a recap of the trades made by the Cubs along with my report card grade.

Trade #1: Chicago Cubs trade LHP DJ Herz and infielder Kevin Made to the Washington Nationals for 3B Jeimer Candelario

The Chicago Cubs made a smart trade to improve their infield depth by trading for their former player. Candelario has a good right handed bat that drives in runs, and goes with good defensive play . The Cubs can utilize the versatility of Candelario moving forward. The Nationals continue a good rebuild by acquiring Herz and Made to help their team in the future. 
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Trade #2: ​Chicago Cubs trade OF Nelson Velasquez to the Kansas City Royals for RHP Jose Cuas 

The Cubs make a trade from strength to improve their bullpen by acquiring Cuas. The reliever brings another option for David Ross to call on in key game situations. The Royals acquire a talented young outfielder in Velasquez to continue their rebuild in the right direction.

Trade #3: Chicago Cubs trade RHPs Manuel Rodriguez, Adrian Sampson, and future considerations to the Tampa Bay Rays for RHP Josh Roberson

The Cubs trade for a talented pitcher from Tampa Bay for two pitchers in their minor league system. Roberson has good potential that can now be utilized in future games at Wrigley Field. I like this trade as the Cubs followed instinct to get a player they wanted for their organization. The Rays acquire pitchers to help them as they try to make some noise in the upcoming postseason. Tampa also acquires future international draft pool money from Chicago. 

Grade: B+

The Chicago Cubs get a score of a B+ most importantly for keeping their successful roster intact. Their score is not an A due to their lack of addressing the need for left handed relievers in their bullpen. Velasquez being traded is also risky giving his high potential. There is also the risk of Bellinger and Stroman walking for nothing in free agency. Cubs fans should be very happy with the outcome of the trade deadline as GM Jed Hoyer did a nice job.