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Because it's a relatively easier defensive position to shift to, so more infield candidates can fill it. And the price for 2b signings the last several years has been low years and pretty low AAV, and if it was difficult to fill you'd expect a player like Lemahieu last year to earn quite a bit more than 2/24.

"But sources tell The Athletic that there’s no indication of an imminent agreement with free agent outfielder Marcell Ozuna, despite a report from the Dominican Republic saying otherwise, and while appearing on 670 AM The Score on Saturday, Hahn reiterated another oft-repeated line that there’s no extra purpose to completing signings during the winter meetings." Fegan The idea that he's flying to US to finalize the deal would be at odds with this very clear pushback that there is no deal in place from multiple sources. I didn't say the guy was lying but getting information from Ozuna's family members and the tweet that he said may also not be accurate, and Ozuna may very well sign with sox. But it's unlikely there is already a handshake agreement in place as multiple people have said that is not the case.

Why would chisholm fall out of the top 100?

Well, mainly that 2b has been pretty easy to fill, especially at his expected offensive production. I'm not sure there is an easier position to fill.

There have been numerous reporters that aren't Levine that have said no agreement is in place and it is not that far along. So the idea that it's a done deal that isn't being reported seems hard to believe.

I do think the sox floating players to the rays and seeing which ones they like in order to improve their own valuations is a decent idea. But the problem is I also trust the rays to proactively make the player better, so they may have plans for cease the sox don't have.

Right but there is a chance that this was always necessary. I don't necessarily trust sox valuations, but what if they already weren't confident Cease would be a starting pitcher? They'd also have a need to upgrade him, so they were always in that boat.

It's only self-defeating if Cease turns out good but he's a very risky prospect.

That part on the blue jays seems spot on, it has been weird to anticipate their moves.

I'd recommend reading this, though the sox part won't blow your mind. http://espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/28258331/gerrit-cole-watch-big-spenders-more-passan-answers-20-winter-meetings-questions If there are any other good winter meeting previews feel free to post here.

True, just there was so much followup even nationally here. And if there was a physical concern...Marcell, my man, you do not want to be the one leaking you signed only to have it fall through!

It's basically impossible to get anything out like this. You get outfield assists and basically nothing else. Asking a cardinals fan is probably the best we can do.

I don't understand why the flying would need to happen though. There is enough eyes on this that the agreement in place is enough for it to be reported. The idea that he has an informal offer and he personally has decided he'll take the white sox but hasn't told anyone yet is an odd scenario. And there has been enough pushback that no agreement is in place that even if he signs here it's hard to believe this report was accurate.

Yeah Blackmon probably the best, murphy could swing as a DH (though hopefully not). Desmond...man he is bad. If we acquired davis I'd really want tthat to lessen the prospects as he is so bad its essentially giving them money. Honestly lets just give them money at this point.

Fairly favorable ranking for Ozuna after fielding bible metric updates for DRS http://fieldingbible.com/DRSLeaderboard It appears that filters don't save in the URL,, but I filtered for LF. Don't control+F for eloy.

I guess the point would be that it's your job and they do not have perfect information that it will not work so they may as well bid.

I think sox fans should focus less on a RFer being an upgrade from what they had (historically inept) and focus more on how they could use their resources to make RF an area better than anyone in their division.

I'm pretty sure no other good front office in the league would let that affect them not trying to sign a player they want and apparently could make budget for but are scared they'll be negotiated with.

Yeah, feels like the rockies may as well be in England for as little reporting nationally as they get. I have no idea what their mindset is this offseason.

Haven't gotten to that part yet. His writeup of Mena is similar to that of Ronaldo Guzman who performed great last year so I'm excited to see how that goes.

Those guys could maybe net an average middle reliever going into their FA year at midseason.

Are there any pitchers you'd target? Seems like the most obvious fits I'd like unfortunately play in our division.

Got it. The sox are so scared of agents it's really quite something. They seem to take it personally when players negotiate with them after they think they've given a fair offer.

Chatwood is 12 mill, Kimbrel is 16mil. The others at that price are arb level.

I think I would still take cole and just play around with the 1 yr/10mill pool of pitchers.