Chicago White Sox

Very nice list. Honestly, it’s somewhat shocking how close these would be to mine. The only guy I had in the 16 to 30 range not on this list was Nunez (you guys had Adams at #30 instead). Also, I find it a bit humerous that some experts rip our depth. No doubt teams like the Padres have more high ceiling players in their 16 to 30 range, but this is still a quality group of prospects. I’d argue it’s the best group in that range since probably the early 2000’s.

I’m going to guess these will be the guys in the 16 to 30 range: RH Pitcher (6): Ian Hamilton, Tyler Johnson, Jordan Stephens, Jimmy Lambert, Jonathon Stiever, Spencer Adams LH Pitcher (3): Kodi Medeiros, Konner Pilkington, Bernardo Flores Corner Infield (2): Gavin Sheets, Bryce Bush Middle Infield (3): Laz Rivera, Luis Curbelo, Lenyn Sosa Catcher (1): Seby Zavala

I’m assuming it’s got to be close if it’s no longer an if, but when I say “sooner” I’m talking about like the next 24 hours. Like does the board need to be on watch right now.

He’s confirming the addition of Machado isn’t an if but a when and I don’t think he’s speculating. Shack is one of the few insiders I have full confidence in.

Shack - Based on your comment, are you suggesting something might happen sooner rather than later?

Unless you have sources, I’m not sure you’re reading his post correctly.

Wow, this is the late night heat the board was in need of!?!

Any idea what it was actually about then?

You not digging Yonder?

God this is unbearable. We get a little tease and then shit goes completely silent. I wish one of our insiders would pop in and provide a little tidbit.

Just like we don’t lock up convicted murders because some don’t get caught...oh wait.

Not a perfect comparison, because Stanton signed away three arbitration years as part of the deal. That brought down the AAV to some extent.

Common sense? Not sure what you’re getting at there.

I think you could be onto something here. The question quickly becomes what is our role in such a trade? It would suggest we have something to offer Miami that the Dodgers can not. Either that’s prospects or some sort of financial flexibility. That being said, I’m struggling to understand how us giving up any legit prospects for Joc fits Hahn’s “long-term” narrative all offseason, short of him agreeing to an extension.

If they add Joc, they better know Machado is in the bag.

I know it’s been mentioned in passing at least, but one big plus of adding Joc is the limited amount of left-handed starters in the division. Based on Roster Resource, there are only projected to be four left-handed starters in the division come opening day. Joc would get a ton of playing time even if we kept him in a platoon.

I honestly don’t think Balta was exaggerating when he said that. Regardless, I think it’s too early to say what we have with our rotation. I think Rodon & Lopez have higher ceilings than #3 starters. I’m not high on Giolito right now, but at his best last year he flashed #3 starter ability. Nova’s upside is limited, but at worst is a capable #5 type. We definitely need to add another starter if we intend on competing next year. And even then we’d two of those three young guys to take big leaps forward, but at least it’s in the realm of possibility.

What could they offer them though? Their system has taken a huge hit and they don’t exactly have a plethora of expendable bullpen arms to trade.

Former top 10 prospects in the group you are referring to: Yoan Moncada, Carlson Rodon, & Lucas Giolito. Former top 50 prospects: Reynaldo Lopez & Tim Anderson. Those guys combined for 6.5 fWAR last year. They can be significantly better next year...it’s really not that crazy of a notion.

Balta actually thinks we need four starters in the top 15 of AL Cy Young voting to compete.

My thoughts exactly.

Lol...not sure my wife would see it the same way!

Because the Braves are a potential competitor in the playoffs. The Sox are about as safe of landing spot as they come. I’m not suggesting they should just give him to us, but I wouldn’t be surprised in the slightest if they took less from us than someone like the Braves. Context does matter.

Who are the other teams interested in Joc?

I can’t believe how quiet things have gotten. Like other than a random tweet from Hector Gomez, there is literally nothing right now. This is beyond brutal.