fathom

One thing that I believe shack mentioned in one of his articles is the importance for both the Sox and Phillies to ensure that the other one doesn't get Bryce or Manny for too cheap of a deal. That's important because they don't want one of them to get Manny, for example, and then have enough to go get Harper. If the Phillies already know the Sox are at a high price for Manny (i.e.280) and won't be able to afford Harper also, then I could see them falling out of the Manny sweepstakes.

That he said the Phillies haven't talked to Manny in weeks? That's very believable

You've never heard of former Sox pitcher Shack McDowell? That's who this is.

Why do people assume safety net means they have the 2nd best offer? My thought was it means they have the highest at this point, but they're looking for someone to top it? Thus, they know they can't fall below what the Sox are offering.

You also have to remember that a lot of the stuff he might be retweeting is for his Dominican followers that might not be following the likes of "Our" Chuck, etc.

Again, for the very point you're trying to make, is why he shut it down. Also, why give the agents the idea that you have 600 million dollars you can possibly spend? Now, do I think they'll get both.....hell no

There was nothing to gain for Hahn to say they could possibly afford both.

And now we have Hector confirming the report, but who knows if he's misinterpreting what safety net means.

It's pretty simple, both of these guys are getting less than what they thought they'd get heading into free agency and from teams that aren't as prestigious as they wanted. Thus, there's no reason to rush a signing. Why go to Spring Training for 6 weeks instead of 3 weeks if you can get away with it?

So we have to pray that Tulo and Andujar don't get hurt?

Padres were linked to Franco earlier in offseason

Paul Crane is someone that was pounding the Machado/Padres situation a few weeks ago. Now, he's saying this (and yes I know MLB insider is fake, but it seems he has his own source):

yep, that's what I was going to inform him of

What was negative?

or they were trying to not come across as desperate with regards to the agents.

Nah, he's been saying that for a few months now.

Great article....not surprised to hear he got too cutter-happy

He and Bruce have had the same source this offseason

Buster has given the Sox no chance with these guys all offseason. This is actually probably the most optimistic he’s been with their chances. Don’t forget he said earlier that he’s bet his family farm the Phillies get one of them.

I don’t think anyone knows the extent of the Padres communication with Manny. We’ve seen a few writers suggest they’re the most aggressive team on Manny right now. Hopefully that’s just Lozano trying to get another team to up the bidding for the Sox to go higher.

It’s officially Thursday, let’s see who’s a better insider, the pimp or JMR

Wouldn't it be romantic for Manny to give his wife a Valentine's Day gift of a 250 million dollar contract and being able to spend the next year living close to your brother?

at their home field at the stadium, Chuck and Vinnie said that's true. During spring training, they said there's so many players around that it's typically full.