ChiSox59

I think it is pretty obvious that Hahn is not going to solve this puzzle exclusively by way of free agency. I definitely see the SOX adding a bat (one of: Markakis, Cruz, VMart or Rasmus), hopefully a mid/back rotation RHP and at least a few bullpen pieces. But I think the SOX biggest splash will be picking up a big contract via trade. Carlos Gonzalez has been mentioned. I like the idea, but as others have mentioned, the Rox probably value him more than the remaining dollars on his contract ($53/3 years), and I don't see the SOX giving up much in the way of talent if they foot the whole bill, which leaves a trade rather far-fetched. Another, probably more realistic option, would be Carl Crawford - who obviously is a guy the SOX have targeted in the past. Crawford clearly isn't the player he once was, but he still fills a need for this ballclub, that is - left handed bat that you can slot anywhere in the lineup, still play decent OF. With three years and $62.25M left on his contract, the Dodgers would have to send back a nice chunk of change to even get the conversation going. Other names that have been thrown around these parts: Miguel Montero - 3 years and $40M left on his contract. Has regressed since his prime, but is definitely an upgrade over Flowers. Jason Castro - I really wanted him last offseason, but 2014 was a flop. Maybe the price has dropped significantly, and with the Astros having just acquired Hank Conger, maybe the door is open. Josh Hamilton - Is Hamilton done? Probably not. Is he worth the $89M he is due over the next three years? Definitely not. Which means he can probably be had. Look, the SOX have a ton of money to spend, and Hamilton may be worth kicking the tires on. The Halos need to kick is some major $$$. Any other realistic or off-the-wall ideas as we all patiently wait for the first real SOX domino to fall?

QUOTE (Lillian @ Nov 3, 2014 -> 07:07 AM) You're all going to love this: Why not consider Grady "you know who" for LF? He would be cheap, and probably settle for a one year contract, in order to have another chance to prove he can still play. If you take into account the 3 years away from baseball, he actually started to produce pretty well, when he got regular playing time, in the second half. In 121 at bats in July and August, he hit .305 with a .354 OBP and a .463 slugging %. He only got one plate appearance per game in half of the 20 games, in which he played in September. That limited playing time couldn't have helped him much, in trying to regain his form. All in all, his first season back, after such a long absence from the game, was somewhat encouraging. I think he'd be a reasonable gamble, on a one year deal. If they signed that big LH bat to DH, the Sox could get by inexpensively with Sizemore on a one year deal, to fill the other outfield spot. That would leave the rest of the money to obtain a RH starter and bullpen help. Don't discount the motivational factor. This is a guy with something to prove, and he would be playing for a contract. The way he trained to get back on the field demonstrates his desire and determination. Those qualities just might get him back to being a productive player. What the hell? It would just be a one year deal. I love stories like this. It's refreshing in this age of prima donna, exorbitantly paid athletes. This is too good.

Probably the worst seats I have ever had for a baseball game, and easily the best game I have ever been to.

QUOTE (Eminor3rd @ Oct 17, 2014 -> 08:43 AM) I don't know about defense, but Markakis is projected to be worse by advanced defense at least. I think it's at least worth considering that because of the nature of De Aza's mistakes, we all have the perception that he's much worse than he really is. Offensively though,VL has a great point. Steamer has Markakis projected for 109 wRC+ and De Aza projected for 106 wRC+. Going to a three year sample (because 2012 was ADA's first full season with us), you have this: Markakis 2012: 126 2013: 88 2014: 106 De Aza 2012: 106 2013: 98 2014: 94 I don't think that anyone disagrees that Markakis is better, but it isn't by nearly as much as you'd think, at least from an overall production standpoint. All of that said, the minor difference probably says much more about us underrating De Aza than it does about us overrating Markakis. To me, Markakis is a good play if and only if you think his defense is at least average. Steamer has him projected as a slilghtly below average player next year because it has him projected at 10 runs below average on defense. If you assume he plays scratch defense, all of a sudden you're in the realm of 2.5 - 3 fWAR, which is a nice, above-average player. Which, consequently, is what De Aza was most of his time with us. Markakis is a good ball player. De Aza is a s***ty ball player. They both have solid bats, but Markakis will not hurt you in the ways De Aza did. They're actually similar at the dish, but very different in other regards.

OF Bats (select 1): Markakis Rasmus Melky DH (I think his bat would fit well on this team: Moralas RHP Pen (select 3): Sergio Romo Luke Gregerson Andrew Bailey Luke Hochevar Jason Motte Chris Perez Find a couple LHP to compete for the pen. There are a few decent veteran FA options...Beimel, Cotts, Duke and Thatcher. At least bring one of those in plus a few more wildcards.

QUOTE (greg775 @ Oct 15, 2014 -> 11:13 PM) Erik Johnson was so bad. Man. Sox have money to spend and could easily swipe needed righty Shields from the Royals' grasp. In fact, it might be wise to steal Shields, Aoki and Butler and take away their mojo. Suddenly we have to worry about the Royals being the new Tigers. Hahn could really strip the mojo by signing those three Royals. Shields ... 3 years 45 million. Butler ... 2 years 12 million with option year. Aoki ... 2 years 10 million. Is it worth the risk? Throwing 67 million at Royals over 7 years? It's just 26 million to Royals for next season. Sox payroll is fine after adding the 26 mill. Well, this proves that you have zero understanding of the economics of baseball.

QUOTE (bear_brian @ Oct 14, 2014 -> 09:16 PM) We could spend upwards of $40 to $50M on free agents and/or trades that involve more salary Melky as the every day left fielder and #2 switch hitter. Kendry Morales as a switch-hitting DH, another Cuban, who can play 1B as well. A right hander SP priced in the price range of a Jason Hammel or Aaron Harang. Two bullpen pieces, one a LH (Miller, Coke, Duke) , one a closer ( Frankie Rodriguez). Trade Viciedo. Move Bassitt to bullpen. Use Carroll in long relief. Love the Moralas idea. 1B Abreu 2B Johnson/Semien/Sanchez SS Alexei 3B Gillaspie/Semien LF Markakis or Cabrera or Rasmus CF Eaton RF Garcia C Flowers DH Moralas Add a mid tier RH SP and a few bullpen pieces and BAM! That would be a much improved team with a payroll around 100M.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Oct 14, 2014 -> 06:53 PM) From that list, Aoki, Markakis (depending on price), Nyjer Morgan (buy low), Endy Chavez (platoon with Viciedo, but likely to end up in NL), Rasmus and Denorfia are the most likely. Victor Martinez and Yasmani Tomas are undoubtedly out of our price range/off the fa price tag insanity meter. Liriano (unlikely after 2012) and Peavy as second tier pitchers. Uehara, Romo (2 years, $10 million) and K-Rod (2 years, $16 million) for bullpen...Miller and Robertson too expensive. And Morales, Delmon Young, Butler and LaRoche at DH (if he doesn't stick with Washington/declined option). There's almost nobody to get excited about that's not going to be incredibly expensive. When Soto, AJ, Ross and Buck are the four catching options after Martin, you know you're in trouble. I'd roll the dice on Rasmus before I would pay Markakis $13-16 million per season in his decline years. Markakis was never a $17.5 million player to begin with, and he certainly won't be in the future. You really think Markakis is going to get 15M+. I don't. I think he'd be a great fit in the 2 hole in front of Jose. More along the lines of 4/48M.

QUOTE (daggins @ Oct 6, 2014 -> 09:14 PM) Except that Lee was about to get very expensive and the org didn't want to pay him. Meanwhile Quintana is paid like a scrub for the next 3 years. You don't trade one of the best contracts in baseball, that's bad management. Trading Alexei makes some sense but not Q. If you are of the belief that Q is more of a 3 or 4 than a 2 or 1, trading him could make some sense. But only if the SOX think this is a several year rebuild. With Sale and Abreu also under contract at or even before their primes, it is hard justify.

QUOTE (LittleHurt05 @ Oct 6, 2014 -> 07:11 AM) While he may not be worth $12 million, the length of the deal is huge. Compare that to Shields who may get in the ballpark of 4/$60 or 5/$72 or something like that. Sure, Shields is the better pitcher, there's a lot more risk with the long-term deal. Shields is going to get a lot more than 4 years $60M or 5 years and $72. I am thinking 5/$90 in the bare minimum. If the SOX could get him at 4 years and $60M, I'd do cartwheels.

I am sure if you guys have seen this video, but if not, watch it. I am not ashamed to admit it brought a tear(s) to my eye. I am gonna miss you like hell, PK. I know the run is over, but I am 24 years old, so I have been watching PK for most of my life. I don't know what a SOX team without the Captain will be like. I know the time has come, but damn was it a good ride. PK Goodbye Video

QUOTE (Leonard Zelig @ Sep 19, 2014 -> 03:39 PM) I would be OK with trading Viciedo for Cueto. Aaa and Jocketty would tell you to put down the bong.

QUOTE (greg775 @ Sep 7, 2014 -> 03:01 PM) Nice of Abreu to think that way, but good luck leading this lineup and defensive collection of stiffs. Is there an ignore feature on this message board? Seriously though.

QUOTE (greg775 @ Sep 5, 2014 -> 10:31 PM) With me being too lazy to look it up, is he a top prospect or just another guy? First or second rounder? Think he has any hope to stick next year?

Weather channel says 100% chance of rain from 7-9. I am hoping not though, as I live in Mpls and have tickets for tonight.

I think Shields fits great on this team, but if the bidding gets up to $25M per year, which it likely will, the SOX won't be in on him. Maeda and Markakis would both be great. As would Cruz or Martinez. There are options, but they won't be cheap. I think the SOX are most likely to pick up a big, overpaid, bat via trade, and either sign Shields or Maeda, and hopefully a few bullpen arms. Also would love to see Bonifacio on this team next year.

It's gonna rain.

QUOTE (Jerksticks @ Aug 21, 2014 -> 05:04 PM) Oh yes we do. Everyone knew what he meant by $18M. He meant a whole bunch of money and his point stands- it's sad. Sure but most teams have that guy.

QUOTE (elrockinMT @ Aug 21, 2014 -> 05:55 PM) I have made no bones about not being a supporter of a trade of Gordon Beckham. But, I realistically thought that over the winter we might see him dealt. But, this return for a #1 draft pick with a gold glove future ... a PTBNL or cash .... That is simply ridiculous We don't know who the PTBNL is yet. But I don't expect it to meaningful. Bottom line is sox have at least two guys who could be the long term 2B in the minors at a fraction of the cost. The time was now - and I've always liked Gordon.

QUOTE (IowaSoxFan @ Aug 20, 2014 -> 02:48 PM) I really think the majority of additions to the roster next season come from the trade market. I expect Alexei will be made available for the right return in the winter meetings and that Hahn will make a run at Tomas and probably at Pedro Alvarez as an alternative to re-signing Dunn. I think Alexei could go for a pretty good return as the Red Sox and Yankees are both likely to be in the bidding along with the Dodgers if they feel that Hanley either won't sign or has a future at 3B. Tomas' numbers in Cuba are pretty pedestrian. I wouldn't be thrilled with that unless it is on the cheap, and other reinforcements are also brought in.

QUOTE (SoxPride18 @ Aug 20, 2014 -> 02:36 PM) No one took a look at my line up. Back on page 1. I like it, though it is obviously far-fetched. Here it is: Trade Viciedo, Beck, Hawkins and Sanchez for Jay Bruce and Sean Marshall. Why would the Reds make that trade? Markakis on a FA contract something like 4 years, $48M seems more likely. Keep Viciedo in DH/occasional OF platoon Sign relievers Andrew Miller and Luke Gregorson. That's going to cost $35-40M. 3 years at $6M per for Miller; 4 years at $5M per for Gregorson Trade Danks to anyone that will take on most of his contract. Don't see that happening. Sign Justin Masterson to a one year prove it again contract. Would love this, although I hope the SOX at least dabble with Shields. Sign Michael Cuddyer to a 2 year contract. DH him and let him play OF for when someone needs a rest. Like the idea, but Cuddyer's days in the OF are over. Sign Emilio Bonifacio to play a utility role. Love it. CF Eaton SS Ramirez 1B Abreu RF Bruce DH Cuddyer LF Garcia 3B Gillaspie/Davidson 2B Johnson/Semien C Flowers Bench Nieto Bonifacio Danks/Sierra Davidson (splits time with Gillaspie) Rotation Sale Quintana Masterson Rodon Noesi Bullpen Petricka Guerra Webb Marshall Gregorson Miller Carroll/Johnson/Rienzo (long relief)

QUOTE (Jose Abreu @ Aug 20, 2014 -> 12:55 PM) I've said this before and I'll say it again- who specifically do you all want when you ask for a lefty bat to replace Dunn? There just aren't many LH power hitters on the market. Nick Markakis would be a great fit on this ballclub. He's not exactly a power bat, but still a great fit.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Aug 15, 2014 -> 12:50 PM) It is coming up on September 1st quickly. Anyone want to venture to guess who will be on the roster from the minors on Sept 1. Keep in the back of your mind that anyone who isn't on the 40 man roster, would need someone released or DFA's to make room for them, and that is with one such moving coming soon for Avi Garcia. Erik Johnson for a few starts (assuming SOX don't go on some hot streak to end August) Rienzo for BP Surkamp to have 1 LHP Josh Phegley Marcus Semien Carlos Sanchez Andy Wilkins

QUOTE (Brian @ Aug 13, 2014 -> 11:53 AM) How many options does Danks have left? He's like the yo yo of this team. Options are used one per year. Danks was optioned once already this year, therefore he can be sent to Charlotte and called back up to Chicago 57 times in between and another option is not burned.

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Aug 12, 2014 -> 08:23 AM) No, if the Sox said Sale was available and they wanted Stanton, the Marlins would pull the trigger so fast your head would spin. This. The sox have probably the most valuable asset in all of baseball besides Mike trout.