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I don't understand the fixation but maybe it has something to do with pitchers not thinking Grandal calls a good game and his health combined ? Zavala overachieved also ?

If they got Jansen I don't see a need for Grandal then at all do you ? Backup catcher ? Dump/Trade Zavala since he's out of options.

Maybe not but they are preparing for Perez being used more than they might like since they have signed Xavier Hernandez and Sebastian Rivero as minor league depth pieces. I just don't think it's a need now since I think it isn't a spot that needs a lot of offensive production. But Grifol is an ex catcher, Rivero was in the KC system. . Just reminds me of Collins all over again and all the faith they put in him. I think the most pressing need for this season and next is Starting pitching in the upper minors. That means prospects, they need prospects . Not sexy to talk about when the 2023 season is upcoming and still holes to fill on the 26 but it's how I feel.

I think it's pretty difficult to have great framing stats while also have great blocking ball stats and great throwing out runner stats .So probably should just accept that throwing out runners stats will decline for all catchers with the new rules .

Which is why I didn't want McCann and his 2 years even if the Mets ate significant money. The fit with the Mets was sketchy to begin with and even more so now that they've resigned Ottavino. Yes we know that the mighty Guardians will just coast to the Central title while the Sox need every break in the book to occur. But like it or not they are running with our core so I'm trying to make the best of it without contemplating the reality that the odds do not favor JR, Hahn or the players doing enough to overcome all the damage they have done.

From what I understand so far he's been withstand the rigors that Goodman from the Black Hawks is putting him through. He's been at it for a while. I know that's not much compared to catching and hitting but I'll just have to trust thatZavala and Perez will be useful. The Sox have loaded up on minor league piece for C and OF so far. Maybe that's an indication the we aren't going to try so hard to find depth though I still think a 4th OF is a definite need . Not trusting Leury for that nor any of Payton, Reyes or Hamilton.

If he ends up not being able to stay healthy, so be it, but there are plenty of other areas of need. I guess we are saying even if the Sox are going after catching we don't like it.

Certain factions believe Grandal is finished. But you have to go with Grandal. He taking up too much salary to keep adding to the position monetarily for what could end up terrible production. Just have to hope whatever he's doing in the off season works and then be free of him.

Probably nothing happening now with the Mets anyway since they just resigned Adam Ottavino for 2 year. $14.5 M.

Yep that's Cohen for you. Pay now and if you have any thoughts of dumping salary figure it out later. We keep hearing they want to lessen the luxury tax hit but they keep on spending.

Not necessarily true. Getting back prospect capital which is needed badly can help the Sox in any trade or just to have other prospects close to MLB ready. If you want to trade successfully you don't show your hand. If the Mets think the Sox just want to dump Hendriks for payroll there is no clear negotiating advantage. JR wants to beat Cohen here.

They're spending like crazy . Their goal is a World Series and they are building a super team. If they want our high quality player to build that super team and for us to take out their trash too then pay up in prospect capital or inquire elsewhere. JR won't being helping Cohen unless it's a clear Sox win.If that means no trade, so be it. Lots of the off season left to see who gives you a clear win in a trade for Hendriks from a team with a World Championship as it's goal.

Meh. Still don't like McCann or Escobar in any trade involving Hendrick. I know it seems like an opportunity to upgrade the current Sox lineup ,but those guys are excess baggage for the Mets and not true upgrades for the Sox. Seems like either one is the veteran purchase you pay too much for that usually doesn't work out for Hahn. If Hendricks is going to go, rape the Mets of 2 of their best prospects Baty and Parada and take McCann with those 2 Or if you rather have pitching instead of Parada ,Dominic Hamel if you think the Mets would never part with Baty and Parada and McCann.

Since JR was opposed to Cohen as an owner I'm pretty sure JR isn't willing to cut Cohen any slack if they truly want to cut salary now. They put themselves in that position so why would JR now want to bail them out ? You want our guy, pay up like you have been doing all off season.

Sox have to act like they don't have to cut salary. It should be like if you really want Liam you need to dazzle me. No Escobar no McCann. If you ( Mets) want to act fiscally responsible now with us you came to the wrong team. Sox need to win this trade where like 90 % of the board would be impressed,if that's even possible.

Lots of smoke here but Mets are a team Hahn can play hardball with. Not sure many of us think of Hahn as capable of playing hardball. So you want Hendricks ? Impress me .

I was serious until I got to the end and I thought that I'm giving Hahn and JR way too much credit to continue to act like a real big league GM without JR stepping in to say Ok Rick that's enough hope we've given them.

That feels like a slight downgrade move at best. Sox have 5 starting pitches. Where would Carrasco fit unless you're putting Kopech in the minors which doesn't appear likely, since Kopech is probably better than Carrasco. Would this be a save money move for the Sox or money equal trade ? No idea at this juncture. We can jump to conclusions Sox need to shed salary now but that's not necessarily so. Can they get a useful near MLB piece like a young starting pitcher the Mets aren't ready to fully trust in a World Series like pressure situation. Maybe the Sox feel the need to address lack of pitching depth at the upper levels and still get a semi useful MLB piece like Guillorme and save a little money in the process. I know a lot of people here don't want Hendricks gone since it would seemingly contradict the Benintendi move. But maybe it would be a part of a plan that includes a well thought out series of moves by Hahn . LOL nahhh ! ?

Right and I'm particularly vexed that it hasn't been addressed while they are picking up minor league contracts for OFers and catchers left and right. Pitching depth is abysmal.

My question would be why hasn't he had back surgery yet ? Surely recovery time would have him ready for opening day if he had the surgery when it was recommended. Also why not surgery the minute the season ended ? He also said the recovery and after effects of the Oct.2021 knee surgery took a toll. However he feels confident the work in this off season with the Black Hawks conditioning coach Paul Goodman will benefit him greatly. He's also been working on his catching setup to take pressure off his knees and block balls better while still being able to frame pitches with Sal Mosquera the Sox AAA catching co-ordinator. https://theathletic.com/3837298/2022/11/12/white-sox-yasmani-grandal-turnaround/

Rosenthal is saying the Dodgers want to trade for a CFer, preferably LH. Dodgers could make a strong package that might be too good to pass up for Reynolds.

After everyone gets done blasting the foodies the talk eventually comes around to legit discussion . The talk is basically centered around how the foodies read Soxtalk then run with the ideas and present them as truth by saying there have been actual talks between the parties.

Ha that's for sure. I wouldn't evn call most of them stars. None of them has as yet managed to stay on the field long enough or perform well enough . Anderson is the only one I would say reached star status. Vaughn hasn't even got close to replacement level.

You're right. I missed the 3 IP with Charlotte late in the season in 2022. I'm hoping he can pitch a full year at Charlotte and build his arm back up. Anything more than that though or a stint as SP depth for the White Sox in 2023 seems a bit of a long shot.

I think that's what I said right ? Charlotte a mess, drafted a lot of pitchers so lower minors has some mostly unproven guys.