SCCWS

QUOTE (SoCalSox @ Jan 17, 2016 -> 03:13 PM) There's been a ton of smoke on him being a personality issue. I just can't believe Upton isn't getting more play from other teams. Been a very weird FA. According to Tampa Tribune, Rays are interested in Upton or Desmond if it is a 1 year.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Jan 16, 2016 -> 09:37 AM) Fwiw, Dave Eisland was Kennedy's pitching coach with the Yankees. The Royals are now officially all-in the next two years with the lost draft pick, albeit low first round. Duffy probably moves to the pen with Collins. Royals now looking at $140 million and $155 million payrolls the next two years...strikeout/flyball pitcher works well in that stadium. Making basically the same as Alex Gordon, amazingly. But the Royals saw attendance increase by 800, 000 last year. I am sure advance sales in 2016 will also increase. Winning a World Series always has a big hit on merchandise sales as well. So I am sure the Royals walked away from 15 with a huge profit.

QUOTE (Quinarvy @ Jan 13, 2016 -> 10:05 PM) Top 10 pitcher in baseball over the past three years gets you the title of Ace. Q: I think that is a good criteria but what do you use to rate a pitcher as a Top 10??

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Jan 13, 2016 -> 09:17 AM) The White Sox haven't mentioned their payroll at all. One thing they have been able to accomplish over the years is to get the media and the fans to always buy into the "we don't have any money" routine. When they signed Dunn and brought Paulie and AJ back, people wondered where they got the money. The season was a disappointment, the attendance dropped again, but they still, according to Forbes, made money. That was with a $127 million payroll and $25 million less a year from the national TV contract. I also don't understand the 2 year window people. Yes, in 2 years guys like Melky and Frazier and Lawrie could be gone, but that frees up money and maybe a couple of minor leaguers step up. One infamous whiner has gone from the Sox window won't open for 2 years to saying it will shut in 2 years due to Frazier and Lawrie. What did they give up for those guys that was going to be the fuel for the team being great in 2 years? I think if they get Cespedes or Fowler or Jackson, they are looking good in 2016. Jackson intrigues me. He was a good player in Detroit but like several others, couldn't hit at all in Seattle. See Beltre, Adrian. He isn't Beltre with the bat, but IMO, would look good in CF, and is still 29 and probably good for at least a 2 WAR, maybe more. I still want Upton, Cespedes, Jackson, Fowler in that order. I think RH will get one of them. It's probably hopeless on Upton, but an OF upgrade, and a couple things going correctly, this team should be pretty good. I agree and I do think the addition will be Jackson or Fowler. But I do think they need another starting pitcher. I don't think there is a clear cut #6 and these days few teams get away with only 5 starters. If Johnson or Danks fails, another starter is needed but it is not a major void. But if any of the big 3 are lost for a period of time, you will need someone who can fill a major gap. Maybe the FO is comfortable w someone on the roster to fill that role but it is a potential red flag at this point.

QUOTE (rowand's rowdies @ Jan 12, 2016 -> 09:36 AM) In parts of 6 seasons with the team, he played 731 games and had over 3,000 plate appearances (3,030). He was drafted as a young kid and became a MVP candidate in his prime with that organization. Why haven't we ever heard about them considering him? #RedFlag EDIT - I realize this is a Cespedes thread, but the Upton thread is too far down now, so this is a vote for Cespedes! #CespedesOrNada Sometimes a player wears out his welcome with an organization. Not saying that is the caee, but I think you are overreacting to their lack of interest. The same Red flag would appear w Cespedes. Boston quickly moved him and he had some problems w a a coach in his brief stay. Could also be a red flag but just might have been a poor marriage. AJ had history but he certainly was well respected w the White Sox.

QUOTE (raBBit @ Jan 11, 2016 -> 08:05 PM) I never heard this. What I heard happened was Hahn wanted Middlebrooks and KW wanted Avi. Both players aren't good. Luckily they did well with Montas/Wendelken. Maybe Hahn asked for Middlebrooks but he turned out as bad as Avi. Rede Sox did not offer Middlebrooks and obviously Iggy was available. http://m.mlb.com/news/article/55318198/ For weeks, Cherington had spoken with the White Sox about Peavy. But the clubs didn't have a direct match. The Red Sox had no interest in including Middlebrooks in that swap.

QUOTE (raBBit @ Jan 11, 2016 -> 07:04 PM) You guys probably are reading too far into it. Sox think highly of Avi from what I've heard. Hard worker, good attitude but not good at baseball. I wonder who in the White Sox front office said we don't want that Iglesias from Boston but we do want Avi. I wonder if they are still making scouting decisions.

For those who see the Cubs games, how is Fowler as a CF. Would he be a significant upgrade on Eaton ( and can Eaton or Melky play RF)? I kind of like getting Fowler and a 5th starter for insurance at this point.

QUOTE (SoCalSox @ Jan 11, 2016 -> 12:34 PM) If the White Sox were to go with someone like Fowler, etc over Cespedes & Upton, with the possibility of improving at SS or a back of the rotation guy, would people be happy with that or not enough? I like adding Fowler and improving the back of the rotation better than just adding Cespedes or Upton and nothing else. I am not convinced Saladino is the answer at SS but if FO is convinced then so be it.

QUOTE (spiderman @ Jan 11, 2016 -> 09:05 AM) Sure sounds like plenty of teams are still considering making a splash on either Upton/Cespedes (Baltimore, Texas, Mets, Red Sox, Tigers) to go with the White Sox. Have any other teams been mentioned? I highly doubt Boston would look at Cespedes after his brief stint there. According to today's Providence Journal they would only have interest in Upton if the price drops: http://www.providencejournal.com/article/2...96/13936/SPORTS "Perhaps if the cost for a Justin Upton comes down significantly, the Red Sox would rethink their outfield situation. Again, both sides of that equation seem unlikely, and Boston is poised to embrace the uncertainty of Bradley and Castillo as everyday outfielders."

QUOTE (Frank_Thomas35 @ Jan 10, 2016 -> 05:05 PM) FWIW SOURCE: @Yankees and @RedSox both meet with #YoenisCespedes over the weekend! #Cespedes "...no problem" taking a 1 year deal #Powerball @ https://mobile.twitter.com/LErikRenne/statu...302426756939776 Another random Twitter tool I assume. Since the Red Sox sent Cespedes packing pretty quickly and he had some personal problems w a coach in his brief stint, I would doubt there is interest w either side. Sounds like an internet rumor

QUOTE (soxfan2014 @ Jan 9, 2016 -> 10:18 PM) I believe the Red Sox had interest in him as well and had Abreu waited about a month or so, I think he would have ended up there (they were in the post season when Abreu signed so signing him really wasn't an option). No. Red Sox were interested but were concerned his defense would ultimately make him a DH and they had Ortiz. Supposedly Red Sox dropped out when bidding went past $50mil.

FWIW: This ESPN writer sees Sox getting Fowler. http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/14531913...-larry-reynolds

I can still see Boston going for an OF. They have Betts, Bradley and Castillo but then it drops to Craig. They won't want Cespedes and they probably would love to unload a dead contract, but Upton may be on their wish list.

QUOTE (SoxPride18 @ Dec 29, 2015 -> 04:20 PM) Scott Merkin ‏@scottmerkin 3m3 minutes ago Chicago, IL The White Sox are looking for an outfield addition, regardless of whether it's Cespedes, Gordon, or Upton. If they miss on those 3, ... Scott Merkin ‏@scottmerkin 2m2 minutes ago Chicago, IL ... I still think they pursue another outfielder to add to the mix. Damn Mets grabbed DeAza before Hahn could pull the trigger.

QUOTE (Hatchetman @ Dec 28, 2015 -> 09:23 AM) The lawyers I know are NEVER on vacation. At least what I think of as vacation. You know the wrong ones. It has been pretty quiet since the 22nd.

QUOTE (Lillian @ Dec 28, 2015 -> 08:41 AM) Do they ever!!! Melky, Eaton and Avi would be lucky to hit a total of 40, between the 3 of them. The front office can't possibly allow the season to begin with this roster. They will surely add someone. Let's just hope that they get the right one, and that he doesn't flop. It's not only the power shortage. How many guys would you expect to have OBP's of .350 or higher? I count Abreu, Eaton and maybe Cabrera. So, they have two legitimate power hitters in Abreu and Frazier, and two good OBP hitters in Abreu and Eaton. If they plan to compete this year, I'm sure that they know they are short at the very least, one more productive bat. But then, we too, all know that. The suspense seems only to be exceeded by the boredom. Come on. Do something, already!!! Lawyers are on vacation till next week.

QUOTE (BlackSox13 @ Dec 25, 2015 -> 10:42 PM) Seattle: they are at about 142M for committed salary and arbitration players and that number doesn't include filling out the rest of the roster with league minimum players. Seattle needs a CF so they are likely looking the likes of Span, Jackson, Fowler and maybe even Parra if they can afford them. Padres: they are rebuilding so they are no threat. Heck, they are trying to trade salary (Kemp/Shields) so we can cross them off. SF: they are at 164M in committed salary and arbitration players and that doesn't include filling out their roster. If they look at signing a FA its likely one of the second tier players. TOR: they are at about 132M for committed and arbitration players not including filling out their roster. Interesting team in that they would seem to have some wiggle room but their OF is full up. Not sure what to think about TOR. Houston: they have plenty of money but they have plenty of outfielders as it is. I'm guessing they go after another starting pitcher and reliever. Curious team no doubt. Baltimore: yep, they got money to burn and surely will. Especially since their recent signee Kim can play LF or 1B. Kim allows Baltimore flexibility with signing either Davis for 1B/DH or one of the big three outfielders. Im guessing they end up with either Cespedes or Upton. As far as I can tell, the biggest players for Upton/Cespedes/Gordon are the Sox, Orio!es and the Cards. Most of the other teams are either rebuilding or pushing their payroll limitations so there is a handful of teams that could come into play like Houston, Toronto, Cleveland, Detroit and the Cubs if the prices drop enough. If I missed something please point it out but I think I covered it. One team to watch is the Orioles. They are sitting around 100-102M with committed salary and arbitration players. This doesn't include filling out their roster but the Orioles have plenty of money to burn. Wouldn't surprise me if they sign one of the big three and one of the second tier outfielders. Boston. They only have 3 legit outfielders on their 40 man. Now since they have extra catchers and infielders they will either trade for a veteran OF or sign a FA. Money for them is no issue.

QUOTE (GreenSox @ Dec 23, 2015 -> 08:41 PM) Yes, he's fine for a 4th OF. he took some walks, which is a rare skill in this org. But .689 OPS would not work in the platoon scenario post above. It would be nice to have an extra bat on the bench. Actually I think he may be the 5th OF. He is probably a pick-up to replace Thompson and will either beat out Shuck or be 1st on the list at Charlotte.

QUOTE (knightni @ Dec 22, 2015 -> 09:45 AM) Gordon will go back to KC first. I think Cespedes goes back to Mets as well.

Or Sanchez ends up as the SS. He also played SS in the minors and may be the better hitter as well as defender at SS.

QUOTE (OmarComing25 @ Dec 16, 2015 -> 09:53 PM) Frazier is not mediocre at 3B defensively, he's very good. Based on what??? He made a lot of errors last year ( 19) and his range factor is pretty limited.

I like this trade. Puts a solid bat w Abreu although I wish it was a lefty. But a 25+ HR guy you take any time. He also can play 1st and is pretty good defensively there. At third , like Lawrie he is mediocre. Now Hahn needs a 3/4 starter and a OF.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Dec 16, 2015 -> 02:43 PM) If you want an in-depth look at what the Sox gave up for Frazier, read this. HUH???? He wrote on Thompson " His defense is definitely plus but his bat is nowhere the level he displayed the last several weeks of the regular season." Actually Thompson hit .233 for Sept/Oct. He didn't display his bat the last several weeks. It was actually the month of August he was on fire hitting over .500.

QUOTE (OmarComing25 @ Dec 15, 2015 -> 07:34 AM) I just looked at Fangraphs' 2016 team projections and they have the Sox at 2nd in the division right now at 32.7 WAR, 5.2 WAR behind the Indians, and that's with a decent amount of regression from Abreu, Eaton, and Quintana. Picking up Upton and Frazier would put them at first in the ALC in projected WAR. However, it looks like once again the projection system undervalues the Royals, as they're dead last in the AL in projected WAR. http://www.fangraphs.com/depthcharts.aspx?position=Team Or their manager. What is his WAR??? Or WAR is just another statistic that is nice to look at but really doesn't translate to wins and losses.