poppysox

Grandal is a huge plus for our young pitcher development IMO.

I don't know...this lineup should make anyone realize the guy behind you can pick you up. Batting Jose 4 through 6 would quite possibly help as well. With this lineup the concept of pitching around someone is a lot less likely.

I wish him well. Has speed, power, can catch the ball and a good arm...just couldn't put it all together. Seemed like a very nice guy.

Sanchez needs time to realize 6 million isn't in his future. Patience grasshopper.?

I agree with you. My belief is that Mazara was brought in to be the full time right fielder. Puig is intriguing because of the Cuban connection and probable low price tag. Can't help but be curious if Jose & Yoan could unlock Puig's potential.

Three weeks til Sox Fest and six weeks until Spring Training. Time to get the last pieces in place. Maybe there will be some bargains available soon. Puig is a good possibility as is Sanchez.

Boy do I hate relievers who walk people. Come to think about it....I also hate starters who walk people.?

You might get your wish. Some of these FA outfielders are going to need to grab a seat in this game of musical chairs. Puig might still be standing when RH goes shopping for a bargain at the end of the month.

Some would call it trying to do to much.

McCann is only being used for discussion purposes here. Last year he was being talked about as an extension candidate. Posters had the usual discussion of he's a flash in the pan all the way through he's the best thing since sliced bread. If he had been extended for 5 or 6 million per year for 2 or 3 additional years...his trade value would be greater today. Note: I don't want to trade McCann but he is an example that extensions are not only for stars but virtually any good player. The 25-30 million # used for a Madrigal extension was used for discussion purposes. I trust RH with figuring out the $# for Madrigal. Every extension he has orchestrated has been for cheaper than most of us would have thought.

It's not to late for Lopez to make himself part of the discussion as well. Good times...they are a coming.

A theoretical discussion about extending virtually any player in order to in theory have that players services for a longer period of control or enhance his trade value. I maintain that extensions don't mean only the expensive Sale, Q and Eaton types but also players like McCann or Lopez if the price is right.

I was obviously saying 25-30 million extension for Madrigal. The McCann extension discussed at the time was for approximately 5 million per year. Not every extension has to be for mega millions to be considered.

Just like not signing McCann to an extension last year. If we had signed him to a two year extension last year...he would have more value if we wanted to move him now. Let's say we could add a couple years of control for 25-30 million. I think that would be money well spent.

IMO we will win the Central. As you point out...3 top quality starters and a solid bullpen are required for playoff baseball. The bullpen came together in 05 beyond most expectations. It can happen.

The best remark for this suggestion is silence.?

Astudillo is good and Madrigal will be better. Both do have similar hit tools.

One thing is for sure...if we sign Holt...I'll learn to love him.?

Not better...just a different skillset. We already have Garcia for versatility.

Madrigal, Moncada or Anderson if they got dinged up or anyone needing a day off. Blowouts, double headers or late inning pinch runner. A gold glove switch hitter who has started for 3 or 4 years is as good or better than anyone I hear being discussed. Keep in mind...I think he will be available for 3 or 4 million.

Defense and speed wins many games in the course of a season. Not many stars are sitting on any teams bench.

At the right numbers you wouldn't be wrong.

A bench of McCann, Garcia, Engle, Sanchez and RF platoon looks pretty useful to me.

McCann is not the disgruntled type. We need a strong 1/2 combo as much as anyone. Only an overpay should pry him loose. Grandal will need 50 days off to stay fresh. That's to many games to trust to Collins for now.

This might be the way to go. In general I am a huge proponent of extensions and RH has proved he knows how to sell them. In this case I want Madrigal on the OD lineup and you can still extend him in a year. My kneejerk reaction would be to extend him now but I do see very little to lose by bringing him up for OD and waiting to extend.