Lillian

It's not like this is an 8 or 10 year deal, at some huge yearly amount. Moreover, Jose seemed to be in the best shape, I can remember, this last season. While it's always a risk that a player will become lazy an apathetic, once he gets a big contract, Abreu doesn't strike me as that type. All of these players' contracts are a gamble, so I don't see anything particularly alarming about a 3 year deal for a position player. Sorry, I just can't get worked up about this.

Aren't we really just talking about one year of potentially sunk cost, in a contract that isn't producing? Are some of you that concerned that he won't be good. over the next 2 seasons? I'm sorry, but I just don't see this as a potentially crippling deal, regarding J. R.'s finances.

Excellent point. Thanks

Agreed and this just solidifies it. It's easier now to "import" Cuban players and there will always be good prospects there. Having an inside track can't hurt.

With Robert, Moncada, Grandal and Jose, the Sox have the inside track on the Cuban pipeline. Maybe there will be more fellow countryman coming to the South Side, in the next few years. Perhaps that's one of the intangibles in this move. It's all part of the tradition started in the 50's, with Minnie Miñoso.

Peralta is very good against RH pitching. Since he will be a free agent in 2021, he would satisfy the shorter term commitment goal. What do you think it would take to acquire him? Who would you consider a plausible "fringe guy"? How good is his arm, for RF?

I don't think that being LH is any longer a requirement for the right fielder. Whoever can provide solid defense and not be a "black hole" on offense, would work for me, preferably not on an expensive, long term contract. As I said, I'm really not all that impressed with any of the candidates, are you?

Regarding where to place Grandal, in the lineup: At least against RH pitching, I would want to see some separation between the two left handed hitters. That would not be achieved by batting Moncada and Grandal, back to back.

What this acquisition of Grandal does, is fill the void of a middle of the order, respectable OBP, LH power bat. All of you know that has been something that I thought should have been one of Hahn's top priorities. Having accomplished that task, RF now could be filled with any acquisition, which provides some offense, coupled with good defense. I still favor a shorter term contract for that spot, as I really don't see anyone all that intriguing. I agree that the next big financial commitment should go to a #1, or #2 starter, If they achieve that, then the rest of the acquisitions could be of lesser significance and not require a huge additional expenditure. We have to remember that the Sox will likely have 4 new regular position players in Robert, Madrigal, Grandal and a new right fielder. That represents a lot of new talent. It's time to focus on the pitching. If it costs too much to be able to afford a big name for RF, I hope they prioritise pitching and spend the money there. Regarding the DH: With the rotating 3 catchers, between first base, DH and catching duties, along with Abreu, it seems that the DH role is now filled. McCann's future: Given that he will be a free agent, at the end of this coming season, he may, or may not be resigned. That will likely depend largely upon how well Collins develops. In the meantime, the Sox have the luxury of solid depth, behind the dish. In summary; good start. So far, so good.

Now that's an interesting idea. Why not use the financial flexibility to help acquire Betts, without having to lose Madrigal, or Vaughn. Chaim Bloom really needs to shed some payroll, and Price is a good place to start. My question is, could Price reasonably be expected to at least contribute to the starting rotation? Just to refresh everyone's memory, Price is owed :$32M annually, for the 3 remaining years of his contract..

Dickerson's defense would be fine, except for his arm. He's fine in LF, but many are very dubious of his ability to play RF.

Probably a lot better than Bryant. Isn't Moncada a much better athlete? He certainly is much faster.

Do you really think that it makes sense to sign 3 position players? I think that Rendon and a LH bat (Moose, or Grandal) would be sufficient. Then spend the money on pitching

I would prefer Rendon, and that contract, as well. However, I suspect that it will be more like $40 Million AAV, for 5 years. If he was sincere, when he said that he didn't see himself playing at age 36, perhaps he would prefer to make the money, in fewer years. That might be fine, for the Sox.

I can't imagine that Rodon would be very happy about that, heading into his free agent year. Not sure what recourse he would have, but he wouldn't be a happy camper.

After last off season, it's hard to believe that they would be so foolish as to be saying such things, unless they were prepared to spend, really significantly. I'm encouraged.

That part goes without saying. Of course, in the final analysis. money talks.

How much of an effect do you think that signing Rendon would have on other free agents becoming intrigued with the idea of joining this emerging contender? If they could ink him to a deal, early in the off season, might some other big names think that they'd like to jump on the Sox train?

I'd like to address the point of view, often expressed here, that it is better not to allow oneself to be hopeful that the front office will spend the money to acquire a high priced free agent, because it sets one up for major disappointment. I have a different perspective. My satisfaction, or disappointment, is more a function of whether, or not, the front office does what I think would be the best thing. If I believe that this is the time to spend big on a free agent, then I will be disappointed, if they don't, even if I didn't expect them to. Whether, or not, I had high hopes is far less important. Theoretically, I could be of the opinion that it would be a mistake to commit too much to one, or more players, and in that instance, I could conceivably be disappointed that they did. In other words, I would be disappointed if they make what I consider to be a bad decision. My expectations are far less important than my judgement, regarding the wisdom of making any particular player acquisitions. To me, the notion that one shouldn't get their hopes up, for fear of disappointment, seems more like superstition. I hope that helps some of you who would like to be hopeful, but are afraid to do so. If you want Rendon, go ahead and be hopeful. Would you really be any less disappointed, if they don't sign him, just because you didn't expect it? The anticipation is half of the fun. I'm having a great time, just thinking about it. LOL

After listening to that podcast, my impression is that he had little to offer. That Sox are not going to give Jose $40 Million, for 2 years. They don't need to and shouldn't. If Jose wants to accept the QO, fine. If not, then I would expect each year to be for less, the more years that he gets.

No need to apologize, but thank you, just the same. Now, back to the important stuff of building a competitive roster. Go Sox!!

Has anyone done a 5 year financial projection, on what the Sox payroll would look like, prior to adding any free agents? There isn't much argument about them being able to spend big, for this coming season. The question is what commitments for years 2 through 5 would be, when most to this current young roster, reaches arbitration and free agency.

Actually, I was projecting $40 Million per year, 5 years, for Rendon. Add $18 million for Grandal and you have $58 Million, for the two of them. How much does that leave for another starter? Who knows? It all depends on what J. R. has authorized as a maximum payroll. If all of the commitments can be confined to 5 years, or less, that might be plausible. They have lots of financial flexibility now, until the young core reaches arbitration and then free agency. It would seem to me that this is the time to spend the money. If not now, then when?

In the spirit of extreme optimism, let's address the issue of where to play Moncada, if the Sox can acquire Rendon. Some have vehemently resisted the idea of moving him to a new position, yet again. If it's true that Moncada has already stated his willingness to play the OF, I really don't see the problem. Not only would it make room for both Rendon at third and Madrigal at second, but it would fill the hole in RF. Yoan has the speed and athleticism to become an outstanding defensive right fielder. He also has a good enough arm for the position. I have heard some concerns about his past issues with hamstrings, but I'm not qualified to comment on that factor. If the Sox could acquire Rendon, that would only leave one more regular position to fill. Signing either Moose, or Grandal to rotate between first, DH and catcher, would fill the need for a left handed bat and complete the roster, for position players. Therefore, I don't agree with the suggestion of moving Moncada back to second. Madrigal will likely be a Gold Glove caliber defender, as soon as he joins the team and even if he were to start slowly, as a hitter, the Sox could easily hide his bat, with all of that thunder in the line up. That would leave the rotation, as the only remaining need for at least one more addition.

I hear you and who could blame you? However, remember what Tennyson said; "It is better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved, at all". Hope, anticipation and expectations are all part of the joy of being a fan. Why not dream big, and enjoy it? Rendon as the center piece of a fantastic off season would surely put the South Side in the spotlight. Remember how we all talked about what signing Harper would have meant, for fan interest and national recognition? That effect would be much greater now, that so many pieces of the core have emerged as legitimate stars. We're no longer just talking about an outstanding farm system. Add Rendon to T. A., Moncada, Jimenez, Abreu, Robert, Giolito, Kopech, Cease and whoever they sign for the rotation, and you have an exciting, star studded roster.