poppysox

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.

Well...that's why God made extensions.

JR values highly the Harvard trained contract/agent background that RH brings to the table. He had KW in the GM role with RH as assistant GM. A baseball man is needed but today's game has lots of legal pitfalls that need to be covered that the typical baseball guy doesn't have the background for. This might be a signal that KW is nearing the end of the line.

Following through with the golf analogy...some days you have your timing/rhythm and other days...not so much. Muscle memory is the key to consistency.

I believe Yermin & Collins is the WS plan until Vaughn is called up. Allows for us to showcase Yermin for DH in the National League. I would prefer Flowers as a backup catcher allowing Collins to catch every day.

Colome did his job while here...so I wish him well and good luck when not playing the Sox. Hendriks is a real upgrade...so I am glad to say welcome aboard. I certainly look forward to a more relaxed finish on the majority of games.

Hey...2 weeks til pitchers & catchers report. Time for everyone to be pumped up.

Our guys have a ton more upside IMO.

I have always thought Getz was a smart hard-working player and done very well in his player development role. Wise of RH to have baseball types around him. Brings a different skill set to the table.