hogan873

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.

After all the hand-wringing and speculation, this trade seems like a steal. Good job. I can't imagine the A's fans are too happy.

QUOTE (Springfield SoxFan @ Dec 9, 2015 -> 08:50 AM) I keep reading from A's fans that Beane is going to "fleece" Hahn again like with Shark. My belief is that is not the case, I would take the first round draft pick over any of the four players that the Sox gave up. Thoughts? The draft pick the Sox will get because Samardzija signed elsewhere could be better than the players the Sox sent over there. I just look at the fact that it wasn't Shark's fault the Sox sucked last year. There were so many bad things that happened, and his poor pitching was just a small part of that.

QUOTE (Baron @ Dec 9, 2015 -> 06:51 AM) Yeah Herrera telling him he's going to aim for his head next time he sees him...that was classy...god I hate the Royals *edit* Somebody should have told that 6 year old to stay back! She didnt know how unstable Lawrie is.... Well, he wasn't wearing his batting helmet. Otherwise, he may have thrown it down causing it to hit the little girl.

AMC is developing a series based on Joe Hill's NOS4A2. Joe Hill, as some may know, is Stephen King's son. His writing is similar to King's, but he has his own voice. I thoroughly enjoyed NOS4A2 and knowing it's going to AMC gives me hope. Less of a chance of an Under the Dome disaster.

What's his contract status? From what I read he's eligible to be a free agent in 2018, but I didn't see what he was owed for the next two years. I like the idea, provided the price isn't too high. He's young, has some fire, and his numbers aren't bad. I think we'd all love to see Frazier, but I think we know what kind of package the Reds would demand. Hopefully this the first of several moves.

It's been a very quiet start to the meetings. I fear that the Sox may not do much. I know there's still a few days left in the meetings and plenty of time afterwards, but I really expected to see some action by now...or at least hear some promising rumors. Hopefully today is the day when something happens.

QUOTE (LDF @ Dec 8, 2015 -> 08:22 AM) lets think of it this way, 5 mil to start this discussion, a pitching prospect, a viable one, for a very good 1b defensive player who still will put up at least 15 hrs..... nice deal. I think the Sox would have to eat at least half, and that's not something they normally do. However, this could be an instant where they do it. LaRoche is a good defensive 1B, and I imagine his hitting will improve next year (it HAS to, right?). I think regardless of who ends up with LaRoche (and honestly I think it'll be the Sox), they'll see a guy improved over last year. If he could return to near his career norm of around .260 with 20 HRs or so, I think we'd all be happy as pigs in slop. And then there's this to consider: If the Sox trade him, who is the new DH? Would it be one Melky or Avi if they sign Upton? Would it be another FA signing or trade?

Are there any NL teams hard up for a first baseman? And if so, how many would be willing to take on that salary?