witesoxfan

That's pretty much exactly it. I'd love Abreu, but he's about the only guy I really want the Sox to bring in. McCann would be OK, but he's very risky, especially for like 5 years. I feel the same way about Granderson, though I do actually like him more than most on here so long as a lefty masher were brought in as a platoon partner. However, I think Cano would be about the worst. He'll likely have to move to 1B halfway through the contract, and I get the feeling that his power is going to begin to fade in about 3 years. The last thing I'd want is a $25 million player hitting 10-15 homers and NOT hitting .330 like Mauer does.

QUOTE (scs787 @ Sep 9, 2013 -> 09:33 AM) I won't pretend to know how WAR works and I hate to defend the Cubs but that stat is pretty surprising to me considering the Cubs have actually given up 10 less runs than the Sox....I know a lot of that has to do with guys like Axelrod, Troncoso, and Omogrosso who could easily be replaced by guys like Leesman, Petrika, and Webb or a free agent or 2. Still though that doesn't change the fact. It has more to do with peripherals and park factors than that. Leeman and Axelrod and whoever still count amongst the White Sox pitching WAR. Fangraphs looks at a pitcher's performance individually rather than as runs allowed. Basically, they see that the White Sox defense has been worse than the Cubs defense this season and they have still only allowed 10 fewer runs while they play against better offenses in a tougher pitcher's park, thus, their pitching staff should be better. You are comparing a fat, injury prone catcher to a catcher who has, historically, been one of the healthiest and most durable to have ever played the game, and that he hasn't broken down yet is a testament to him. Full-time catchers typically begin breaking down around 32-34. So, unless you have looked at his medical history and know all those numbers, you are making that suggestion based on gut feeling, which, good for you, but it's not good enough for me. Instead, if you sign McCann to a 5 year deal, you're expectations are basically C/1B the first 2 seasons and 1B/DH the next 3.

I think it's a horse apiece. I don't think either team is team is anywhere close to being competitive for a playoff birth next season or even the season after without committing $150-200 million (or more) to their rosters over the next 3-5 seasons. Of the two teams, I think the Cubs are far likelier to do that. I also don't beleive that's a sustainable model for success and would hope and pray that the Sox don't do so, despite what bucket has suggested they will look to do.

Rock on Steve

QUOTE (scs787 @ Sep 9, 2013 -> 08:41 AM) How do you figure? Or by "big" do you mean signing a guy like Cano or to a lesser extent Ellsbury? Adding 2 pieces like Abreu and McCann then trying to swing a deal for a 3rd offensive piece and the Sox very well could be competitive. To your first sentence, I think it's all about whether the Sox wanna spend money before they do and/or all their kids start making an impact in the bigs. With the junk we have hitting wise in the minors right now the Sox are further away if they don't wanna open the check book IMO. I mean spending a ton of money on 28 and 30 year old free agents would be a poor investment because they'll likely command 5-6 year contracts and you will valuable production for only 3 of those seasons. Abreu is fine, and if they spend big on him, I don't mind. Spending $20-25 mill a year on Robinson Cano is not the best use of assets. QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Sep 9, 2013 -> 08:48 AM) The White Sox pitching staff is 5th in MLB with 17.4 WAR on the season. The Cubs pitching staff is 23rd in MLB with 9.3 WAR on the season. There is only 1 team in the bottom 15 in MLB in pitching WAR currently in the playoffs (Baltimore). That means 9 of the top 15 teams in pitching WAR are likely in the playoffs this year and a number of others are just on the outside. (the Orioles are not in the playoffs right now...you're looking Red Sox, Tigers, Athletics, Rangers, Rays) The Cubs offense is also 19th in the league with 16 WAR and the Sox are 29th with 2.3, with only the incompetence of the Miami Marlins worse at -1.1 WAR. The lowest ranked playoff team is the Rangers with the 15th ranked offense at 18.6 WAR. On top of that, the Cubs, as a team, have 4.7 UZR/150, while the Sox are at -2.3 Add it all up and it's 17.4 for the White Sox and 30 for the Cubs. Plus the Cubs have the prospects to acquire some top flight pitching too. Some of those numbers were also due to DeJesus and Soriano, who they obviously will not have, but I just think, in general, the Cubs have more talent, specifically young talent, offensively.

This is not White Sox related, but why do you assume the Cubs are 3-5 years away and the Sox are not? I think the Sox spending big to try and be competitive right away again is a bad idea.

QUOTE (TRU @ Sep 7, 2013 -> 09:59 AM) Team records and scrubs don't matter for the preseason.. Targets and such DO Your opinion though, think whatever you want. I'm saying Brandon Lloyd, said person of multpile 1000 yard years (even if didnt in St Louis), somehow managed 60/900/5 or whatever last year when Brady never really ever looked for him. Thompkins is an undrafted free agent. There's a bit of a learning curve. Counting on Thompkins this week is like buying a scratch lotto ticket. Vereen will get his catches. And he will get some yards. Probably not more than 7 points worth in non-PPR, but he'll get his

QUOTE (TRU @ Sep 7, 2013 -> 08:35 AM) Nothing you said here makes sense. Thompkins is the safer bet, but Vereen has more big play and score ability. Thompkins led the Pats in catches and was 2nd in targets this preseason. He will also be starting in a position that produced 911 yards and 4 TDs last season, so he could see similar production with IMO fewer yards and more TDs. As far as Vick and Cam goes, you have to play Cam. You don't ever sit your fantasy studs because of match ups. None of this makes sense. I think when you said "this preseason," you lost all credibility. He is going to play the X. That is Brandon Lloyd's position. He went for like 60/911/5 or something, which is solid, but do you expect Thompkins to be able to handle NFL defenses - even the Bills - right from the start? Remember Stephen Williams? ... Anyways, the question I still wonder about...how are Vereen and Thompkins your FLEX choies? In week 1, This better be a 16 team league, otherwise...f***, you're screwed for the rest of the year unless Ridley gets hurt. Better start drinking your own piss. --- The reason I'd start Vick this week - and this week only - is because Cam is agianst arguably the best defense in the league and Vick is against a defense that still features Deangelo Hall as a starter. Sticking with my studs has cost me in the past. Thank you, I'm starting Vick..

QUOTE (Jake @ Sep 6, 2013 -> 07:24 PM) Start Vereen or Thompkins as flex? I'm going to Badger you...it depends. Vereen is a far safer bet (especially in PPR leagues), but Thompkins has big play and scoreability. Let your matchup dictate it. ... Am I crazy for thinking about starting Vick over Cam this week? Washington D versus Seattle D

QUOTE (TaylorStSox @ Sep 6, 2013 -> 04:55 PM) I really like watching mini-Garcia. He's going to grow into a favorite of mine. I love fast guys with plus gloves and cannons. I agree completely. Like I've said, I really have no problem if the Sox deal Ramirez next year if the plan is to ultimately compete in 2015 or 2016.

For the love of god why

QUOTE (winninguglyin83 @ Sep 6, 2013 -> 04:48 PM) respecting the integrity of the AL East pennant race by playing only our best against the Orioles Or something like that. They played their best players for the past 7 games and have lost 7 in a row. Young guys probably whooped it up last night

QUOTE (zenryan @ Sep 6, 2013 -> 04:45 PM) One guy in my league has Manning and Welker. Yikes Of course I have Decker who did nothing for me. Someone is going to be the odd man out in Denver for catching balls and I think it may be Decker. I may have to go with Hilton or Givens next week. The guy I'm playing in week 2 has Luck so I may go with Hilton in hopes he catches a TD and cancels his QB out. Peyton spreads the ball around pretty well. I agree that I think Decker is going to be worse this year, but he'll have his games. Wait for a big week and then deal him if you can.

QUOTE (bucket-of-suck @ Sep 6, 2013 -> 04:19 PM) Lawrie is 23. He was seriously rushed. Jose Quintana is 24. He's a year and 6 days older than Lawrie. He's tied for 25th in fWAR for pitchers in the majors and, while his FIP and xFIP are in the 3.8s, he's still an incredibly talented and valuable piece. Regarding Hector Santiago, he's a pretty good pitcher, but he struggles with control and allows a lot of flyballs. Until he can sink his fastball a little more, he's going to be a solid but inconsistent pitcher, closer to a 3 or a 4. There's no way I'd keep Santiago before Quintana. Oh, also, Santiago turns 26 in December.

QUOTE (bucket-of-suck @ Sep 6, 2013 -> 04:09 PM) Baseball Prospectus scout quote: "He plays at level 10 with an extra shot of espresso at all times, but he is still under control. He has impressive forearm strength that lets him snap the bat head through the zone, but he does a good job of staying back on balls and driving them the other way, whereas he was just looking to yank everything when he first came up. I think he is among the five best defenders at his position in the game, and he is only going to improve. He is very quick and has more than enough arm strength to make the toughest plays to his right. I am comfortable saying that he is going to be a superstar third baseman, and it's more likely to happen sooner than later." I like his talent, but Lawrie is still a career .270/.328/.435 hitter and he's had 1053 plate appearances at the MLB level. It takes some guys longer to figure it out, but Lawrie hasn't moved. At this point, it's not a stretch to say he's a busted prospect. Meanwhile, Quintana keeps getting better and better and could end up with an fWAR near 4 by the end of the year. There is absolutely no way in hell I'd give up Quintana. I'd consider Santiago, but, really, I'd like more of a proven product or more in return.

QUOTE (DrunkBomber @ Sep 6, 2013 -> 03:42 PM) Im assuming you drafted Sudfeld to use while Gronk was out. Hes only gonna be out a few weeks so you might as well use him while he has value. and then we hope Gronk falls on his arm and breaks it for the 6th time I mean, not literally hope, but wouldn't be saddened by it

It took me a little while to get a feel for the engine again, but with the improved running, passing becomes a lot easier too because they don't just wait for you to throw it every time, and there are some tweaks I don't remember from my limited expose to '13 (like was the stamina bar always below the players? and the RT/R2 boost of speed? That thing is awesome too). It's not my favorite Madden ever, but it's a good one

QUOTE (Soxbadger @ Sep 6, 2013 -> 03:38 PM) What do you want me to say wite? Its week 1, after week 1 you can actually make intelligent arguments for why a guy should start. Trying to guess at the Patriots offense right now is difficult until I see it. I want you to look the f*** into the future and tell me who scores more points so I can start that person. I only kid, I'm gonna go Sudfeld because it's week 1, this is going to be one of the best teams in the league (I think anyways), and I like my depth otherwise.

QUOTE (Soxbadger @ Sep 6, 2013 -> 03:23 PM) Well, do you need a lot of points or just points. Sudfield is the more boom bust guy, you have to expect G-Reg will get 5 or so no matter what. Thanks for the non-answer, sheesh I think I'm gonna go with Sudfeld because the guy I'm facing has a team that's pretty well loaded.

QUOTE (Rowand44 @ Sep 6, 2013 -> 03:20 PM) Yup, the reason I want him playing the rest of the way is definitely because of those two singles. I'm thinking MVP of the universe but whatever, you stick with your low expectations. gotta start somewhere I think I am going to start calling him Baby Powder

QUOTE (scs787 @ Sep 6, 2013 -> 03:20 PM) For what it's worth Bucket did mention this all hypothetically happens if they miss out on Abreu. Should that happen who's the guy everyone wants to replace PK(That's basically what they'd be doing)??? Morales is the name we always hear on here and if you look at the numbers Morales vs Pence they are almost exactly the same. Morales- .280/.336//443 18 HRs 72 RBI Pence - .283/.334/.461 18 HRs 72 RBI The difference between the 2 though is obviously speed which obviously breaks the tie. Then throw in the fact that Pence is great in the clubhouse(something I think this team needs) I'd rather have Pence over Morales if they can't snag Abreu. Assuming cost is the same, then yes, you want the more athletically gifted, less injury prone player. Morales also has the advantage of hitting from the left side too, which is worth mentioning.

They have to show off the fact that every single thing that comes in the house can be a fort for them

QUOTE (elrockinMT @ Sep 6, 2013 -> 03:13 PM) He hit two singles in his first game. I wouldn't get to carried away. Let's see where he ends up in 2014 MVP of the world that's where he ends up

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Sep 6, 2013 -> 03:07 PM) Would you do Santiago for him? No, but I would trade him. Overall, I think there's enough upside with him to make the move.

WHO TO START G-REG OR SUDFELD