poppysox

A manager doesn't need to be Abner Doubleday in order to make out reasonable lineup cards and the percentage in-game moves. He even has a buddy sitting next to him to think it over with. Managers who go against the odds sometimes win a game or two...but the odds finally catch up with them.

Madrigal is the exact player we should all love.

I too believe this decision will ultimately be left to Hahn. JR will be in the discussion along with KW but ultimately RH is the GM.

Agreed! Let's just hope this is a lot of fluff before a much more realistic new manager is named.

If Tony is hired...I sure hope Jirschele is his bench coach or third base coach.

You might be on to something here.

His 2017 season average of .330. The two seasons you refer to are injury driven (shortened) as I'm sure you know. Just goes to show that numbers can say whatever you want them to say.

I wish the FO would have paid a little more attention to Avi's high batting average.

I hope you are right. What makes you say this?

Good read! It sure is true that a watched pot never boils. We are anxious to get on with the new manager news and off-season dealings. Naturally, the WS will go the full 7 games.

Welcome to the club.

Bingo!

Who is "we?" There is only one of you.☺️

Certainly wouldn't be the worst deal RH ever made.

I don't want to be paying Mazara 6 million for what we have seen, but like you, it won't bother me to see him play when healthy. When we don't pick up his option...he should be available on a 3 million type of deal. His defense was satisfactory and he was coming around with the bat. As you point out...Moncada didn't look so well last year either. Both guys recovering and obviously weakened considerably. If we pour every extra dime into pitching (both starting & relief) that will suit me just fine. There are no right fielders available that strike me as can't miss for moderate money...and Engel seems to contribute whenever he gets a chance to play. Times like now I am glad we don't have Harper. Plenty of money to go get the Bauer's of the World.

Throwing strikes has been a problem for many Sox pitchers. Hope the new guy has an answer to this problem.

I agree with your take on our needs. My belief is that aside from the top people like Bauer...most available players will be signed for 50-65% of the usual norms. Not that many buyers out there. JR won't blow this unique opportunity to grab the brass ring.?

He would be fine for the 5/6/7 slot.

JR is at that point where the time is limited to ready the team for sale. Any team is valued higher when viewed as a winner. I believe JR will go all-in this offseason.

All of us who are old-timers are driven nuts by this unwillingness of today's power-hitter to go the other way.

Lopez, Cease, and Dunning are all guys whom I am hopeful will progress mightily with a new voice whispering in their collective ears.

You said if you had to...you would take a defensive RF in order to afford top pitching. I gave you the name of someone we already have on the team that fits that description.

Engel!

I'm sure it does. That sure is how it looks. Afraid to throw the ball.

Ain't it the truth.