hogan873

.245 9 HRs 47 RBIs 18 SBs While playing a good defensive SS.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Dec 18, 2015 -> 01:53 PM) His problem is he swings at pitches that are hard for anyone to do anything with. He would need a boat oar to hit some of the stuff he swings at.

QUOTE (soxfan2014 @ Dec 18, 2015 -> 07:04 AM) Mostly just speculation at this point. Doesn't look like much of a market for any since the big spenders aren't looking to spend on outfielders. If we land one at significantly less than what they were projected to get, I'll be thrilled. I'm in the Cespedes camp however. It's been an odd off season with the signings being relatively slow. I thought that the other outfielders would sign pretty quickly after Heyward did, but you're right when you say the big spenders aren't after outfielders. It seems more and more likely each day that the Sox will sign one of Upton, Gordon, or Cespedes. And I believe that each will most likely sign for less than what was thought. I'd be fine with any of the three, but with Cespedes not costing a pick, he might be the most desirable.

The biggest need is an big OF bat. After that, I think adding another starting pitcher wouldn't hurt. There are probably a few guys out there that can be had relatively cheaply. I suppose trying to upgrade at SS is a possibility, but aside from spending money that they could spend elsewhere, I'd be okay with Saladino or Alexei.

QUOTE (greg775 @ Dec 16, 2015 -> 02:02 PM) Haven't read the thread yet but I will shortly. Well, Hahn is thinking like me and others. With Frazier, the infield changes so much if we re-sign Lexi. It'll be Frazier, Lexi, Lawrie and Abreu. ON PAPER, excellent. Very sad to lose Trayce, Micah and Montas. Once again we overpaid. I realize I got what I wanted (if we re-sign Lexi; ss will be a major weakness if Saladino is there). I did get what I wanted but wow, the overpay! Final comment: I know the Sox are trying now; I realize the lineup is probably worth seeing in person, buying season tickets now (if we re-sign Lexi on the cheap), but it's now up to Frazier to not be the latest NL player to SUCK in a Sox jersey. And if Frazier does suck beyond belief, even though the trade seems reasonable, Hahn should pay with his job. The FO has to get this stuff right and Sox just gave up three TOP prospects for this guy. He MUST not pull a Dunn or pull a LaRoche. He must excel or Hahn must go. Please sign Lexi now for one year and an option. Two things: I believe most would say the deal was not an overpay. However, there are some who think so, but only time will tell. We'll have to see how each of them play over the next two years (and beyond for the guys we traded). Second, as much as I wouldn't mind seeing Alexei back, I disagree that it's a weakness with Saladino at SS. Defensively, he would be fine. Offensively, I'm not sure he would fare much worse than Alexei did last year.

Upton, provided they would get similar contracts.

The infield just got so much better. Lawrie is much better off at 2nd. Even if they don't make a move to pick up a SS, Saladino will be serviceable on defense.

I just looked at Frazier's contract. I didn't realize it was that reasonable. $12MM over the next two years. I would assume that if all goes well with the Sox, he's going to get paid after 2017.

QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ Dec 16, 2015 -> 11:23 AM) Now we have to be getting ready to land an outfielder. Has to be part of the plan. Seems logical. Upton or Cespedes, and what comes of Avi?

Certainly hope the Sox get more than just Frazier if they're giving up all three of those guys.

Be a horned frog then, it would.

Zany, isn't it?

Xenopus, an African clawed frog, has no tongue.

QUOTE (LDF @ Dec 14, 2015 -> 12:42 PM) let me play devil's advocate, what happen if he does not bounce back, the sox will not have any one to manned that position. The Sox obviously aren't banking on him returning to what he should be, or they wouldn't have been trying to trade him (wish cash, that is). If he doesn't bounce back, there will be plenty of guys that they can plug into the DH role throughout the season. Avi, Melky, etc. I would imagine the thinking is hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Dec 14, 2015 -> 10:03 AM) Parental involvement and early education are way more important than the school the kid attends. I couldn't agree more. My wife and I are heavily involved with our kids and their schoolwork, and I believe that at least part of their success is due to that. Now that our oldest is in high school and taking a bunch of AP classes, our ability to help is dwindling, but what we've taught her in the past about working hard, asking questions, etc. is helping with the learning process. Another thing that we firmly believe that helps is playing an instrument. All three of our kids play instruments and are involved in several bands/orchestras. In addition to reading music helping with other learnings, the social aspect is huge. I think this true with sports and other activities (clubs, committees, etc.), too.

I think we're at the point now that we can figure on LaRoche being a part of the White Sox in 2016. And as others have said, he is a perfect bounce back candidate. Even after his horrible 2015 season, he's still a .260 career hitter. I'm not saying that he gets back to that, but if he hit .240+ with 20+ HRs while playing a decent 1st base at times, I'll take it. Compared to his career numbers, 2015 stands out as an outlier, no question. There's more going for him to return to more career-like numbers than to repeat 2015. All that being said, I would imagine (and hope) that Hahn will still look to add a big bat by shifting some of the cost to beyond 2016 when LaRoche and Danks come off the books.

QUOTE (Harry Chappas @ Dec 11, 2015 -> 01:36 PM) Orioles pulled it. Oh, I didn't know that. Then yes, he's currently kicking his dog...and all of the neighbors' dogs.

I'd take Eaton for sure when you compare what they're being paid. I think, however, you'll see their offensive numbers differ more dramatically as time goes on. Average-wise, they may remain similar, but I would think Heyward will be more of a power hitter while Eaton will be a lead-off contact guy. I could see Heyward hitting 20-25 HRs a year while Eaton will (and should) hit 8-14 a year.

QUOTE (Harry Chappas @ Dec 11, 2015 -> 01:33 PM) Chris Davis just kicked his dog. He'll probably be accepting the $150MM deal from the O's soon.

8/184 is a good contract for at least the first half. The second half of the contract may not look as good, but time will tell. The best thing about the deal is that it lowers some of the expectation of contracts for Upton, Cespedes, etc. Hopefully we'll see some rumblings about those guys soon.

Well, the good news is that the rest of the FA outfielders will be signing soon. Wonder what the Cubs will be paying him.

I wonder who the Sox were trying to get from the Pirates. I would assume they were looking for a prospect. Sounds like the Pirates wanted to keep the roster spot open.

QUOTE (OmarComing25 @ Dec 10, 2015 -> 12:20 PM) Will he get more than $200 million? I wouldn't be surprised at an 8-10 year deal worth more than $20MM per.

QUOTE (Hatchetman @ Dec 10, 2015 -> 09:48 AM) so what bad stuff did Lawrie do that I'm not supposed to like him? what did I miss? Aside from getting into it with the Royals, I think there's some concern that he's too fiery. But everyone got into it with the Royals. I like the fire, and I hope it brings an intensity the Sox need.

The winter meetings were slow, and it seemed that way for the whole league. There are some big pieces out there that, once moved/signed, will start a domino effect. I think once Heyward signs, the other free agent OFers will follow quickly. I see the Sox signing either Upton or Cespedes...more likely Upton. I'd like to see another big bat acquired, but I don't see Frazier. The asking price is too high, and the Sox (hopefully) won't part with Anderson. Beyond the signing of an outfielder, I'm not sure much more happens. Next year's off season should be much more active with a bunch of money coming off the books.