As Monday's trade deadline passed and ace pitcher Chris Sale remained with the White Sox, South Siders sighed.
It might have been one of relief or frustration, and either reaction could be defended.
Relief seems most appropriate.
Not since Black Friday have so many Chicagoans stared at the clock awaiting big Sale news, but in this case, the Sox's price remained too high for shoppers. As desperate as the Dodgers and Red Sox reportedly were for pitching, Sale likely could have brought back as many as four top prospects who would have gone a long way toward replenishing a sparse minor-league system.