NorthSideSox72

QUOTE (Joshua Strong @ Nov 5, 2015 -> 01:02 PM) There was a screening of The Force Awakens today, apparently picture is about to be locked. Someone wrote this, https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/3r...oming_out_next/ Potential Spoilers, although its pretty spoiler free I'm not sure that dude saw any movie at all, let alone Star Wars.

QUOTE (lasttriptotulsa @ Nov 5, 2015 -> 08:50 AM) I just don't buy this notion that Alexei went from being a very good ballplayer to a horrible one in one year's time. He was a 3.2 fWAR player in 2013 and 3.1 in 2014. I think the odds are better that he will put up something closer to that than the below replacement level he was last year. In 2015 he had by far the lowest BABIP of his career. It was just .264 compared to the .292 in 2014 and .291 lifetime. He increased his BB% and LD% in 2015 vs 2014 and lowered his K%. I think this makes him a good candidate for a bounce back year and I would be perfectly content with signing him to a one year $6-$7 million contract as a stop gap to Anderson. I agree he's not terrible, and I'm perplexed by those who would rather go with Saladino or Sanchez there. That said, because he had a down year and is a 34-year old shortstop, teams will be skeptical. That's why I really don't see him getting $10M/year or more.

Just remember this - on average, 1 WAR on the open market is worth somewhere around 7 or 8 million. And that value is skewed up by those in the age 27-31 range hitting FA for the first time. A 34-year old declining shortstop, who maybe is a 1 WAR guy (give or take here)? 6 or 7M a year should do. And the Sox should do that, with a similarly priced 2nd year option if possible.

QUOTE (Ballz-n-Strikes @ Nov 5, 2015 -> 01:36 AM) Why would the White Sox care about Rule 5 in 2016? In 2016? A number of key prospects come due for protection then. Anyone drafted in 2013 that was 19 or older when signed: Anderson, May, Engel, Lowry, Wheeler, Dykstra are all in that group. Also any 2012 late signs (like Coats) and any 18 or younger signings from 2012 draft: Hawkins, Barnum, Guerrero all come due as well. Also any 2012 J2 signings (Cruz, Otano, Rodriguez and others). Those names I just listed make up a good dozen of the current 30 best prospects in the system. It's early to be thinking about it, but, it sure looks like a much bigger class of talent to worry about. or did you actually mean 2015?

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Nov 4, 2015 -> 02:09 PM) I thought you can sign your own free agents now. Unless all the beat writers and respected other Sox media that are reporting it are wrong... which I suppose is possible. They are all saying the 7th. QUOTE (Vance Law @ Nov 4, 2015 -> 03:03 PM) They wouldn't make a gentleman's agreement to do that. They would just make an agreement to do that. They would have announced that agreed upon contract if they had one. No, because they can't announce deals earlier than deals are allowed.

QUOTE (59th street @ Nov 4, 2015 -> 01:54 PM) OK, Thanks. If that is the case it would seem very likely that he will be back at a lesser deal. I am in favor of his return, as his release would appear to create another position of need where there is no obvious solution. I still don't remember how that rule got changed with out the palyers association raising hell but if re-signing your own free agent at a lesser rate is now allowed that seems prudent. Specifically, the Sox could sign him beginning the 7th, which is Saturday. Not before, at least officially.

QUOTE (scs787 @ Nov 4, 2015 -> 01:18 PM) Sanchez was a SS in the minors right? Maybe they go that route. Sanchez got better as the season went on so maybe he gets a shot to continue that with Micah at 2B.....Or perhaps my preferred route, Sanchez at SS, Micah traded, and Howie Kendrick playing 2B. Sanchez has the glove and footwork for major league SS play, but his arm is fringy at that position and his range isn't great. He'd be a below average defender there overall, though not terrible. I think Saladino would be better defensively in that position, and he has a higher offensive ceiling too. Sanchez is a pretty perfect utility guy. Can competently cover any INF position, has enough offensive ceiling to at least get on base at a respectable clip, runs well enough and smart enough for PR duty, switch-hitter, cheap.

QUOTE (Hatchetman @ Nov 4, 2015 -> 12:56 PM) how old is the guy, I wonder? At least 34.

Everyone has to remember when comparing contracts that Alexei's age is a factor too.

I'll be surprised if he doesn't re-sign with Sox. Either for less overall money, or less in 1st year with some sort of option for 2nd that could total slightly more.

QUOTE (flavum @ Nov 4, 2015 -> 12:09 PM) Sox have purchased the contract of Zach Phillips. Yup. I'm sure they'd rather have waited and signed after Rule 5, but probably thought or knew he'd sign elsewhere if they didn't grab him.

QUOTE (Dunt @ Nov 4, 2015 -> 11:16 AM) Is there anywhere we can look at possible rule 5 players from other teams? For the Sox, I dont think they need to protect Leury, Kevan Smith, or Daniel Webb. I would protect Tago, Phillips, Smith, Wendelken, and Jaye. That's sort of the Part 2. We won't know who is left exposed until November 20th (or just after). At that point, typically Baseball America does a look into the top 20 or 30 names left exposed - that is worth looking at. For now, it is about who the Sox need to protect, more than who they may select.

QUOTE (bmags @ Nov 4, 2015 -> 10:10 AM) I don't know if this is it as much as it doesn't feature a rational consumer due to the stakes involved. Well that's a model problem - there is no consumer choice, in reality. Costs are an absolute roll of the dice going in. That, plus what I mentioned, means consumer-driven change is basically impossible, rendering the positives of a capitalist market zero.

QUOTE (Jose Abreu @ Nov 4, 2015 -> 10:06 AM) Good point. The only players there I've even heard of are Featherston and Graham. See here... QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Nov 4, 2015 -> 09:37 AM) 1. C Oscar Hernandez: Kept entire season, missed time early to injury, played as backup starting in July - still part of team plan, now at AFL 2. INF Mark Canha: Kept entire season, took over the Zobrist role of super-utility and was pretty successful at it - part of long term plan 3. OF Delino DeShields Jr: Already discussed, anyway he stuck the entire season as a starter and looks like a legit player 4. Kept for entire season (missed some time mid-season to injury), still part of their forward plan most likely 5. Kept for entire season, still part of their forward plan as far as I can tell 6. Not sure what happened here, he was back with HOU and by the way looks like a legit prospect 7. Cubs picked him, then immediately sold him (at a small profit) to LAA, where he spent the full season as a starter - so value here too 8. Kept for entire season, and did very well, starting CF, in fact in other years would be a Rookie of the Year candidate 9. Drafted by MIA, then claimed off waivers by ATL, spent time in majors and minors 10. Kept for entire season, and did very well as part of Mets' bullpen, helping them as their 7th/8th guy to a World Series 11. Missed season injured (surgery), but drafting team kept him and he's now in the AFL, and he's a significant prospect for their future 12. Kept for entire season, though was injured in first half before coming up later (and struggling) 13. Got passed around to a few teams before settling back with Mets - where he ended up being a very good part of their bullpen So this list illustrates exactly why the Rule 5 is important. Look at the bolded players especially - that's a lot of value teams found in that draft. Your list proves that out.

QUOTE (Harry Chappas @ Nov 4, 2015 -> 10:03 AM) I'll let you know as we are heading that way. $250,000 fine Our health plan is collectively bargained and by forcing the union to give up their Cadillac plan, the cost will come from somewhere. Also our rates have gone up an average of 8% a year for the last six years. Rates continue to increase, though the actual numbers I've seen indicate at a slightly lesser pace of acceleration. Still above inflation though, and that is a major problem. Obamacare won't add to the overall increased rates issue, but it doesn't fix it either. As others have pointed out, PPACA mostly ignored the provider side of the problem. Health care is one of the few areas where I just don't know that for-profit entities are the best way to go. Their interests simply run counter to the needs of consumers in too many ways, and the bar for entry of competitors is too high for practical competition.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Nov 4, 2015 -> 09:18 AM) Our municipal election saw an 18% turnout. That drives me insane. With turnout that low, you are A) giving your vote to someone else, and B) allowing the issue-specific crusaders to control outcomes. None of that is good.

QUOTE (Buehrle>Wood @ Nov 4, 2015 -> 09:32 AM) Six open spots and a bunch of crap at the end of the 34 on the list. We're in a good spot to protect whoever. Leury Garcia would be my first on the chopping block. Don't see the need for him with Johnson, Saladino, and Sanchez going for roster spots. Carroll even has more value at this point. Smith probably could be dfa'd as mentioned. Tago, Phillips, Wendelken and Jaye should all definitely be protected since we'll have the room. Good call on Leury, he may be DFA'd. Should be, but not sure he will be. I'll update the article on that aspect.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Nov 4, 2015 -> 09:04 AM) Two years ago they picked 3rd. Also worth noting is the list of players taken after DeShields. 4. Houston Astros: RHP Jason Garcia, Red Sox 5. Minnesota Twins: RHP J.R. Graham, Braves 6. Boston Red Sox: RHP Jandel Gustave, Astros 7. Chicago Cubs: SS Taylor Featherston, Rockies 8. Philadelphia Phillies: IF David Herrera, Rangers 9. Miami Marlins: LHP Andrew McKirahan, Cubs 10. New York Mets: LHP Sean Gilmartin, Twins 11. Atlanta Braves: RHP Daniel Winkler, Rockies 12. Seattle Mariners: LHP David Rollins, Astros 13. Baltimore Orioles: RHP Logan Verrett, Mets 1. C Oscar Hernandez: Kept entire season, missed time early to injury, played as backup starting in July - still part of team plan, now at AFL 2. INF Mark Canha: Kept entire season, took over the Zobrist role of super-utility and was pretty successful at it - part of long term plan 3. OF Delino DeShields Jr: Already discussed, anyway he stuck the entire season as a starter and looks like a legit player 4. Kept for entire season (missed some time mid-season to injury), still part of their forward plan most likely 5. Kept for entire season, still part of their forward plan as far as I can tell 6. Not sure what happened here, he was back with HOU and by the way looks like a legit prospect 7. Cubs picked him, then immediately sold him (at a small profit) to LAA, where he spent the full season as a starter - so value here too 8. Kept for entire season, and did very well, starting CF, in fact in other years would be a Rookie of the Year candidate 9. Drafted by MIA, then claimed off waivers by ATL, spent time in majors and minors 10. Kept for entire season, and did very well as part of Mets' bullpen, helping them as their 7th/8th guy to a World Series 11. Missed season injured (surgery), but drafting team kept him and he's now in the AFL, and he's a significant prospect for their future 12. Kept for entire season, though was injured in first half before coming up later (and struggling) 13. Got passed around to a few teams before settling back with Mets - where he ended up being a very good part of their bullpen So this list illustrates exactly why the Rule 5 is important. Look at the bolded players especially - that's a lot of value teams found in that draft. Your list proves that out.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Nov 4, 2015 -> 08:38 AM) The White Sox could always take a pitcher. I wouldn't be too concerned with losing anyone. Texas got Deshileds last year which was good for them, but more the exception than the rule these days. The rule 5 draft IMO gets a lot more attention than it probably deserves. Since it takes place at the end of the Winter Meetings, hopefully we will have more to be excited about then. QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Nov 4, 2015 -> 08:49 AM) The only attention is gets is with the hardcore fans. Honestly with the Sox sitting in the 10th spot, there isn't much of a chance of anyone useful being there either. Sox took a player in the major league phase just two years ago, and kept him around all year. The minor league phase is definitely baseball nerd town. But even there you sometimes find something - like Tago.

QUOTE (ChiSox_Sonix @ Nov 4, 2015 -> 08:29 AM) How about pinning a thread with key offseason dates? It'd be easy to just have it in one place whenever people were curious. If you create a post with all the dates, I'll pin it happily!

As we approach the 11/20 deadline for setting the 40-man roster prior to the Rule 5 draft, here's a look at who needs protecting, who may drop off, and who is at the most risk of a claim in the Rule 5. Anyone disagree with the priorities for protection? Do people think there is a good chance the Sox take someone in the Rule 5?

QUOTE (Jenksismyb**** @ Nov 3, 2015 -> 03:59 PM) One thing I never understood - if he shot himself, wouldn't he have gun residue on his hand? Wouldn't that, in like a day, confirm whether or not he shot himself? If he had his hands up defensively, at close range, that would also leave residue. Though in a different pattern I'd think. Forensic person would I'm sure know the difference.

QUOTE (greg775 @ Nov 3, 2015 -> 01:49 PM) I'm pretty slow at times with a low IQ but I don't understand the point you are trying to make. This is about Whoopi and Joy Behar blasting Florina's looks (demented?) when they are not exactly perfect 10s. Troll. Definitely troll. No longer a question in my mind.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Nov 3, 2015 -> 02:43 PM) as someone who can't stand both of them, I'd much rather see Hillary as President than Trump. I think everyone here knows how diametrically opposed I am to TeamClinton too. Yeah, I'm not worried since he has no chance, but Trump is the last guy in either party I'd want there.

QUOTE (elrockinMT @ Nov 3, 2015 -> 10:32 AM) I have no problem with Beckham returning. Look at the prospects we have in the wings and they aren't ready to step in at the major league level. Beckham fills the super sub role quite well IMO. Albers is another one we should consider, but not at a high price. QUOTE (Dunt @ Nov 3, 2015 -> 11:08 AM) Would rather just save the extra couple mil and use Leury Carlos Sanchez and Tyler Saladino are both far better options as utility men than either of those guys.