poppysox

A fast signing of Wheeler would make this whole offseason go down much easier. Definitely would take the heat off some of the long drawn out signings that are a Boras trademark.

The idea of Gardner continues to grow on me.

Assuming above average RF and DH,,,I find it interesting how low in the batting order most of us put the reigning AL batting champ.

We can assume a RF and DH of good quality. Those needs are obvious to everyone including RH. Of course Robert and Madrigal can struggle for a bit but I doubt any of us think they will anything other than very good. Good lineups make it easier on everyone since nobody feels they have to do it all themselves. My one and only concern is finding the two quality starters. Our other need of a reliever or two shouldn't be hard to find. The big question is who are the starters? Cole and Strasburg would obviously leave less money available for those DH and RF acquisitions.

That's excellent news.?

Our lineup is strong 1 thru 9. Wherever he bats there will frequently be people on. Nice problems making out this lineup.

I think it hinges on if the Sox are targeting Grandal. If no Grandal...JDM makes a ton of sense.

Stiever has more value than to be traded for one year of Joc. Trade Sanchez...he has one year of overpriced control just like Joc.

I think his arm might be a little below par for a right fielder but gets to more balls than the typical right fielder.

I agree. Spend the money where you have the need. Get a right fielder. Gardner is checking a lot of boxes IMO.

#1…#2 or #9 depending on managers style.

Announced today that Nick Madrigal won minor league GG. Not long now.

TWTW...soon we will learn if Jerry has it.

My choice would be Pederson if the cost is modest...otherwise Gardner is fine.

I agree...lets get Cole.

I agree. A 160 million budget is still appropriate compared to the 130 frequently being suggested by some of our fellow posters.

Good thoughts.

As I said...the 70 million starting point is including the after arbitration raises.

I've been using this number of 160 million as my projected bench mark on the Sox total spending limit. With 70 million already accounted for in probable after arbitration spending...that leaves 90 million for RH to acquire the missing pieces.

Great job of putting your ideas in a clear and easy to understand format. It will be telling how RH attacks the pitching.

I think your take on this is right.

Assuming Sanchez is released...quite possible Madrigal signs an extension and starts his season with the Sox.

Shows flashes...then again so does Nova.

The changes you outline are enough to compete in 2020 IMO. People tend to forget that 4 positions in our lineup were virtual black holes. Robert, Madrigal, RF and DH makes this a fun lineup. We will have much better pitching for most of the year with no additions...just the returns of Kopech, Rodon and Dunning . A couple of serviceable starters makes this a very respectable team. Cole is obviously much better than the 2nd tier pitchers we discuss here. JDM is better than a serviceable DH. I see the floor as a competitive fun team to watch with the ceiling being a trip to the WS if things break right. Fun offseason gonna start soon.

Good point...it can be addictive. Even more so when doing interesting things like this off season.