hogan873

QUOTE (GreenSox @ Jan 6, 2016 -> 09:46 AM) Sox need to get this done. I didn't like the Frazier trade in concept or execution. But given that they made the deal for 2 years of Frazier, they've got to top it off with another big hitter to make a real swing at the playoffs. I agree, except that I liked the Frazier deal. But, yes, the Sox need to add another big bat. Otherwise, the Frazier deal is puzzling. I would hope/think that the Sox have some groundwork laid for Cespedes.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Jan 6, 2016 -> 09:11 AM) Gordon went for less than expected, thats good for the Sox. And other teams, unfortunately.

With Gordon getting 4/$72, I wonder what type of deal Cespedes could get. I suppose it doesn't change much from the expected 5 to 6 years at around $20MM per year. But I wouldn't think that he'd be inclined to take a 3 year (or less) deal, unless he hopes to get more per year and then try to score again in three years. I was thinking in the back of my mind that Gordon might be the most realistic for the Sox, and it makes me nervous now that one of the big three is gone. I really think the Sox will have to offer 4 or 5 years to have a true shot at Cespedes.

Someone, most likely a player, will blink first, and the signings will commence. This has been a strange off season for free agents. I can't imagine this will drag on for more than another week or so.

Technically a 2015 show, but it's on Amazon and can be binged watched at any time...has anyone else watched The Man in the High Castle? Fantastic show. I have one more episode to watch in season 1.

The season finale of Ash vs. Evil Dead was great. The entire season was very enjoyable, but I thought the first and last episodes were the best.

QUOTE (AustinIllini @ Dec 31, 2015 -> 02:04 PM) This may sound bad, but they need one. They're obviously not the same player, but the White Sox need one guy. Agreed. To me, not getting one of these guys makes the Frazier trade seem a lot less meaningful.

QUOTE (peavy44 @ Dec 31, 2015 -> 02:03 PM) what about gordon 4 years $80 million to cespedes 5 years $110 million Cespedes is going to get more than 5/$110. And I suspect Gordon will end up closer to 4/$75. But a lot of that depends on who signs first for how much.

All of the fake tweets the other night shifted our focus to Cespedes, but it seems like Gordon has been the target all along. There are benefits to both, obviously, but Gordon's left-handed bat and lower price tag might be the tipping point.

QUOTE (soxfan2014 @ Dec 31, 2015 -> 11:04 AM) I don't think the opt out has really anything to do with slowing things down. Maybe for Upton's case but not the other 2. Or the second tier free agents. Probably true, but I think it still slows the signing of all three. Once one gets signed, I think the other two go quickly.

The Heyward signing was thought to be the first domino, but I believe that the structure of his contract with the opt out slowed things down. These guys may be looking for a similar option...especially Upton because of his age. Also, as someone else mentioned, there aren't a ton of teams lining up to get these guys. There are probably only a half dozen teams that are really serious about them. I know we're all anxious for a signing, but it's looking more and more like we'll be waiting another week or so. I just hope that when the dust settles, the Sox will have signed one of the big three.

QUOTE (raBBit @ Dec 30, 2015 -> 01:04 PM) This is from someone in a position to get info but I don't know if I can trust. The two numbers he threw out were 5/108 and 6/125. Take with whatever amount of salt you like. Scott Merkin told me the Sox won't go over 100 million. If that's the case, I wouldn't imagine they have much of a chance of actually signing him. If the Sox are truly pursing Cespedes, and even Gordon for that matter, they'd almost have to be willing to go over $100 million.

I wonder if the players and GMs look at Twitter and laugh their asses off at all of this.

I think most of us have seen enough to know that bucket and raBBit aren't just throwing out speculation. Anyone is free to believe or not, but I definitely take notice when I see them add a post to a thread.

QUOTE (BlackSox13 @ Dec 29, 2015 -> 10:55 AM) The SOX payroll including committed contracts/arbitration players/league minimum players is at about 119M. Now add in the cost all those players Petriello suggests and get back to me. The guy knows nothing about the Sox front office or the Sox finances. Uh...no team would actually add all of those players. Adding one, let's say Upton, adds about $20 million to the payroll. A guy like Desmond would cost less. The author is simply stating that the Sox are in a good position to add ONE of those players...not all of them.

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Dec 29, 2015 -> 10:50 AM) Did you actually read the article? He suggested those guys above could have their value reduced to some extent due to the comps picked attached, which would benefit the Sox because their first round pick is protected. His article was well written and made a ton of sense. Not sure how anyone could actually read it and call the author a moron. Right. There's a huge difference between giving up a pick in the low to mid teens and the 27th pick. Teams with those unprotected first round picks may pass on a qualified free agent, and that's going to reduce the number of teams interested and thereby possibly drop the price.

A good read. Thanks for posting. I didn't realize how close the Sox came to being in the position to have to give up such a high pick if they were to sign a qualified free agent.

.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.