Chicago White Sox

Sorry, I don’t follow here.

Moncada now 3/3 on the day with two 2B and a HR.

Based on an interview Hahn did with Chuck on his latest podcast, a deal fell through this offseason due to it leaking on Twitter. It really sounds like it was the Joc Pederson trade and Hahn said he was pretty pissed about it.

Not sure where to post this, but Garfein asked Hahn on his podcast that just came out how all these extensions would affect their plans/ability to add impact talent via free agency. Hahn basically said that part of the rebuild was to build up such a critical mass of talent that there would be enough excess to be used as trade assets to fill holes and if the answers aren’t available in free agency then they’ll look to go the trade route. While there is nothing technically wrong with what he said, he did not emit much confidence that we’ll be adding impact talent via free agency in the near future and that puts the rebuild in a very tough spot given our recent struggles in drafting and player development. Without supplementing via free agency, it’s really hard to see us having the excess talent needed to pull off a major trade.

No, if he struggles horribly at High A then I’d consider demoting him at some point. I just don’t think we should be overreacting to a SSS and give him a conservative assignment. He’s a guy who is more likely to be traded then ever play a game in our major league OF, which is another reason to keep him advancing at an age appropriate curve. We all see how the scouting community is still skeptical on Luis Gonzalez despite some sick numbers last year. Unless we have a reason to beleive he needs time at Kannapolis (like he looks terrible), let him start at High A where most polished college bats start off their first full seasons.

That’s completely fair, but if he looks like the same guy they drafted last summer, I wouldn’t let a SSS at Kannapolis last year impact my placement if him this year.

I place very little value on a draft pick’s performance during their signing season, especially one who we know was dealing with a injury. IMO, you give him the benefit of the doubt and let him start in High A. We’re not talking about a raw / toosly type prospect here, where I get the argument for being cautious. With Walker, a guy with a polished hit tool, if he really needs time in Low A then I question how ability to make it as a prospect.

The problem is he turns 23 in July. I just don’t agree with assigning polished colllege bats to Low A to start their first full seasons.

I think that’s what will happen, but not what should happen.

I agree he should, just worry they’ll ease him in after a disappointing first taste of full season ball. Getz has very been conservative with his assignments.

I’m worried they’ll start Walker in Low A.

Not overly surprising. Hopefully he’s not there very long though if he gets off to a good start.

Wow, this was inevitable, but figured he’d be one of the last guys we’d send down.

I’m not suggesting a true bad contract, but something like the Peavy trade where we got a guy who was overpaid with some question marks but still very talented and fairly productive. Greinke would fit the bill of what I’m suggesting.

I’m not hating on the Rios claim because it made some sense at the time based on our current situation back then, but I’d be awfully upset if that’s the type of move we make when we have a young core and significant payroll flexibility for the foreseeable future.

Good call...that’s probably our guy if he’s still available & good a year from now, especially since I don’t believe we’re on his no trade list.

Hahn has already hinted (on the Red Line Radio podcast) that they could use their money to absorb a contract from another team. That to me suggests even he knows they fucked up and will have to be very creative (or lucky) to use that “unprecedented financial flexibility” and “economic might” in a productive manner. Speaking of which, are there any big contracts that rebuilding teams are eager to get rid of? I’m talking about actual good players that are simply overpaid. Sucks to even have this discussion, but it might be reality for us unfortunately.

Ricky batting the catcher fifth makes zero sense with Eloy in the fold now. If this is a couple week thing to ease him in then whatever, but ideally our 3/4/5/6 should be Abreu, Alonso, Eloy, & Palka in that order. Ignoring defense, that could actually be a solid middle of the order with bouncebacks from Jose & Yonder (no guarantee there obviously, but it’s a real possibility IMO).

Why are we blaming KW for all of Hahn’s misdoings? Last I checked, KW has two playoff teams, a World Series trophy, nine .500+ seasons, and only one finish below 3rd place over his 12 year tenure as GM. He may be a total douche, but he actually showed creativity and a good eye for talent for an extended period of time, with his crafting of the 2005 & 2006 rosters being examples of that. Meanwhile, wonderboy Rick Hahn has never put together a roster that finished above 4th place and has a career .431 winning percentage across six seasons. Yes, I’m aware there are two rebuilding seasons in there, but the results were beyond terrible before that. Honestly, outside of several extensions and a handful of moves, Rick’s tenure is filled with black marks and blunders. Realistically, KW & Hahn are a team and both guys should be blamed for what will end up being a decade with zero playoff appearances, but there is no evidence whatsoever that suggests Hahn as the GM has been held back by KW or that KW returning to the role would somehow be a downgrade.

With major league roster?

I think he’ll be less direct than that, but will suggest locking up young talent is one way that money can be used, even though this move has zero impact on improving a 100 loss team for the next seven seasons.

Does Hahn make some statement about “money being spent” in this press conference? I will say almost assuredly yes.

No word yet on McClure’s assignment, but I’d wager he’ll start at High A.

Pretty much. Can’t wait until we scoop the 2020 version of Alex Rios and Hahn says “I told you the money would be spent”.

The money will be spent!!!!!