Dick Allen

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Dec 31, 2015 -> 06:48 AM) Were the Orioles not in the playoffs two years ago? As for fun, that's why Iowa bb and fb is fun...lower expectations, easier to be pleasantly surprised. Somehow I kinda doubt Ventura will last as long in one job as Ferentz and Stoops, though. Stoops doesn't coach at Iowa.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Dec 31, 2015 -> 06:22 AM) Was being the past tense...LaRoche was a good hitter in 2014, Samardzija a good pitcher. Avila was last "good" in which year that he had 400+ at-bats? http://espn.go.com/mlb/stats/team/_/stat/p...ed-2/order/true Here's a category the White Sox pitching staff overall was last in the AL, KC first. The Royals were better in whip, ERA, baa and ops. Whether it's starters or relievers that are your comparative advantage, you still need solid defense and offensive balance. And Complaining about starting pitching is irrelevant in the same way it will be in Yankees' games this season. If you have one of the top five bullpens in modern baseball history for two years running, why would you care if your starters go 6.5 vs. 5.25 innings on average? Then how did Wieters make your list? Adjust the goalposts again. I really don't understand what you chronic complainers get out of constantly complaining,. Baseball is a game. Games are supposed to be fun.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Dec 31, 2015 -> 01:52 AM) My only concern is whether there's enough left if one of our starting pitchers goes down to fix the problem, if they're not willing to spend the money, they're going to have to give up talent and be in a relatively desperate situation. Like it or not, our "quality" depth isn't there like with some of the better contending AL teams...we absolutely can't afford to have many injuries. For example, at catcher. I still feel that if you look at the majority of contending teams around baseball, a lot of them have had really strong leaders in that position, guys like Posey, Molina, Sal Perez, Russell Martin, Weiters, Cervelli more recently, Montero, McCann, maybe not all "great" players but consistent, stable veteran leadership behind the plate. We just haven't had that since AJ, and it's critically important IMO. Alex Avila was the starting catcher for many playoff teams. We understand the White Sox don't have 25 all stars on their roster which apparently is need to make the playoffs. Your Royals had the worst staring pitching in the league last season, and the White Sox, as bad as they were at catcher, had more WAR from that position than they did, the future HOFer Sal Perez be damned.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Dec 30, 2015 -> 09:47 PM) 2017 was always going to be the key year after most of last season's acquisitions fizzled out or under-performed badly. They re-opened that window again and went all-in, so of course the thinking has changed (once again). Now, they THEORETICALLY can compete with the current roster, but you can also make an argument for every single team in the AL with that line of thinking (compared to the NL, where you can eliminate 5-6 teams instantly). And they do have a current two-year window to compete (again), simply because of the players who will be leaving after 2017. We also don't have the luxury of knowing how Semien would have performed if given more time (compared to what Lawrie will do, and the fact he will have to be replaced). They would also be a lot better off having Bassitt or Montas as insurance for a hole in the rotation than Jacob Turner or Beck, but we'll find out how long they can go without having to use another starting pitcher. Right now, it's not looking particularly optimistic in terms of our position prospects unless Trey M., Engel, May and Hawkins make a lot more progress. We still don't have a catching solution in sight. The best-case scenario is that Fulmer and Anderson are both Rookie of the Year candidates in 2017 and 100% experienced and even better in 2018, like we expect that same progression from Rodon to take place this year. You aren't answering the question. Melky will be gone, but that was known when you said they wouldn't compete for 2 years. Frazier wasn't here so his being gone doesn't matter, and same with Lawrie. Who are the prospects that were lost that now makes the window closed in 2 years when you said perhaps it would open then. And considering you judge trades by if it in your mind sells season tickets, you should have loved the Samardzija trade. It really did sell them.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Dec 30, 2015 -> 08:52 PM) https://www.overdrive.com/media/709737/wilpons-folly Just read anything from Megdal on Wilpon and the Mets. There's no way in hell they can afford Cespedes in 2018/19, and they can't afford the risk with signing him of being stuck with that contract since they already have $30 million balloon payments due on the Madoff settlement each year, basically like signing another Cespedes (+) except the money an outflow to creditors. Going back to Ptac's point, yes, it's POSSIBLE they can compete STILL, yes, it's probably NOT wise to sign Cespedes for 6 years (let alone Upton) and certainly not Alex Gordon for five, but the fact remains that: 1) They don't have enough minor league talent behind Anderson/Fulmer to pull off a major trade 2) That Cabrera, Lawrie and Frazier will be free agents after 2017 3) That next year's FA market is horrific 4) That another year of .500ish baseball would almost force a Quintana or Sale megatrade because there won't even be the talent available on the market to spend even if they want to do so. You can definitely see a scenario where they bring in one of Span/Parra/Jackson (no to Fowler because of the pick attached) and also add a starting pitcher that falls through the cracks for one year or one year and an option (like a Brett Anderson situation last year w/ LA, or Medlen with KC). Now that's going to move the needle up a bit, but is it enough? Maybe. Maybe not. They definitely should have a better option than Beck/Turner as their 6th starter. Realistically, you need seven legit starters at the beginning of the season in terms of depth, and I'm not even 100% convinced we have five right now with question marks about Erik Johnson still looming. The only other possibility is waiting for guys like Desmond and Fowler to not get signed and picking them up on "make good" or pillow deals for 1-2 years...but we all saw how poorly Kendrys Morales and Stephen Drew performed when their spring training time essentially began in May. Desmond would be more of an investment for 2017 than one with an immediate payoff in 2016. Of course, those two cases with veterans doesn't mean every single player under 30-31 will struggle to get their timing and offensive rhythm back to the same extent. Before the White Sox traded for Frazier, you said they wouldn't be able to compete for 2 years. Now it appears you are saying just the opposite, that they have 2 years to compete. Which of the prospects given up for Frazier were the key to the future?

QUOTE (SouthSideSale @ Dec 30, 2015 -> 07:18 PM) I think if it was truly close a major writer would've picked up on it. Things can happen quickly. I personally believe their offers are lower than they were projected. Heyward got his money, but like with Abreu, most of the big spenders are not shopping in this aisle. I think they are hoping someone suddenly has a need and offers a boatload.

QUOTE (SoCalSox @ Dec 30, 2015 -> 07:12 PM) I think all this did was confirm most people's suspicions. Why wouldn't the idiot just delete his old tweets? White Sox and Cespedes agree to 6 year deal worth $125-135 million. Just be patient, to talks break down because Ceapedes wants 6 years Sox offering 5. If there are people as dumb as him who think at least someone will buy what he is saying and still think he is all sourced up, I suppose there must be someone dumb enough to make that a reality.

QUOTE (SoCalSox @ Dec 30, 2015 -> 07:07 PM) @PatrickHoward50 "Hearing talks broke down because Yoenis Cespedes wants a 6-year deal, while White Sox only want to offer 5. Upton out of picture. (Pt. 1)." "White Sox still prefer Cespedes, may circle back to Alex Gordon if K.C. offer is low. White Sox willing to add 5th year to Gordon contract." ...So, I think that says all it does needs to about that whole saga in terms of his tweets last night. Totally contradicts what he said was agreed upon yesterday. Are there people that will actually believe what he says?

QUOTE (KyYlE23 @ Dec 30, 2015 -> 03:09 PM) we should go back and review chaveztalk.com bonerman69 would be a twitter insider fraud

It it is true, this entire thread is a waste of time.

The trade off to me is for a possible year or two of worth the money production, you don't have to pay for at least as many years, if not more, of decline. I would give all these 30 year old and over free agents an opt out.

QUOTE (soxfan2014 @ Dec 30, 2015 -> 02:53 PM) But in this scenario it's the Dodgers and their seemingly unlimited amount of money and that can absorb the hit of him picking up his option. Supposedly they were in the process of chopping about $100 million from the payroll.

QUOTE (OmarComing25 @ Dec 30, 2015 -> 02:46 PM) Unless he underperforms and then doesn't opt out (Vernon Wells). Yes it can help out a team, like what happened with Belle and the Sox, but it still favors the player more than the team. Technically yes. But unless you can't live without him, if he is opting out, you get productive years and let some other team pay him even more for the decline. The thing is, even without an opt out, you are going to have to guarantee what should be declining seasons. How many $16 million a year years does a guy like Kazmir have in him? It's probably less than 3. If the Dodgers get one, I'm sure they will be happy.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Dec 30, 2015 -> 02:46 PM) IF he opts out. It is the worst of both worlds. A guy who outperforms you either have to pay more to, or let go. A guy who sucks, you are stuck with. Ask the Yankees if they would have re-sgned ARod and CC Sabathia if they had a re do. Even the Marlins were bragging about how they will never pay Stanton anywhere near $300 million. They fully expect him to opt out, and they will either trade him or let him walk.

QUOTE (soxfan2014 @ Dec 30, 2015 -> 02:44 PM) I like it from a team's standpoint. You don't have to pay a guy in his possible declining years and not be tied up into bad money. Yes. You get really motivated years, and an out for when they get older. The problem is,teams haven't used their built in escape clause, signed them to another long term deal and regretted it.

$16 million a year for Scott Kazmir. OK then.

Rick Hahn is not cold blooded.

The NL version of ALL.THE.LEFTIES.

QUOTE (SoCalSox @ Dec 30, 2015 -> 01:26 PM) White Sox can make this move happen if they want & I think they do. As we all know, more goes into a contract than just a set year & dollar amount. I have no doubt that they are close with one of them, it's just a matter of waiting & the fluidity of the situation. We've seen how things can quickly go from "quiet" to a move. Greinke was signed 5 hours after the initial contact for over $200 million. If the Sox are close great. I'm sure the players would feel better about being signed. They are working out getting ready for the season. What happens if they pull a Victor Martinez and get hurt before they sign? SOL. It probably depends on how many teams they have in, maybe a team or two is trying to move some money or players.

QUOTE (shipps @ Dec 30, 2015 -> 01:20 PM) I read into what Merkins says... by thinking about why are they feeding him THAT to say to the public? I think if they tell him anything it is to try to temper any expectation. If Merkin or Hayes say they think a Cespedes or Gordon signing was imminent, people would believe the White Sox told them that. I don't think they have much more information regarding these possible signings than you or me.

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Dec 30, 2015 -> 01:14 PM) And he quickly had to acknowledge the Tanaka offer was $100M+ after getting called out, so I would certaintly take anthing he says with a huge grain of salt. Hell, he even said his assumption was pure speculation and had no insider info to base his claim on. There is no doubt in my mind the Sox would go over $100M for the right player. It's like the gloom and doomers here who told us the Sox had no money to spend last offseason, and then told us again this year, they spent it all last year, there is little they can do. Maybe if the Sox get one of these guys they will quit telling us about the dire financial state of the White Sox. They brought Samardzija in, the plan was to re-sign him. That requires money. They appear to be re-allocating that money and a bit more to an OF.

Yes, the CSN and MLB.com beat writers rarely get an offseason scoop. During the season they get them because of clubhouse access. They can see a locker cleaned out, etc. Right now, Hayes and Merkin are like teachers in the summer. On vacation. They will write an occasional fluff piece, but nothing serious for a couple of months.

QUOTE (blackmooncreeping @ Dec 30, 2015 -> 01:08 PM) If the Sox truly aren't going over 100 million, then they stand a good chance of not getting anyone. I really think Gordon is going to stay in KC if the Royals come in anywhere near the top offer. And I don't see Cespedes/Upton signing for less than 100 million. It's Merkin. He doesn't know, he's guessing.

There's always Jerry Sands.

QUOTE (pittshoganerkoff @ Dec 30, 2015 -> 12:03 PM) I wonder if the players and GMs look at Twitter and laugh their asses off at all of this. Hahn commented a few weeks ago how he couldn't believe some of the stuff that was out there, and some of the actual stuff that wasn't out there. Of course, he and his fellow MLB people have a lot to do with that. And with social media now, there are thousands upon thousands of fake reporters.