poppysox

Cease will be #4 and Lopez #5 until Kopech is ready IMO. We did resign Lopez for a reason. I want to see what all these guys can do working with Katz before we muddy the water with yet another castoff.

Proof of vaccination and mandatory mask...pick some % of allowed occupancy...play ball.?

I much prefer Flowers.

I know what you mean but perhaps tomorrow is a new day. I for one will keep the faith. It's more fun.

True...but you are ignoring the season is a couple of months away. As the saying goes..."it ain't over til the fat lady sings."

For all of JR's lack of spending the money like the majority of posters would have him do...we have a potential all-star at every position. We have a top 5 rotation IMO and what looks like the best pen in my lifetime. This JR is cheap stuff doesn't hold water IMO. JR chose to trade for a TOR starter...plug a RF problem with a solid player and get the best closer in the game. We simply don't have the income of the Yankee's and Dodgers. They can overspend their mistakes but we can't. Sure it's fun to get the new shiny toy but not at the overall health of the ballclub. By the way...it won't surprise me if Bauer takes all that money and pitches like a #3 in the rotation.

Don't forget Dunn. Before free agency, the FO had to make the good decisions you are alluding to. They still do. We are in a great position to win the division and many more postseason championships. We still have ammunition as we see how the team gels. The FO has done a fine job of putting a very good team on the field. However, I am venting because this salary stuff is making 3/4 of the teams non-competitive and the game unaffordable for many people.

Been there many times. Been to Hooks games in Corpus many times. Been to games in half a dozen major league parks. What does that have to do with anything? What I said was this runaway salary crap isn't good for the game. If you disagree...explain your opinions...don't knock others for theirs. By the way...try reading what I said. I didn't advocate massive payroll reductions for the WS this year. You can knock off that condescending LOL crap. You don't strike me as that bright.

Baseball is on steroids when it comes to money. The owners and players both make obscene money IMO and the fans foot the bill. Most of us are fans because we went to games in our youth and learned to keep a scorecard. I saved my allowance and packed a lunch so I could get to an extra game or two. Favorite players were on the team for most of their careers. We were hooked. Most normal families today would struggle to find the extra $ in the budget to take the family to the park. Seniors on fixed incomes refuse to spend at current prices even if they can afford it (as a matter of principle.) I don't blame Bauer or any player getting as much as he can but really...$40 mil is nuts and next year that will serve as the new benchmark. I certainly understand the short career argument and would support a higher ML starting salary. The top-end guys need to slow it down big time IMO. I would totally support a Bill Veeck type ownership that didn't pay the big bucks to select free agents but made the effort to put the fan first. Affordable tickets, parking, food, etc. should come before overpaying a few select players twice what they are worth. I think JR has put together an excellent team and I support his decision to draw a line in the sand with these few select free agents that get fans so goosey. In general, I would rather improve my team with three 10 million type guys than one 30 million dollar guy. Actually...It would be OK if JR took the 30 million and lowered the prices on tickers, food & parking. I for one am glad JR is a financially responsible owner in that we will continue to have a team to cheer for. Some of these teams will be belly up before you know it.

I agree...no way would I play in New York...just wouldn't. I would just wait for the WS to come to the table.?

Can't help but think....that's not good for baseball. Teams need to have an absolute salary floor and ceiling.

All the while the Social Security recipients got their cost of living adjustment of 1.3% annually.

It is good for Bauer but bad for baseball IMO. The range from floor to ceiling needs to get fixed.

Elite...A successful powerful person. Sounds right to me.

A clever way to structure the deal if you want him for 2 years...but too rich for my blood.

The truck is always one of the first signs of Spring.

Great plan!

Amen!

Bleacher Report says Gio has been working with Katz on a new pitch called "the downer". I've enjoyed that Katz seems to have been heavily involved in the offseason training of our young staff.

I would have preferred Tyler Flowers.

Whatever happens...with all the young players some vets around them are helpful. Catchers make good managers because they are field managers during their playing days.

The contract extensions RH has overseen...are a direct result of his contract knowledge I believe.

I don't believe anyone here knows what has been discussed. RH plays his cards close to the vest. I don't believe that our FO discusses this stuff with their best friends....there is just too much money at stake.

Now here is a post with some merit. Positivity just might be contagious here on Soxtalk.

Well done overview.