Chicago White Sox

Building at the 78 makes the most sense and I’m not sure how anyone could argue otherwise unless they value ease of parking & tailgating above all else.

Did they actually sign Merifield?

Minnesota won 87 games last year.

I agree draft pick round is somewhat meaningless, but Cease was a massive overslot signing and got 40th overall pick type money. Very different situation from Woo who a slot signing and Miller who was an under slot signing.

What’s the ceiling of Miller & Woo?

I think it’s fair to criticize the pick and even call it bad given the profile, but the claims that Gonzalez is already a bust are obviously way too premature. The ceiling is very disappointing for a first round pick and there are real concerns that must be addressed, but he also some nice defensive skills (despite the lack of speed) and great plate discipline. With some tweaks, there is a very real path to being an average everyday 2B. Again, not overly exciting and no guarantee there, but there is some reason to believe he grow into a useful major leaguer.

For one year?

I’m excited for you. It was so much fun going each year and using it as a way to get the kids more ingrained into the fandom. I think people forgot the magic of getting to meet players, get autographs, see all the memorabilia, etc. for little kids. Just a major loss for me and my family, especially when I temporarily lived in Nashville and couldn’t go to games very easily. We had planned to make an event out of it each year as I did as a kid, but unfortunately Covid hit and the Sox just canceled it. Super pumped to finally take my boys again next year.

I have literally said this numerous times on this site and seen other Sox fans on Twitter say the exact same thing. I fucking loved SoxFest as a kid and so did my older son. He still asks to go every year but I have to tell him it doesn’t exist anymore for…reasons. I even had a long-winded exchange via email with Brooks Boyer on this very point and he acknowledged that it sucks for my son. But I do appreciate you telling me otherwise in a very condescending way.

I think you’re probably right. I personally think this comes to down to Getz asking for my man Mayo and Elias not wanting to give up any of their big three prospects (with Holliday a very clear untouchable). The question is whether Getz will come off his ask and whether there is a middle ground that works for both sides. If not, I think this comes down to the Yankees or we ultimately hold Dylan until the deadline.

That outfield depth chart is something

I mean, I’d like to take my sons to SoxFest who want to go to see players and get autographs. Yelling is actually a second for me (although I’d love to partake) and I’m sure there are many others with young children who feel the same.

I guess I don’t understand what you mean by “meaningful comp”. I think from a physical and tools standpoint there are a lot of similarities there. I think from an offensive profile standpoint there are lot of similarities there. Again, I’m not suggesting he will become Kris Bryant (or is as talented), but I think it’s a solid comp of the type of player he could be (even if just a poor man’s version) and is a much better comp than the lumbering 1B type many are painting him as.

I don’t follow.

Because Player B lost his prospect status nine years ago? If you mean Mayo, again I’m not suggesting he will become Kris Bryant. The point I’m making is twofold though. First, guys with his size / frame aren’t automatically destined for 1B if they have some level of athleticism and in this case a double plus arm. Second, I think some people here don’t realize how good his offensive numbers were last year, especially for someone his age. I personally think he’s a 60 FV prospect even with positional uncertainty because the bat could be special.

Bingo

What part of the comparison isn’t fair? I provided a certain prospect’s AA stats and scouting grades from this year vs. a player with a similar physique, scouting grades, and AA stats when he was the same age. Not suggesting Player A will become Player B, but I do believe the latter is a very interesting comp.

Juan Soto was a 6’ 5” 3B when he was in AA?

Player A: 22 years old 6’ 5”, 220 Lbs 50 Hit, 70 Power 45 Run, 70 Arm 50 Field (3B) 78 games (AA) 14.7% BB rate 24.8% K rate .296 ISO 30 2B 17 HR TBD fWAR (first 5 seasons) Player B: 22 years old 6’ 5”, 220 Lbs 50 Hit, 70 Power 45 Run, 60 Arm 50 Field (3B) 68 games (AA) 14.5% BB rate 25.9% K rate .347 ISO 20 2B 22 HR 28.4 fWAR (first 5 seasons)

That’s totally fair. But I personally think Mayo has less 1B risk than Kjerstad does if that’s who you prefer.

I’d take B if the alternative is only Mayo but throw in say Beavers (or a similar prospect) and I’m taking A in a heartbeat. I just think Mayo is a vastly superior prospect to Kjerstad and would be willing to take less in terms of other pieces to get him. Now, if the O’s were offering Kjerstad & Westburg, I’d be all over that (even without anything else) vs. the previously mentioned deal. I just don’t love that next tier of guys in their system outside of Beavers & Horvath.

Massive difference between moving a guy capable of playing 3B with average speed and a double plus arm to the OF vs. Andrew Vaughn. Don’t let the follies of Rick Hahn make you think just because a guy is big he can’t be an average fielder. Athleticism matters and Vaughn has none while Mayo actually does have some.

What if he can be an average defensive OF and elite hitter?

But a RH 2B is a desirable centerpiece? If we’re looking for potential impact talent, Mayo is heads & shoulders above Westburg.

I think the likelihood he ends up at 1B is overblown. And while I’d prefer a savage all else being equal, Mayo has a truly elite ceiling offensively and the handedness is much less of an issue. He is way better prospect than Hjerstad or Westburg IMO.