poppysox

I considered Engel as well. Baseball always seems about the stars but an ordinary guy becoming an important role player on the team is a nice story. He actually is a five-tool guy...just not in the way that term is usually used.

The fact that Adam Dunn and Adam LaRoche were starring with reputations earned against NL pitchers is always in the back of my mind.

Number #4 is where he is on the WS. Certainly, he is not the guy you pencil in for the win when it's his turn. I do agree he gives you the chance to win which is all I ask out of #4 and #5 starters.

I don't mind Gray instead of Q or Richards type. Just think he is that type and would not give up Madrigal to get him.

I join you in the opinion that Gray is just OK. Still living on his Oakland reputation. For me he is a #4 type and Madrigal would be a real screwing. No thanks.

You make a good argument IMO. Especially if Hendriks demands the 4 year contract.

Thirteen different players named in the first few posts. That's a "likeable" team when half the team is worthy of that consideration.

I want to be on record...we have more nice things now than at any time in my memory. Yes, that includes 2005 & 1959.

I've been thinking about who my favorite players are on the team as it now stands. Not the "best" players but my personal favorites. This team is loaded with players that are skilled, likable, and fun to watch play. There is nothing to argue about because everyone can "like" anyone they wish. I will start off with: Abreu...Gio...Madrigal...Eloy...Moncada

I hadn't even thought of him...but not a bad choice.

I agree. With guys like Flowers, Suzuki, Molina, and Avila available...no way should we be trusting Collins with that responsibility. He needs to be catching full time at AAA.

The importance of those 7th and 8th inning guys is immense. 2005 turns into just another year without Neil Cotts and Cliff Politte IMO.

A good reminder that there are more important things in life than baseball. My best wishes for your full recovery.

I prefer Q or Richards to Musgrove because of the only money part of the equation. I think you are right with your view that JR would be willing to spring for the big bucks but I doubt he views Bauer to be worth the high end of that range. Five years at 150 feels about right.

Hope you all have a great New Year. This is probably the beginning of the best decade in White Sox history. It should be a fun ride.

Gio seems like the kind of guy who will want to be part of this competitive window...and RH knows how to whisper the right words in his target's ear. Having Katz in our corner doesn't hurt the chances either. I think Rick will get this done.

It will be interesting to see how Eloy and others are used in the TL lineup.

I don't see how anyone can fault this move. Bargain!

True.

Not in my opinion. We have the best team chemistry I've ever seen. He seems like just the of type of teammate that could screw that up.

Whenever I get impatient about signing someone early...I remind myself of Adam Dunn (Dec. 2nd) and Adam LaRoche (Nov. 25th) signing early.

Back in the day...Moncada would have the added pressure of being the man everyone is counting on. I love that there is a minimum of pressure to carry the team on any player. Jose got in great shape last year and that for sure was the primary reason for his outstanding MVP year. However, it certainly helped that he had lots of help so as not to feel the need of carrying the whole team on his back. All of our guys make up a "team" instead of the pressure that comes with the small personal slums that are sure to hit everyone during the daily grind the season presents.

So far...Katz has been the most exciting addition this offseason. Fans were willing to give Coop hugh credit for his ability to "fix" our pitchers. I see no reason to think Katz is not able to fix a few of these guys as well. Lopez and Cease have tons of natural ability. Katz showed the ability to get Giolito back on track..so why not Lopez and Cease.

I am anxious to see what Katz can do with Lopez. A young arm like Lopez would seem to be the ideal project for a young coach to earn his stripes.

I agree with you that the three work together on most acquisitions. Rick is the contract guy and a very good negotiator. Ken is the main baseball skills evaluator with Jerry being the money guy. Rick comes from a Harvard Law background...not a ballplayer at all. He certainly could not and should not be the talent evaluator. Pretty sure Kenny should not be doing the heavy-duty contract work either.