Lillian

If it's true that Hahn needs to be "overwhelmed, in order to trade Abreu," Flaherty and Sierra is hardly "overwhelming".

QUOTE (Y2JImmy0 @ Dec 1, 2017 -> 11:07 AM) Which deal would be a disappointment? Flaherty and Sierra.

That deal would really be a disappointment, for me. Very underwhelming. I'll bet that doesn't get it done.

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Nov 30, 2017 -> 10:21 AM) I’d give Abreu something like 4/$80M with a 5th year team option and call it a day. He can anchor the middle of the lineup for a big chunk of our window, serve as mentor for Moncada, Robert, & other young LatAm players, improve our sales pitch to free agents next offseason, & further establish our status as the team to sign with for future Cuban amateurs (which becomes important with capped spending). All those factors combined make him worth more to us than other teams IMO. That would be fantastic for management, but what would the benefit be to Abreu? That represents $20M per year, which is not much more than he will get through arbitration, for the last 2 years of his pre-eligibility for free agency. I would guess that it would take at least $25M per year, starting this next season and covering 5 seasons total. That would not be a bad deal for the Sox. It avoids a huge long term commitment, and only obligates them through his age 35 season. Do you think that management could live with that? I wouldn't discount the possibility that all of this trade talk is posturing, in an effort to motivate Jose to sign such an extension.

I'm sorry, but I misspoke. I was thinking that the Sox would control both Avi and Abreu until after the 2020 season. I now realize that they are only under control until the end of 2019. That does change my perspective. However, I would prefer to see them both extended, if it can be accomplished at a reasonable price, without too long of a commitment.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Nov 24, 2017 -> 11:53 AM) If we trade both of these guys, it is pretty well sealed that we are looking at 2020 or 2021 to make the playoffs. You are probably right about that, and I think that would be a mistake. This team should be ready by 2019.

We shouldn't minimize the prospect of having both Avi and Abreu through 2020. Two of the next 3 years could well be seasons, in which the Sox make it to the Post Season. I've said it before but, a lineup featuring Moncada, Avi, Eloy, Abreu and one solid left handed bat, sandwiched in between the 3 right handed hitters, could be a very potent offense, irrespective of what the other half of the lineup includes, which should be pretty decent, given all of the young talent. I think that the first option should be to explore the cost of extending both of them. If they want too much money, keep them until they reach free agency and access the team's needs, at that time.

QUOTE (GreenSox @ Nov 24, 2017 -> 10:12 AM) Well, they will both be FAs in 2020, so the Sox will likely have to do something. But Abreu will also be 33 in 2020, so it may be best to tread lightly right now. As for Avi, I would point to Delmonico. They had similar numbers last year (Avi somewhat better), albeit Avi over an entire season and Delmonico over 1/4 season. But Delmonico also had a very modest BAPIP and walks a lot...and he has taken pitches throughout his minor league career as well. All considered, he may be as sure (or unsure) bet to continue his success as Avi. Yes, I like Delmonico and the fact that he hits left handed is another plus. I don't agree with the assessment of his being as sure of a bet as Avi. After all, he only had a third of a season.

If the Sox trade both Avi and Abreu, who exactly is going to comprise the middle of the order? In a year or two, you can pencil in Eloy. Beyond that, I don't see a big run producing heart of the order. You might add Moncada, but i'd prefer he be that Ricky Henderson type dynamo, at the top of the order. So, please reassure me that the Sox can assemble an offense in time, and at an affordable cost, for the targeted 2019 year of contention. The team chemistry seems to be coming together very nicely and there is certainly enough payroll flexibility, to extend at least Abreu. If they don't do so, management will almost certainly have to sign a big free agent. I just don't get the point.

QUOTE (LittleHurt05 @ Nov 19, 2017 -> 12:20 PM) I agree that it's valuable. I just don't think you can question ones dedication simply by how swole they are. Not quite sure how, or why, I'm engaging in such an "argument," but just to clarify, I never stated anything about how "swole" Kopech is. Frankly, this is the first time that I have ever even heard the term. Moreover, I'm not that impressed with Kopech's muscularity. What is impressive and apparent to me, is how hard he is training and how determined he is to become a star. I'd suggest that we wrap up this little discussion. If you agree, fine. If you disagree, feel free to argue all you want. I don't see the point and am moving on.

QUOTE (LittleHurt05 @ Nov 19, 2017 -> 09:56 AM) If only that bum Mark Buehrle worked out in the off-season, he could have been something. Different strokes for different folks. Just because Chris Sale is skinny doesn't mean he's not dedicated. The hate is strong. What Mark Buehrle did, or did not do, to strengthen his core and lower body, does not diminish the value of such training. I think you would agree with that, wouldn't you? Kopech appears to take his training very seriously, and he should reap big benefits from it.

QUOTE (LittleHurt05 @ Nov 19, 2017 -> 09:56 AM) If only that bum Mark Buehrle worked out in the off-season, he could have been something. Different strokes for different folks. Just because Chris Sale is skinny doesn't mean he's not dedicated. The hate is strong. Sorry if my post left the impression that I "hate" Sale. Not at all, but I do admire the dedicated athlete. Regarding the advisability of pitchers doing strength training. While upper body work may be debatable, there isn't much question that a strong core and strong legs are a tremendous asset to a pitcher. Most of you have probably seen this old article and video: https://www.topvelocity.net/why-chris-sales...ten-his-career/

I'll bet the guy, whom the Sox traded for Kopech, never trained like that. What was his name again? Oh yes; Chris Sale. I love to see an athlete take his health and fitness seriously. With all of the money at stake, you have to wonder why they don't all dedicate themselves, as Kopech appears to be doing.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Nov 6, 2017 -> 07:22 PM) Oh, I thought you meant Addy with the Reed and assumed he was a FA. Anywho, I don't want a utility outfielder. Throw Engel and Leury out in CF and see if one of them can hold the job, and Tilson's shattered body, Polo, May, and Willy Garcia give enough depth there that I don't see why we need the extra warm body, at least for 2018. Don't forget Cordell, who may be near the top of the list of internal candidates.

QUOTE (bmags @ Oct 9, 2017 -> 09:06 AM) I don't think BPA is that obvious especially at #4. And I think it's likely sox will be tied to Kelenic a little bit until pre draft just because we have clearly seen him so much and overcash has been on the record praising his maturity, approach and bat speed. But we may also end up with a guy at #4 who people thought could go 1-1 or 1-2 and things change. I just want a fairly high ceiling, and though less exciting I think Singer has TOR potential obviously. We just lack good athletes with any sort of approach in our middle of the field positions past Robert. Moncada?

Didn't Ynoa perfect a split finger this season?

QUOTE (flavum @ Oct 1, 2017 -> 10:09 AM) Volstad vs Tomlin Sanchez 3B Moncada 2B Abreu DH Davidson 1B Brantly C Anderson SS Liriano LF Hanson RF Engel CF No Avi. So, he finishes the year with a .330 average.

To what should we attribute his suddenly acquired effectiveness? I would have said the cutter, which is a new pitch for him, and one that he learned from Coop. However, he had it in Spring Training, and it didn't seem to help him that much at Charlotte.

Someone may have answered this question: If there is a tie in the standings, how is it decided?

QUOTE (CaliSoxFanViaSWside @ Sep 30, 2017 -> 07:48 PM) I think he said that the Avi trade may be the best in Sox history . Even Hawk isn't silly enough to suggest Avi will be better than Big Hurt. Yes, you're right. That is what he said. Sorry, I misspoke. Nevertheless, that is quite a statement.

It was interesting to hear Hawk's take on Avi, in last night's broadcast, with "Whimpy". For what it's worth, and I know for some of you, not much, he was very positive. He said "You ain't seen nothin' yet" and that "he is just beginning to mature into the kind of player that he can be". He even stated that Avi was the "Closest thing to a legitimate 5 tool player, we've ever had". The craziest comment was that he still stands by his initial assessment, that he believes "Avi will ultimately become the greatest player in White Sox history!!" It was really "over the top". It's pretty clear that Hawk loves him.

Yolmer has put together a very solid season, and he continues to hit RHP very well. He's also a lot stronger than people think. Some of his homers have gone a long way. His arm is stronger than most of us thought, too.

QUOTE (greg775 @ Sep 28, 2017 -> 10:31 PM) Man this is bad bad news. He could be out til summertime. It's sad how pitchers nowadays just can't avoid surgery. This game is brutal on the pitchers' arms. PTATC why all the injuries compared to the 60s and 70s and 80s? Isn't part of the increasing number of injuries to pitchers, due to the lowering of the seams, on the ball? It now requires more of an effort to get rotation on the breaking pitches.

Just as a reference point of information. Here are the League Leaders in Batting Average, so far this decade: Year National League BA American League BA 2017 (NL AL) Charlie Blackmon* (COL) .328 Jose Altuve (HOU) .350 2016 (NL AL) DJ LeMahieu (COL) .348 Jose Altuve (HOU) .338 2015 (NL AL) Dee Gordon* (MIA) .333 Miguel Cabrera (DET) .338 2014 (NL AL) Justin Morneau* (COL) .319 Jose Altuve (HOU) .341 2013 (NL AL) Michael Cuddyer (COL) .331 Miguel Cabrera (DET) .348 2012 (NL AL) Buster Posey (SFG) .336 Miguel Cabrera (DET) .330 2011 (NL AL) Jose Reyes# (NYM) .337 Miguel Cabrera (DET) .344 2010 (NL AL) Carlos Gonzalez* (COL) .336 Josh Hamilton* (TEX) .359 2009 (NL AL) Hanley Ramirez (FLA) .342 Joe Mauer* (MIN) .365 2008 (NL AL) Chipper Jones# (ATL) .364 Joe Mauer* (MIN) .328 2007 (NL AL) Matt Holliday (COL) .340 Magglio Ordonez (DET) .363 2006 (NL AL) Freddy Sanchez (PIT) .344 Joe Mauer* (MIN) .347 2005 (NL AL) Derrek Lee (CHC) .335 Michael Young (TEX) .331 2004 (NL AL) Barry Bonds* (SFG) .362 Ichiro Suzuki* (SEA) .372 2003 (NL AL) Albert Pujols (STL) .359 Bill Mueller# (BOS) .326 2002 (NL AL) Barry Bonds* (SFG) .370 Manny Ramirez (BOS) .349 2001 (NL AL) Larry Walker* (COL) .350 Ichiro Suzuki* (SEA) .350 2000 (NL AL) Todd Helton* (COL) .372 Nomar Garciaparra (BOS) .372

How does the surgery affect the bursitis? What is the long term prognosis for that condition?