It began with a miscredit. Then came a 20-year anniversary celebration that should have been about pride, not frustration. Instead, the moment was clouded by a glaring mistake on national TV, fueling anger that had barely cooled from another public misstep just days earlier. The White Sox had their moment hijacked again—this time by a graphic crediting the Astros for a World Series title that the South Siders actually won. And one former champion didn’t let it slide easily. The reaction? Swift, blunt, and loud.

The 2005 White Sox were not just World Series champions — they were a dominant postseason team in MLB history. However, somehow, that legacy keeps getting erased from the conversation. Earlier this week, Bobby Jenks reignited long-held frustrations after being excluded from ESPN’s coverage honoring the team. The veteran’s comments stirred memories of past snubs. However, when that oversight was followed by yet another mistake in the middle of a milestone celebration, it was no longer just about one star being left out. It was about an entire legacy being ignored.

And this brings us to the heart of the controversy. During ESPN’s 2025 MLB Draft coverage, Chris Burke, a former Astros infielder, was highlighted on screen with a résumé graphic that listed him as a “2005 World Series Champion.” For anyone keeping score, the Astros were swept in that series by the White Sox. The error, aired live, was not just factually wrong; it was insulting. To make matters worse, it happened during the White Sox’s 20-year championship reunion weekend at Guaranteed Rate Field.

That timing made it all the more painful for the stars of that historic team. A.J. Pierzynski, who caught the final out of that title run, couldn’t stay silent. He took to X with a scathing post: “This has to be a joke at this point? Be better @espn. They didn’t win a game in that series.” It was not just about one graphic; it was about years of erasure. As reporter Jon Greenberg highlighted, “We kept asking 2005 White Sox like @ajpierzynski12 about ESPN… and then look at this!”

White Sox fans have seen this film before. Back in 2016, ESPN ran a graphic about the team and conveniently left out 2005. A season later, their “Stats & Info” account claimed the 1998 Yankees were the only team to win a World Series with two or fewer losses in the Wild Card era. Again, they ignored the 11-1 White Sox. At this point, it is not just a mistake; it looks like a pattern. Pierzynski’s tweet was not just a jab; it was a line in the sand.

While ESPN’s repeated mistakes have reignited old frustrations on the South Side, the winds of change could be blowing in a different direction—toward the Dodgers.

Dodgers target $50 million White Sox star amid team’s downfall

The Dodgers are not just chasing wins; they are hunting value. With the trade deadline approaching, the Dodgers have set their sights on a potential steal: Luis Robert Jr., the $50 million ex-All-Star now struggling on a sinking White Sox ship. As per Jon Heyman, eight teams have shown interest; however, the Dodgers, Phillies, and the Padres are currently among the most logical landing spots. For the Dodgers, whose outfield depth remains an issue despite leading the NL West, Robert Jr.’s upside, even with a .190 average, also still carries intrigue. He has swiped 22 bags and blasted 9 homers despite his brutal slump.

For the White Sox, Robert highlights a bittersweet dilemma. Once seen as a team cornerstone, his current struggles and looming $20 million option in 2026 make him a trade candidate instead of a building block. With the White Sox far from contention, the management appears open to moving Robert before his value drops further. A deal with the Dodgers would not just offload salary, it could also kick-start a long-overdue rebuild. For Robert, a change of scenery could be the jolt he needs. In a lineup surrounded by stars, the pressure to carry a team would finally be lifted. 

The White Sox may be buried in controversy and chaos, but the team still finds ways to spark national headlines, whether through ESPN’s repeated snubs and trade deadline aspects around Luis Robert Jr.

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