hogan873

My guess if Harper is signed: Billy Hamilton and Dallas Keuchel. And a few other pieces.

One stipulation in the offer to Harper is that he wear a clear helmet so his hair is always visible.

It sounds like they are determined to get one of these guys. We've obviously heard more about Harper, but I wouldn't be surprised if they are pursuing Machado, too. Hahn's comments really make me believe they expect to have a great chance at landing one of them.

I don't doubt that the Sox's offer will be one of the better ones. From what we've heard (from real sources), the meeting had gone well and the Sox feel good about their chances. I wouldn't be surprised if it comes down to 2-3 teams and the Sox are one of them.

Unless they have already signed both...think about that.

Do we actually know they made an offer? I haven't heard that.

I'm torn on the idea of trading Abreu. I think that if the Sox are able to sign Harper or Machado they should extend Abreu for another 2-3 years. And even if they don't make some significant improvements this off season, I would hope the Sox wouldn't trade Abreu without getting a really nice return. I'm not saying he should bring back a Goldy-like return, but something close. Ultimately I'd like to see Abreu here into the competitive years, but I'd be okay with a big return for him.

Nelson Cruz.

Agree to a point. If the Sox are looking at 2020 being the year when the competing begins, should they try to fill some of the glaring holes now in preparation? Landing a top of the rotation pitcher has to be one of those holes. Would it hurt to add a guy now, or will there be enough free agents and potential trade targets next off season?

What's crazy is if you look at your plan you'd think there's no way based on money alone, then you see the payroll is still under $150M. It's amazing how much flexibility the Sox have with the committed payroll being so low. Now, how much will they actually commit to going after these guys?

I'm certain the Sox will make an effort to sign some of the big name free agents. I would imagine they'll try hardest for Harper and/or Machado. They'll most likely have to offer the most money and possibly include some opt outs to have a chance. I still think the chances are relatively slim, but if they were able to sign one of Harper or Machado, it would do so much for the team. Aside from instantly improving the team, more tickets will be sold, the fan base could indeed grow, and the rest of baseball will realize the Sox are serious. Personally I'd rather see Harper. In addition to what he would add on the field, he would instantly be the face of the franchise.

Yeah, I was thinking 3/$45 million might get it done.

I'd be fine with a three year deal to keep him around. Depending on what the Sox do this off season, he could still be a big impact in the lineup. Regardless of what they do, he'll be an asset for the younger guys.

Signing Harper would go a long way to get that electric environment. Harper alone would increase interest. A lot of other pieces are needed around him to create that team that competes right away. But he would own Chicago, and the Sox would instantly be much more of a factor in the city.

I agree. I'd be more than happy with either, but I believe Harper would bring more to the team. Not just in ability and leadership. The attitude is something this team needs. We've started to see guys like Anderson and Rodon bring that needed swagger. Harper would amplify that.

Not completely unbelievable. That would tie up about $45-$50 million per, and they can afford that. But signing both would signify going for it, and without adding some pitching there's no way.

What is the expectation of an offer? 3/$45?

If 28 seems like a lot, wait until they see the "Site Too Busy" error when all hell breaks loose.

From a fan's perspective, the Sox are at an interesting crossroad. We've known (or at least thought) that since this rebuild began the Sox would target one of Machado or Harper. Now that the time is here, we have more information. Machado seems to be a very talented douchebag who chooses when to try. Harper has already expressed he wants 10/$350 as a starting point. Neither of these pieces of information will necessarily keep the Sox from going after these guys. But, we as fans may now think there's less of a chance that they do. Nobody knows except the Sox, and maybe they don't even really know the chances. All of this makes me wonder what else the Sox could do. Do they target guys like Donaldon, McCutchen, Brantley, Moustakas, etc.? Or do they fill some holes with a couple veterans or guys looking to rebuild value? I still think there's a decent chance the Sox sign Machado...and by decent I mean 15%-20% chance. I don't think there's much of a chance for Harper. Regardless, this could be a very exciting off season, and I see days when I very little work done when a rumor gets floated on Twitter.

Signing one of Machado or Harper has to be priority...at least attempting to do so. I believe the Sox have a chance at either one, but I would think Machado is the preferred target. There was an article the other day about Harper wanting 10/$350 million as a starting point. Someone's going to pay that or more, and I don't think it'll be the Sox. Not because they can't afford him; they can. I believe for the same type of money, Machado fits the team's needs better. A signing of either guy would require lots of improvements elsewhere, specifically pitching. They're going to need another SP or two, and the bullpen needs help. I like some of the other ideas being floated here, and I'll need to do some more research to see who'd I'd like to see added. Hopefully it'll be an exciting off season.

I just finished episode 6. I'm really enjoying the entire season. It's overall pretty creepy and has some good scares. Episode 5, in my opinion, was particularly haunting for several reasons. It's one of the best horror TV shows I've seen.

He's going to have plenty of suitors, and a few teams that will actually be able to afford him. However, he's not doing himself any favors behaving the way he is in the limelight when he's ready to get that big contract. Some team will pay...a lot, but there may be fewer teams willing to do so now.

I was following the game on my phone and eventually fell asleep. My dog woke me up at 12:45 wanting to go outside. Checked my phone and saw the Rockies had won. Never so happy to be woken up at 12:45.

Great series, but very frustrating to watch. It's hard to believe how poorly the CIA and FBI communicated.

Exactly why I say why not bring him back. I can remember many threads over the years discussing a fifth starter. I'm not sure there are many of us who would be upset about a guy who can eat 200 innings and have an ERA under 5.00 as your number 5 starter. Especially during a year when the team is rebuilding and full of young pitchers. Forget about the fact that the guy's name is James Shields. Look at what that guy can do for you.