CWSpalehoseCWS

I can second this. I happen to know someone who has had some dealings with one of his ventures, and they were not high on him or his abilities from a professional business level. Frank was a great ball player, but that doesn’t make you good with money or a good business man.

He does have an injury history, so I could see them doing their due diligence.

That's how I read it. Tongue in cheek.

I'd like to think they've learned their mistake. Seemed to work with Grandal.

That's true. Obviously other factors could come into play in making a final decision, but I don't see the Twins putting the best $$$ offer on the table for Wheeler. I think the Sox can (and will) outbid them if it comes down to it.

They can have all the interest they want, but I doubt they can give Wheeler the best offer.

This. They're familiar with what he's able to offer, and is serviceable at both 2B and the OF. Makes a lot of sense if Madrigal/Robert falter.

Doubt it. Why expose him to waivers instead of just non-tendering him? Especially a week before he even needs to be offered a contract. This comes off as a needing to clear a 40-man spot.

Totally expected, but I bet this is foreshadowing of something else

Hamels wants to go to a contender too. He’s not coming here.

He's given up a scary amount of HR's. I don't think he would translate well going from NL to AL + GRF.

Every team has a Tatis trade. There’s no use being upset about it anymore. And if that trade never happens, you probably don’t end up with Moncada, Kopech, Jimenez, Cease, Robert, etc.

Good. He’s a LF. Sox need a RF. Although, no connections to the Sox might mean the opposite considering how this offseason has gone so far.

Certainly seems like a slight overpay and totally has Jerry’s fingerprints all over it. I’m not too worried this is going to handcuff the Sox in 2 years though.

I'm fine with that! Even better!

Sox now have 5 catchers on the 40-man. I'd guess Zavala is soon to be gone pending future moves.

Holy fuck! Fantastic move.

Last year these are the cumulative stats for Sox 7, 8, and 9 hitters: 7th spot - .248/.303/.398 8th spot - .239/.305/.324 9th spot - .209/.281/.321 Collins is not a complete hitter by any means, but I would be willing to bet he could provide better production if given the chance.

there goes one possible back up plan

He didn't have a bad season. Most of his stats were around his career norms with exception to HR/9, his ERA, and xFIP. I would tend to lean towards the opinion his best days are behind him - especially if he leave the NL.

Ozuna doesn't have much experience in RF as you might think. He could be an adventure out there. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/ozunama01.shtml

Great post.

I still think they could add another starter, I'm just not convinced it'll be anyone you could consider top talent. Thinking more along the lines of Teheran, Salazar, or Hamels (which none of which trill me in any way). I get the impression this FO is really banking on Gio, Kopech, and Cease to be the foundation of the front of the rotation. I really hope they can land Wheeler though.

See Manny Machado and how they handled that whole situation with their "seat at the table," "we offered more money," and "all he had to do was stay healthy" crap. I really hope you're right and they do surprise us, but until that happens, I am not expecting them to come out on top for any of the top talent in the FA market. Their past history and shortcomings speaks for itself up to this point. I'd rather set my expectations extremely low and be pleasantly surprised.

Depends on what else they bring in IMO. If they can get Grandal + Odorizzi, I don't see how you could be unhappy with that outcome. If Odorizzi ends up being the Sox main offseason addition, I would be slightly disappointed too. I was simply trying to point out that to cry over losing a 2nd round pick should not be the main reason shy away from adding someone like Odorizzi - who clearly would provide more for the Sox when compared to the past historic outcomes of their 2nd rounders. Granted, the Sox seem to be drafting differently the past few years, but I'd rather take my chances considering the same FO and player development staff are still calling the shots.