caulfield12

See 2013-2016 White Sox all over again…no quality depth.

Lux is going to be the sticking point. We’ll just have to wait and see if they win another WS, they won’t have the same pressure to spend more this offseason. They also have the luxury of excess pitching to trade and two huge deals coming off the books. And Hinch hasn’t exactly distinguished himself in DET so far.

Robert really needs to be a CF because he’s definitely lacking the arm for RF as well. The problem is we keep shoehorning guys in there when they don’t gave the attributes to play the position well. Like the creativity, but it would have to come from outside the organization. Hahn has too much already invested in this particular core to blow it up IMO. Granted, that outfield would still be much better. And no, not seeing TA7 giving up that glamorous SS position unless he is being dealt away. Also not sure Hahn would admit a mistake on Narvaez, either.

Yes, that 132 games played on average (not counting rookie and Covid year) suppresses his value quite a bit. Not unlike Carlos Correa, who will still get 8-10 years and at least $30 million per season if not more.

https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-twins-injuries-hurt-team-needs-change-derek-falvey-rocco-baldelli-pohlads/600211146/ Also, Guardians just had their 179th infield hit of the season…by far leading the majors and closing in on their 2001 team record. Another tangible measurement of how that team differentiates itself. Thinking about a possible Tim Anderson trade this offseason… “Carlos Correa’s torrid production has only improved his stock since that time. The Phillies, Cubs and Giants are reported to be among the teams that will look at free-agent shortstops. The Twins have already expressed public interest in extending the relationship. The Braves, Red Sox and Dodgers will all have their own star shortstops reach the market, creating potential openings for all three (in-house options notwithstanding). The Cardinals and Angels could need shortstops. The Orioles could theoretically be lurking and have already signaled that their payroll will increase. The free-agent market for shortstops should be strong, and Correa’s standing among the 15 most-productive hitters in the sport over the final two months of the season has likely silenced any inkling of a doubt regarding his opt-out clause. The Twins shocked baseball in March when they signed Correa in the first place. It would register as an even bigger shock if Correa now forgoes his opportunity to return to the market on the heels of a season — and a finish — this strong.” mlbtraderumors.com https://www.masslive.com/sports/2020/02/jeffrey-springs-new-boston-red-sox-pitcher-went-from-minimum-1k-signing-bonus-to-big-leagues-its-less-than-that-after-taxes.html Great story about Jeffrey Springs, originally drafted for just $1000 as a college senior out of App State…now 9-4 and a key piece of the puzzle for the Rays at age 30 with a low 90’s fastball and a changeup he throws 36% of the time, so basically Lucas Giolito when he’s on in terms of results. Has bounced all around before finding a home in Tampa Bay.

Kind of like Lucas doesn't want personally to finish with over a 5 ERA...

That means 2/3 or a sweep on the road of SD. Last three could go in any of a number of directions with these Twins and Sox. Stranger things have happened, but wouldn't bet on it.

Cubs are going to be 6-0 against the Phillies. Crazy.

Can the Sox even be trusted to get anything back for Vaughn/Jimenez and Graveman/Hendriks? One obvious point is that they need to resolve the Abreu issue first. Personally, keeping both younger players is my preference over watching another Konerko Death/Retirement Watch year. And we do have to know what Pollock will do as well. Just give Joe Kelly back to the Dodgers for 50 cents? Save enough to pay Leury, lol. Reynaldo Lopez could take that late inning role realistically. Sheets gets a negligible return...but you have Colas to replace him ofc.

Dodgers would take Lopez Hendriks and Moncada OR Jimenez back. Reup with Trea Turner. Best team in baseball again. Sox would simply free up salary. Ofc, they could also simply let Gavin Lux play where he belongs.

Poor Madrigal. Probably ends up back with the Sox at this rate. Hoerner/Morel both ahead of him right now. Heard Andrus to the Twins. Lewis out and don't want to move Polanco back.

Didn't have to face Buxton.

Hendriks upping his trade value I guess? Third in AL saves. Two eight game losing streaks this year, the first one in April really took the wind out of the sails for 2022 after the 6-2 start. July 2017 Sox last nine games losing streak. Late error and a wild pitch save Sox. Ironic, since that's how they lose most games. Ineptitude from both teams.

Last at bat for Correa with the Twins at home. FA push time. Strong September numbers. A lot depends on whether Trea Turner and Swanson re up with the Dodgers and Braves.

Robert Vaughn Cease TA7 Kopech...those are the five guys who would give you the biggest return but would require the Sox to actually take the right set of prospects back. And dealing Robert at fifty cents on the dollar is truly scary for most Sox fans...

Will be interesting to see how much the media puts their feet to the fire about minority candidates. W.Harris Beltran Alomar Jr. three of them.

Where's Ron883 to do Cubs/Phils talk? Much more compelling game. Phillies hearing franchise ghosts of division leads lost.

Just noticed Bryce Harper has “only” 63 rbi’s. What’s his fWAR as a DH this year? Would we have still won the division with him off the field…still forcing Vaughn, Eloy, Sheets, Pollock into places where they were out of position? Tigers are lapping the Royals here at the end. Didn't see that coming, but Moore leaving is like pulling out the very foundation of that team…

Kinsler was nearly finished. Upton just a name at that point, Martinez clearly aging as well as a former catcher. Verlander, nobody knew he would be THIS good in his 30’s.

Without their best player for the entire year…until Soto proves he’s a 900-1050 ops guy again at least. Mariners and Jays have become the recent trend setters for rebuilding. Orioles are jumping into that spotlight as well, along with the Guardians, of course. TB is rebuilding/retooling each and every season. Can’t say the Cubs’ run was anything but great…albeit front loaded. Brewers quietly would have five consecutive postseason appearances, totally under the radar ever since Yelich forgot how to play like an MVP.

Way to get 0-50 cents on the dollar for Rodon, Madrigal and Vaughn…all top five first rounders.

How much have you seen Sosa play in the minor leagues?

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/11/21/sports-fans-are-being-sidelined-as-rsns-fight-the-decay-of-pay-tv.html 21 RSN's are owned by Sinclair and they're increasingly pricing themselves out of numerous cable/pay tv packages. The White Sox still have to be careful not to do the same but they're quite fortunate they are not stand alone like Marquee with a lousy product to peddle...having the Bulls largely and Blackhawks to rely upon. Cubs still have the far larger fanbase and rabid fans, in the 6-8 million range even at a low point.