fathom

I read that Lozano article on Deadspin again, and this paragraph is quite interesting: "He'd do this one thing all the time," a former co-worker recalls. "Say he'd get an offer of a million. He'd go back to his player and tell him they'd been offered $800,000, but that was way too low and he'd do what he can. He'd wait a few days, accept the original offer, then tell his player: ‘I talked them up to a million. See how I fight for you? See how I fight for you?'

2018 was definitely challenging, but one thing it did was illustrate the need for some star-power from outside the organization. Thus, why Manny makes sooooo much sense.

I've believed all offseason that Olney and Levine have the same source

Which is why 7/175 just makes no sense as being accurate

Red Sox and Cubs

Yeah this won’t go well

I legit feel bad for Yonder if this is still up in the air. And yes, soxfest will be a total mess.

Yes to CF

only reason I doubt that is why would he rule out the Sox if they weren't interested, as it still gives him a team to float rumors about?

or Manny does a hat selection and chooses the Sox and then throws it off his head and picks the Yankees.

Why, he never said that the Sox were the leaders. He said someone who "reads the tea leaves" thought that's what would happen. Hopefully that is based on the assumed 7/175 deal.

Save us Hector Gomez

Meanwhile Passan had someone he trusts suggest Manny ends up with the Yankees:

Players Tribune if it's Yankees, Stadium if it's the Sox....

I kind of like the ideas that it was Lozano or Boras, but anyone that doesn't think Lozano was calling out the Sox here is in denial.

Next step in this story is Yonder requesting a trade, right?

Machado's going to go on TV and rip up the Sox contract offer and throw it in the garbage in front of Yankee Stadium.

Deadspin has an article about how much of a sleaze Lozano is

Makes sense, as no way this statement is released if a deal was close for any team.

You know I’ve been optimistic about Manny, but it’s starting to feel a bit to me that he only comes here by default. Not sure that would be the best situation for him then.

Wonder if the Sox will release a statement saying they’re abiding to the CBA? This whole thing is a soap opera that doesn’t seem to be trending the Sox way.

Gonna have to sign Adam Jones and Valencia to make it up to Manny

Would seem that no one is close to a deal with what is said in this statement.

isn't this good news?

and honestly, if they don't feel anyone is worth more than 25 million a year, what is their plan in case the rebuild goes well and they have to pay these guys in free agency?