Frank_Thomas

QUOTE (southside hitman @ Jan 17, 2014 -> 10:08 AM) I am not disagreeing that they don't want him badly. I am speculating on why the Sox is the only team to confirm a meeting and why KW released that statement last night. It's not like them at all to make things public, but from a PR standpoint, it's a win-win if they make their pursuit known. Trust me, I am salivating over the possiblity of a Sale-Tanaka-Q-Johnson-2014 draft pick future rotation just as much as anybody. I think his reasoning is two fold. One being he wants to put it out there for Tanakas people to see that we are serious, and the fact that KW said we are not giving up shows them how significant we feel he is. The 2nd reason is probably a little to do with ur reasoning. He's covering his ass, in the event we come up short. He wants to make it clear we went hard after him, sure his comments are about appealing to the fan base, but KW doesn't just say something to say it. That's was a planned piece, what KW thought would happen from it who knows. But it has to look good an organizations VP publicly came out saying we aren't giving up.

Tanaka update: Apparently, 1 team that was considered a favorite completely BOMBED meeting w him/reps. Came in 'unprepared', 'unorganized' Ty Youngfelt- Pioneer press- https://mobile.twitter.com/TyYoungfelt/stat...977208458141696 Most people are speculating the Mariners.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Jan 17, 2014 -> 09:33 AM) I don't think so. I think they are going to their limits to land him. They have been in on guys like Soler even Fukudome they offered more money than the Cubs. 25 year old, potential ace, all it costs you is money is exactly what rebuilding teams with not a lot of future contract committments should be looking for. If, and it is a huge if this guy is as good as hoped, and say the Sox draft Hoffman #3. Rondon is compared to David Price, and I read 2 scouting reports that say Hoffman can get to that level of effectiveness. These are all ifs that couldn't be any bigger, but if they all remained healthy, you are looking at Sale, Tanaka, Hoffman, Quintana, Johnson or whomever else for a long stretch. That is 1990s-2000s Atlanta Braves. If any of the young offensive players reaches their potential, it would be a team that would be expected to make the playoffs year in and year out for quite a while. I agree man. Right on. And I think KW is out their as our teams VP saying we aren't giving up is a lot different than him saying this as a GM. I've said it before, I think the WS interest is underrated in this dog fight. And I think us fans have underestimated how far they will go. We aren't used to them shelling out a lot of money on one guy. But like u said the future with him, Sale, and potentially the 3rd pick in the draft is something that makes the FO giddy. And really has a chance to expedite the rebuild process.

This is from a Yankee message board. TIFWIW Posted: Yesterday 11:10 PM RE: Masahiro Tanaka - Tanaka posted - Day 22 - 8 days left These sources confirm what I've been hearing! Tanaka signs with the ChiSox--or somebody else. Reply | Quote jwildfogel Member 34362 posts this site Send Private Message Posted: Today 12:14 AM RE: Masahiro Tanaka - Tanaka posted - Day 22 - 8 days left Renfield wrote: These sources confirm what I've been hearing! Tanaka signs with the ChiSox--or somebody else. That is not at all what my sources are telling me. They are saying that Tanaka is going to sign with the Cubs - or somebody else, or maybe the Dodgers or somebody else. One of my sources also told me he was going to change the liner in my trash can while another source told me he'd hail a cab for me after he helped get Mrs. Calabash inside and out of the cold.

Pump those brakes Cub fans. Actually its really nothin just Tanaka's assistant saying no decision has been made nor travel plans. Thus this is still wide open. [1/17/2014] Masahiro Tanaka: still nothing new to report by Gen on Jan.17, 2014 @ 11:49 pm, under NPB Masahiro Tanaka's assistant Yoshiki Sato spoke to reporters today and said, "There is still about a week left to go so I think things are not yet over. The [travel] schedule has not been set." When asked if he expected negotiations to drag out until the last minute, he replied, "That is not something we are trying to do. The agent is handling everything and hopefully things work outs according to what [Tanaka] wants. Nothing has been decided."

I also think we are hearing a lot about the Cubs today because they have the Cub Convention tomorrow and Saturday, I think. I think they are drumming up interest for their base. They could very well sign him, if they do, I'd imagine it would be this weekend. I'm sure they'd love to announce it at the Cub convention. On the other hand, how sweet would it be of he did sign this weekend with us and announced.

QUOTE (Knackattack @ Jan 17, 2014 -> 12:05 AM) All I can say is that if we do throw crazy money at this guy, I hope it's because they really think he can succeed and not because Hahn got in a pissing contest with Theo. That doesn't strike me as Hahn nor this organization. JR would never let Hahn spend this kind of money to show Theo his is bigger than his. They have never thrown this kind of money around, I think JDA just signed the largest in history. If they are throwing $100 million plus at this guy, there is no doubt they have done extensive scouting and homework on him and view him as a major difference maker for years. The fact we are even in it, if we even are. The fact those three and maybe even JR flew out to LA to meet him. Makes it pretty clear IMO we think this guy is the real deal. And if they think he's the real deal I don't blame them one bit for throwing a lot of money at the Possibility of Sale/Tanaka combo.

QUOTE (TitoMB @ Jan 16, 2014 -> 11:56 PM) I take it he has said something about wanting to be in Chicago? I have some Cubs fans who are totally convinced he's going to be a Cub as of tomorrow. Is there any particular reason to think he may WANT to play for the Sox? The whole Cub signing is said to be because their offer is way above everyone else's. At least said to be a HUGe offer and Rosenthal tweeted that most owners at the Owners meeting today expect the Cubs to sign him. It's not knowN where he prefers to pitch, however it's been said his wife prefers the West coast. But if he's willing to pitch for the Cubs he obviously wouldn't mind Chicago. KW came out today saying we were not giving up on signing Tanaka and he came away with the impression after meeting Tanaka it won't be all about the money and more about where he is comfortable. Really man it's all BS, so it's all hypotheticals and bluster. Who knows, I just think now that we ate hearing Cubs Cubs Cubs. He may have warmed to pitching in Chicago. And when he analyzes it he may see the CWS offer a better chance of winning in the next few years. So he could take a few million less still make $100 + not pitch in a s*** hole and avoid the spotlight of NY and LA. (which he is also rumored to be a low key quiet guy, opposite of Darvish coming out)

QUOTE (Paulstar @ Jan 16, 2014 -> 11:42 PM) I feel like even if the Sox don't get him, they are planning a fairly big move for shortly after Tanaka-thon ends. I hope so, but I think we're pretty well set. Maybe a catcher but I think we're done if we don't get Tanaka. I think the only reason we are even "in" on him as hard as we are is because he really does fit exactly what Hahn is doing. There is no doubt the have done their scouting and homework on this guy, and I think it makes them giddy thinking about him and Sale as our 1-2 for the next 5-7 years. Not to mention the 3rd pick in the draft this year and the acquisition of some high upside young players, that also filled our needs. I mean really if he wasn't so desired by everyone else you couldn't ask for a better piece and bookend to our offseason. I really think the want this guy, BAD. And at the end of the day, it's up to him if he takes a few Million less to play for somewhere he may ultimately want to pitch for the next 5-7 years. They've done their part, they no doubt did their best to sell them on the South Side. Well see if he's all about the Benjamin's or not in a week, Hopefuly sooner.

QUOTE (TitoMB @ Jan 16, 2014 -> 11:15 PM) If I may ask real quick: is there any legit chance we end up signing him? I don't have time to read through 67 pages :-/ If $ is not the end all be all, yes. If he decides he truly wants to be in CHICAGO, yes If $ is his motivating force in negotiations, no. He will be a NyY, LAD, or CHC. I think the Sox have a legit shot if the contract is between, $100-$125 million. But again other teams will pay it, he will want to be here for us to sign him. Not outbidding anyone IMO.

QUOTE (WhiteSoxLifer @ Jan 16, 2014 -> 08:56 PM) Williams: White Sox 'not giving up' on Tanaka http://www.csnchicago.com/white-sox/willia...masahiro-tanaka I think it's very telling that KW went and made this public. I think this makes it clear this race is far from over, and the Sox are still very much in it. Few interesting things I gathered, that he's not chasing the almighty dollar and the fact he is going where he is most comfortable. Both with the future of the team and where he will live 7 months of the year. With that being said, the whole Cubs think I take as two ways. 1) that the cubs really are the highest bidders and are blowing other offers out (which seems to contradict KWs thought that's not what he's doing. And 2) that Chicago may be a place he feels comfortable playing If the interest is there to be in Chicago, I think if we are competitive in negotiations we can end up with him. I'm sorry I just see us 10x as likely to sign him than the Cubs. There is nothin there to persuade him. Ya they have a good future some say better than ours, I would agree. They have some interesting talent, just like us. Difference is with the trades we have made our talent for the most part is MlB ready. The Cubs talent for the most part is Double A ready. I don't see a guy who is said to be as fiery as a competitor as The Greg Maddox signing somewhere where he will be an afterthought to a horrible team the next three years. I just don't think that interests him, unless the Cubs are head and shoulders above the rest $ wise. I do however see this guy coming here being paired up with one of the best young pitchers in the game, a solid core of young players, and the chance to worry about pitching every 5 days and winning instead of the bright lights and hoopla comes with NYY or LAD. I was becomin Less and less optimisticd this afternoon, but after seeing KW come out and say this. I like our chances. Let's just hope Hahn get creative and this guy is in the fold come Sox Fest.

QUOTE (bmags @ Jan 16, 2014 -> 10:07 AM) Hayes has pretty much covered his ass by tweeting every possible scenario. "Don't be surprised by cubs!" "Don't count white sox out!" " Count white sox out" " Count cubs out" "It may snow!" True but that can be said about just about everyone else and every other team. Ya the LAD and NYY have been in it from the start but that's because it's easy to pick them as the destination. And as easy as it is to pick them, many sources have said why he may not land there. Like I said no one knows jack but Tanaka, his agent, and those actually involved in the negotiations. We don't even know what the guys preferences are. I'm just tryin to say judging the Sox involvement or interest in Tanaka based on what has been said in the media is hard to do. We have no idea what is going on.

QUOTE (bmags @ Jan 16, 2014 -> 09:52 AM) The fact that White Sox have not been even mentioned in a single tweet recently makes me think the ball game is over. Enjoy the $150 million dollar man. This is exactly what Hahn said it would be like in his statement. He said negotiations and anything else will be kept quiet out of respect till Mr. Tanaka makes his final decision. I think it may be a good thing we have respected their wishes. I have read that the NYY may have taken themselves out of it by all the stuff the have supposedly leaked. Who knows anymore. But just because we're quiet I wouldn't necessarily count us out. And for the record Hayes tweeted last night one source said "dOnt count the White Sox out."

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Jan 16, 2014 -> 09:28 AM) It was always going to be against the odds. Not only do they have to have the money, they have to sell a team that almost lost 100 games as a legitimate contender, which would probably require spending even more money. I think it's a lot easier to sell our future than the Cubs. At least if your talking about competiting in the near future. Sure the Cubs have a great farm system but who knows if any of those guyS turn out and become ML mainstays. I guess you can say the same about us but with the trades and players already there we have a team much closer to competing. And hands down a better pitching staff.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Jan 16, 2014 -> 09:25 AM) So basically the same report we have been given since before Tanaka was posted. Plus it seems everyday these National guys are jumping ship from on big favorite to the next. First it was LAD, the NyY, then his wife wants the west coast, then back to LAD, now the Cubs and LAa. They are just throwing darts and hoping it lands on the correct team. Like i said all their sources should be taken with a grain of salt with the clear stance of Tanakaa and his agent; negotiations will be kept quiet and kept from team to team.

QUOTE (Y2JImmy0 @ Jan 16, 2014 -> 09:18 AM) No he hasn't but Rosenthal tweeted about big interest from the Cubs about a half hour ago. Gotcha.. I'm sorry I don't believe the Cubs have a shot in hell. He may be right the Cubs I'm sure have BIG interest but nothing on that side of town could make pitching there for the next 7 years appealing. The cubs could certainly blow everyone else put of the water $ wise, and yes this kid could surprise me and go where the most $ is, but I don't see it. IMO this is posturing by theo to make sure their interest was reported so if and when they miss out he can say they did everything. That fanbase is losing patience if not lost it and have been expecting Tanaka since last season. I hope he's just trying to steer him away from us. And I'm not going to lie, the longer I go the less confident I get for the WS to sign him. But I just have the gut feeling we had a really good chance. KWs comments to the suntimes were telling a week or so ago, they met him, the $ is clearly there, and he fits PERFECTLY in what we are doing.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Jan 16, 2014 -> 09:13 AM) Exactly. Until they say where he is going, everything should be taken with a grain of salt. You will find out some of these teams never made an offer, some being mentioned now were out long ago, some not mentioned were in it all the way. Some who haven't been involved might become involved. There is a lot more misinformation that actual facts out there right now. Nicely said, and it should be said that both Tanaka's agent and those who met with them said negotiations will be done quietly and confidential. Hahn said as much in his statement, something like we will keep the rest of negotiations or talks quiet until he signs out of respect to Mr. Tanaka. It's pretty obvious there is a lot of unknown with this process, there is barely anything known about who's in or out. Baseball execs, industry sources, rival GMs, are just teams using their beat writers and reporters to plant what they want out there. Mr. Stark is known to be used by many agents and GMs. I hate to say it the only thing confirmed is Hahn, KW, and Ventura meet with him (maybe JR too). We have been the only confirmation so what that says who the hell knows.

QUOTE (SoxPride18 @ Jan 16, 2014 -> 08:37 AM) Starks is reporting that the Cubs are going hard after Tanaka. Angels involved too Stark hasn't tweeted anything about the cubs being interested in 20 hours. And at that point he said 2 baseball execs said don't count out the Cubs. Doesn't really seem going hard. As for the Angels the GM came out and said they didn't even meet with Tanaka when he was in LA. All this is nonsense till he signs. Tanaka will not sign with the Cubs, there is nothing there for him other than money, and from what is said about his competitive drive he isnt going somewhere to lose at least 80 games for the next three years. As for the Angels, they do not have they money. Not with the contracts given out the past few years and with Trout being due what may be the largest contract in MLB history.

QUOTE (Jose Abreu @ Jan 15, 2014 -> 10:32 PM) All good points, but no Arizona? There's really been nothing out there on them, which could signal something but who knows. Like I said everything is smoke screens and posturing. There was a report earlier that the NYY front office is split on Tanaka. I mean just look at Hayes one minute he says don't count out CWS and then a hour later he says don't count on it.... I think the situation is fluid. There's a lot of negotiations going on and with that teams these days use beat writers and other guy to plant things in the media. Some may be true who knows. I just think our interest is legit. JR being there shows they are at least contemplating a guy everyone knew would at least cost $100 million, or at least rumored to be. IMO if the sox finally break the bank on someone it will be a pitcher, and Tanaka certainly fits the bill. His age, make up, makes a scary 1-2 with sale, and plays well with the ballpark with his best pitch. Well have to see, but until I see a real report he signed don't count Hahn and his negitioning savvy out. He could shock some people, and so can the CWS by landing him. Imagine the sign that sends not only to our fan base but MLB in general. A big F U to the Cubs and Clark the Cub. And what an epic offseason it would be.

QUOTE (Jose Abreu @ Jan 15, 2014 -> 10:17 PM) Some of these fan tweets trying to start rumors are amusing. "BREAKING NEWS! Masahiro Tanaka signs a 7 yr/ 285 Mil deal with the Brew Crew!" $285 million they can have him, fake or not. He ain't getting more than Kershaw I'll bet a lot on that. In the end I think it comes down to NYY, CHIClark, and LAD (even with Kershaw, I read his contract may be back loaded so they left room for Tanaka hypathteticaly). I still have us at a long shot. It's been crazy how little is out there about what he's thinking. Who knows what the money is at, Gammons suggested anywhere between $100-$125. I think the CWS interest is under rated he fits perfectly with our rebuild but it will come to him wanting to be here over anywhere else, we aren't outbidding anyone. He can get the money from either of those three teams. I think we're competitive at $125-130 but that's our threshold. It's clear we have, had interest with us meeting him but it'll be up to him and his preferences, which no one knows anything about. That's why all this is bs toll he signs. I hope with us.

QUOTE (hi8is @ Jan 15, 2014 -> 09:19 PM) poop dick. Maybe they said Chicago and he assumed the Cubs....

Here's something to kill your erection: Brought up the name, "Tanaka," to 2 people at owners meetings this morning. They both had the same response: Beware of the Cubs. Per Jayson Stark: https://mobile.twitter.com/jaysonst/status/...525400283602944 Maybe it's good he's warming to Chicago. God knows why the hell he would want to pitch for the Cuba besides money.

http://m.nbcsports.com/content/we’ve-reach...point-silliness

Masahiro Tanaka updates from Sunday, January 12, 2014: Tanaka returned to Japan on Saturday after spending about fifty hours in Los Angeles -- four days, two nights. He got a physical and then met with at least six MLB teams. Over thirty reporters were at the airport in Los Angeles (he avoided the media by using a separate check-in counter) and Narita (he did not respond to questions by the media). The trip to the United States was most likely about getting the physical out of the way to address any concerns teams might have about his health. Teams most likely did not present any specific contractual terms during their meetings with him. Discussions likely focused on things like team environment and facilities. He will resume him training in the Kanto region until the 17th. Another update from the Japan news. Looks like this race is just starting, since it looks as if $ and years weren't discussed. The meetings were informational about how he fit in each club.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Jan 12, 2014 -> 01:16 AM) Jerry was involved too, I can 100% guarantee it, maybe he was on the phone. He was involved, he was there in person. The update I posted from the Japan website said it. Backing what you said, other than you Rock and that site. It wasn't reported any where else. Most people reported just Hahn, KW, and Robin. Never doubt Rocks sources. Hopefuly the next thing you break is we signed him!