ptatc

Arrieta was a trade, Fowler was bargain basement and I think Castro came up through the system.

If none of the current players become that, then it really doesn't matter if they sign Machado. They will suck regardless.

Ask the Astros. I don't think they had any high priced FA on their team.

Right. They built the team into a competitive team then signed the free agent. Except for lester, they built through the minors not signing FA.

This is why they were reluctant to do a true rebuild. Everyone knew this would happen. Most on this board were all for it but now everyone is jumping off the rebuild ship because they may not sign a high price free agent.

Agreed. If this off season has shown anything it's that teams that ready ready to compete aren't going to sign mediocre free agents. They are going to tank and ride the kids to see what they have.

Buy them with money. How did the Cubs sign Heyward after 5 straight losing seasons? If the minors produce good players the team will improve and they will get players to fill the holes. Regardless if they get Machado, the team being a world series contender will depend on the players from the minors. This was the purpose of the rebuild. The team was garbage on purpose. Ma hado would just cover up for some of the prospects not reaching their potential.

Is that where the 65-70 win team fits?

That's part of the science.

No doubt. In 2020 they will have kopech and Cease in it and it will look dramatically different. That's why this year is another rebuilding year even if they sign Machado.

That's why it's about a 4 year plan. Those drafted prospects will take 3-4 to get to the MLB, while some of the trades guys will get there a little earlier.

Rebuilding is a 4 year plan. They are starting year 3. Buckle up and strap it down.

I don't know........3rd base.

Exactly. I don't think they could carry both Rondon and Garcia. It would make sense to have Moncada be able to play both 2B and 3B with Davidson gone.

Who is the current backup 3b, assuming Sanchez is the starter.

Real estate.

Why? With Machado at short, Anderson would move to 2nd. ?

I still disagree with the win now part. One players in baseball doesn't turn a team around. They still need to stick to the rebuilding and bring the talented players up as they are ready. Machado will speed it up a little but they shouldn't abandon the plan and start signing mediocre players.

The difference was the high effort and different mechanics will make it tough for fulmer to stick as a starter. Sale has different mechanics but is not a high effort motion. You can have one issue but not both to pitch deep into games.

I'd buy that one.

There's nothing wrong with ground balls provided you don't hit into their shift.

Just had some shrimp tacos. Mighty tasty.

I would still say that the Sox pitching situation is much h better off than the Padres for the next few years. I have no idea if they will fall off or rise faster to the top. With most of them in A ball they are at about 3 years away if they follow typical progression.

So could the Sox OF depth.

Almost all at A ball. The Sox top ones are significantly closer to the MLB. The Padres prospects won't help Manny until his contract is half over.