CaliSoxFanViaSWside

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Feb 13, 2018 -> 10:08 AM) There's nothing wrong with signing a free agent this off-season if it's the right fit. Hell, Wellington Castillo is the perfect example of that and made a ton of sense as a short-term transition option to Collins/Zavala. I just don't think locking in an average at best 3B like Moustakas makes a lot of sense right now. Plan A for 3B should Manny Machado next off-season. Plan B could be Josh Donaldson based on the price/years. Plan C could be Yolmer for a year and then a run Arenado. If you can't land any of those impact free agents, then trade for or sign someone on a shorter-term deal and hope Burger is a fast mover. Point is there are too many attractive alternatives over the next couple of off-seasons to lock in a passable one today. And quite frankly, I'm not sure Moustakas would be that much of an upgrade of Sanchez. The one guy I'd still be open to signing right now is JDM. He's a legit difference maker with the bat and can instantly change the complexion of our lineup. If I can get him at an affordable price, I'm willing to make that move now. At least we agree on JDM but it wasn't long ago most of the board thought Yolmer was at best a utility guy and many still hold that opinion. Moustakas has been an All Star 2 of the last 3 years and the one year he didn't make it he was injured.Is that really average AT BEST or are we looking at his WAR to determine that ? With all the arguments against signing aging vets what makes Donaldson so attractive? He will be in age 33 season for the 2019 season . Donaldson had his MVP season at 29 . Sure Yolmer could field the position well but he never will be a middle of the order bat and counting on Burger to be a fast developer and sticking at 3rd base isn't a good plan either. I don't want to sound too high on Moustaskas because he surely has his warts but again LH power middle of the order bats haven't exactly grown on trees for the Sox. If plan A is Machado prepare to be disappointed if he is truly serious about sticking at SS and with the big boys trying to make room for the impact free agents. I'm anticipating a big hole at 3rd base because all your plans leave a lot to be desired and I'd rather take my chances on Moustakas if the price/years are right this year. If JDM is a legit difference maker and can change the complexion of your lineup then adding another 35 HR guy like Moustaskas can upgrade legit to contender maybe by 2019 instead of 2020.

QUOTE (Dam8610 @ Feb 13, 2018 -> 10:03 AM) Unless you've got some insider information no one else knows, this isn't true. Arenado is still scheduled to be a free agent after the 2019 season, and I think the Sox will get one of he or Machado. It isn't true that he COULD (meaning it's possible) isn't true? All I suggested was it's possible and I don't need insider info for that. You really think the Sox get Arenado or Machado ? I think the odds are very long that happens. We shall see.

QUOTE (Tony @ Feb 13, 2018 -> 09:37 AM) That also may be why we disagree a bit, I don't think I'd want the Sox to sign either guy if they were right in the middle of their competitive window. Moose and his career .305 OBP scares the hell out of me. I like JD Martinez, but the huge "contract year" really scares the hell out of me. But if the price was right I would understand it. See first it was the has to make sense and fit the timeline and now its things about the players scare the hell out of you. We are putting up these boundaries that only leave the option of a perfect rebuild and that scares me and I don't like it much is where I'm at.The Sox lack of success in position player development and all the other things that I already mentioned multiple times scares me a lot more than getting established All Star players when they are readily available in a down market and the payroll can easily afford them. It's a perfect opportunity . Will it be a risk ? Sure it will be but expecting a clockwork rebuild in my eyes is a way bigger risk.

QUOTE (Tony @ Feb 13, 2018 -> 08:59 AM) Again, we don't really disagree in principle. The issue I have is specifically this off-season. You want to plug in some holes now. OK, I can see the merit behind that. Who are the players? I just don't see many that make sense. I'm not trying to say "STICK TO THE PLAN AT ALL COSTS". If something makes sense, they should do it. I just don't see it with the group of players that are out there right now and how they line up with the Sox timeline. I think we are thinking along the same lines and you didn't say perfect fit but you are definitely implying it with "if something makes sense" and "how they line up with the Sox timeline" . I mentioned another starting pitcher , JD Martinez and Moustakas as possible fits in positions the Sox might have needs to hedge their bets against prospect or signing free agent disasters. I know they won't be cheap but I think we have to understand that maybe you can get those 2 for less years and approximately the same cost as you would pay for someone like Machado, Arenado or Harper who we're not going to have much of a shot at anyway. I really do understand that playing who we have now still might be the most prudent course of action but I also think in a down market you might have to pounce if opportunities present themselves and take your chances that guys are Martinez and Moustakas are good enough to get some productive years in at the beginning of that competitive window just as the Sox will be taking chances that a 4 year rebuild is not disrupted by JR dying, a players strike, injuries. inability to sign key free agents and bad player development.

QUOTE (Tony @ Feb 13, 2018 -> 08:19 AM) I never even mentioned the "perfect fit". I don't think there is ever really a true "perfect fit" type player, too many variables at play. Again, I understand your idea but if the players you want to sign don't really exist in this market then the argument doesn't hold much water, I guess that's my point. I see posters say "I want ownership to spend money! This is ridiculous!" and when you ask what players would fit in the Sox plan......they go dark. And to your last part, in the end money talks. If the Sox want their guys, offer the most money. That usually ends up well. I know you didn't say perfect fit but that seems to be the thinking now considering the window of competitiveness is projected to be 2020 and beyond. To me it's a real concern that so many things can turn a rebuild projected to last 4 years into chaos. JR dies, a player strike an arm injury to Kopech, Eloy or Moncada not being the beasts they are projected to be , recent draftees not developing etc. Also the idea that signing guys now don't fit that mythical window sort of make me cringe. There is only one World Series winner every year and many many players best years are wasted on those teams that don't win it. Yes offering the most money usually works especially if you are the Yankees or Dodgers, teams with winning traditions. This is the White Sox we are talking about. Outbidding teams that are already gearing up for impending free agents is going to be a major crap shoot and one I don't expect the Sox to win,not because I don't think the Sox will be willing to spend but because it's just not feasible to think that it will go well for the Sox. Plan B has to be in the works now. Counting on no injuries, offering the most money for free agents and current prospects to be what we wish them to be all coming together perfectly doesn't hold much water either.

QUOTE (Tony @ Feb 13, 2018 -> 07:43 AM) The idea on paper makes sense. But who are these players? Most agree that 2020 is when the Sox will be ready to truly compete. That's another two seasons. If you are signing a bigger name FA who you think you may be getting on a discount, you're not signing them to produce in the 2018 and 2019 season. It's for 2020 and beyond. So what players out there right now are you paying that you feel comfortable about them producing at a high level in 2020, 2021 and beyond? Again, I understand your point and I think it has some merit, but who are the specific players that fit that bill? The problem is always finding the perfect fit and I am fully aware that there is no perfect free agents out there but will there ever be? Yes might be better to wait but if there ends up being too many holes to fill then what? What if you swing and miss on all your future targets? I think you have to hedge your bets somewhat by signing guys who may not be "perfect fits" to attract future guys who are better fits but want to play on a winning team.

QUOTE (soxfan2014 @ Feb 13, 2018 -> 07:33 AM) Not disagreeing but who would you be ok with the team signing? For me personally, the only guy out there who makes a little sense is basically a DH and he only makes sense since he doesn't have a draft pick attached to him. I already said I don't know who would benefit the Sox the most and also mentioned a starting pitcher. Arrieta is trending down , Alex Cobb, Lance Lynn, Andrew Cashner ? I love JD Martinez the guy hit 29 HR's in only 62 games with the D'backs and had a .714 Slg. % which is just crazy.. l know even at this point the best FA's still won't be cheap especially since Boras is the agent for many of the good ones still out there. I don't think the Sox have much of a chance at Machado and Donaldson will be too old. Arenado is a free agent in 2019 but he agreed to terms with the Rockies before so it could happen again so Moustaskas might not be a bad idea. Filling 3rd base will probably be hardest for the Sox and he is left handed and among the younger free agents . So a starting pitcher, and some middle of the order bats, one lefty one righty, and one who fills 2 glaring holes ( LH power and 3rd base). More quality BP arms wouldn't hurt either but that yacht seems to have saled early. Fill some holes now and some later . that's really how it should be. The chances of anyone besides the top prospects becoming an All Star are pretty slim . Sure guys like Yolmer , Leury , Delmonico and and the outfielder bunch may prove useful players but you really need some All Stars in the line up to be competitive.

Some concerns that haven't been addressed. If the Sox do spend next off season because of the amount of quality free agents on the market shouldn't they be taking advantage of the market now while it's cold and prices are down? I don't know who might benefit the Sox the most at this time but free agents next year will want 2 things, money and to be on a winning team. Should n't the Sox do something to make the team more competitive to next years crop of free agents ? Shields should be off the books next year so might another starting pitcher benefit them ? Relying only on young starting pitching even if the target date is 2020 is risky business, Also if the target date is truly 2020 isn't it also risky business to expect next years good crop of FA's to wait a year or even possibly longer to be on a winning team? The Phillies might be thinking along those lines with the signing of Santana and still are rumored to have interest in a starting pitcher. The Sox might end up with too many holes to fill when they actually do decide to spend and the competition for the top free agents will be fierce so being a competitive team would surely work in their favor just as being a few years away will work against them. Other concerns for the rebuild is what happens if JR dies suddenly or the players strike after the 2021 season which would be right in the middle of the supposed window of competitiveness if all goes right ? Obviously the 1st concern is the most pressing but these other 2 things could easily happen and in the event of JR's sudden death how does the rebuild survive ? We should all remember 1994 when Frank Thomas was having a career year and the players strike possibly robbed the Sox of competing for a World title.

QUOTE (KyYlE23 @ Feb 5, 2018 -> 07:36 AM) JT sounded muffled for a good portion of the performance too I thought that too. Thought they were de emphasizing his voice and too much emphasis on music, show/lighting /crowd/dancers. Then again maybe I just didn't really want to hear him.

QUOTE (bmags @ Feb 5, 2018 -> 07:00 AM) I was really glad Pederson coached that so aggressively and won. He needed every one of those extra points other coaches would have lost for the sake of "Staying in the game". Against a team like the patriots you have to maximize your scoring drives and try to do whatever possible to get ahead of their last drive. So much of the armchair coaching on important plays is result plays. Pass falls incomplete? "Shoulda run"! Run stopped short. "Shoulda passed!". But nothing more than "take the points!" and field position homers scream if a sound decision to go for it ends up not coming through. Had he called that aggressively and lost each one, woulda been real bad for a while. The only call I truly questioned was after they missed the first PAT they went for 2 on the 2nd touchdown.At the time the 2 would've gave them an 11 pt lead. An extra point make it 10 which I thought was a better choice. They went for the 2 missed and had a 9 pt lead. Just thought 10 pts could have prevented a 1 pt loss . It almost did cost them when the Pats came back for the 1 pt lead.No one on the telecast mentioned it when it happened or when the Pats took the lead.

QUOTE (Username @ Feb 2, 2018 -> 10:19 PM) Would love to see a 2 year deal for Morrison (depending on money). If his breakout is for real (his dramatically increased FB% suggests it was) he’s got a ton of trade value, and would provide lefty pop that’s sorely missed. Market is so saturated that I don’t see how the money could be particularly high. Just a hunch but I'm thinking Royals sign him.

So is this where the Pat's throw a bomb and get a PI penalty ?

QUOTE (Flash Tizzle @ Feb 4, 2018 -> 07:08 PM) Ugh I feel like Eagles are making a mistake here trying to wind down the clock rather then making SOME attempt for a 1st down. A field goal still gives Brady a chance to tie. A 1st down ends it. Crap that's the only thing that could ruin the spread win for me, tie game then a NE TD in OT for a 6 pt win nooo don't even think it.

No matter if Brady does his Brady thing . Eagles still beat the spread so I'm good. Wait turnover ? Eagles ball !

QUOTE (CaliSoxFanViaSWside @ Feb 4, 2018 -> 06:59 PM) Can this one be overturned ? He ran with the ball 5 yards before he passed the goal line . As I thought TD !

Can this one be overturned ? He ran with the ball 5 yards before he passed the goal line .

Have the Pat's had a single penalty called on them yet ?

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Feb 4, 2018 -> 06:03 PM) Based on all the calls this season that wasn't a catch. I think it was an obvious catch. I do too. He had the ball just adjusted his grip on it not because it was coming loose .

Ok Ill be that guy , that old rock and roller who has really enjoyed halftimes of the past but JT has always seemed to be more style than substance.

QUOTE (ChiliIrishHammock24 @ Feb 4, 2018 -> 12:47 PM) Obviously rooting for then Eagles (despite being a Cowboys fan), because I'm A GOD DAMN AMERICAN. But above all, I'm rooting for my squares. Eevn the squares gotta be exciting with all the missed conversions.

Very entertaining SB . Lots of big plays , missed conversions and gimmick plays.

Oh yea Alshon then TD !

Nice grab Alshon !

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Jan 25, 2018 -> 08:03 AM) I know this team is missing the grit of Marian Hossa, but they just look like they aren't playing as hard this year. They are more sloppy and less grindy than they have been in the past. I don't know what the cause of it is, but they don't really like getting dirty anymore. Not only that but Saad, Anisimov and Towes are't scoring any goals at all in the last 10-11 games. That's a lot of periods for those 3 not to be scoring.And they are sloppier than hell turning the puck over constantly. At least Schmaltz, DeBrincat and Hinestoza have picked up some of the slack. And defense has to be near the bottom in goal scoring per team. That's a big thing . A few goals from the D could open up the wingers more.