poppysox

Wheeler is my hope. Don't let him get away while we get strung out on the top guys. If we end up with Cole and Wheeler...lucky us. If we end up with Wood and Nova because we waited to long...not so good.

Joe Borchard for Matt Thornton should remind Sox fans that 1st rounders get extra attempts to salvage something from a failed 1st rounder.

Envy of the league would be something to shoot for.

No way I make that deal. I can't stand Woo Woo.

I can appreciate that announcing a meaningless game that has little action is not easy...but Jason's comedy routine is not funny. Later in the season as some of the young guys played some interesting ball...he improved imo. I often listen to the opponents announcers and truthfully...not many are any better. Jason and Stone should stick to baseball and leave the comedy to the professionals.

I tend to be a trust my eyes type as well. In actuality...analytics and gut instincts both play a role in todays game.

No...I don't want the blind leading the blind. My comments were assuming we get Ricky like it or not. My actual thought is why take Maddon when Girardi is available?

This looks good but I too think they will go bigger. Time for Jerry to go all in.

With competent right fielder and DH this lineup better be 90+ or Ricky is history.

Yeah...I would say that lineup is "very promising." Looks like murderers row.?

Very encouraging!

David Ross rumored to have the Cubs job if he wants it. Wonder what happened to the Joe Girardi is a sure thing?

Egotistical managers like Maddon are not on my wish list. FO should tell Ricky the parameters for situational bunting and have the computer spit out a lineup for the day. The FO doesn't trust Ricky to pick his own coaches but allow him full control of what will be 125 million payroll. Seems odd.

Cole and Strasburg coupled with Grandal and a competent RF + two good relievers and we are good to go. The fun thing to think about is...we could actually afford it. Not many teams can say that.

I'm starting to like the idea of Gardner but if taking Avi gets me Cole and/or Strasburg I'm with you Greg.

You know that's not true. Greg will notice.?

Does he have a brother-in-law?

"It's about to get exciting."

I would rather have a do over on Michael Brantley.

Need to find a swap partner for Fulmer along the line of Thornton for Joe Borchard. Find some other failed first rounder and swap projects.

Stop with the trying to improve one position by weakening another one.

Catcher is a physically brutal position and just beats the crap out of an everyday catcher. Rotating between catcher/DH/1st. base/backup catcher day of rest seems the best way to get that new DH along with improve the overall daily catching. Two top quality mentors for Collins is a nice bonus.

Yes...I believe that is correct. The upside is there will be less competition for his services do to that compensation.

If Boston is willing to give up Betts for salary relief...sure....lets get him. Giving up a significant player like Cease is just nuts for a 1 year rental. If Hahn did this the lynch party would start forming.

Bmags...I know that you know the 20 game improvement is not coming just from the right fielder we eventually get. It depends on who we get elsewhere on the roster. For example...If we sign Cole, Strasburg and Grandal...we can play Engel and improve 20 games.