Tony

Every relationship in case is different, but generally speaking I tend to agree with him. Right or wrong, at this current moment things have become so extreme between the two political parties and what they stand for, especially in the eyes of those on the other side of the aisle. 2016 was one thing. But if you're voting for Trump in 2020, we probably aren't going to be "friends in real life." Not because you're voting for Trump, but because of what I feel that vote stands for, and the "values" Trump stands for and what you would be casting for your vote for. Democrats and Republicans will generally always differ on core topics like healthcare, government involvement in state and local affairs, taxes, etc. Fine, that's sort of built into things. But I believe our core values as people are being tested in this election, truly the difference between what we were taught by our parents of what is right and what is wrong. I don't have to list off all things I take issue with when it comes to Trump, the list is too long and everyone is already aware of them. The point is.....if you're not only OK with all of it but an active supporter of Trump and casting your vote for the man.....I just don't feel like we share a value system that would make me want to spend a significant amount of time with you.

I still think this thing is going to be close. All signs point to Biden having a strong command of things but I think we've grown so used to chaos.....I just can't let myself get to a point where I think Donald Trump is 100% going to lose.

This is obviously a political thread and I'm sure it will turn nasty at some point....but because this is such a huge event we're going to keep it open and just monitor it. Keep it civil boys and girls.

This is just so classic Bears. It’s the same shit....every....single...year.

That's my issue, and I can imagine the issue players on the Sox roster have as well. That bolded line doesn't have to be true. The ownership group can make it not true. Will they? Probably not, and I'm aware of that. But this is a different argument than "Well if we are trying to acquire Brandon Nimmo from the Mets, it's going to require XYZ assets." That's literally the price of doing business. Re-signing McCann doesn't require less money for other FA's. It probably will.....but it doesn't have to. That's the point.

McCann- 5.1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 3 K 5.1 IP 7 H, 2 ER 1 K 7 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 8K 6 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 4 K Grandal- 5.2 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 1 K 8 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 3 K 6 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 7 K 5 IP, 7 H, 0 ER, 4 K 5 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 2 K 4 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 7 K 6 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 3 K Honestly, Keuchle was pretty damn consistent on the mound all season. With McCann almost exclusively catching Gio, it made sense for Grandal to catch Keuchle the next day. But they had somewhat similar results. I've been very clear on this from the jump. I think McCann is more valuable to this team than people give him credit for, and would welcome him back, and hope he does come back to help the Sox win more ballgames. I also understand the financial side of things and can appreciate limited resources and not spending those resources on a "backup." I agree with that and would rather money is spent on the starting staff and in RF. But it's also just that....money. We were surprised at the extensions for Robert and Moncada. None of thought they would sign Grandal, and they were the highest bidder for Wheeler. Maybe they expand their budget to fit McCann into their original offseason plans. Having too many good players to fit a lineup is a problem I hope they face in 2021.

I think that's probably closer to the case. These guys don't have to "hate" Grandal for them to still want McCann back.

Doesn't mean he didn't like pitching to McCann more, and wants him back...

Correct. Gio has been very open on his praise for James, I don't know where Keuchle stands.

I think you're intentionally looking at it from this light because you believe signing McCann will impact other decisions you feel the Sox should make to the roster (which is very possibly true and a very real concern.) However, a few things. 1. The Sox have made it known that they actively seek the opinion of "team leaders" when it comes to certain roster decisions. 2. It doesn't seem that crazy to me that players like Giolito, Keuchle, and a few others would make their feelings known that James McCann is on this roster, wants to come back (I'm assuming that, no actual info on that) and is willing to come back for fair market value (another assumption.) It's not like Lucas Giolito is going to Hahn and saying "You have to sign Bryce Harper to a $300 million deal, I won't stand for it if you don't open the checkbook." or "I want you to give up these three prospects for X player." 3. I'm also not ready to believe players will "revolt" if McCann isn't brought back, but as a pitcher.....if there are two catchers on the roster and one of them is objectively better behind the plate and calling a game.......I'd fight for that guy to come back as well.

Again, I clarified by saying every Trump supporter isn’t an idiot, that’s not what that post meant.

Be nice! Not kind to call people out! In other news:

Unless your company is just dead set on that date, it probably will get pushed. As we are all seeing, this is getting worse before it gets better. We’re a long way from getting back to normal.

Wasn’t exactly sure where to put this...but great stuff to hear:

As always ron, thank you for adding depth to the conversation.