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Since the national discussion about Harper's likely destination now seems to be uninterested in minor details like whether the team in question has room for Harper on its roster, has the financial flexibility to pay him, or has met with him/expressed any interest in signing him, why not throw the Red Sox into the mix? They are the defending World Series champs. They are also very popular. Bryce Harper would hit home runs in Fenway. I hereby declare the Red Sox the new frontrunners to sign Harper.

Really? Can't remember, huh.

Oh my god will you stop droning in about this already? Look at the fucking lineup for once in your life. Almost every position is occupied or will be occupied by a player who is under 30 and controllable. They aren't signing your hero's, they aren't signing 35 year old guys on their last legs, they are trying to build a young up and coming team IN THE MOLD OF WHAT YOU WANT

Sign both whales, add Kikuchi & Ottavino and let’s win the Central next year. Roster projects out to 45 fWAR which gives us an outside chance at the division in 2019 and sets us up greatly for a legit playoff run in 2020. 1. Moncada, 2B (4.0) 2. Machado, 3B (6.0) 3. Harper, RF (5.0) 4. Abreu, DH (2.5) 5. Jimenez, LF (3.0) 6. Alonso, 1B (1.0) 7. Anderson, SS (2.5) 8. L. Garcia, CF (1.0) 9. Castillo, C (2.0) IF: Sanchez (1.0) OF: Engel (0.0) UT: Rondon (0.5) BC: McCann (0.5) #1: Rodon (2.5) #2: Lopez (3.0) #3: Kikuchi (2.5) #4: Nova (1.5) #5: Giolito (1.0) CL: Ottavino (1.5) SU: Colome (1.0) SU: Frye (1.0) MR: Jones (1.0) MR: Frare (0.0) MR: Hamilton (0.5) LR: Covey (0.5)

I just say this, if you don't believe the source then just don't bother with the thread. No need to argue about the validity of the source to the point that you are trolling the thread

And wait until the next time two massive 26 year old free agents are available? No thanks, get me one of these guys and turn this thing around. There is minimal interest in this team as is with the fanbase and it needs a kick.

Anybody who says that the Sox (or Phillies for that matter) have basically no chance at either free agent are in 1 of 2 groups. 1) They're not paying attention or are generally clueless. Or 2) They're so accustomed to viewing things in a negative light that they are literally unable to see the information in front of them and analyze appropriately. I have no doubt that both MM and Harper have a list of teams in which they're prefer to go to over others, all things being equal. I have a fair amount of confidence that the White Sox are not in either guy's top 3-5 teams. But all things are not equal, and when talking about hundred of millions of dollars, which are likely the most important factor, pretty much everything else can be thrown out. Harper is down to the Sox, Phillies (which has been stated he isn't interested), the Dodgers (who still have massive payroll issues if they plan to stay under the luxury tax) and the Cubs (who must drop a ton of salary to add him). Maybe a team like the Braves jump in if hte price drops enough. But his market is not robust. Machado? Yankees, White Sox, Phillies.......and that is pretty much it. I too think pretty much any team would add him if the price fell far enough, but we all know at a minimum he's getting $38-40M AAV over the next half decade. I think the line would be long if he is willing to sign a 5 year - $200M deal. But I doubt that he is. The Sox are very much still alive. I happen to think Harper is a long shot, but I think the chances at MM are very real. And he is by far my preferred guy of the two.

So you want Harper and Machado but you're irritated about something that you had to know was going to happen so now you don't want them even though it's still a possibility we get them? My head hurts.

All I know is that the quality of the forum has improved significantly since Peavy has stopped posting.

Peavy44 just got kicked out of that group because everyone, as they should, piled on that Steve guy for that awful fake rumor about Harper willing to take a 1-2 year deal from the Cubs, and Peavy got VERY offended that no one believed his bestie Steve, and started cussing and yelling at everyone. He even posted a photo that the Steve guy supposedly took with Harper....on a public street, to PROVE that they are friends and he has inside knowledge.

Right. If you guys really need someone to mock, Kyyle is right here.

Just so someone points this out, so far in this thread, Ervin Santana, Drew Hutchison, Shelby Miller have been mentioned, and Dylan Covey outperformed them last year.

No offense, but I don’t think many are putting any stock in the rumor that he was ready to sign when in a Chicago. Nothing that has happened since indicates that was a factual report. He well may still become a White Sox. But he wasn’t ready to sign early last week.

Which is exactly why adding a whale to the middle of this line up adds more stability and less questions going forward. It is one less star player you need to emerge internally.

Wait was Peavy that Tony dude? He’s a moron.

Many years ago, I had a source. A guy I worked with was/is friends and did some business with one of JR's sons. He once gave me some info, and I was mocked. It turns out about a half hour after I posted who the Sox made their main target, he was traded to Atlanta. So I was a liar, etc. Later it did come out that the Sox did indeed make a serious effort at the player. So people do get random inside info. This particular poster doesn't appear to be hunting for recognition and doesn't appear to have a need to have everyone think he's an insider. We have had a couple of those. Someone who was right once, either on a guess or random info. Then decided to take their new "insider" status and run with it. Eventually, it's easy to spot. Mocking isn't going to encourage anyone who does have info to post it. I know I never would anymore. If I had anything juicy there are a few posters I would send a private message. But I don't work with that guy anymore, so that probably wouldn't happen anyway.

This person doesn’t have an obligation to repeat himself, but threads that don’t have updates and just chatter are meaningless save for discussion until a move is announced.

FYI peavy44's "source" is spouting off quite the scoop in that Facebook group lol "Harper’s coming to Chicago, but it won’t be with us. Look for a short deal. 1-2 years. Maybe a bit more. He only is thinking Cubs. They are not even entertaining other teams. Haven’t since the winter meetings. I give Hahn and his crew major props for getting their nose in there."

Manny Machado or not, I don't think re-uniting the Baltimore Orioles is a good way to rebuild.

Huh? I haven't been here long, but this is the most random nonsensical thing I have seen. And I lived through the Peavy44 era.

Oh, for the 2007ish days of Aardsma, Sisco and especially MacDougal (who Cooper would typically just tell to throw it down the middle of the plate and the movement would take care of itself).

This is basically how I feel. I'd like to get Kikuchi on board, but both he and Pomeranz would fit if they sign Harper/Machado or not.

We also haven't heard when Manny arrived in NY, or when he left Philly. Both would be things of note. My source didn't confirm he stayed until Wednesday, but that was his plan as of Monday. It's possible they decided to leave Tuesday night instead, I have no idea and I haven't heard anything one way or the other, outside of the random bartender. I'll ask my guy for clarity, but he's gone completely dark since the first bit of info, so he's either upset that it has gotten out there, or he's been told to stop talking. I'll be seeing him in person in the coming weeks, so maybe I can get an answer by then. Hopefully Manny will have signed anyway.

That would be Machado who was told that and I don’t think it bothered him that much as he ended up taking a photo with the guy

why not just get Manny, who you know is a free agent and is younger and is an excellent 3B?

Uh -OH SS2K5 broke out his naughty list !

I bet your Tyler Saladino bobble head is far more real than my Todd Frazier bobble head.

$5 say we sign Danny Valencia in the next week. Any takers?

https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/white-sox/adam-jones-talks-about-what-he-brings-table-could-white-sox-take-gamble “Whoever’s cutting the check for him,” Jones said.

I can’t believe any rational person could actually believe this and I’ve found your opinions to be of high quality over the years. It doesn’t really matter where the players want to land, if they want their money they’re signing with the Sox or Phillies. Boras can wait all he wants, but the desirable teams apparently do not want commit big dollars and/or are afraid of the luxury tax. I’m not sure what teams you think are going to jump in and do something crazy.

Why? Do you enjoy being bad because I can’t think of any other good reason to not want to add Harper and/or Machado.

Just remember what part of the dance we're in. Right now there's no pressure for Harper to decide ASAP, teams have placed offers, and now we're in a staring contest. If a team loses their cool and blinks, they might just throw another $20 million onto their offer and do so without any guarantee that it will be enough to make Harper say "yes". Anything that can make a team worry or panic right now could add tens of millions to Harper's deal, and Harper's agent knows that. Harper's agent, one Scott Boras, also has a very solid knowledge of media and marketing dynamics and he's demonstrated in the past he will use that to benefit his client. Every single time that there's a rumor Harper might take less money or that he wants to play with a certain team, it raises the pressure on the teams that have strong offers in to boost their offer, even if it is a rumor of him taking less money - "He doesn't want to play for you so you better make it really worth it for him to come there". Every time there's a rumor out there it benefits Harper's agent and his side...and we're wondering where these leaks come from?

Just remember... with great posting comes great responsibility.

Definitely less crime around here. Been meaning to give you props

Chicago White Sox Exclusive

Heyman is dragging Bruce. Beautiful.

I think this is where things are at with Machado. Phillies have been eliminated. Manny is choosing between the Yankees and White Sox. Sox have the better offer, but Manny has always wanted to be a Yankee. Manny is deciding if he should take the money and bet on a young core, or take less money and play for a sure thing.

A couple of the leads came from posters who have been long time members with no history of trolling, not sure why there is a need to mock them like trolls.

@Buehrle>Wood just seen your tag from the other thread. Wasn’t that crazy back then when soxtalk went world wide. Sports illustrated called it a “rumor” but in fact it was all true in the end. It’s been years since I posted but I always follow here. I just haven’t logged in under my name in very long time. I wish I had something good to pass on....Just a bunch of smoke and mirrors. Maybe I will be back to posting more often now. I got the itch! Heck I think I was one of the very first members here back in the day.

Hey guys....bad news. Japan will have an earthquake again. Maybe in 2018...maybe in 2019. Sometime in the future though for sure. Just have to wait for those tectonic plates to slip. But it'll definitely happen. Can't believe this forum fell for this shit again.

Lol this guy is so full of shit

If you're counting on a rookie midseason callup with an innings limit to be a big addition to your rotation, you're probably being too optimistic.

Let's be optimistic for next year in adding wins C : Castillo - +0 1B: Abreu/Alonso +1 2B: Moncada +2 SS: Anderson +1 3B: Machado +4 LF: Jimenez +3 CF: Engel +0 RF: Palka/Delmonico +0 DH: Abreu/Alonso/Palka +0 SP: Rodon +3 SP: Lopez +1 SP: Nova +0 SP: Giolito +2 SP: Covey +0 Of course WAR =/= wins outright but that's 17 WAR added there, which brings them to 79-83. Some guys are going to have down years though or just not improve. It doesn't seem wildly unrealistic this could be a .500 team with Machado and another competent position player and a bullpen piece or two.

I'm basing it on the hope/assumption that Giolito, Lopez both show considerable improvement and Rodon actually stays healthy. Big ifs I know...but really not that all unreasonable to think IMO.

Agreed. I think if Manny is signed...and when Eloy is added to the roster there's no reason this couldn't be a playoff team...besides maybe a another decent starting pitcher.

And not once in this paragraph is there mention of the pitching. The pitching has to take some major strides to be a good team.

I'm not saying the Sox will be a playoff team in 2019 but its not out of the realm to think they can't be competitive if we sign Machado and another decent piece. All you have to do is look at the Phillies and the Braves in 2017- 2018 (and the Brewers from 2016-2017) and see how both of there win totals went up in a lot tougher division than ours. Our division is by far the worst in baseball and not going to get any better soon especially is Cleveland Starts a rebuild in 2019. A Machado and Eloy make that lineup a whole hell of a lot better and combined with the defense Machado supplies with better catching defense its not out the realm to see surprising improvement in our record.

It's a running joke with me and @Y2HH that I suspended him a bunch of times back when I was an active mod, but there's always a discussion about what to do before suspending someone and no mod really *likes* doing it. There's a delicate balance, because we don't want to be seen as over-moderating to the point where people can't be themselves.

If you have a problem with the board or it's staff, feel free to move along. The people who do this also do things like raise families, work full time jobs, and do some world altering stuff in their free time. No one profits a penny to listen to you b**** about their volunteer work here, so I am not going to let you take a crap on the work ethic of our moderators and admins. If you don't like Soxtalk, find some where else.