Lillian

That is not likely, in that he knows that next year could have both Rendon and Arenado in the competition.

I continue to hope that his contract will have an opt out, as long as it isn't earlier than year 4, or preferably year 5. As many of us have contended, that would keep him on the team, for his prime and also keep him motivated. I love the idea of him playing for another contract, during his time on the Sox.

What is the possibility that Machado has already signed with the Sox, but that both sides have agreed not to disclose it? There are several possible reasons to withhold the information: 1) It could provide better bargaining leverage for the Sox, in their efforts to acquire other pieces, for a competitive run at the Division, this year. 2) It could keep the Phillies from making a desperate offer for Harper, as the only "whale" left, in this year's free agent market. That would give the Sox a chance to make a trade with the Dodgers (Pederson), who may have interest in Harper, but would need to clear an outfield spot and salary, for him. This would keep the price for Harper down, as it would be perceived that there were still two "whales" available, in the free agency market, as opposed to just one. It would be to Manny's advantage not to disclose the deal, as well, because it helps the his new team acquire more pieces. 3) It is possible, but not likely, that there is some interest to maximize the announcement's publicity impact, related to Sox Fest, or the sports news cycle. I doubt any of that, but some may have a different opinion. Would such withholding of the contract's announcement even be permissible, or would it be in violation of the C.B.A.? These are all merely questions. I have no idea.

I understand that there are rumors regarding LA's desire to trade Pederson, but have the Dodgers expressed any interest in moving Hill?

If the Sox were to acquire Pederson and sign Machado, the lineup would not only be competitive, but it would finally have good Left Handed balance, with fewer strike outs and very respectable On Base %. Look at these career OBP stats for those players: Jay .352 .350 (Vs. RHP) Pederson. .339 .355 (Vs. RHP) Alonso .336 .346 (Vs. RHP) Machado .335. .333 (Vs. RHP) Manny hits RH Pitching as well as he hits LH Pitching With Eloy added to that lineup, you have 5 new starters, who were not part of last year's debacle. The Bullpen has already been "fixed". Now, add one more #2 or #3 starter and you have a team which should be able to compete, in our weak division, which is incidentally predominantly filled with RH starting pitching. If Manny doesn't want to come to Chicago, because he doesn't want to wait until the farm system produces a winning team, this should be encouraging to him. Once Robert, Kopech, Cease and a few more prized prospects join the team, in 2020, they could be very formidable.

Has anyone posted this link?:

That scenario has crossed my mind, but it just seems like an awful lot of money and effort to expend on a misdirection. That would be quite a complex strategy. Most importantly, what would they be gaining by such a tactic? Would all of these overtures toward Machado be to simply convince Boras and his client, that they aren't really interested in acquiring him, because they prefer Machado?

I see. Thanks. Well, it is the best choice of words, in that sentence. I guess "foiled" would be just as good. Sports writers would probably say "derail," or "block". Aren't words wonderful?

Sorry, I don't get it????

It's hard to believe the Yankees wouldn't love to have Machado. I suspect that they are being so coy, simply because they know that he wants to play for them. Why should they aggressively court a guy, whom they know wants to be on their team? My hope is that Machado and his agent can see through this charade, and that Manny becomes a little miffed, and decides that he is no longer so enamored with the Yankee mystic. Come on Manny, come to the South Side and lead this young team to thwart the Yankees' quest for yet another World Championship.

If we want to get all conspiratorial, this latest report that the Yankees prefer Arenado could be a ploy to entice Manny to sign with his "favorite" team. If he still has hopes of playing for N. Y., perhaps after an opt out with us, this could scare him into signing with them now, before they acquire another long term third baseman.

That analysis seems quite plausible. Thank you for the thoughtful insight.

You may have misunderstood me. I agree with you, that the greater need is pitching.

If the argument against acquiring more starting pitching now, is that there are too many good pitching prospects, who will arrive in the next couple of years, then applying the same argument, would assert that there are too many good outfield prospects coming, to merit acquiring another one now.

If one thinks that a team must have big offensive contributors at every spot in the lineup, then that would be their assessment, regarding the Sox. Teams rarely have great hitters, at every spot in the lineup, including the Indians. Look who batted in the bottom third of the lineup. Yes, Lindor and Ramirez are terrific, but the Indians have not had potent 7, 8 and 9 hitters. My preference is to have a productive to 2/3 of the lineup, and focus more on defense from your bottom third, typically from the centerfielder and catcher, or SS. It's pitching that wins championships. It always has been and always will be. The only new wrinkle, in this era, is that the bullpens have become as important as the starting rotation.

"Poor man's version". Interesting choice of words. Hardly, when considering the cost of Machado and Pollock. Seriously, if Machado is acquired, the Sox do not need to add any other position players. The biggest need is pitching, pitching and pitching!! One more starter, and a good one, at a minimum.

This team would be loaded with very likable, seemingly "nice" guys. They also happen to almost all be Latinos. It's easy to see them "rubbing off" on Manny. There doesn't seem to be a "bad egg" in the bunch. The more I think about it, the more I like having the veteran guys, like Abreu, Jay and Alonso around. Throw in Yolmer's infectious personality and Machado might just become a nice guy, himself, just to fit in. LOL. There's nothing wrong with playing with a "chip on your shoulder" but throwing bats, in retaliation for a dust back pitch and kicking first basemen's ankles is carrying that chip a little too far.

Counter balancing Manny's questionable character might be the most constructive effect of having Jay and Alonso on the team. They are both model "citizens" and could help keep Manny in line. In any case, I would look more to them and Abreu to help mold the young Latinos, like Robert, Moncada and Jimenez. Maybe all of them will help Machado to mature a little. After all, he is pretty young, himself.

Let's hope that if he's signed, that his influence will be of a positive nature. Sure, he is a great player, but not much of a role model, otherwise. Is there anything that suggests that he is a good mentor to younger players?

I think his contact skills play best in the #2 hole.

Is there any indication that Madrigal would be serviceable at SS, much less 3RD? I doubt that he has the arm for 3RD, and I'm not sure about his ability to play SS, although I understand that he did play there, in high school.

That's fair. If he were that determined to play SS and perhaps devalue his services, up front, that's fine. Then the GM could say; "Well, then here is the best that we can offer you." It's probably more a case of him using this as a ploy, in order to demand additional money, if the team wants him to play 3RD. It would really be more than a mere "disruption". If Manny were the SS, he could potentially weaken 2 defensive positions. It would diminish the defense at both 3RD and SS, versus T. A. at SS and Machado at 3RD. Again, they could have a Gold Glover at 3RD, SS and 2ND, if Machado agreed to play his best position.

Whatever happened to the "I just want to do whatever I can to make this team better" attitude? We don't know that Manny is still insisting upon playing SS, but if he has, then I agree that it is troublesome. It not only hurts the team, but demonstrates a selfish attitude. If Machado recognizes that he is a better defensive third baseman, than a short stop and yet, still insists upon playing there, perhaps to enhance his chances for the Hall of Fame, then maybe we should be focused upon Harper. Many here have insisted that Machado provides more WAR, than Harper, by virtue of his glove at 3RD, versus Harper's poor outfield defense. The last thing that this young team needs is an Antonio Brown type prima donna. Hey, Mr. Machado, Just take the money and dedicate yourself to helping this young core to become champions. Maybe having both Jay and Alonso around to keep his head on straight, will prove to be more valuable than having helped to acquire him.

My sentiments, exactly!!

I agree. It's not only crazy, it's foolish. Let's hope that it isn't really an issue. In any case, you would think that the topic would be discussed, before signing him. An infield of Machado at 3RD, T. A. at SS and either Moncada, or Madrigal at 2ND, could be defensively elite.