ChiSox59

I'd give him a minor league deal...why the heck not? Maybe he gets healthy and returns to a decent ball player. Most likely he's toast, but for the league minimum, why not?

Evan Gattis, Carlos Santana, Mike Napoli, Kyle Schwarber, even Wilson Contreras are all recent examples of guys who played catcher at least part time, or close to full time, and played other postions early in their career. Its completely conceivable that Collins could be a guy that catches 2-3 days a week, and DHs or plays 1B the others.

A handful of other guys have done it in recent years. Its not super common, but I also don't think its anywhere near as impossible as you want it to be.

Is he even able to play baseball any longer?

Yah, I disagree. 2/$26 would have been an insane value.

$25K! Enough to pay an attorney to draft the contract!

JFC

Lol

Cutch at 3/$50M plus an option is a nice little deal.

Interesting....potentially takes them out of the Harper race??? Discuss...

Hmmm.

it doesn't have to be that complicated. Yanks trade Andjuar for pitching doesn't need to be in Marlins/Mets/Realmuto deal), and POOF!, they have an opening at 3B.

Something needs to happen today...was looking forward to a week full of action leaguewide. Total snoozefest so far.

To be clear, I am not really advocating for not signing Harper. Just saying I'd prefer a front loaded deal with an opt out as opposed to a straight 10 year $400M deal. Signing any elite FA is a risk, and its a risk that Sox need to take if they're serious about being good.

$35-40M is going to be crippling even if the Sox payroll is $200M - IF whomever is making those $35-40M dollars is no longer an impact player. That is all I am saying. I don't think there is going to be enough inflation in 5 years time that would make the backend of a monster 10/$400M+ contract no big deal if the player is not producing.

MM isn't taking any sweetheart deals. I can pretty much guarantee you that Machado will sign with whomever gives him the most take home dollars. I think its that simple with him. That very well may be the Yankees at the end of the day.

I'll believe that when I see it.

I'd personally much prefer an effective 5 year $230-240M deal than 10/$400. The Sox can afford the ~$45M for 5 years, its the backend of the contract that would be crippling if he doesn't maintain superstar status, and is a DH. I also think there is something to be said about an opt out being a positive for the team as well. It gives the player some incentive to remain at the top of their game. They have another chance at a monster contract at age 31. If you just lock them up for 10 years, its more more conceivable that they get comfortable, get out of shape, care less about their game, and ultimately become an average player. Having that ability to cash in again before age 36-38 is definitely worth something.

Depending on the contact, I personally won't be that mad if the Harper/Machado sign elsewhere if the money is crazy. $400M and up, and I don't feel all that bad about it. I'd just like to see the Sox structure a deal that is super front loaded...heck pay these guys $45-$50M per year for the first 5 years, then give an opt out. with the AAVs dropping to $30-35M thereafter, so that if they don't opt out, its not quite as crushing to the franchise on the backend. Gives the player a nice front loaded deal with an opt out so they can hit free agency again. It should keep the player motivated to work hard as they can still cash in again in free agency. Gives the team some flexibility in that they likely aren't agreeing to a 10-12 year deal. But if someone get stupid and offers like 10/$400 all evenly spread across the 10 years, that is going to be a bad deal, and I wouldn't be devastated if the Sox decided to not beat that offer.

It appears so.

It is very not "insider-ish", so he probably feels OK sharing a DM from some rando.

Dude, you've got to stop.

Head over to the Cubs message board and find out.

Anyone think we see any league wide action tonight? Only 6pm in Vegas...quiet day with Billy Hamilton signing as the most notable news.

I’ve made it clear in this thread that I don’t think he is worthless. He’s paid appropriately. He has minimal trade value. We aren’t getting anything exciting for Jose Abreu.