Dick Allen

It's easy for Boras to say he wouldn't have taken the QO now. To me it's simple, if he is healthy or can at least convince someone he is healthy, not offering it was dumb, but I don't think it was so cut and dried he wouldn't have taken it, and if he is healthy, he's worth it. If not, you were burned.

It's just another 6k per game. I am sure they got a lot closer selling 2022 ticket plans with 2021 postseason access.

I wonder if there might be a rush to get some players signed and traded before the lockout.

Wait, I thought the problem was lack of home field advantage.

Like who? The Sox are going to need a 1B soon. I kind of like what Vaughn brings to the table. I think those who have issues with him aren't looking at the entire picture. Gets drafted in 2019, no season for him in 2020 and in a pennant race in 2021 where he held his own playing positions he never played. He is going to be a stud.

Yeah, get rid of all the young cheap players. Make the window as small as possible.

Always be leery of anyone wearing a plain black baseball cap.

There is clearly something going on with Rodons shoulder that makes the team think his 2021 campaign is not repeatable. If they are wrong,, they should be removed.. But they know a lot more than we do.. The QO is one way they wouldn't have had to negotiate with Boras, something they really have no interest doing. See Harper, Bryce.

Kopechs innings situation next season will be similar to Rodons this year.

Exactly. If Rodon was what he was before 2021, he would be bitching about bringing him back.

Just an FYI. If Rodon had signed say with the Angels or a similar team last offseason, the odds are still overwhelming the Sox would have still won the division. And that is with Keuchel being useless and a ton of huge injuries.

It would all depend on Rodons availability. I fully suspect they will bring in another starter.Kopech takes Rodons role, they basically are at where they were last year with the rotation. Maybe Keuchel bounces back a bit. He has before. The bullpen is going to need some work.

If the Sox thought there was a really good chance Rodon could duplicate his 2021 season in 2022 I am sure they would have offered it.

They know more about Rodons shoulder than anyone. If he throws 200 innings and is a Cy contender, the Sox should "re imagine" their front office. I am guessing he is a part time rotation guy.

Rodon didn't get one per Passan.

I certainly thought he would be better than he was but a little regression to the mean could be expected. If he had kept it up, it would have been one of theall time great seasons.

I wouldn't see why not, but I am also pretty sure Boras wouldn't show his hand.

Didn't KW threaten Orlando Cabrera back in the day not to take the QO?

OTOH, the constency is a problem. Teams don't want to pay $16 million for a guy who will be unhittable for 3 or 4 months, but mediocre at best for a couple of months and the playoffs. We will see. I hope the Sox get this one right.

One thing I don't understand is why Tony. Who clearly colors his hair, leaves that little strip in front gray.

The last time there was labor unrest, the Sox did go from a WS contender to Terry Bevington, so there is reason fot some worry, but I don't think they will make the same mistakes.

It’s the right call because they save $1 million. I wouldn’t have taken the risk. I posted yesterday, Kimbrel has been traded 3 times.2 times when he was much cheaper and younger, and had fewer question marks. Nick Madrigal is probably the best player any team ever received for him. I think this is close to crazy. Teams willing to pay closers $16 million is limited. Teams willing to pay closers $16 million and currently needing one is more limited.

It will all come down to what happens with him. If they trade him and get a broken bat in return, they did the right thing. If they trade him and eat or take back any bad money , or he is on the team as a mediocre set up man and stops them from spending $16 million on other needs, they fucked up. I don’t think anyone is arguing with you whether Kimbrel has been an elite closer. He has, but the Sox have an elite closer. They need to spend this $16 million on something else.

The other thing is Kimbrel has been traded 3 times. Nick Madrigal might be the best player he was ever traded for. So it's not like he has brought back big pieces even in his prmie.

I think he will pitch better in 2022 than he did with the Sox. I just don't think there is a chance in hell some team will take the contract, and give you value in return. I think they are far better off spending the money on other help. If the Sox needed a closer, would you be doing an Irish jig if the Sox picked up Kimbrel for $16 million and gave up a significant peice? To me, this is just making a mistake,a bigger mistake. Every team makes mistakes. Compounding them when your window is open, closes said window a lot quicker.