poppysox

Steve & Jason have a much easier job now. Actually have baseball to talk about without relying on the standup routine.

Thanks...I made the edit.

Looks to me that Mazara was signed to be the regular right fielder. Engle and Garcia will be his late inning replacements and occasional platoon partners.

I obviously am not saying it's desirable. How do you think the fan base is going to like Bryant for a couple of trash players? Our fan base excepted the trades of Sale, Q & Eaton quite well. Everyone understands you can't be left empty handed when dealing with these star players. I want to make every effort to extend virtually all core players...but if it can't be done you turn it over. Bryant's situation is unacceptable and avoidable.

When a team has a Bryant who announces up front there will be no extensions...I strongly believe that player needs to be put on the block while the team has 2 years of control left. Cubs are going to get bubcus for Bryant instead of a pretty nice haul which would have been available had they moved him earlier. RH needs to work very hard to get extensions for Gio and Moncada types. RH has been very good at this by the way.

Well reasoned post.

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.