ptatc

I agree. That's why I've said all along that they dont need another starter such as Bauer.

I agree. Interesting with possibility.

Agreed. I had running arguements with many on this board as to whether KW and RH should get the chance to orchestrate this rebuild.

Kopech is physically ready. He is going to be on an innings limit because he hasn't pitched in 2 1/2 years. Depends on how they want to use those.

He's good. A PT friend if mine worked on his training programs and books with him.

One less thread to continually check.

Guess that long term deal was a little tougher than the sox thought.

As long as they don't fall in a #2. ?

No doubt.

I don't think that is the correct phrase.

True. I don't see them even looking at Cruz as they plan to have vaughn this year. However, in your scenario the 45 million brings them to 205 million luxury tax wise. This would preclude any substantial extension for giolito and little room to acquire anyone at the deadline. 48 million is not that much to work with if they sign giolito and another high priced pitcher. Which is why I don't see any high priced FA pitcher.

true, however in your scenario they are getting close to the first threshold which could limit any acquisition in the future.

Correct. Jimenez is there as well. People just need to realize where the number is and how much is available under the threshold.

I don't think this is correct. They are operating under a 131 payroll because that is what they are actually paying out. However, not knowing what their max budget is, it could be near the top.

???

It's not the paying real money that matters to the luxury tax. As discussed the Sox are only paying Hendriks 13 million in real money, however it is 18 million by luxury tax standards. I haven't looked it up but someone else posted that the salary for the luxury tax is at 160 million right now.

Just like Machado, he went for the guaranteed money not wanting to bet on himself in the latter years.

More guaranteed money in NY.

No, its not in a primary stabilizing muscle.

It sounds like Lopez will be transitioned to the pen, which could really add to he strength of it as the long reliever.

Many people here always think they should spend more. It's just the natural inclination. However reality is that the sox seem to think that Vaughn was nearly ready last year so there doesn't seem to be any reason to think that he will be the option for the majority of the year. A FA pitcher is an option but as we discussed in the other thread, reality is they have a budget and the pitcher won't be a high priced one.

I think they are expecting Vaughn to be the DH/1B after a month or so. That means a high priced DH shouldn't be an option.

Nice to meet you Corey! Low price high end is much better than a high priced low end.

I should qualify my statement, not more than one starting pitcher. If it involves one of the starters and a reliever, I'd be ok with that. Good starting pitching is just so difficult to come by.

This is correct depending on the price. I don't think they need one but of course it would help. I would have no issue if they give up one pitcher to acquire another one with at least a few years of control. I would have an issue if they give up multiple pitchers for one with only one year of control. It's all about getting as many shots at the playoffs for as many years as possible.