Chicago White Sox

Sherman is suggesting the Mets may only add one substantial free agent this offseason. If so, it’s going to be fascinating to see which guy they prioritize. If they go with a positional player (Realmuto or Springer), I just don’t know where the obvious landing spot would be for Bauer. Seems like the Blue Jays are determined to land one of the Big Four as well, so maybe he’s Canada bound. It will be an absolute travesty if the Sox don’t even make an effort to sign him in this market, especially if the only major spender (the Mets) go in a different direction.

Not that it matters, but didn’t Eloy peak at top 5?

I 100% agree that WAR in general is a flawed stat for catchers, but ignoring parts that can actually be measured like framing makes it even worse.

You’re forgetting Eloy.

I was only causally listening to the interview, but it certainly seemed like he was implying he’d be a reliever going forward.

His 4.01 ERA masked a 5.87 FIP. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still extremely high on Cease, but he’s got a lot of work in front of him as he didn’t make much progress last year. Fastball command was terrible, his fastball lacks movement despite a high spin rate, and his secondaries are still way too inconsistent. Additionally, his curveball (his bread & butter breaking ball coming up in the minors) has regressed over the past two years and his usage of it dropped by half in 2020. The good news is he has elite velocity for a starter and hopefully by partnering with Katz he can come up with some mechanical / grip changes he can turn that pitch into a weapon again. And I’m optimistic with Cooper gone that we’ll see an increase in curveball utilization even if that’s a bit of a meme at this point.

Yup. I fully expected Keuchel to regress some, which is why a #2 starter would be ideal. I could live with Dunning & Cease opening the season as our #4 & #5 starters if we added a Bauer type at the top, but in all honesty we need guys pushing each other for spots at back. I still think a Lynn or Darvish type plus signing a guy like Richards make a ton of sense. Let Cease battle Dunning & Richards for those last two spots and if he loses out he can spend a couple months in Charlotte working on whatever changes Katz has in place for him.

Apologies, wasn’t suggesting there was anything wrong with posting it. Just kind of an off putting song from my perspective, but obviously we all have different tastes in music. Also, are you saying he has struggles with mental health? I guess I’m completely oblivious to who Les Kasper is outside of his PBP role.

I agree. And if the prices via trade are too much at the moment, then go sign two of Paxton, Kluber, & Richards and hope that one of them gives you at least #3 production next year. If not, you look to acquire a TOR starter at the deadline since we’d still have all our chips. Either way, we can’t rely on the young guys to step up into that #3 spot in 2021.

We need to add at least one legit starter to the rotation. Giolito, Keuchel, & Dunning should be locks for spots. Regarding the other five guys, Katz made it sound like Lopez will be moving to the bullpen which makes sense since he’s out of options and it’s now or never time for him. I also think Lambert’s days of starting are over based on their decision to use him the major league bullpen last year rather than rehab him in Schaumburg like Dunning. Crochet is going to be on a strict innings limit next year and would likely come out of the bullpen when he’s finally part of the major league mix. Kopech hasn’t pitched in a professional game in several years and will be on an innings limit and IMO would be better off starting off the season in Charlotte. That leaves Cease who should be able to absorb a lot of innings, but is coming off a horrible 2020 season. If we don’t add at least one legit starter, I don’t think we’re serious about competing next year.

You would not add a single starting pitcher then?

Saying that “nobody has overrated Schwarber for years” is a completely untrue statement and it’s an impressively condescending comment to make. I guess all my friends, family, coworkers, etc. from Chicago who have been hyping him up as a star hitter until the day he was non-tendered don’t count. I guess the national media writing tons of articles already trying to place Schwarber in free agency like he’s some hot ticket, while very few if any are talking about a superior player in Joc Pederson don’t count. People have overrated Kyle Schwarber for years because he impressed as a rookie and had some big playoff moments. That doesn’t make him a great hitter though, it makes a good platoon bat who is a questionable defensive fit on the field. None of this angers me, nor am I trying to “impress” anyone by saying he is overrated. I’m simply stating my opinion because we’re on a Sox message and I think some Sox fans have partially bought into the “Babe” hype.

So basically Len isn’t allowed to make a career decision because it will upset Cubs fans?

Calling someone overrated means I’m mad?

A wRC+ of 123 is good not great. For perspective, Joc Pederson has a career wRC+ of 135 against righties and is a halfway decent defensive OF, but the Dodgers’ fanbase never gushed over him like he was the second coming.

Honestly not trying to be a dick, but that song is terrible and Spiegel is creep AF in that video.

I will never understand the infatuation with Kyle “Babe” Schwarber. One of the most overrated players in Chicago sports history.

I think the Mets are obviously the path to a massive contract, but I think Realmuto gets nine figures regardless if they go in a different direction.

The Reds certainly should.

There are also a ton of high-end SS’s hitting free agency next in Lindor, Baez, Correa, Story, & Seager. Only the value shoppers will be looking for a SS this year. I expect him to return to OAK or sign with the Reds.

You’re missing my point. I’m not saying he’s 100% going to be worth $30M+ going forward, I’m saying he will get a contract at that level because at least one club’s projections (even after discounting for risk) will forecast that type of pitcher going forward and pay accordingly.

Who is pitching for us?

The Nationals another team rumored to be interested.

Lol...baseball is over-hiring by having actual data scientists run their analytics departments? You got me there bro! And no, the numbers guys are not a small part of the process. When evaluating a $100M+ multi-year agreement, you are going to rely on these things called numbers to ensure you know what something is worth so you can determine what you can pay for said asset. That’s called valuation and it’s not a skill-set a scout possesses. And don’t get me wrong, scouting is absolutely vital to a front office’s decision-making process, but only when paired with analytical information. Suggesting to use one or the other exclusively is just plain dumb.

Realmuto’s market isn’t the Mets or bust, he’ll get a nice deal regardless.