Chicago White Sox

I’m not against trading Robert, but it’s got to be for a solid return and there has to be a plan for the OF. I actually kind of think Baldwin could handle CF and that idea is highly intriguing to me. Small sample sizes last year, but per Statcast he really struggled in the corner OF spots (primarily on lateral movement) and was overall solid in CF. He may be a guy who struggles with reading the angles in LF or RF due to limited experience there, but can get by in CF due to his sneaky speed and the easier reads of the position. But that would leave a massive hole in RF and force us to play Benintendi in LF without a decent addition.

s%*# work ethic?

As currently constructed, I think a high leverage reliever is our biggest need. Our expected W-L last year was 70-92, which is 10 games better than we actually finished. Finish stronger in close games, see continued growth from the kids, and get some of the TJS-impacted arms back and we could surprise a bit next year IMO.

And that’s totally fine. Would be a great problem to have a 2.5 win 3B in Vargas for three more years while Cholowski is pushing for the SS job and forcing Colson to 3B.

Yup, it becomes a potentially serious lineup when he’s up. And while I’m a huge Meidroth fan, if he can’t get further improve his OBP and ability to impact the baseball against RHP, then that opens the door for Antonacci to make a case for the 2B job. Outside of Benintendi, this positional group should super exciting.

100% agree. And Venable did say he expected multiple moves happening soon. I still think Fairbanks is a real possibility. That being said, I do think they go cheaper with whatever vet starter they sign, although would love to be surprised there.

100% agree. And I didn’t think his defense was bad there to start last season. Either way, the bat is better suited for 3B and this commits to that.

I think we need to start operating with the mindset that Ishbia is our long-term owner. Yes, Jerry will continue to control things until the deal goes through, but it’s clear that Ishbia has gained significant influence as he’s accumulated shares and an agreed upon future controlling interest in the team. And in two years, that influence will only grow as his takeover date becomes closer and closer. If all goes well with Murakami and he’s happy in Chicago, I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re able to resign him.

He’s just too risky for a competitor that needs immediate production and safer 1B options exist. It’s definitely the right move for a team like us who desperately need LH power, have a 1B opening, and can take on the contact without much concern.

I lean 3/4/5 at the moment to give them a shot at more at-bats over the course of the season. But having a #9 hitter who can get on base at a semi-high clip would be fantastic alongside Meidroth & Teel. We are going to need guys on base all the time and just hope the Colson/Robert/Murakami trio runs into some non solo shots.

This should be the lineup to start the season. For a team with zero expectations of competing next year, this lineup could actually be pretty good. A LF upgrade would certainly help though as Benintendi isn’t going to crack 1 fWAR if we have to run him out in the field, but hopefully a Braden promotion eventually helps some that indirectly. Meidroth, SS Teel, CA* Montgomery, SS* Robert, CF Murakami, 1B* Vargas, 3B Benintendi, LF* Quero, DH# Baldwin, RF#

Yeah, he still has a role to play. But harder to roster him if they plan to split the DH between Benintendi and the two catchers.

Do we know how team control works? Normally you’d get six year regardless of the original contract, but believe they can sign that away. If so, do we have the ability to offer arbitration at least?

And there it is…never a fucking doubt

Murakami should be making his decision today. Sung-mun Song’s posting window was supposed to end today at 4pm CST and news of him agreeing to a deal with the Padres came out about 2 1/2 days beforehand. Given a deal has to be signed by 4pm tomorrow and there is always a lot of fine print that needs to be reviewed by legal teams, a deal needs to be agreed to in principle before the end of the day. As such, we’re officially in the end game. In just a few hours, we’re going to make up for past wrongs and land the Japanese Babe Ruth. Dude is going to be hitting bombs on the South Side for years to come. Get fucking amped bro’s.

His agent is located in NYC…let’s not overthink this

Let’s not get greedy here brother!

I believe he has a US agent and my guess is everything is being done in US time, although when you are at this stage in the process talks can happen at all hours of the day. That being said, I assume a formal decision will be made by tomorrow, so final offers are likely already in to your point.

Keep this garbage Bears effort out of this thread please!

Maybe a tiny bit better than the Times of India

Very good sign a source is telling Merkin!

Here we fucking go!!!

Stay positive brother…momentum is building quickly!

It’s us or bust. No consolation prize if he ends up elsewhere. We need that 80 grade power at the Rate 81 games a year.