Chicago White Sox

We’ve discussed Conforto’s LF/RF defense in this thread previously and OAA, DRS, & UZR all had Micheal as an average or better fielder prior to the 2021 season in which he was dealing with a hamstring injury. As for his health, he basically played full seasons from 2018 to 2020, so not overly concerned there. Now when you ask why would we want him, it’s as simple as him being elite against RHP, which is our single biggest offensive need. I don’t see a single player who can solve that need at the potential price point without adding an actual DH in Schwarber.

All true, but I’d expect the tax threshold to go up some in the new CBA.

Yeah, not going down this rabbit hole with you pal. My point should be pretty clear and I’m not suggesting we should spend our money on Duffy, just saying that’s all it would take to push us to a sizable payroll.

That’s not the point, it’s simply showing how quickly this payroll will be approaching $200M and the luxury tax.

These comments are a bit premature. If the Sox go sign Conforto and even a Danny Duffy type starter for $10M, they are pushing $190M in cash payroll next year and would probably be at the luxury tax under the current rules. I’m as disappointed as everyone here that we didn’t get anything done prior to the lockout, but it’s way too early to declare we won’t be rocking a significant payroll next year.

I love Sheets, but we need to stop burning Vaughn’s control as a role player. Either he starts on Opening Day or he should begin the season in AAA and get us back a year of service time. I’d personally rather him be out starting DH, but could definitely see Tony use him as a bench piece.

Are you suggesting we start Sheets over Vaughn?

My hope is Conforto for RF and a bridge guy at 2B. Cespedes hasn’t shown enough to be considered in the major league plans and Colas isn’t even in the organization yet. The next guy with a semblance of hope of being an everyday guy is Mieses and he’s both a long-shot and quite a ways off. At least with 2B you have Rodriguez who could maybe be ready by 2023 and possibly Sanchez in some capacity as soon as next year. Someone like Segura (if a big left-handed bat is added elsewhere) would be a good solve for a year.

Dollars are fine I guess, still nuts we’re giving a three year deal that covers his age 31 to 33 seasons. As long as this doesn’t prevent us from adding real talent elsewhere, I’m content with this move.

This is your something for the next two months! ?

As long as this doesn’t preclude from other material additions, I’m fine with Romy being AAA insurance for a season.

How is Romy getting a real opportunity with Leury in front of him? And if Leury regresses to his 2018/2019 version I doubt he’ll be in hot demand. Really don’t think it’s a simple as you’re making it to out to be, but I’ll hold off further panicking until I see the actual terms of the deal. Maybe it’s less than I’m anticipating.

Leury has a career 76 wRC+ against RHP. Yes he was solid last year, but he’s got a ways to go to prove he’s anything but a token “switch hitter”.

100% agree. And we have Romy Gonzalez who is a Leury starter kit with a bit more upside if it all clicks. Zero reason to spend $6M on a bench piece (for three years no less) if we can allocate those funds elsewhere. And I get I’m in the minority on Leury, but I’m a little concerned this is a sign we’ll be “spreading the wealth” this offseason with a bunch of C tier signings. I pray I’m overreacting, but signing Leury to a multi year deal was the last thing I wanted us to do this offseason.

I’m just saying that’s the plan right now. He is not intended to be the starting 2B and I doubt this stops us from adding a RF, but definitely worries me how big of signing we’re going to make if we just spend $6M to $7M on a utility guy. Hopefully I’m wrong and this will be on top of adding legit players elsewhere, but this stinks of Tony La Russa heavily influencing roster decisions and overvaluing a role player when we have bigger needs.

Oh don’t worry, they’ll still trade Kimbrel for Segura instead of using the $21M on a true impact player.

Nope, to backup our future 2B and Vaughn / Sheets in RF.

I was going to say $18M was projection, but either way gross as fuck.

Why do people want Joc after last season?

Why is that out of curiosity?

I’m super nervous to see the AAV and what this means for other acquisitions.

Could be, but then again, hope they weren’t planning on a large pitching expenditure since they don’t exist anymore.

Sorry, I should have been more specific, I meant Leury’s track record. Yes, he had a really nice year in 2021, but I know I don’t expect him to replicate it again in 2022.

Instead of looking at just the latest year, how do their track records compare?

Depends on what else you get with Segura. Picking up Kimbrel’s contract to pay Segura $14.5M is a bad deal full stop. If you also get a young cost-controlled catcher in Marchan who can possibly be the backup this year, it suddenly becomes interesting. I still would have rather not picked up the option and pursued Gausman, but it may not be as simply as that when you think of the long-term implications.