Chicago White Sox

Things just might be heating up with the Astros. Phil Rogers says we have revisited traded talks with Houston. The Astros were just awarded two additional draft picks for the next draft. And finally, Bob Nightengale with the obvious Sox office front leak stating talks with divisional rival Texas are getting more serious. I'll continue to shout this, but a move prior to season start makes too much sense for both clubs. The AL West is going to be competitive and I'm not sure Houston can afford to wait to fill what appears to be a pretty big need. Meanwhile, moving Quintana before opening day greatly improves our tank efforts. I'm not sure what the holdup is here, but I'm getting more confident these teams will find a happy medium before opening day with Martes, Tucker, ++ coming back to the southside for Quintana.

QUOTE (bmags @ Feb 1, 2017 -> 07:46 PM) To clarify, he was specifically asked about Beer, he didn't bring him up out of blue. What was Hostetler asked about Beer?

QUOTE (Y2JImmy0 @ Feb 1, 2017 -> 06:37 PM) No Q puts them in top 3 pick territory. There are 2 HS guys that are very highly regarded as well. I think with Q gone this team is easily bottom three and legit threat for the #1 pick. The rotation for the first few months would be Rodon, Gonzalez, Shields, Holland, & a filler like Covey. That's an absolutely horrific rotation. And even if guys like Giolito, Lopez, & Fulmer were productive when called up, the offense & bullpen should see some important players traded away as the season progresses. This team will be bad no matter what, but I really think trading Quintana exponentially improves our chances of landing a potential future superstar like Beer in the draft.

QUOTE (soxfan2014 @ Feb 1, 2017 -> 05:36 PM) Probably just tossed his name out since hes a college bat. Hostetler specifically mentioned Beer at SoxFest and said they've had scouting reports on him since he was 14. I wouldn't downplay their interest in him.

QUOTE (NCsoxfan @ Jan 31, 2017 -> 08:48 AM) Yeah three in the top 100, but no top 10-15 players like Moncada/Kopech. 3 guys in the 30-100 range is very different than 1 in the top 5, 1 in the top 15, etc You can't expect the Sale package for Quintana. Martes is ranked #20 & Tucker is ranked #35 by mlbpipeline. That's pretty close in value to Giolito (#12) & Lopez (#46), maybe even a little bit better. Reed was a highly regarded prospect just a year ago. If you believe in him, you're potentially getting middle of the lineup, left-handed hitter at a huge discount. The fact that he's major league ready is a huge plus, because we can actually give him a couple seasons to develop without putting undue pressure on him. The compensation pick is simply a bonus, but one that gives us more flexibility in the draft. And honestly, given how promising the early returns look from Nick Hostetler's first full draft, I'm willing to go ahead and invest in him with more picks whenever possible.

QUOTE (Y2JImmy0 @ Jan 31, 2017 -> 08:36 AM) That's why I fear that Hahn is asking for more than that which is kind of nuts if actually wants to move Q. That's been my assumption all season. My concern is that he's asking for a Sale level headliner and that's just never going to happen IMO. Something between the Sale & Eaton packages should be the goal. And I think Martes & Tucker is about even with Giolito & Lopez in terms of headliners. Reed (if the Sox believe in him) + a compensation pick is better than Dunning as the secondary pieces. I honestly think that's a pretty fair deal for both sides.

QUOTE (steveno89 @ Jan 31, 2017 -> 08:31 AM) From a surplus value standpoint, Quintana is worth roughly $133 million over the next 4 seasons Using fangraphs prospect surplus value as one way (not the only for sure) to evaluate prospect values Martes comes in at $39.00 million and Tucker comes in at $38.2 million for a total of $77 million. We are short easily 62 million in surplus value to make a deal happen I'd propose Martes + Tucker + Reed + Perez. Astros probably wouldn't do it, but it allows them to keep Paulino/Musgrove/Whitley/Fisher in their system How did you calculate that surplus value? And how much of that is coming in 2017 & 2018 when's Quintanta's production will be completely worthless for us? We don't have break even in projected surplus value to come out and ahead here. Also, I think Jimmy's deal makes a lot of sense if you get a quality 3rd piece like Paulino, Reed, Fisher, etc. plus that compensation pick. That's a lot of talent and I am very skeptical you will ever do significantly better than that. I have a strong feeling that the international free agency rule changes will result in big market teams hoarding prospects moreso than they do currently. Prospect values will likely only increase from this point forward IMO.

QUOTE (Y2JImmy0 @ Jan 31, 2017 -> 07:51 AM) There's no way Martes is off the table. That's a load of crap. He was offered for Archer. I talked to some Astros fans and they think that Archer thing was a leak and Astros prefer Quintana. Well I hope you're right and honestly thought Luhnow would be high on Quintana given his focus on analytics. Having said that, I really thought a Quintana trade to the Astros would ultimately happen if no one else jumped in with substantial offers and I'm pretty surprised it's January 31st and Q is still on our roster. You would think if Luhnow was willing to give up Martes & Tucker he would have offered them by now and a deal would already be done.

QUOTE (Y2JImmy0 @ Jan 31, 2017 -> 07:23 AM) I think something like Tucker, Martes, 3rd piece, 75th pick is fair. I'm not sure Rick Hahn agrees or this would probably be done. I agree that would be fair, but the newest rumor suggests Martes is off the table. Just not sure what to believe anymore with Luhnow, because he seems like the type of GM who would likely overvalue his prospects. But to your point, I would hope Hahn would have taken that deal already as long as the 3rd piece was pretty solid.

QUOTE (soxfan2014 @ Jan 31, 2017 -> 06:40 AM) Trading Musgrove doesn't hurt their pitching depth since yhey are receiving a pitcher to step in at the top of the rotation. The Astros willy likely have a rotation of Keuchel, McCullers, McHugh, Morton, & Musgrove or Fiers, with Martes & Paulion at AAA to start the season. Dealing one of Martes or Musgrove does not hurt their depth. I think everyone here can see the real problem for them and that's not having a reliable TOR starter. Quintana is exactly what they need right now and his contract aligns perfectly with their competive window. I honestly have no idea what Luhnow is thinking, but I have a feeling he's going to be desperate for a TOR starter as we get closer to the deadline.

Extending Q for two more years at $25M per while guaranteeing his two options years does not make him a more valuable trade asset. Teams are simply not going to pay us extra for a 5th & 6th year at market value, because god only knows what kind of pitcher Quintana will be at that time. As for us, why commit $25M for a 32 year old starting pitcher in 2021 when we should have younger pitchers we'd like to extend at that point including Rodon (unlikely I know), Giolito, Kopech, Lopez, etc? The strength of our system right now is pitching prospects and you got to have faith in enough of them panning out. Any significant financial resources should go towards addressing our offense.

The Cubs aren't trading for Quintana, at least not at this point in time. IMO, this thing comes down to three teams: Houston, Pittsburgh, & Atlanta. If Martes is really off limits, then I don't consider the Astros serious players. I believe the Braves are actually interested in Q, but I'm guessing any deal would need to be on their terms. That leaves the Pirates and I think they're the one team that might blink as we approach spring training. The team has a lot of talent, but desperately needs to add a TOR starter if they want even a solid chance of competing for a wild card spot. Quintana's contract is a perfect match for them and allows them to pivot in a year or two if things don't work out as well as they hope. A deal just makes too much sense for them and ultimately I think they cave. If Meadows & Bell are truly untouchables, then I could see a middle ground being Glasnow, Keller, Newman, & Craig. Hahn stated very clearly at SoxFest that it was too early to focus on specific needs when trading our assets and I think the package above would be way too much talent to pass up on.

QUOTE (Eminor3rd @ Jan 29, 2017 -> 11:40 PM) Even without Bregman, Martes, and Musgrove available, I think there could still be a deal that makes sense with the Astros... but it would require their 5-6 next best prospects, and I just cannot see the wisdom in completely burning the farm to the ground like that. I just can't see Lunhow doing it. You're right, something like Tucker, Paulino, Perez, Reed, & Fisher or Whitley would work, but like you said, I can't see the Astros giving up five top 120 prospects in one deal.

I'm probably one of the highest here regarding an Astros deal, but no way in hell am I making a deal without Martes + Tucker as the headliners (assuming Bregman is off limits). If Martes is truly off limits for Quintana, then I think that Archer rumor is complete BS. Seems like the Astros aren't serious about landing a TOR starter if they have this many untouchables.

MLBpipeline released their list of best tools. Some White Sox made the list: Fastest Baserunner Runner-up: Moncada Best Fastball Winner: Kopech Best Curveball Winner: Giolito Best Slider Runner-up: Kopech

QUOTE (hi8is @ Jan 29, 2017 -> 11:45 AM) Yep. Stupid thing to say, even in jest... just showed his immaturity. Are you actually being serious right now?

Two interest tweets from Dan Hayes: Also, some interesting nuggets from a SSS article: http://www.southsidesox.com/2017/1/29/1442...y-soxfest-recap

QUOTE (Reddy @ Jan 29, 2017 -> 07:53 AM) I appreciate your viewpoint, and disagree. The progressive movement has never been more unified than it is right now. A common enemy makes us stronger, and all but guarantees that we will win. It may get worse - a lot worse - before it gets better, but I believe it will if we all stand and do our part. "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." The problem is that Trump isn't the enemy for half this country. He's doing all the god awful things his campaign promised he would do. Those of us whose moral code is built around acceptance & tolerance may be up in arms over what is effectively a Muslim ban, but I can promise you there are millions of uneducated hillbillies & straight-up racists who view this as a huge win for our country. How can we overcome this when we're effectively outnumbered?

QUOTE (Reddy @ Jan 28, 2017 -> 11:24 PM) I hear you. I get it. But here's what's great about this fight: Everything we're fighting now has always been there. It never went away. We closed the curtains, and swept it under the rug, but it has always, always been there. Now, with the rise of Trumpism, the curtains have been flung open, and there's NOTHING hidden anymore. We see half of America for what it is, and what it has always been. The beauty of that is that now we can kill it - or at least have the weight of the free world come crashing down on top of it. I truly don't think these policies stay in place. I don't think Trump succeeds. He's mobilizing an army to stand up against him in a way I've never seen or read about in books. There's potential that our generation gets to be the one that smashes fascist authoritarianism once and for all, and that, to me, is exciting. (Plus, having this mindset helps me fight harder without getting heartbroken, overwhelmed or exhausted) Dude, there is nothing good about this, nothing at all. I get your Mr. Activist around here, but your general line of thinking is absolute insanity to me.

QUOTE (3GamesToLove @ Jan 28, 2017 -> 09:10 PM) Are there any freebies in terms of items to be autographed? I bought a ball just in case. Will they know to sign a ball with a pen instead of a marker? They gave out free photos for Bo Jackson, but that was a unique situation. And yes, these guys know when to use a pen vs. a marker, no worry there.

QUOTE (Con te Giolito @ Jan 28, 2017 -> 08:33 PM) I'm kinda with you in that I think the Sale return in general was light, but the whole panel basically agreed Moncada was the most talented prospect in baseball. That leaves the explanation for Benintendi's ranking as "the guy still on Boston". You're ignoring floor, and Benintendi's floor is much higher than Moncada's. Nothing wrong these rankings IMO.

QUOTE (Quinarvy @ Jan 28, 2017 -> 07:56 PM) Benintendi or Torres #1? Benintendi #1.

QUOTE (reiks12 @ Jan 28, 2017 -> 05:27 PM) Give us Vlad Jr

QUOTE (CaliSoxFanViaSWside @ Jan 28, 2017 -> 02:28 PM) Post 42 in this thread said SSS mentioned when the time is right the Sox will spend big .What the Sox idea of spending big means is any ones guess. QUOTE (soxfan2014 @ Jan 28, 2017 -> 02:41 PM) I don't take that as "we will go out and sign the best free agent fit (Machado to play 3B for example). More long the lines I've spreading out a hood portion of money around the team's young kids. The ones who have succeeded anyway. That was my post and Hahn's comment was specifically about filling holes in free agency.

Did anyone here attend one of the Rick Hahn Town Halls? If so, was there anything worth sharing? Wasn't able to make it, but am dying to here if there any interesting things insights.