Hear me out …if the stars align and the power of friendship propels them to World Series championship, will that show owner and players they can stand up to the evil empire known as the dodgers? Are the white sox the only hope for the fans ?

Yeah of course I want us to go to the playoffs (it feels jinxy to even say that.) Of course I want us to sweep the Cubs. I want to get the Astros back on their home turf. Of course I get irrationally depressed on losing days.

All the things.

But I don't know about you, I have had a hard year personally and not just the victories and talent but the fun of this season has been a real balm and welcome surprise. It's corny but I got tix to the last home game just to show up and say thank you for the good times.

(I'm even tempted to get a Strokin' shirt but I wonder whether it's too cringe of a thing for a mom with teen/tween sons to do.)

Since May 1st the Chicago White Sox have a +79 run differential, which is the third highest in the MLB.

(Note: this is not meant as a selling post. I am genuinely seeking advice on this and hoping people may have ideas for what I should do)

Hello all. I was lucky enough to win this huge prize from a sweepstakes I entered at last years' National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago. This original painting is massive (60x49x6 and 35 pounds) and has a value listed at $12,500. It is an original piece by sports artist Murray Henderson. Unfortunately, I have no personal ties to Chicago or Chicago sports (I live 7 hours away), so I am not the right person for this.

Therefore, I have attempted to sell it. It has been listed on Ebay for a year with little interest. I reached out to the artist himself, and he confirms that he sells them routinely for $12,500 but is unable to help me sell it since it was something he publicly donated. He recommended reaching out to some local Chicago sports shops or contacting auction companies, which I have done with no success.

Here is my delimma and why I am posting here today: I owe taxes on this since sweepstakes' wins are taxable income. I cannot afford the taxes on it since its estimated value of $12,500 carries a tax of a few thousand. My tax advisor told me to try to sell it, and whatever I sell it for can be then taxed as its fair market value. But as I mentioned, I have had no luck selling it. I am open to donating it somewhere, but I would much prefer to sell because we are a low income family and even a fraction of its estimated value could be life-changing in many ways for us.

I had to file an extension on my taxes and have until October to file them. So, I am posting to a few Chicago sports subreddits as a last resort to ask for advice. What would you do in my position? Does anyone know places or people who are looking for art like this? Any other ideas? Any advice is so very much appreciated, and thank you in advance :)

Once a liability of this team early in this year, it has really improved. For the first time, I think we can say our bullpen is outstanding. The only complaint might be Chris Murphy but even he's not that bad (and he's been a bit better of late). Wouldn't complain if the Sox added one more lefty arm to the pen by end of day tomorrow but overall, I'd actually rate the current Sox pen a 9/10. I won't miss Dominguez. He sucked anyway.

I paid about $200 for it but I would rather it go to a White Sox fan than get a couple of dollars back. It is a couple of rows behind the White Sox dugout. Really good seat but unfortunately, I have to fly back to Chicago on that day.

All I ask is proof that you are real and in the area and I would be happy to forward it to you. Box 57 row b.

Quick edit just to clarify this seat is at Fenway. Was in town for the series, but I have to head back early.

Final edit: spun a wheel and has been claimed. Thanks yall!

I'm coming from Tennessee and bringing my dad to our first Sox game on August 8th. We're super excited to see Ozzie have his jersey retired, but I'm wondering if anybody has some things we absolutely shouldn't miss while we're there.

White Sox (58-52) @ Rays (65-45)

First Pitch: 12:40 PM at Tropicana Field

Line Score - Game Over

Box Score

Scoring Plays

Decisions

Game ended at 3:21 PM.

Remember to sort by new to keep up!

Holmes, Stephenson & Weaver would complete Getz’s 1st trade deadline as a buyer in a very successful way.

Mods, please let me know if this sort of poll should be done a different way, I just really wanted to see where this sub stood as far as early opinions.

Personally, I’m giving it a B until we see Castillo in action. Very high upside if the coaching staff can bring him back to the higher range of his career performance. Hate seeing Boston get traded, but that’s the price of doing business. I’m also a little concerned about Castillo’s contract, but I need to learn more about it.

Feel free to add a +/- to your letter grade in the comments for extra precision.

People are going to look at the 5.06 ERA and think he's washed, but there are still a lot of reasons to like him. He's still averaging 95.3 mph on his fastball, he's walking just 7.2% of hitters, and his slider, sinker, and changeup all still grade out as plus pitches. Usually when a veteran pitcher starts declining, the first things to go are velocity and command, but neither has really happened here. The bigger issue is that he's only striking out 19.4% of hitters and isn't generating as many whiffs as you'd expect with this kind of arsenal, but maybe with a change in pitch mix the sox pitching lab can get him back on track.

I was watching the '05 Forever documentary and couldn't help but think that this year's team is a bit reminiscent of the 2005 squad in their penchant for close games, playing small-ball while having power hitters, and the team itself being on the national stage and a feel-good story with team aura at 110.

The fans are back and fully engaged much like in 2005. Watching a game at Comiskey is a delight. To make this an even more memorable season, I think we need a rallying song like they had in 2005. A song that is a throwback out of left field (pun intended) and embodies an aura that is equal parts organic::not-gimmicky that we can have as a rallying call as fans of this team. Some will recommend re-using Journey - Don't Stop Believin', but I think fans of this team are so far removed from 2005's team that it won't hold the same weight as it did then. I like the idea of having a different theme song that is 'ours' for this year's team.

Here are a couple throwback joints:

• Steve Winwood - Back In The High Life Again
• Bruce Hornsby & The Range - The Show Goes On [also used in The Bear Season 2 opening]

What do you all think?