CHICAGO – Two colleagues hugged for the first time in almost two decades of their work together. The White Sox clubhouse was filled with a lively atmosphere, where there was a lot of hooting and hooting.The front office was optimistic, but still nervous about the possibility of acquiring Craig Kimbrel, All-Star Chicago Cubs closer.As his team was getting ready to face the Cubs, Rick Hahn, White Sox General Manager, stated that "there's a rollercoaster ride that's part it." "There were times when I thought it wouldn't happen."According to Kenny Williams, White Sox executive vice-president and Hahn, waiting until trade deadline season can cause sleepless nights.They finally got their man, one the most skilled relievers in game, despite him giving up his first homerun of the season Friday, an important three-run run by Cubs shortstop Andrew Romine. They won the day, and they will be able to sweep their rivals Sunday (7 p.m.). ET on ABCKimbrel's addition gives the White Sox instant credibility in October. He joins Liam Hendriks (an All-Star closer) in Chicago's bullpen, which now has some depth.MLB on ESPN and ABC Watch the 2021 MLB season live on ESPN, ABC, and the ESPN App. All times Eastern Sunday, August 8.White Sox-Cubs 7.30 p.m. ABC Monday, August 9White Sox-Twins, 8 pm on ESPN Wednesday, August 11Dodgers-Phillies, 7:05 p.m. ESPN Sunday, August 15Dodgers-Mets, 7 p.m. on ESPNThe discussions to bring another star to town began at the MLB draft meetings in early January. Hahn, Williams and others began to discuss their trade strategy during some downtime. The White Sox held a large lead in the American League Central, and they weren't just looking to improve their position."I think that I asked him (Williams) if we could acquire one player, which is most likely to move, and who would it be? Hahn was able to recall. "We had the same answer, Craig Kimbrel," Hahn said.It was surprising in some ways. Hendriks was still days away from participating in the All-Star Game, so the ninth inning was no problem. Although Hendriks was able to get the ball to him, it had been difficult throughout the first half. Tony La Russa seemed to be relying more on his arms when things were tight. Although Michael Kopech, Flamethrower, was his first choice to reach Hendriks's aid, the team needed more. Hendriks was kept informed about the team's plans and was happy to bring in another close friend. Hahn wanted the best man available.Hahn stated that there are "some extremely high leveraged outs" that must be secured for a team with high hopes. He was the man we believed was most capable of obtaining those crucial outs, regardless of their source.On July 9, Hahn made his first call to Cubs President Jed Hoyer. The crosstown rivals had diverged by this point. The Cubs wanted to retool, while the White Sox wanted to win a championship.They discussed several players from the Cubs roster, including Ryan Tepera, who was the Cubs' setup man. He was actually traded by the Sox the day before deadline -- an appetizer deal for the bigger one. On July 20, Hoyer and Hahn spoke again. The Cubs had already zeroed in on Kimbrel's request and knew that the Sox would be there to take him down to the final.Hoyer stated that "a lot of teams called and checked-in, but it was evident with the frequency and calls they made they were really serious."Hoyer acknowledged that he had many things going on at once, and didn't always get back with people when he needed. This added to the anxiety Williams and Hahn felt while waiting for late-night calls that never came.Hoyer stated, "I wasn’t going to call Rick at two a.m."As the deadline neared, optimism grew. Both teams settled on Nick Madrigal, second baseman, as their centerpiece. Madrigal, who is considered one of the most skilled contact hitters in baseball, will be a major asset to his new team. His injury, which has left him out of the season, won't affect the White Sox's chances for 2021.Hoyer stated, "I have so much respect Rick and Kenny's work, but it was clear that they were doing this October." "They were decisive, aggressive and clear."The deal was not yet done. Theo Epstein spoke of the need to pay a tax to operate in the city when the White Sox sent Jose Quintana, a pitcher, to the Cubs to trade for prospects Eloy Jamesenez and Dylan Cease.The roles were now reversed. Kimbrel was not a two-month renter, but the Sox have to pay a tax. He also has a team option for next season. The deadline came and the teams settled on Codi Heuer as a reliever in addition to Madrigal.The Cubs received two major-league ready players while the Sox received the best reliever. The deal was completed.Hahn said that Kenny told him "we're going hug if this is done" about an hour before the deal was closed. "After my last conversation with Jed I walked into his office smiling and saying something like, "Where's my hug?"MLB Trade Deadline: From the big winners to those who did nothing, this is how each team fared at a wild deadline for trades. PassanThey won the 2005 World Series together, but this was their first ever hugging experience. White Sox players were equally excited to hear about the deal.Jose Abreu, first baseman and team leader, said through an interpreter that he was "definitely surprised". "Everyone knows his quality as a pitcher and the great year he had with the Cubs. It is better to have him on our team than face him."The front office was able to close the deal with an added element. Hahn was pleased to see the team remain at the top of the standings despite a difficult first half.Hahn stated that "With all they've been through, with all the injuries and all the obstacles, we almost felt an additional compulsion to reward" them. "To have someone come through that door and say, "OK, they saw our work, they appreciated it, and they got us help."Perhaps it was more about the White Sox's long-serving executive. Hahn remembered a pre-deadline trip to Pittsburgh. While reading a book on the Houston Astros, Hahn was referring to a chapter in which Dallas Keuchel (former Astro pitcher) had criticised the front office for failing to do more at the deadline to aid the team."I saw Keuchel that day on the bus to the baseball park and I said, "I read about your criticisms of the front office." Hahn jokingly said that he woke up this morning to call 15 men to try and get things moving.Keuchel assured him that the front office was doing a great job.After the trade was complete, Hahn met Keuchel once more. He now felt like he wouldn’t be a chapter of a future book. The White Sox had finally landed their man.Hahn jokingly said, "When I saw him (Keuchel), that day." "I said, "Really, we did this to keep your off us."
