GreatScott82

QUOTE (GreenSox @ Dec 28, 2013 -> 11:04 AM) They lose Leyland, but we still have Ventura. Hahn has to get his man in there before the Sox make a serious move. But the Tigers window is starting to close. Our starting staff will have at least 2 rookies or major reclamation projects (3 if you count Danks). As for Dunn, he production is still productive, although a lot of people say his mere presence is a negative on work ethic and attitude...that production should allow us to move him in June or July. We need to make a real productive trade of De Aza; and then final judgments on Viciedo and Beckham. I can see competing in 15, but not 14. Agreed. 2014 will be dedicated to let these younger guys develope and give them a chance to take their bumps. 2014 will also be dedicated for Hahn to move Dunn's and Keppinger's contracts. I believe De Aza will be the next move this winter.

Getting a proven reliever would not be a bad thing. If the Sox are out of it and Balfour is tearing it up by the midway point, then we can flip him for prospects. If something bizarre happens in the AL Central this year and the Sox find themselves in it, then you have yourself a veteran closer to compete. Sign him up!

Viciedo is only 24 years old. His age fits right into the 'new core' of young players. I know he has been the every day LF two years now, but the dude has potential to be a very dangerous hitter. It really makes no sense to carry along De Aza anymore. I'm hoping we can possibly get a young reliever in return for him.

Wow.. This was a great move!! I was skeptical at first but Hahn has really won me over these past 6 months. If he can bring over the catcher of the future next...then I am going to give him a hug at Soxfest. He committed to get younger and he has truly done that w/o giving up Sale or Q. Good work Rick!

QUOTE (DirtySox @ Dec 8, 2013 -> 07:59 PM) For one season of Gardner? No thanks. I wonder if the Yankees would be interested in John Danks? We can drop our highest paid pitcher, get an every day CF for at least one season, with a hope he would sign an extension, if not the team can flip him mid season OR claim a supplemental draft pick next year.

With about 6 outfielders in the mix for 2014, the Yankees are looking to deal Brett Gardner in exchange for starting pitching. IMO this would be a great opportunity to improve CF both defensively and offensively. One area of strength the Sox do possess is starting pitching. My question for you is what type of package would you put together for New York? http://m.espn.go.com/mlb/story?storyId=10096712

QUOTE (StRoostifer @ Dec 7, 2013 -> 01:09 PM) What AL teams are left that have the opening at DH and are willing to take on part of or all of Dunn's contract? Can't think of any at the moment. Wouldn't complain if he was traded, in fact I'd be happy, just having a difficult time coming up with a fit. Don't forget about the NL teams who need a 1B... Not the best option for 1b, but still a possibility.

QUOTE (The Ultimate Champion @ Dec 7, 2013 -> 12:55 PM) Yes, but his honesty there leads me to believe that he really does want Paulie back as it is. I really like the idea of what they're doing with Paulie here, and I think people are overreacting a bit re: AB for younger players. I think Dunn is probably a goner, and if they simply dump him for nothing but get another team to cover $2.5M of Dunn's deal then they've essentially opened up a full season of ABs for another OF while subbing Dunn's donkeyship for Paulie's leadership. Hahn makes a comment in there about having underperformed at the DH position for "several years" which is an ouchy on Dunn. And he also said that he talked to Steverson re: Dunn's possible role & expects Adam to fall in line. He gone IMO. I hope you are right dude.. What a breath of fresh air that would be.

He pretty much said in the interview that it's likely that most of the remaining deals will be made via trade. I hope something happens soon. It's getting very stale and this team still has three glaring holes...

QUOTE (Lemon_44 @ Dec 7, 2013 -> 05:51 AM) The Yanks need pitching and have a hole at 2nd. They also have a boat load of catching talent in their system. How about Santiago and Beckham for Gardner and Gary Sanchez, their #1 catching prospect? Of course, it's always buyer beware with the hype that usually accompanies Yankees prospects. I would LOVE that deal...makes sense for for both clubs. Looks like the Yankees over value Gardner so I doubt this would happen. If If anything; Hahn needs to inquire. This could be a great swap for both clubs.

Bring the one that got away BACK!

QUOTE (StRoostifer @ Dec 2, 2013 -> 10:49 PM) I know, you're right but I have to admit Robin leaves me scratching my head a lot so I guess I can see where AJ would be coming from. AJ does know the game pretty damn well. Going 63-99 the year after AJ leaves, should be an indication of who likely won that argument or "beef". Robin really is not manager material and AJ seems to be getting better with age. (At least offensively)

QUOTE (Buehrle>Wood @ Dec 2, 2013 -> 08:14 PM) Hopefully we will never have to see him play again. Truly a terrible player. His injury was a convenient excuse that hurt us. I agree... Just a terrible catcher and hitter. He would be a great 16 inch softball player though. Swing away Merrill.. Swing away.

Why? Sure hope they are not blaming his injury for his overall suckness

QUOTE (StRoostifer @ Nov 29, 2013 -> 06:53 PM) I agree rebuilding the farm can be done on the fly but Granderson would cause the Sox a 2nd round pick which itself goes against the rebuilding of the farm in the first place. I like what Granderson would do for the Sox but not at the expense of a 2nd round pick that is high in the draft order to begin with, then there's still the unknowns on the MLB roster. If the Sox were closer to contention I would be all over the idea of signing Granderson but unfortunately this was a 99 loss team and likely to take more than one off season to turn it around. The Sox have this off season, the June 14 amateur draft , the 14 intl draft and next off season to find out about these unknowns. It gives young guys like Micah Johnson, Semien, Sanchez etc to develop more and have a better idea of what we really have going into 15. 2014 will be a telling season on many levels. Very good post. Well said. I agree with you. We simply need to continue to improve the farm and taking away a 2nd rounder does not help out this cause. I can see them attempting to make a trade for a CF. This trade will most likely include one of A. Ramirez or Beckham and a pitcher. This will depend on who they go after of course. They can still sign second tier guys to fill the holes at 3b and C positions. However, I have a feeling we will be getting that new CF via trade. Stay tuned... winter meetings are around the corner.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Nov 22, 2013 -> 04:55 PM) For trade talks having heated up, the white sox still appear pretty cold. I was thinking the same thing... Let's make these moves already..... #impatientfanhere

QUOTE (Rowand44 @ Nov 16, 2013 -> 11:15 AM) I want him starting in the majors at one of the MI spots. This. I am expecting one of Beckham or Ramirez to be dealt this winter...

If anything, the loss of a 2nd round draft pick should lower his overall $ value a tad. However, im not sure how signing Granderson to a mega deal fits into Hahn's plan of long term sustainable success? Unless Hahn feels he can get decent prospects back in return through trades, I can't see this going down..

QUOTE (Marty34 @ Nov 10, 2013 -> 09:38 AM) Dunn is the poster boy of this awful offense. With all the money flying around MLB currently even $10M paid to get rid of him is worth it because it shows a fresh start. Sox fans have had enough of Dunn. Im 50/50 on this topic. I think Dunn has been a major disappointment and I would not mind seeing him dealt. However, he is in a contract season. If he gets off to a 2012 type start, we may be in a great situation next year.

QUOTE (ChiSoxFan05 @ Nov 6, 2013 -> 09:53 PM) I think that from this point forward that we'll have a similar offseason to last year where we signed Keppinger (this year Salty/AJP/Ruiz) and Lindstrom (this year O'Flaherty/Logan). boring

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Nov 3, 2013 -> 04:26 PM) That makes me come up with this one. Ricky did the #1 thing I wanted him to do already with Abreu. Now I want him to....surprise me. Come up with something I'm not expecting. Yes! I think a nice surprise can really rejuvenate this fan base.

1) Explore trade possibilities. If Hahn can continue to add depth to the farm system by trading veterans then that should be the plan. If Hahn is comfortable with the young pitching depth, then perhaps he can deal some of that in attempt to acquire a true 3b. 2) Fill in the gaps on the MLB roster by signing mid level free agents such as Young for CF, Salty for C and one of the right handed starters available to fill up a rotation spot. The buy low/ sell high approach may be best if their long term plan is to compete for a division crown in 2015. I'm 50-50 on my stance for 2014. A part of me wants them to break the bank on a guy like Choo or Ellsbury and another part of me wants them to play if safe, obtain their #3 draft pick in June and play the 'see what we have approach' until they go for it all in 2015. I mean, if they stumble once again in 2014, would it be the end of the world for this organization to obtain yet another top 5 pick in consecutive seasons? I hate losing more then the next guy, but unless Hahn can be super creative in trades, I'd say let's wait until 2015 before we break the bank...

Well it sounds as if the Sox do plan on exploring trade possibilities first. . Which may be a good plan. I do see them making free agent splashes for 1 starting pitcher and a starting catcher.

I just don't see the point in bringing him back with the depth of right handed starter available via free agency.

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Oct 31, 2013 -> 07:24 AM) They actually paid him $19 million last year. $8 million signing bonus and $11 mill salary. Barf!