Y2Jimmy0

Gordon Wittenmeyer from the Sun-Times says that Jon Lester and Jake Peavy is a package deal to the Cubs in the offseason. Not too surprising.

Sox acquire DH Adam Lind in about a week from Toronto.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Oct 27, 2014 -> 01:13 PM) I know this is sort of anti-fan, and despite the lack of sacks, Houston hasn't really been turrible but LMAO. What a clown. No, Houston is a big loss. He has been really good against the run.

QUOTE (GoSox05 @ Oct 27, 2014 -> 01:06 PM) Who are the pro bowl players? Alshon Jeffery and Kyle Long. Kyle Fuller will be.

QUOTE (scs787 @ Oct 27, 2014 -> 12:34 PM) I'm ready to switch gears and go with a 3-4. This keeps Bostic on the field for coverage purposes and allows the Bears to pair him with a run stuffing ILB to kinda help cover up his flaws in the run game. Jones might be that guy. SMC is then allowed to play the position that had him highly regarded in the draft...Thinkin Willie Young could be solid standing up, but wouldn't hate to see a young freak drafted to play the position. ' They don't have the personnel to run a 34 front. They just don't. They just drafted Sutton. They signed Young and Allen. They don't fit. Greene doesn't fit. Bostic could probably play ILB in a 34 front but it wouldn't be his best spot. They also don't have CB/S that are good in man coverage. You have to play man coverage if you are going to a 3-4. Just doesn't make sense.

QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ Oct 27, 2014 -> 11:24 AM) And as I said, that sounds like a problem for Emery. If that is the case, see you later and hand the full reigns to Harbaugh. Disagree. I'm not ready to let Jim Harbaugh choose the players too. He could coach my team but having full control is too much power. Phil Emery has drafted a Pro Bowler in each of his 3 drafts so far.

QUOTE (Jake @ Oct 27, 2014 -> 12:02 PM) Bostic is far and away the best option in the middle at this point. I think he may yet turn into a pretty good player. Has to be healthy though. You don't see many crucial defensive players with constant injury concerns like you do with skill guys on offense, so he needs to get on the field and put this behind him. As for scheme, when you have every Tom, Dick, and Harry you've ever scouted out on the field, you just can't do much. Half the snaps, we don't even have the play caller on the field. Getting Briggs back will be helpful in that regard, but you still have guys that are just jumping into our system. One thing that it will be interesting to see play out is what the FO thinks of everyone irrespective of performance. If the feeling is that Trestman has a special mind for offense/football, they'll be willing to see more s*** go downhill and place blame elsewhere than if they've been uncertain from the get-go. Same for anyone else involved, of course. Just like why we've dealt with so much Jay Cutler BS. We could all see a special QB in there somewhere, so sometimes we chose to disregard current performance in hopes of seeing that good guy come out. Bostic's best position is as a run and chase WLB. Christian Jones is a SLB. Greene is a backup. The Bears don't have an answer at MLB on the roster.

QUOTE (Eminor3rd @ Oct 27, 2014 -> 10:15 AM) Meh Excellent post that sums up the entire thread.

QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ Oct 27, 2014 -> 10:41 AM) At this point, the way I see it, you either have a young QB and have cap room to spend it on other spots or you don't. In this case, we would have a young QB but not near the cap room because our old QB is still getting paid. The problem I have is, if I don't think Jay is the QB, then I either start finding that QB now or I wait another 2 years while trying to somehow build a team around Jay and therefor don't get started on the QB hunt until 3 years from now (technically after 2 more full seasons). At that point, I could have swung an missed on one QB and be on to my 2nd QB (knowing the Bears it might be the 4th or 5th). I'm a big Jay apologist and one of his bigger fans. I am not saying this is all his fault but the reality is this culture and what has happened here hasn't worked and if it continues, we need to look elsewhere. It is why franchising Jay probably made the most sense this past off-season as in hindsight (20/20) we would be in a far superior position. I still think you can win with Jay as your QB but it is more a kin to being able to win with Orton or Dilfer or other guys than it is to win because of Jay. That means we need to invest in our defense, play good special teams, control the time of possession, etc. If it were me, I'm going all in for Harbaugh. I know people don't like him but the guy has a winning track record and brings a winning personality to the fire and he will not stand losing. I prefer not to have a coach that is a GM but at this point, I'd rather try it if that is what it took for Harbaugh then not. If Jim wants Jay then fine but I let that decision rest in new blood. Not going to happen. Jim Harbaugh will want full control and Emery isn't going to give that up. Also, I'd be shocked if Harbaugh's wife agreed to move back to the midwest.

QUOTE (Knuckles @ Oct 22, 2014 -> 08:33 PM) I know a guy, has 2 seats in the 200 level, Lexus Club (I believe). Any chance you can get me prices on anything he wants to sell?

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Oct 24, 2014 -> 12:55 PM) I was petrified when the Cubs hired Larry Himes. Then was petrified when the brought in Andy McFail, Dusty Baker, and Lou Piniella. Always remember, it is the Cubs. If Maddon does end up there, chances are when it is all said and done, he will be known for his work in Tampa, not Chicago. Ehh. I hate these arguments. Just because it's the way it has always been doesn't mean that it's destined to remain that way. Would be a tremendous hire.

There is a Joe Maddon thread already. Many baseball insiders are already predicting that he'll be managing the Cubs in 2015. Great, great move for the Cubs if so.

QUOTE (fathom @ Oct 24, 2014 -> 12:30 PM) Ugh, saw a tweet from Toronto sports writer Steve Simmons that there is a rumor at exec level in baseball that he will go to Cubs. Sorry no copy/paste as having phone issues. Ken Rosenthal expects him to end up with the Cubs as well

The Cubs hiring Joe Maddon would be a game changer in my opinion. Man.

Real World Skeletons in Chicago. http://grantland.com/hollywood-prospectus/...l-world-closet/

QUOTE (StRoostifer @ Oct 23, 2014 -> 12:35 PM) If I were to guess which of Upton/ Heyward Atlanta would trade, it would be Heyward. Upton is still under contract through the 2017 season. Heyward is a free agent after 2015 plus I think the Atlanta still has a sour taste from last winters negotiations when they tried to get Heyward signed long term and ended up settling for two years which was his last two years of arbitration. Just a guess on my part. I'm curious what Heyward's value is considering he going into his last year under contract, a down 2014 season and seemingly reluctant to sign long term to get paid on the FA market after 2015. I think other teams have more to offer Atlanta so it really does not matter, tho its fun to dream about. Most will probably depend on what new Braves' President John Hart wants to do....

Great article. Thanks for posting.

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Oct 23, 2014 -> 08:42 AM) Frankly, the only recent international signing of any interest is Adolfo. Anyone else is someone we just don't know enough about at this point. I say that because it's been only about 2-3 years since the Sox actually started spending significant money in that area again. I think Luis Martinez moves quick this year. Keep an eye on him for sure.

QUOTE (Joshua Strong @ Oct 23, 2014 -> 01:27 AM) This offseason is protected for lack of a better word, but I was talking more about July 2nd, 2016. If the Sox do pull off a Yankeee' like spending spree and spend $8M to $10M on INTL amateurs, whats the worst that can happen, they loose some INTL draft picks? Disagree or agree with what they did on July 2nd, but the Yankees brought in a major wave of talent. Im sure that some teams are having this discussion. Thoughts? I would love to do something like this. I don't think Reinsdorf would ever do it though.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Oct 15, 2014 -> 02:35 PM) This year as in April 1st? Not much. Maybe 5%? This year as in, before Sept 30, absolutely. Barring a big fall in production this year, I'd put it at 90% he sees at least a Sept call up. I understand your concern and kind of agree. However, I think that if the White Sox had their ideal scenario, Micah Johnson would be their starting 2B to begin the season.

QUOTE (Steve9347 @ Oct 21, 2014 -> 09:09 PM) Hawks are stupid good this year. Might be their best team yet in this era. It's very early but I agree with you. They are loaded.

QUOTE (illinilaw08 @ Oct 21, 2014 -> 04:58 PM) Hold on... can we go back up this thread to where only Illinois fans accuse other programs of cheating? Likewise, of all the examples you are throwing out, Illinois has only landed one and has had a number of recruitments where they thought they led until late before ultimately losing out (Cliff, Evans, ET, even Snider with the switch to Louisville on signing day). So, to echo an earlier statement, if Illinois is cheating, they (1) aren't doing it well; and (2) are, in fact, being outbid by other schools. Ergo, Illinois fans are, in fact, right to think they are only losing top talent because other schools are cheaters! Isn't every program "cheating"? I am not a big college sports fan other than watching to see guys that might play professionally. My perspective is different because of that fact. If I were a fan of a college team, I'd want them to land the best players possible and not really care how they got there. I am pretty sure any consistently good program is doing something that breaks the so-called "rules".

QUOTE (lasttriptotulsa @ Oct 22, 2014 -> 07:29 AM) Greg, in today's game $18 million is really not all that much. That is roughly equivalent to a 3 fWAR player. Fangraphs has estimated Shields' value at an average of roughly $20 million over the past 4 years. A couple of bad post season starts isn't going to change that. He will get his money and when compared to what other players are getting, he deserves to be pushing that $20 million per year mark. Yep. I wouldn't pay Shields but someone absolutely will. I think he gets a 5 year deal at around $85 million.

QUOTE (raBBit @ Oct 21, 2014 -> 04:02 PM) 1.) Rodon - Ace upside - needs refinement on fastball command and consistency with change up. Should be a top 15 prospect in baseball. Starts in Charlotte. 2.) Anderson - Serious hands and ability at the plate, uses whole field, has pop, has great speed. Needs to develop an approach, improve defense and prove he can stay at SS. Starts in Birmingham 3.) Johnson - 80 speed, receiving rave reviews on improvement from 2013-2014 with contact ability, questionable defense at 2B, needs to stay healthy and show ability to put the ball in play at the MLB level. I think he should start in Charlotte but will be knocking on the door of Chicago. I give him the nod over Montas because of he's on the cusp of the MLB. 4.) Montas - Big time fastball, vastly improved control, strong slider. He needs to show a fuller body of work with command and change up as well as sustained health. Could be a #2/#3 type or a back end bullpen piece. Starts year in Birmingham. 5.) Adams - Love the stature and athleticism and has shown incredible peripherals in his first short season. Far off and raw but big time potential. Starts in Kanny. 6.) Danish - Has yet to fail at any level in his level. Seems to be quite the competitor and very coachable. He needs to prove he has the endurance of a starter despite his delivery/frame. His fastball and secondary stuff, as well as his ability to change speeds with his FB/SL, are very advanced for his age. Starts year in Birmingham knowing the Sox. 7.) Hawkins - Everyone knows the story... Would like to see another year of progress in BB%, K% and maturity. Power, athleticism and defensive ability are all there there, his success hinges on the ability to make contact consistently without compromising his power. Starts year in Birmingham. 8.) Sanchez - High floor, low ceiling. Has shown great defense at 2B. Needs to hit for contact and show patience at the plate to become a 2nd/3rd division starter with defensive value. Starts year in MLB, likely with another team IMO. 9.) Ravelo - Has held his own at every level despite being youngish for each respective level. Shown advance hit tool and plate discipline. Lacks a position, doesn't cut it at 1B. Power numbers has improved annually and that trend should continue in Charlotte/International league. He's probably best served learning LF and taking the role of a Mike Carp type player. Starts year in Charlotte. 10.) Beck - While the results aren't of the sexy variety, he's shown that he can throw strikes, force hitters to beat the ball into the ground and has had a strong track record of health with the organization. Obviously you'd like the K numbers to improve but he holds the makings of the an innings eating back-of-the-rotation starter. Beck is a guy who could make a huge jump with an advancement of a second pitch. I think the org likes him and will be quick to give him a shot. Starts the year in Charlotte and sees the bigs in 2015. Just missed it: Michalczewski - far off, BABIP, contact issues but overall nice package Davidson - AAA season and lack of defensive ability has me very down on him Adolfo - far too raw to make any real judgement but the tools are there. Ceiling is of the best in the system. Rondon - likely to see the MLB in some capacity. The capacity depends on the bat. A must youtube. Frye - Dominant in a big time college conference, sexy sinker/slider combination from the left side that the Front Office surely took notice of. I think he's overlooked because of he saw little time this summer. Should be a quick mover. Engel - Personal favorite. Every thing is there but the contact rate. High motor guy and elite defense. Could be a Drew Stubbs type with a little less power if something clicks with his swing. Good list. With some of the high upside pitching in the system, I actually think Chris Beck is kind of underrated. I agree with you about Jace Fry too. I'll be interested to see him potentially finishing the year in Birmingham this year. I love Engel's defensive ability. I hope he can hit enough to stick.

My Current Top 10: 1. Carlos Rodon LHP: Should be everybody's consensus #1 prospect. 2. Tim Anderson SS: Will be a top 50 prospect on many lists. 3. Francellis Montas RHP: #1 starter upside, relief prospect floor. Will be on many top 100 lists. 4. Micah Johnson 2B: 80 speed, LHB at 2B. Defensive and injury issues but very high upside. Will be on top 100 lists. 5. Tyler Danish RHP: Had a very impressive year. Many think he could end up in bullpen because of pitching motion. 6. Courtney Hawkins OF: Bounced back this past year. Birmingham will be an interesting challenge. 7. Spencer Adams RHP: 2nd rd pick. 49 K/5 BB in short season. Top of rotation starter upside. 8. Matt Davidson 3B: Horrible season. Still a very high ceiling though. 9. Trey Michalczewski 3B: Very important season for Trey's prospect status next year. 10. Carlos Sanchez INF: Not a terribly high ceiling but very solid MI option. Just Missed: Micker Adolfo, Rangel Ravelo, Chris Bassitt, Cleuelis Rondon, and Chris Beck.