fathom

IMO Harper has a chance to be a bigger clubhouse cancer.

God does this site need a new positive rumor today

Something I’ve wondered if it would be possible is bringing Avi back for a little more money but being able to get a 12-14 team option for 2020? Doubt it’s possible but would give you flexibility if he has a big 2019.

To play where? Eloy is gonna be in LF.

Almost as if they got caught up in the excitement of being told what they want to hear by Boras and Lozano, even if they were just being used.

Spending 9 million on a recruiting tool is going all out

Less overall but higher AAV. If he opts-out in 3 or 4 years, he wins.

Yoan is getting moved there if they don’t get Manny. It’s very, very obvious

That’s fine, but then they should be shopping Rodon. Rodon and Alonso for Andujar

I'd be more concerned about their willingness to do early opt-outs, but thankfully we haven't heard about that so far.

The Sox last year had 7 legit players that had a wRC+ of 100 or higher. They've already let 3 of them go in Davidson, Smith and Omar. LaMarre and Rondon are included in that number as well. Only Abreu and Palka are expected to be on the roster in 2019. That's the main reason I'm looking for some offensive short-term/long-term upgrades, as only Eloy is expected to help from the minors this year.

Dozier was hurt all last year. His numbers the previous years were actually startling in terms of how good he was (fWAR). I think he's a great buy low type of guy since they want to play Moncada at 3rd. I have little interest in seeing Delmonico fly out to the warning track and Yolmer killing 20 worms on a weak grounder to 2nd base.

They'll say they offered competitive contracts that far surpassed previous team highs, but they can't control where a free agent picks. That narrative has already been stated by Hahn.

Might as well have kept Avi around then. Outside of opening day, I don't think I'm going to have much interest watching a lineup with Delmonico, Engel and Yolmer to start the season the first few weeks.

That's why the Sox should be front loading the crap out of their offers, and that way if they do have to make tough choice in 5-6 years with extensions, the Machado or Harper deals aren't as restricting.

I don't disagree, but as things stand right now, the Sox roster is worse than it was last season. After everything they've said, I doubt the Sox want to see this team be one of the 3 worst again.

I'll accept if he misses on both but has a plan to bring in some controllable talent. Making a panic move and trading for Encarnacion would be the nail in the coffin, IMO. It would show a stunning lack of preparation and market awareness.

- trade Yolmer Sanchez for Jose Martinez - trade Yonder to Yankees for 25-30 range prospect - sign Ottavino to be closer (2/20 with vesting 3rd year option depending on games finished) - sign Pollock to 4/70 - sign Dozier to 2/20 - sign Ervin Santana to 1 year deal None of these deals block the future prospects outside of Pollock, who you can easily move to a corner if Robert fulfills his potential. I've seen worse lineups than Moncada/Pollock/Abreu/Jimenez/Martinez/Palka/Dozier/Castillo/Anderson

Basically everything is a mess right now. There's not one person on the current roster where you can confidently say they will still be a key contributor come 2022. It's why 2018 was such a lost season.

Hahn always promised sustained success...just didn't know it was with this.

they also have a ton of controllable young pieces, which I'm not sure those other teams had.

yep, have to make it an offer he can't refuse. 8/275, by the Yankees, would be a really strong offer that Manny should take in all honesty.

It could make some sense as you have people back in the offices the next few days and the contract is finalized this week and the press conference to follow the next Monday.

Clark, Simonetti, Leyritz and Sox interest in DH, as well as the complete lack of any reporter being able to confirm it’s not true. Just a guess, but I predict the news breaks on Jan 2nd he has an agreement with Yankees for 8/275 and has a press conference on Jan 7th in NY.

I’m thinking at this point it’s like 95% likely he’s going to the Yankees. Just far too much smoke.