Pal

Don't know if anyone listens to McNeil and Parkins, but Parkins made an interesting comment today. He's a Cubs guy and normally fairly negative about the Sox, but said there will be real expectations for the team after this offseason and they will have given out the biggest free agent contract in franchise history. Seemed confident in what he was saying. Not sure it means anything, maybe has inside insight on plans.

The haul Tor got for Stroman leads me to believe Thor could be had without giving up a Kopech/Cease/Madrigal/Vaughn

How about Collins, Jay, Colome, and Bummer for Contreras? Cubs need a lefty and a lead off type. Throw in Collins, give them Colome to have a super bullpen.

Abreu has to be going somewhere. Why else wouldn't he have been extended yet?

Gio, Cease, Kopech, Bumgarner, Strasburg. More and more I'm in on going after Stras. Dont think he'll opt out, so big money next 4 years. Sox can take on most/all remaining $$$ and not have to give up the farm to get him.

Ar that price I dont think they can expect a haul. Probably more than that though. He's intriguing at this stage.

Strasburg

Agreed. Switching a young guy around like that can screw with him mentally.

Been seeing alot of Rendon talk, and I'm a fan too, but where would he play on the team?

Giolito a top five pitcher in the AL ( along with 2 other Sox alums Sale and Montas) just about a third of the way through 2019.

They have the assets to trade for a good pitcher. Damn sure have the cash to get Bumgarner in the offseason. Pair those moves with what we have, pitching staff will be fine.

With ya. Allegedly he's on the block too. Wouldn't have to give up much, and when fully healthy,he's a hunk.

I'd be down if we played for some cash. I have no pride left to gamble with.

I have no idea why, but I buy Mr. Robertson.

Brother, I'm on board. There is a coyness from the Sox end when it comes to this. I'm convincing myself that they are trying to get Machado at a premium to pull this off. Harper is on standby to see if it happens. Based on the leaked footage from the UC, this may have been part of the presentation to both. And it has been hinted at multiple times over the last 3 months how blown away Harper was by the Sox presentation. It doesn't make sense why they came so hard at Harper (unless he told them straight away it wasnt happening) and then immediately pivoted so hard to Machado. Maybe Harper was presented this and told them if they get it done, he's on board. Had to move quickly to Machado.