hogan873

Yeah, they have quite a few bullpen pieces to sort out. They did before this trade, but with Wilson being a sure thing for the pen (most likely), this probably pushes out a guy like Chavez, Keller, Shaw, etc.

Yeah, he looks like a decent bullpen piece, and he's under control for a few more years. When I first saw he was 29, that didn't even occur to me. He could certainly be a flip candidate if he pitches well.

I gave it a B. I think it's a good return, but not a fleecing. Thorpe will most likely be part of the rotation this season. Zavala is a very interesting OF prospect that could have an impact in the next year or two. Iriarte is another interesting piece that could make an impact soon. And Wilson, even as a throw in, adds to the bullpen and is under control for four more years. There was a lot of risk holding on to Cease into the season and hoping for a haul at the deadline. Remember how good Cease looked early last year before being rather pedestrian overall, certainly in comparison to 2022. I think we all wanted some team to empty their farm for Cease, but that wasn't going to happen. And if you have spent enough time reading the hundreds of pages in the other thread, you'll see those who didn't think Cease would fetch anything of value are giving this trade a D or F and saying "I told you so." Those who claimed the Sox would get the moon for Cease are giving the trade a C saying "Let's see what happens." And those with relatively open minds are thinking B for the trade. Generalizations, I know, but there was so much volatility in that thread, and people dug in, and name-calling ensued. It's over, and the Sox have again significantly improved their farm system. Was it worth it? Time will tell, but right now it's looking like a fair trade.

Zavala most likely makes it to the bigs next year?

Both Thorpe and Iriarte could be on the big league team this season.

How can there be no details yet?

Any guesses on the return?

Which is perfectly reasonable.

I know that what really matters is what the Sox could get in return for Cease, but I'd much rather see him in a Padres jersey than a Yankees one. Of the three teams that are purportedly in, I would think San Diego has the least fear of making a trade. They would probably be the team to fold and pay what the Sox are asking. This could be an interesting few days considering the start of the season is coming up quickly.

TA definitely had a part in creating the toxic atmosphere. I'm glad he found a home, and I hope he has a nice season. But I am glad he's not playing for the Sox. I too have hope for the future. This year may be rough, but I think we'll see a more cohesive team with much less drama, laziness, and (bad) attitude. So many Sox fans love to spend their days looking in the review mirror, huffing and puffing, and shaking their heads in a "I told you so" manner every time a former Sox player hits a home run or strikes out a batter. I don't care about former Sox players when they're playing for the Marlins or the Braves or whoever. Out of sight, out of mind. I'm concerned about the current team...and bitching about their performance.

I might be in the minority, but I really don't care about bobbleheads. I'd rather get a shirt, hat, jersey, or even a water bottle.

Obviously putting a good product on the field is paramount. More people will come to watch a good team that is in contention. Outside of that, making it more affordable will draw more people. Their 10-game packs are ridiculously priced and don't offer savings unless you choose to attend premium games like when they play the Cubs or Yankees. Offer a true discount for the 10-game packages. Parking - Make it cheaper on certain days, or make it cheaper if you enter earlier. Concessions - Bring back $1 hot dog days, offer discounts on food and beverages through the first few innings. I live in Joliet, and it's very easy for me to get to the park via Metra. But I usually only go to one game a year. Mainly because of the cost in relation to the payoff. I might go to a a few more games if things were cheaper, but I'd be more apt to go to a few more games if I knew I'd be watching a potential playoff team.

Yeah. In another thread, there's bitching about John Schriffen not being a debbie downer.

For me it's tough. He went from a favorite to a guy I wanted off the team. Ultimately, I can say I'm glad he found a job, and I'm glad it wasn't with the Sox. I doubt there was interest from the Sox to sign him nor from TA to sign here.

Good for Tim. I hope he figures out his off field stuff, because I think that certainly attributed to some of his on field issues.

Yeah, I know. But some of those players still out there are going to end up on short-term deals or getting less than they expected. Who would have thought that Bellinger, Snell, Montgomery, and Chapman would all be without jobs as spring training games started?

I'm off tomorrow, and after some work around the house, I'm camping my ass on the couch and watching baseball. I used to not give a damn about spring training, but the last couple years my interest has increased. And even though it hasn't been a bad winter at all, it has seemed to last forever. I'm ready for spring and bitching about White Sox baseball.

This is ridiculous. The one thing Manfred said that actually makes sense is having a FA deadline.

The team moving is probably the least likely outcome. A new stadium will be built, whether the team is owned by JR or someone else, or the lease will be extended at GRF. On a side note, I think it's humorous we're talking about the Sox, owned by JR, and a possible future team in Nashville, for a group including LaRussa. It's highly unlikely either will be around (or at least competent) to see a new stadium or an expansion team.

Yep. I get it. The team sucks, JR is a penny-pinching ass, the Sox will always be Chicago's #2 team. But, now there's a (very real) possibility of a new stadium, and we're bitching about it. It would be the best thing to happen for the Sox and their fans since 2005. Plus, once (hopefully) the green light is given to build, the value of the franchise goes up, significantly. JR, who may not be around when the stadium opens, could very possibly sell the team between now and then.

Rise Dispensary Field "The team will suck, but you can get high and not care."

I'm excited about this season for a couple reasons. First, I love baseball. I can, and will, watch any game, and we're not far from having a baseball game on every night. Second, even though I know this team will not be good, it has a bunch of fresh faces, including some young ones that are hopeful to be part of the future. The last 1/3 of last season was so bad with the team looking like they had no interest in playing that I'm glad the roster was turned over. This team will be easier to cheer for. Granted, I will probably be sick of the losing soon enough, but dammit, I'm ready for baseball. And I'm a Sox fan no matter what.

So, if Moncada has a monster year, do the Sox pick up his option? Or look to extend?

God, Boob is insufferable.

Moustakas has played second. Let's leave it at that. DeJong will be fine defensively. At the plate, well... The catcher position has...lots of experience? Fletcher will be the starting right fielder. Colas will be in AAA. And that's probably how it should be.