poppysox

Jury still out. Play him now and lets find out what we have.

As someone generally recognize as a positive poster...I would join the lynch mob if the $20-30 million mention in your post becomes reality.

This would be a bare minimum off season. I expect more and I think we will get it.

I agree that McCann is great as a handler of this young staff and his hitting is fine for my taste. However...Grandal & McCann would be dynamic. Have Collins learn from two veteran pros while backing up catcher, DH and 1st base.

We will know the answer to this when we see the two starting pitchers...right fielder and DH acquired this offseason. If they include two of Cole, Wheeler, Bumgarner, Wood or Strasburg and perhaps Grandal and Pederson...we will be seriously in the hunt. If Nova types are in the equation it will be a frustration for sure.

Hope to see a Moncada type of step up next year. His improvement since the beginning of the year has been dramatic. I also feel his defense has improved significantly since the start of the year.

None of us want to part with our future prospect capital. Would Sanchez plus something modest have any trade value for the Joc Pederson type of one year solution? He is the best defensive 2nd baseman in baseball according to Stone.

AJ had that same rep. You just never know. He wouldn't be my first choice but might be best available.

Being with countrymen is how the Chicago neighborhoods developed. I think there is an excellent chance Moncada stays because of comfort being with countrymen.

Yeah...people have different tastes...that's why they make chocolate and vanilla.

Mazara is interesting. I'm of the opinion that Puig will get a serious look as will some others that have been mentioned. That Cuban thing we have going is an actual thing however.

#1 or 2 starting pitcher......#3 or 4 starting pitcher.....2 proven quality relief pitchers.....right fielder.....DH Everyone in the ballpark knows what the needs are. My money's on Rick.

I wouldn't bet against your take on this.

The eye test shows the same result.

McCann is a really well prepared and competent catcher. If we were to get Grandal I would view it as a job share more than backup role. It seems broadcasters are nightly talking about the pounding McCann and catchers in general take. Two really good catchers seems a necessity for a team expecting to compete. Also, a great place for Collins to receive mentoring and not have much pressure as he is obviously not a finished product.

At this point I'm sure it has become mental.

That's true. However... watching Omar catch brings back bad memories.

Extend him for 2 additional years at 5 million per year. I would like to see him used with Grandal & Collins as Catcher/Backup Catcher/DH kind of role.

Time to get on the board.

I agree. It will eventually make most meaningful records meaningless.

Saw on the news tonight that the oldest male in the US and 3rd oldest in the world is 112 years old. Why should I mention this you ask. He's a White Sox fan and was recently feted at grf by Brooks with skybox treatment. Just thought that inquiring minds would want to know.

This just might be the breakout game Palka has been needing.?

Hahn was approached by a minimum of 3 teams to interview for their GM openings when he was assistant to KW. He is somewhat under appreciated on this forum but the baseball world respects him. I'm with you in that he has made some really smart moves in both trades and extensions. He has had some missteps like everyone in that line of work.

Hahn is a lawyer and worked as an agent for two years giving him a somewhat unique background in working with agents. He is a contracts specialist rather than being a baseball guy like Kenny. If Kenny wasn't so annoying...the partnership of a contracts guy and a baseball guy makes sense. IMO Jerry is far more involved in the day to day than many owners...creating a 3 headed think tank.

And some of the reasons we will be a 90+ win team next year. We are progressing nicely on schedule.