ChiSox59

And payrolls in the $150-170M range will be second tier by that point. The Sox can afford to pay 2 all star caliber players in their prime $90M from 2019-2023.

I think this is just not true. Before the rebuild, the Sox were consistently in the second tier of team spending after the Red Sox and Yankees. In the last few seasons, the Angels, Dodgers, and Cubs payrolls have skyrocketed. From 2006-2013, the Sox average payroll was $111M. This ranked 8th in the MLB, but of those 7 teams ahead of them, only two were above $130M. Most were right around the Sox. Prior to tearing things down, the Sox consistently operated as a large market team. There is no reason to believe that once they're done rebuilding, that they won't return to that. Our owner is now in his 80s and is going to want to build a winner before he dies. I think the Sox at the very least return to payroll in the $130-$140M range in 2020-2025, and perhaps even higher. With virtually nothing on the payroll after 2019, the Sox can most definitely afford to bring in both Harper and Machado. Now whether or not they can actually get them both to sign on the dotted line is a different story.

I think Machado's preference is to play SS. He wants to play SS. I don't think the Sox will sign him if he is dead set on SS, and isn't fully on board to play 3B. He is an average SS, and a gold glove quality 3B. I do think he eventually agrees to play 3B, unless he signs with the Yankees. They have a need at SS for 2019 with Didi perhaps out until August, and then DiDi is a FA. I've been pretty outspoken here about preferring Machado to Harper. He is a much better fit, assuming he is willing to play 3B and won't pout about it. But I honestly think Machado is a Yankee, UNLESS......the Sox sign Harper, remain in the Machado race, and the Yankees still refuse to give a long-term contract. I do think we could see some sort of unique contract with the Yankees with super high AAV in the first 3-4 year, and then a series of low AAV player options. Manny would leave money on the table, but he could get something like $180-200M over a 4 year span with the Yankees, and then explore FA again, Most in the know think he wants to be a Yankee,

Every post in on this board eventually devolves into CubsTalk. Its brutal.

Let's never make improvements and be bad forever! - The Balta Way

It was Dan Odowds crazy suggestion. Suppose it’s possible if Machado really wants NY and the Yankees say they need a test run, but he’d be leaving an awful lot of money on the table. I don’t see it.

Unless you told him you’re willing to pay over $300M for Machado as well, and that you won’t stop there. ??‍♂️

I don't think teams will ever agree to deadlines though. They also reap the benefits of slow playing the FA market.

OH, I see! That clears it right up.

ITs always been 5, but he did make some cryptic post a few weeks ago about potentially giving up 34.

Please do

0% chance Ron actually bans himself when he inevitably loses ban bet.

No, 1st year. 3 more years of control.

3/$30 should get it done. Lets make it happen!

This thread though.

Claudio was pretty dang good prior to this season. But the pick is #39 overall, so certainly not nothing.

Ahhh, gotcha.

Final ledger for those keeping track at home: Indians Receive: Carlos Santana (2 years and $35.5M left), Jake Bauers and $6M (from Seattle) Mariners Receive: Edwin Encarnacion (2 years $41.6M left**), a Competitive Balance B pick and $5M (from Tampa) Rays Receive: Yandy Diaz and Cole Sulser So the Mariners took on the extra $6M due to EE as opposed to Santana**, and also sent $6M to the Indians with Santana (though the Rays sent the M's $5M of that). Don't at all understand that benefit here for the Mariners. The Rays basically sent Jake Bauers and $5M to acquire Yandy Diaz and Cole Sulser, though it sounds like EE may eventually go to the Rays, but in a different deal. **EE actually only has 1 year and $25M guaranteed left on his contract, so that makes a little more sense. $20M club option for 2020, with a $5M buyout.

I agree, just don't think its worth getting upset about (not that you are).

I am aware.

They'd rather give their young arms like Burr, Frare, Hamilton, Covey, Ruis, Stephens, Vieira, etc a chance versus holding a guy on their 25 man all season. Its not really that hard to figure out. They have plenty of bullpen options, didn't need to add a fringe guy into that mix that HAS to stay on the 40 man all season. I would have been fine with them rolling the dice on Ferrell if he fell to them or ever Tyler Jay, but I am not at all disappointed.

Jordan Guererro spend the offseason eating at McDonalds?

Do you have a link to a complete list of the players taken in the minor league phase? Having trouble finding complete list., unless just 19 players were taken.

Has this been confirmed on the twitterverse?

I love trades like this. Fascinating stuff.