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Finally, a Crosstown Cup that counts
Ahoy!
It's been 18 years since the White Sox and Cubs both had winning records when playing each other in a crosstown series (2020's shortened schedule notwithstanding). That's pretty unbelievable. It's also unbelievable that the White Sox are 16-8 over their last 24 games after sweeping the Kansas City Royals at home, which allowed them to get over .500 just in time for hosting the North Siders.
We at Sox Machine are used to watching the White Sox so you don't have to. We're not used to watching the White Sox with everybody else. The energy is palpable, and it's showing up on Sox Machine over the course of the week. Today alone, we published James’ assessment on a White Sox clubhouse that can't get enough of each other, and Josh's report on Justin Ishbia's planned real estate purchases that could see the South Loop trade a rail yard to Armour Square and Bridgeport for a White Sox ballpark, which is a swap the 11th Ward wouldn't be happy about.
These are the kinds of stories your support makes possible. If you don't yet subscribe, we're running our first-ever Winning Record Sale, where you can get your first month of Sox Machine for 51 cents because the White Sox have won 51 percent of their games thus far. We've never run this sort of deal before because the White Sox didn't make it possible, so get in while the getting's good.
(Just kidding. The getting is always good.)
-Jim
FEATURED STORY
By JAMES FEGAN
Mike Vasil has sounded hoarse for weeks.
"I would love my voice back," said the injured right-hander. "I don't think that's gonna happen."
The death of Vasil's voice lines up surprisingly well with the White Sox winning 16 of their last 24 games, and vaulting themselves over .500 for the first time in over three years, despite three consecutive 100-loss seasons in between.
"It's the most fun and quality atmosphere I've been in a while," said Erick Fedde, who saw the worst of the in-between years. "Especially in this clubhouse."
Felled by Tommy John surgery in spring training, Vasil hasn't simply embraced the idea of completing his rehab with the team so he could spend the season as a screaming dugout cheerleader, he claims to have never really considered the alternative. Some private rehabilitation facility would take him away from his teammates, so it wasn't an option. Tanner Murray remains here too, even as his left shoulder remains in a sling. With Vasil's voicebox compromised, he might actually stand a chance to match his teammate in volume.
This dedication to maintaining the 2026 White Sox and their ebullient mania of a clubhouse vibe is such that you can't ask famed Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami a question about the Harry Potter wand (it's got a logo'd carrying case and everything) Vasil waves toward the field at crucial moments, without getting a surprisingly poignant answer.
"Mike has been injured, however he’s the one that is cheering the most on the bench," Murakami said via interpreter. "He should be depressed, but he’s pumping up the team. Having a player like that lifts the team up and it’s an honor to be with him and as a teammate. A teammate like that, I love it so much and want to give back."
Like many White Sox player quotes about one another, the affection is both mutual, and intense enough to start wondering if you're intruding.
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THIS WEEK'S DEEP DIVES
Take a long look at these features that are exclusive to Sox Machine subscribers:
By JOSH NELSON
Amtrak's quest for a new rail yard opened a new site for the White Sox to consider, and the team's next owner pounced.
By JIM MARGALUS
What would it look like if the White Sox signed an Alex Bregman without having to pay an Alex Bregman? This, perhaps.
The White Sox have won 51 percent of the games, so try one month of Sox Machine for 51 cents. We've literally never been able to make this sort of offer.
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