Chicago White Sox

QUOTE (Lillian @ Dec 23, 2015 -> 08:14 AM) Hahn already tipped his intentions to rid the roster of La Roche. A willingness to eat 3/4 of his remaining contract is a pretty strong indication that they want him gone. It also appears that they are not ready to give up on Avi. If they can clear the DH spot for Melky, then it makes sense that they would acquire Gordon. He would take Melky's place in LF and Avi would stay in RF. It helps the lineup, as Melky is probably the best 2 hole hitter on the roster. But if he hits second, and La Roche is gone, they have no LH bats to break up the 3 through 7 hitters. Gordon provides that, and balances the line up. He also adds the OBP that Cespedes doesn't, and will require fewer years and less money than Upton, or Cespedes. I see the lineup vs. RHP like this: CF Eaton DH Melky 1B Abreu LF Gordon 3B Frazier 2B Lawrie RF Avi C Avila SS Saladino Like it, or not, I think that's what is coming. I can't see this team spending $20M per on Alex Gordon (on top of Frazier & Lawrie moves) only to trot Avi's useless ass out in RF on a daily basis. Maybe as a part of a platoon, but not as the everyday starter. Until you get that RF upgrade, you're better off with Melky in RF & an LaRoche/Avi platoon at DH. And if you add Gordon, he should definitely bat second where his on-base skills can be maximized. 1. Eaton, CF 2. Gordon, LF 3. Abreu, 1B 4. Frazier, 3B 5. Cabrera, 3B 6. Lawrie, 2B 7. LaRoche/Avi, DH 8. Saladino, SS 9. Avila/Navarro, C

QUOTE (Jenksismyb**** @ Dec 22, 2015 -> 12:59 PM) Not sure that's as egregious as some of the others, but still an unnecessary death. I'm not sure why that cop pulled his gun to begin with being in such close proximity to his partner. He created the fear that Aguilar will grab it during the tussle, which then "justifies" in his mind the need to shoot. The other side of this, of course, is why the hell is this guy resisting so much. At some point people need to learn that cops are going to get the benefit of the doubt in that situation, so why go there? You're not going to win, and the worst case scenario is you creating a situation where the cop feels justified in shooting you out of fear. Stupid all the way around IMO. While I agree with your second paragraph, that's clear cut murder right there.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Dec 22, 2015 -> 03:55 PM) Honestly, Gordon to the White Sox doesn't happen because we are never on the right side of the ledger in these deals where we add and subtract from a divisional foe... 2003 Kenny Rogers cheaply to the Twins, Sox have no fifth starter and fall short 2010 Thome to the Twins, Kotsay/A. Jones to the Sox Miguel Cabrera to Detroit because of better minor league talent in Maybin and Miller at time of trade 2011 Dunn to the White Sox, Victor Martinez to the Tigers That's three White Six playoff teams alone (2003/2010/2012) and the likelihood of even more with Miggy Cabrera in the fold that whole time. See below. You could make the same arguments even about last year...had the White Sox brought in Morales instead of LaRoche, C.Young/Madson/Volquez/Cueto instead of Shark, Robertson and Duke...Zobrist over Cabrera. Granted, the Royals were willing to sacrifice much of their farm in the process, as they didn't pick up any of the two month remaining salaries for Cue-to and Zobrist. I can't think of any time predating 2000 where we hurt a divisional foe and helped ourselves simultaneously. Guess it has to happen someday, right? Dude, you are really started to reach. It must really break your heart having imagine Gordon on the Sox.

QUOTE (OmarComing25 @ Dec 22, 2015 -> 03:51 PM) That article estimates Gordon's contract to be 5 years at $108M, that feels way too high. That's not what the author expects him to get, it's an estimated "fair" contract based on expected production. His point is any contract below 5/$108M would provide surplus value based on his forecasts.

I asked before, but why can't Gordon play RF? I know he's been almost exclusively in LF, but is something that prevents him from playing RF? I hate the idea of Melky or Avi getting regular playing time there.

QUOTE (SoxPride18 @ Dec 22, 2015 -> 08:30 AM) Phil Rogers on MLBN suggesting Sox trade Robertson to fit one of the major OFs. I would hate that, this team can't afford to give up Robertson IMO. If you makes Jones the closer, everyone is forced to move up a spot and the entire pen is weaker as a result. The Sox need to find a way to add one of the big OFs without hurting the major league roster.

QUOTE (BlackSox13 @ Dec 21, 2015 -> 07:54 PM) Interesting in that the Sox have been eerily quiet. Gordon's LHB, defense and potential contract could be a fit with what the Sox are looking for. If Gordon's defensive skills diminish at some point, he could move to 1B or DH. I still have a difficult time believing the Sox are seriously in on Cespedes and Upton due to the money and length of contracts they are suspected to get. The rumor of making a push for Gordon has a certain White Sox feel to it. For now, I take it with a grain of salt until more stuff comes to light. Still interesting nonetheless. I'm sorry, but you don't go from being one best defensive OFs in baseball to a 1B/DH. There is so much room in between, it simply won't happen. And if for some reason you think it's a possibility, then don't sign the guy because he likely won't be a good 1B/DH if his defense (and athleticism) were to suddenly dissapear.

Dumb question, but what prevents Gordon from playing RF? Doesn't he have a great arm?

QUOTE (ChiSoxFanMike @ Dec 21, 2015 -> 12:58 PM) Honestly, I would be content with this lineup Eaton (CF) Melky (LF) Abreu (1B) FA Acquisition (RF) Frazier (3B) Lawrie (2B) LaRoche/Garcia (DH) Navarro/Avila © Saladino (SS) with the bench being Shuck, LaRoche/Garcia, Avila/Navarro, and Sanchez. Who is the backup CF?

QUOTE (shipps @ Dec 21, 2015 -> 12:56 PM) I have a feeling the Sox dont sign any of these big three. I predict them to pretty much stay put where they are at in payroll right now (outside of signing a cheap SS option and other odds and ends) and see how the team plays with the option to rebuild come the middle of summer or add a big name at that time depending on how they are producing. Why do you think this? Recent Hahn interviews suggest they aren't done fixing the offense and that RF is an upgrade spot, and multiple baseball insiders have suggested the Sox are actively pursuing the high-end OFs. I would be shocked if they didn't add at least one more significant piece, with one of the big three OFs being the likely player.

QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ Dec 21, 2015 -> 12:53 PM) And they shouldn't. A team with the Sox payroll can't add two more expensive outfielders when you already have the money invested in Melky (plus have Eaton). I personally think we are golden if we get one outfielder. Might like an upgrade in the rotation / pen, but the lineup would look nice. LaRoche/Avi can platoon at DH (with Melky ocassionally playing their as well)....plus you have Shuck who can bring some plus defense and solid offense off the bench. Sanchez as the super sub and either Saladino or Ramirez at SS. Shuck brings plus defense? I guess I didn't see that when watching him play (actually looked bad to me) and I don't believe advanced metrics liked his defense very much either. His bat is solid for a bench guy, but he might be the most overrated player on this site. Some posters have talked about giving him regular playing time, which would be beyond disastrous.

QUOTE (BrianAnderson @ Dec 21, 2015 -> 08:42 AM) .225, 4HR, 172B, 35RBI. I think he plays maybe 100-120 games at SS. Sanchez filling 40-60, and Sanchez filling in 20-40 at 2B, so essentially playing half the games somewhere. Sanchez line: .270, 4HR, 172B, 35rbi basically what I'm saying is Sanchez is better, will win some time at SS, but ultimately wont be as strong as a defender. I think he'll win week stretches when his bat is hot where he starts 6 of 7 games though. The only thing Sanchez does better than Saladino as a hitter in make more contact. Tyler will draw significantly more walks, has more power, and is a far better base-stealer. If each were given a full season of at-bats, I fully expect Saladino to put up the superior offensive season.

QUOTE (GreenSox @ Dec 20, 2015 -> 08:46 AM) The problem with these guys is none give the indication that they will be consistent for the duration or most of the duration of the contract. Gordon seems like he would be the best, but he's not the "slugger" for which Kenny Williams is on his eternal sojourn. (don't remind Kenny that to win the WS he dumped a slugger and shored-up OF defense). Dude, you are beyond delusional. The 2005 White Sox had solid power or better at almost all positions and hit 200 HRs. I'm not sure how comparing those teams or players are relevant at all.

QUOTE (BlackSox13 @ Dec 19, 2015 -> 11:25 PM) No doubt they are low on cash but in their eyes they are close to being a WS team so I'm guessing they go for it. The Sox are currently at their speculated limit and coming off a down season with bad attendance, yet are rumored to be interested in Upton and Cespedes. When the Sox and cubs front offices say they are out of money or at their limits, I take it with a grain of salt. As for Schwarber. The cubs have said they are considering moving him back to catcher. Otherwise they leave him in LF, stick with their plan of Heyward in CF and move Solar for a pitcher and play Gordon in RF. The Cubs have the largest debt load in baseball and are owned by a group of trust fund babies. While they'll very likely have a larger payroll, they have much less flexibility than us. When they reach their budget, they pretty much have to stop. On the other hand, Reinsdorf's group is able to expand payroll if needed as they can go into the red if they like. Obviously none of us know either team's budget for 2016, but everything in the media (including Theo's interview today) suggests the Cubs are done with big ticket items.

QUOTE (greg775 @ Dec 19, 2015 -> 10:28 PM) What do we have to lose voting in Trump? Politics thoroughly sucks and he'd knock the political world on its butt. Presidents can't do much anyway. He just might fix the economy and bring back some pride in America. America has not been this defeatest in a long long time. People are down on everything right now except their own families. No money available for the little guy; all going to the top 2 percent. You think Hillary is gonna get us out of this malaise? Hillary? Give Trump a shot, folks. For the love of God, can someone please ban this troll?

QUOTE (BlackSox13 @ Dec 19, 2015 -> 09:40 PM) I don't know, the rumors are they are looking for another OF and SP. I'm guessing they sign Gordon and trade for another pitcher. I think they can get Gordon to bite on 3 year contract with a 4th year option. The cubs made it to the NLCS so that could be enticing to Gordon. The Cubs are finally low on cash and if they add an OF, it will be a CF with Heyward moving to RF. Gordon just doesn't make any sense for them right now. The Cardinals are far more likely.

QUOTE (BlackSox13 @ Dec 19, 2015 -> 09:28 PM) I'll play along. First to sign will be Gordon with the Cubs. I also think Gordon goes first, but there's no chance it's with the Cubs. They are done with big free agents.

Doesn't the article state he wouldn't be subject international signing guidelines? If so, anyone can sign him and he won't count against their international bonus pool.

I hate to be a dick, but anyone upset about this deal is f***ing stupid. Relievers like Jones are basically getting the same amount of money on a per year basis as Nate is getting guaranteed over three years. The money we're giving him is basically what he would have gotten in the arbitration process as a setup man anways. However, if he were to move to closer, those dollar amounts would increase significantly. So not only have increased our potential control of Jones by a few years, we've also added some cost certainty regardless of how we use him. Throw in the injury contingencies and this deal is a total no-brainer.

While Kylo Ren is a very interesting character, the other villains left a bit to be desired. Captain Phamsa in particular was a total let-down. Plenty of time to flesh these characters out in the sequels, but probably my biggest gripe with the movie.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Dec 18, 2015 -> 09:51 AM) Then again, imperfect young players ceilings are usually mediocre vets. Hero worshipper!

Saladino is a guy who I think can be real solid at SS. I think if given the opportunity, he can be an above-average defender & smart base-runner while being slightly below average bat. He has a strong track record of getting on-base at a nice clip in the minors and he actually has a tad bit of power, so I really don't think he'll kill you there. Would much rather give him a chance than go with Alexei for another year.

Why can't NL players hit in the AL? Not sure I understand the logic behind this theory.

QUOTE (OmarComing25 @ Dec 16, 2015 -> 08:54 PM) 4-5 players? We didn't lose 100 games this year. Yeah, this idea we need a flawless team in order to compete is beyond stupid.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Dec 16, 2015 -> 12:23 PM) Holy crap, they really said that? There are like 6 guys more likely than Hawkins. Yikes. He really did. Just an embarrassing comment for a guy covering local sports for a living.