ChiSox59

Maybe we should let them make the decision first.

I think it’s quite plausible that this is as simple as Espada wanting to stay committed to the Astros until their season is over, and the fake wannabe insiders are just that. Consider me wholly skeptical of a few Twitter “sources” that don’t use their own name. I trust that Mike Rodriguez over any of them. It is also quite plausible that the Sox botched another situation. But it’s really not worth getting worked up about until the manager is formally announced.

Ehhh.

I'd be very surprised if more than 1 coaching staff member not named Ethan Katz returns. I could see Cairo staying maybe. If the Sox are hiring an external manager, there is going to be a new coaching staff. Espada hiring Beltran as his bench coach would be *chefs kiss*.

FIFY

I am very happy if it’s Espada. He was my first choice.

It is also why they won't be again in 2023 if that group doesn't improve drastically. That's really what it boils down to.

I don't even think they can announce a manager until the WS is over, which is over 2 week away.

I wonder if Madden would have any interest in a non-managerial coaching staff role if no manager role is available? I'd be alright with that.

I thought about mentioning 2016 Melky, but didn't because he was a switch hitter. Conforto has hit RHP much better than Melky did (.873 vs .756 career OPS), which is one of the Sox biggest need. Though obviously Melky has a much larger sample that includes the twilight of his career. Even if you want to discount Conforto quite a bit from his career mark of .873 against RHP, history suggest he should be better than a .756 OPS hitter against RHP. To be clear, I'd much prefer some other options than Conforto that play better defense. But he'd be a solid back up option on a 1 year deal. I don't really think Palka is relevant to the discussion. Conforto has career wRC+ of 124. Palka's best season was 108. Yes, Conforto was 106 in 2021 and didn't play in 2022. I am aware. But he's still not even 30.

Right. I think Hahn's comments have more to do with the reality of the situation (they only have $30M to spend) and the fact that if he says he's going to be a player in free agency but doesn't land anyone notable, he'll get fried like he has repeatedly on his missed FA pursuits the last few offseasons.

I struggle to come up with a trade that makes sense that nets us one of those guys. I am all for acquiring Marte, but a TA for Marte deal would be very bad.

Conforto would be the best LH hitting OF we’ve had since what….2015 Adam Eaton? 2005 Scott Podsednik? This organizations inability to acquire a LH hitting OF that is actually decent goes back over 15 years.

Man, I hope asking for a solid managerial hire, a legit LH OF and a cheap 2B isn't too much to ask for...I think they'll go internal at 2B myself, but this team is going to suck balls again if they don't acquire a real OF that hits LH.

There is zero good reason to just DFA Grandal. If someone would actually pick up 50%+ of his deal, or we could swap him for another overpaid vet on a 1 year deal that solves a hole, perhaps. But just cutting him doesn't make much sense when you're paying him $18M.25 regardless. May as well bring him into spring training and see how the knees look, and try to glean some value out of him in a part time role. Sox have 2 in house options that should be at least league average in tandem as backstops, so just eating Grandal's $18.25M doesn't really make any sense at all.

I think they want Beltran.

Hopefully as bench coach.

I'd love this is the Sox turned around actually signed one of the legit FA SS. But they won't. Struggle to see why Dbacks make this deal tho.

I don’t think “getting into better shape” is Yoan’s issue.

Vinnie Duber is a great listen and likable dude, but he’s but he’s just guessing.

I don't get this logic at all. In order to get a pitcher with the upside of Gio, you're paying way more than $1/10-11M. It continues to make zero sense. Not to mention it just creates 2 holes in the rotation instead of 1. If the Sox trade Gio, I have little doubt they'll regret it in short order.

Are these the same people that told you that Hahn is butthurt because the Cubs are laughing at the Sox about Eloy? Grandal is immoveable. He's due $18.25M He's a DFA, or salary dump for a couple million at best, which at that point, you may as well try to make use of him in a part time role since you're paying him anyway. You can always cut him in June, and Seby and Perez are at least serviceable options. Sox need more players with the profile (not attitude) of Moncada, not less. Getting rid of our 1 true plus defender and a guy that provides lineup balance when he has negative value makes no sense. Sox are stuck with Moncada for 2023. TA should in no way, shape, or form be grouped with those 2. He has legitimate value, despite his shortcomings, and I believe the Sox could do quite well if they traded him. But that feels like a move that in most scenarios, makes the 2023 team worse, not better. Hard for me to wrap my head around Hahn taking that dive considering circumstances; feels to me he is pot committed to making something out of this core the next 2 seasons.

This. Sox need most of these guys to be really good if they're going to be good. IF you want to project the same production we got from those guys in 2023 as we got in 2022, legitimately nothing else they do to this team will matter. So if that is your baseline projection, of course this team is going to suck. This isn't rocket science.

Washington would be a great bench coach alongside someone like Beltran. Now would Wash leave ATL to come to Chicago for a lateral move? Prob not.