Chicago White Sox

I’m worried they’ll start Walker in Low A.

Not overly surprising. Hopefully he’s not there very long though if he gets off to a good start.

Wow, this was inevitable, but figured he’d be one of the last guys we’d send down.

I’m not suggesting a true bad contract, but something like the Peavy trade where we got a guy who was overpaid with some question marks but still very talented and fairly productive. Greinke would fit the bill of what I’m suggesting.

I’m not hating on the Rios claim because it made some sense at the time based on our current situation back then, but I’d be awfully upset if that’s the type of move we make when we have a young core and significant payroll flexibility for the foreseeable future.

Good call...that’s probably our guy if he’s still available & good a year from now, especially since I don’t believe we’re on his no trade list.

Hahn has already hinted (on the Red Line Radio podcast) that they could use their money to absorb a contract from another team. That to me suggests even he knows they fucked up and will have to be very creative (or lucky) to use that “unprecedented financial flexibility” and “economic might” in a productive manner. Speaking of which, are there any big contracts that rebuilding teams are eager to get rid of? I’m talking about actual good players that are simply overpaid. Sucks to even have this discussion, but it might be reality for us unfortunately.

Ricky batting the catcher fifth makes zero sense with Eloy in the fold now. If this is a couple week thing to ease him in then whatever, but ideally our 3/4/5/6 should be Abreu, Alonso, Eloy, & Palka in that order. Ignoring defense, that could actually be a solid middle of the order with bouncebacks from Jose & Yonder (no guarantee there obviously, but it’s a real possibility IMO).

Why are we blaming KW for all of Hahn’s misdoings? Last I checked, KW has two playoff teams, a World Series trophy, nine .500+ seasons, and only one finish below 3rd place over his 12 year tenure as GM. He may be a total douche, but he actually showed creativity and a good eye for talent for an extended period of time, with his crafting of the 2005 & 2006 rosters being examples of that. Meanwhile, wonderboy Rick Hahn has never put together a roster that finished above 4th place and has a career .431 winning percentage across six seasons. Yes, I’m aware there are two rebuilding seasons in there, but the results were beyond terrible before that. Honestly, outside of several extensions and a handful of moves, Rick’s tenure is filled with black marks and blunders. Realistically, KW & Hahn are a team and both guys should be blamed for what will end up being a decade with zero playoff appearances, but there is no evidence whatsoever that suggests Hahn as the GM has been held back by KW or that KW returning to the role would somehow be a downgrade.

With major league roster?

I think he’ll be less direct than that, but will suggest locking up young talent is one way that money can be used, even though this move has zero impact on improving a 100 loss team for the next seven seasons.

Does Hahn make some statement about “money being spent” in this press conference? I will say almost assuredly yes.

No word yet on McClure’s assignment, but I’d wager he’ll start at High A.

Pretty much. Can’t wait until we scoop the 2020 version of Alex Rios and Hahn says “I told you the money would be spent”.

The money will be spent!!!!!

I get your point Jack, just think your logic is wrong. The Royals have publically stated they’re going for a quick rebuild and Witt doesn’t fill that strategy when two polished college bats are available.

The Royals took like four or five college arms in the first two rounds of the draft last year, they aren’t taking a HS guy with Adley & Vaughn availble. I could see Baltimore taking Witt with an underslot deal.

This is just plain stupid. Most organizations have a few veterans and/or AAAA types on their AAA rosters. I’m honestly shocked this signing has somehow warranted two pages.

That’s exactly what I’m expecting to happen.

Yeah, you’re probably right about Palka. Between him and Rondon they should be able to cover for Alonso against LHP.

Who are they going to platoon Alonso with? Rondon?

This dude is just AAA filler...I don’t think it’s anything more than that.

Just send Engel down at that point and go with Leury/Jay combo in CF. Far from ideal when you have Eloy & Palka in the corners, but it’s a lost season anyways and Rondon deserves a role on this team.

Financially it could easily happen. The only guy on that list that would likely prove challenging is Cole.

The problem is we couldn’t outbid the Padres for Machado and other teams for lesser free agents (per Rick on the Red Line radio podcast). How do we expect to outbid the legit big spenders for a guy like Cole? Add in the Boras factor and I’m simply not optimistic about our chances. Also, there is some talk that the Astros are trying to work out extensions with Cole & Verlander, although that sounds unlikely.