Soxman72

Agree completely. I also believe that the contract the Sox offered Machado would have been a great extension offer or an "avoid the player opting out" offer. That is an offer that would be easier to sell a player that you have built faith, trust, and loyalty with inside your organization. Trying to sell a player to come to your organization with all those incentives and non guaranteed money has to be extremely difficult with a low success rate.

Yes, Nightengale, live this morning on MLB Network, said that the Sox are OUT on Harper and that the team has not spoken to Boras or Harper since early December. Don't know why that matters, but okay...... Nightengale also did say that there was an incentive in the Sox contract about attendance. Also, agree, that tweet is spot on.

Listening to Levine defend the organization pissed me off even more this morning. Anyone that argues about the back end of Manny's 10 year deal is ignorant. Manny is not Cano or Pujols. He is a 26 year old in the prime of his career. Also, you sacrifice the back end of the contract to get the player, bad knees and all. The Giants are buried with bad contracts, but they won THREE World Series Championships. I think the Giants are okay with their current position and will dig out. Does it always work out, no, but the reward greatly outweighs the risk.

Yes, it was said somewhere today that Hahn heard the bad news from Lozano. Kenny saw it on Twitter just before getting the call from Rick.

If true and SD does land Harper, they are doing EXACTLY what the White Sox should have done. Good for them. If they do not win, they will blow it up, like they have done in the past, or hope the players opt out. Preller is a scumbag, but making some smart moves and making others look bad.

I take back all my previous posts about negotiating tactics and opinions. I caught up on everything, read the WSD blog, and the DeadSpin article. Lozano is scum and he is behind everything. This is a circus and not only has he caused a lot of it, but he has realized that his client is not going to get what was promised. He makes Ari Gold look like a choir boy. Just an example and I realize Ari is somewhat fantasy. That's how messed up he is. He beats fantasy characters. This thing is a media disaster and I can't wait to see how it ends up. I still believe the Sox are in it, just because so many teams appear to be not.

Bruce is BRUTAL right now on the Score. Train wreck.

And Heyman joining the party this week. Who haven't we heard from yet?

Possibly, depending on what Machado signs for. Thome has been on MLBN multiple times in the last month and he threw a couple hints out about both. I don't think it happens, but whatever team lands Machado, the "both" dream will be alive and discussed at nausea.

We are going to have to do this all over again with Harper..........

To build on that, when did all this start? Monday. Very few leaks and info before then. Since, chaos. This is the agent trying to get more money. Reputable people heard "the end was near"this past weekend and then, bam, Monday happens. I believe the Passan and Gomez tweets. Agent tried to get more money, the Sox went nuts, and started leaking lower numbers to try and secure their current bid. Agent is now trying to save face. That's my opinion and sticking with it.

If you are a MLB player who likes to have "fun" on the road, do you really want your brother in law around 24/7? Don't know if Manny is that kind of guy, but just thought it interesting.

Agreed. Andujar, if traded, projects AL because of his defense and possible future DH/1B status. Senzel makes a lot of sense for San Diego, imo.

I did, but I don't buy it. Why would the Indians do a three way with the Yankees? Take the risk of facing Kluber in the playoffs? I don't think so. The Cincinnati and NL landing spots are much more believable.

Keep trying......

I hope that the owner, that most love to hate, accomplishes the teams goal and people celebrate. I would imagine, at his age, he is thinking a lot more about legacy than bottom line. Bottom line is important and always a priority, but as you get older, legacy is all there is. Reference, Mr. I in Detroit, he never got that last World Series victory.

I would like know one owner that isn't in it for the money? I get your point and Mr. Reinsdorf has plenty of faults, the 1994 Strike to be the biggest, but to demonize him is unfair. Plenty of blame to go around and many worse than him. I am not an ownership apologist, but I would consider him "middle of the pack" of current owners. He has made non fan friendly decisions, but also has done a lot for Chicago. The franchise is currently in the running for one of the top, if not both, free agents in the marketplace. Again, save judgement for after the end game.

Guys, The Sandlot is on MLB Network right now. Take a break and enjoy baseball for a bit. Back to the grind tomorrow, unless something breaks late night.

That's the White Sox (and the Bulls) way. Are you surprised? Mr. Reinsdorf is loyal to a fault. Yes, Kenny gets a leash because of 2005. Would I have liked to win more, sure. Go ask the Dodgers fans how they feel, it's been a long time since 1988. I don't kiss Kenny's ass, but I will not completely trash the guy. Things could be worse, see the Seattle Mariners........

1 1/2??? try 2.5 going in and 1.5 coming home. Proud season ticket holder for more then 20 years and yes, I go to many games a year. Not 81, but wish I could. I hate doing that, but I shouldn't have to prove my fandom here..... Everyone needs to chill until we have answers. If the answers are bad, go ape shit. If they are good, celebrate.

Get off your high horse. I have been a member since Summer 2005. You are judging fans based on posting on game threads?!?! I am a season ticket holder and I am sorry I don't post on SoxTalk all the time. I know that wasn't personally directed at me, but I am part of the few. I have faith, as a fan, in Kenny and Rick. As many faults Kenny has, he did win a World Series. Jury is still out on Rick, but the returns on Q, Sale, and Eaton were top notch and not many, if anyone, was upset with them. You want to play Monday morning quarterback, wait til the signings happen.

Again, no point in panicking or freaking out until the player is signed and wearing the teams jersey. Can't believe the chaos from some of the Sox fans.....

I agree with the success part. If it fails, Mr. Reinsdorf doesn't have decades. This will be attached to him for the remainder of his ownership. It is a stigma that will be with the Sox until a new owner comes in.

Yes! I see that thread way more insane and comical. Just think if the Sox don't get Manny, that thread will be nuts. If the Sox get Manny, people are going to be dreaming of something very amazing, but not very likely.

It's a constant debate with me and my buddies. I for one want Harper. I believe the franchise needs it for exposure sake. Harper is a great player and he also brings the national exposure. I believe more fans will come out to see Harper vs Machado Manny could be the better player at a more difficult position(s), but his "brand" is no where close to Harper's. Either way, the team would be getting a great player and the Sox would automatically become a love them or hate them team. No middle ground, IMHO.