poppysox

Just think of it... every one of us has a circle of friends and family that think we are the most crazed Sox fan in the World. They obviously are not familiar with this site. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Giving up 2 or 3 top prospects is not the way to have long term success. Three quality arms are the requirement to win playoff baseball. We currently have two. I'm counting on the new pitching coach to unlock Cease, Dunning, and/or Kopech. The two Quintana types I suggested are to hold down the fort until someone figures it out. Should a stud be needed...trades can still be accomplished before the trade deadline. As I have said before...we have paid a high price in losing seasons and trading good players to be where we are today. No way do I want to pull a Cubs and return to crap in 3 or 4 years.

We already have a TOR starter and two more in training. Spend the money on Springer and a couple #4 types along with a good RP. With that lineup we aren't going to have many 1-0 games.

100% agree!

Thanks for the imagery.

I've made this point several times. The Quintana/Richard types hold down the fort until the new pitching coach fixes Cease, Dunning, Lopez, and Kopech. Spend the real money on RF and a top BP piece.

So...not impossible but improbable.

Almost everyone on this board thinks if we get Springer we don't get Bauer. I feel anything is possible. Not one of us has any idea of what is on Jerry's mind. The addition of both top free agents would create a marketing bonanza. We overnight would go from contender to probable favorite. If JR wants to increase the value of the franchise for his backers...now would be a very good time to make a splash. That's my take and I'm sticking with it. Lot's more fun to think positive than the constant talk of what the FO won't do.

It means that it takes a long time to develop a system rich in prospects like we currently have. We probably have 20 players currently with star potential to one degree or another. Those prospects were paid for with years of losses and the trading of stars like Sale, Q and Eaton. I don't want them traded away when there are free agents available to fill available holes.

I am well aware of budgets and that is why I have advocated a willingness to accept much less than the top tier FAs. I will not be unhappy if we simply upgrade RF, sign a top pitcher for the pen, and a couple of Q type starters for depth. What I have been emphatic about is not trading top prospects. I actually believe the FO has the money to sign Bauer and/or Springer. Of course, none of us really know what JR is willing to spend. I am of course hopeful.

If you can afford 3 or 4 of your top prospects...you can afford any FA imo.

Sign Bauer, Q, and Springer and keep all our prospects. Now that keeps us in contention beyond a 3-year window.

They were both considered underachievers and change of scenery candidates.

I'm on your wavelength. Free agency works fine for plugging holes with decent players but seldom for teams that win bidding wars. Trades for other teams' stars usually result in overpays. Trading our stars for their package of prospects works well as that is how we got where we are today. Use our resources to strengthen the bullpen, solidify RF, and fine some depth for the rotation. RH has a knack for signing great extensions and ultimately that leads to top dollar received when trading players down the line. That is a good recipe for long term success.

The "Polish Prince" could have owned Chicago.

Yep! ?

I agree with your optimism...for the foreseeable future. If nothing else it is a lot more fun than the "if it can go wrong it will go wrong" attitude. I was thinking recently of the early 1960's teams on which my favorite player was Floyd Robinson who could hit in the low .300's with a dozen HRs and about 60 RBIs. Man, I thought he was great. We now have a whole lineup that is watchable...not just a player or two. The bottom third of the 2021 lineup would be the heart of the order on a great number of teams I have rooted for. Fingers crossed...these are the first years of a dynasty!

One more .220 hitter with power and I think I will lose it. Will we never learn?

Richards is OK for depth but nothing special.

I like your thoughts...especially the part about the souffle.?

Amen!

Hahn's work with contract extensions alone qualifies for GM of the year honors IMO.

It might mean all the hoopla surrounding TL is not a done deal yet.

Yeah...it might have been a little higher once he gets acclimated to the league. Good point.

Yeah...those singles hitters that hit .340 in their rookie year are really easy to find. Give me a break.