Chicago White Sox

I still think the Mets are going to sign Realmuto and this leak is simply a ploy to gain some leverage.

My point is unless the Sox are operating in an unconstrained environment, it’s ridiculous to think they would want to pay starter money to their backup catcher or spend $18M/year for Grandal to be their primary DH (while blocking Andrew Vaughn) when they have massive holes in the rotation and RF.

You think they want to overpay McCann and keep Grandal, rather than use those dollars toward a Springer or Bauer?

You didn’t say this about McCann?

You still feel it’s likely we get one of Colas or Cespedes? Just have this bad feeling that Jerry will punt on using our remaining $2M+ in slot because we’re “going for it” at the major league level and need that money towards a long reliever. Tell me I’m crazy to think that’s a possibility.

Harold also thinks the Sox desperately want McCann back (at starter dollars) and would still keep Grandal around for some reason. He clearly has access to some inside info, but let’s not assume everything he says is gospel. Even the best insiders get shit wrong. Also, James has just as good of a track record and says we’re still in the mix so no one should be losing hope yet.

In James I trust

You need to consider the hangover effect for Rockies hitters when on the road.

He’s simply too risky where we’re at today.

JBJ’s offensive numbers were way too flukey last year IMO and I’d rather have Joc’s bat (2018 to 2019 version) against RHP than JBJ’s glove

Joc

?

I agree, but doubt his price would be that much with Arizona going nowhere and only being under control for one year.

I really do think everything but starters will come at a discount this winter.

Machado may have worked out in hindsight, but it’s a bit too early to call Keuchel the “superior” pitcher. That being said, I don’t blame the Sox for not going above 5/$125M.

He was still an A level talent IMO, but I get what you’re trying to say.

Grandal wasn’t an A level talent?

The difference this time around is the top of the market isn’t that crazy. Springer at 5/$125M is not in the same stratosphere as Machado & Harper’s deals. I think it’s clear now that Jerry won’t allow his front office to go the distance for a young elite free agent, but zero reason we can’t offer another Wheeler sized contract to a slightly older positional guy. As for Bauer, I just don’t know how teams view him given his uneven track record and bizarre personality. He’s not getting Gerrit Cole money regardless and only the Mets could drive his price to somewhat insane levels. If the market held him down to say 5/$150M, I honestly think that’s something Jerry might be willing do. All that being said, I’m far more optimistic on a Springer signing than a Bauer addition.

Please god no, at least b**** about him in relevant threads.

Lol at Al’s Beef straight losing:

Must.turn.every.thread.into.a.LaRussa.b****fest

You think agents are actively trying to suppress the market of their players by letting teams know which teams aren’t part of the bidding process?

Can someone with access post the Weems write up?

I’m starting to think you and Harold are split personalities of the same person ?

I love the optimism of these valuations, but Avery Weems a 50 FV prospect?