Chicago White Sox

Do you really think Chris Getz is building his offseason plans around selling season tickets and fan reaction? He’s simply trying to make the team with the very limited resources he has. Our payroll was like $80M last year and that’s without a TV deal to open the season. There is no way they go down again after showing some signs of improvement. Let’s also not act like a $90M payroll is a big deal, it will almost certainty be in the bottom 5.

The Sox have cut significant payroll the last two years and are now basically the lowest in the sport. With a TV deal now in place, there really isn’t anywhere to go but up. I fully expect to be right around $90M when it’s all said and done, which would give Getz ~$25M to spend if he doesn’t end up unloading Robert. O’Hearn and a couple of arms seems very possible to me. A $14M AAV isn’t that big of a number, especially if it’s only a two year commitment.

I think he’ll get 2 years and between $25M to $27M. Sox would likely have to be on the higher end of that range or slightly above. Regardless, I’m not that concerned about paying him an extra million or two. The payroll is going to be nothing next year and this is about the biggest size free agent I could see us actually landing.

Robert is a far more valuable player IMO

Big Red Dog or bust!

What’s wrong with O’Hearn? If you can get him for under 2/$30M, you should just go ahead and do it. I’d also go out and sign Bleday to be part of the OF mix if we are able to trade Robert for an actual return. In a perfect world, I’d also cut bait on Benintendi or at least move his ass to bench and see if Sosa can handle some LF. Lineup: Meidroth, 2B Teel, CA* O’Hearn, 1B* Vargas, 3B Montgomery, SS* Benintendi, LF* Quero, DH# Bleday, RF* Baldwin, CF# Bench: BC: Lee IF: Mead OF: Pereira UT: Sosa I could easily live with the above for a year and hopefully Braden and Antonacci eventually push for spots as the season progresses. I still don’t love the catcher situation and believe Quero should be cashed in for another position of need (preferably in the OF) but maybe we are better off letting the bat develop for a year and then make a move when his value is up.

I’d definitely add a veteran OF if we end up moving Robert. I love me some Brooks Baldwin and want to see him get everyday at-bats whether in one spot or moved across the field. He put up a 119 wRC+ after July 1st and should be given a chance to improve his defense in the OF. Pereira is an interesting low stakes gamble, but I would not just hand him a job. Pencil him in as a platoon partner for someone (Baldwin for now) and make him force his way into more playing time. If Robert goes, see if you can find another Tauchman like guy on the cheap.

I’d certainly give Brooks the job but concerned Getz would feel differently due to defense concerns. Can Pereira handle CF? I wouldn’t actually hate a platoon of those two if so during a lost season.

Some of us pointed out a bad CF market this offseason could make him more valuable now then back in July. I guess we will see what happens. Only thing that sucks is we don’t really have a viable CF option to replace him and the thought of Derek starting 70% of games makes me want to puke.

Taylor I get to some extent, but Vasil has averaged ~120 innings pitched the last three years. He should be able to handle a starter’s workload. Maybe they prefer him as a reliever, but it’s not his K popped up moving to the bullpen. Just curious on the why more than anything as I’d personally rather see him the rotation vs. Cannon or Davitt.

That’s everyone attending? Looks way lighter than last year.

Perfectly fine gamble given the size of the contract. Still hope we add a legit corner bat and a reliever who can serve as the primary closer.

Why did he do that?

Merkin has a Winter Meetings preview out now that says Getz is looking for a LH bat for a corner spot. I’d wager that player could easily blow this deal out of the water, even if I don’t believe they will go three years or above $30M on anyone.

Bummer on Ponce…would have been an interesting signing. I think 3/$30M is about the max I would have gone on him and no way was he choosing us over the Blue Jays if the money was the same. That being said, it’s probably unlikely Getz was going to make a three year commitment to a SP this offseason. Still hope they add someone with some actual upside even if they come with risk. I get you can never have enough guys who provide bulk innings, but Cannon, Davitt, and some minor league free agents can help there. Swing for the fucking fence and hope you can luck into a meaningful trade piece come the deadline.