Casting the Chicago White Sox As AMC’s Mad Men

Sep 6, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Jose Quintana (62) reacts after giving up a home run in the fourth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Harry Crane: SP Jose Quintana

Harry Crane is an affable hard-working gentleman. He benefits the company through his growing network of contacts in the television and entertainment industry, quietly becoming an indispensable employee. However, Harry is often left with the short end of the stick. After realizing he is worth more to Sterling Cooper, he demands a salary increase and promotion. Unfortunately, negotiations are not Harry’s forte, so he settles for the promotion and a meager salary increase. In a scene from Season 5 below, Roger Sterling bribes Mr. Crane into give up his nice office in exchange for Peter Campbell’s homely abode, but not before Harry admits to making fun of Megan Draper’s lyrical rendition of “Zubi Zu.” Poor Harry just can’t catch a break.

White Sox starting pitcher Jose Quintana knows a thing or two about hard-luck. He’s been a dependable pitcher for the White Sox for the last three seasons, and apart from his wins total, had a spectacular 2014. Despite posting an ERA under 4.00 the last three seasons, and reaching 200 innings pitched the last two, Quintana has only 24 major league wins to his credit, an average of eight per season. ESPN‘s Doug Padilla even discussed the possibility of the White Sox trading Quintana for a quality right-handed starter. No respect I tell you, no respect.

Granted, trading Quintana is a long shot, as the organization views him as an integral part of the team’s nucleus. It’s not hard to see, though, that Quintana’s commitment to his craft has not been matched by results in the wins column or recognition around the league. I think AMC would agree that Jose Quintana is just the type of hard-working hard-luck individual that would fill the role of Harry Crane very well.