fathom

sure that could be possible, but he would have basically manipulated Hahn into taking on 9 million dollars and risking future negotiations with the Sox for his list of clients. This is a guy with a lot of big named guys, not just Manny/Alonso.

I think it's more likely that Abreu is dealt if they strike out in the next few weeks on the big 2

yet he retweeted his own article like 5 times this week about Harper and opt-outs implying the Cubs would be smart to do it.

collateral damage, no hard feelings

to quote Chris Jericho, "you just made the list"

can we just ban everyone with a number after their screen name?

or it gives them more flexibility to take on Kemp's contract in a Kluber trade where they're getting guys like Verdugo and Ruiz, etc.

acquiring Yonder also doesn't hurt in terms of the public relations for Machado if he ends up choosing the Sox (because they would have offered the most money). He can always say that the Alonso angle was one of the deciding factors.

this move is kind of the first actual proof that they're legitimately interested

I've already said that if he misses on Harper/Machado and then the 2019 isn't much better than 2018 (in terms of rebuild growth), then he should be fired and basically remembered as one of the worst GMs in baseball history.

someone Bulls paid a fortune for in free agency (and he was awful) after they missed out on all the big guys (want to say Duncan and Hill maybe)

my god, you're better than this. Indians can't afford Machado while also having to eventually extend Lindor. No one has said it guarantees Machado, but you have to be purposefully naive to not see what's going on.

if Theo or Cashman made a similar move, would you think the same?

I'm thinking Pollock

Also, this is now 4 for 4 in terms of the media not having any idea that the Sox were about to make a move

Like has there even been a case before where a player (making 9 million dollars)was acquired just to try and help recruit someone? That's the type of stuff that SHOULD get a GM fired immediately if it doesn't pan out. Also, have we ever figured out who Eddie Robinson in this FA class is? I know Grandal was Boozer.

The fact they have the same agent is interesting also. If for some reason Lozano said that if Hahn gets Yonder and that will make Manny choose them, that's a good way to have the Sox never negotiate with you again if he backtracks.

so when do we trade for Kris Bryant? I say trade Fisher for him and bombs away

And then have to read about how amazing all of his visits are

Honestly, I'm not even focused about what Yonder will do here. If they get Manny cause of it, then hell yes. If they strike out on everyone, it really won't matter if he's great with the Sox or awful.

I will also add that they basically replaced Avi with Alonso. I have a hard time thinking that was what they have planned.

of course not, but if you would have asked me when I woke up this morning what the best sign would have been that the Sox had a chance with Machado, it would have been trading for Yonder.

Cause they don't have the money and will eventually have to extend Lindor

Something else to consider....if JR or others in the org had reservations about Manny's attitude, bringing in Alonso might be a good way to help keep him in line.