SCCWS

But this franchise has had considerable success on their balance sheet. As I posted previously, that may be ownership's top priority. Now credit for that does not automatically go to the FO but rather the success of MLB and the coat-tail effects that every team gets. For all we know, Kenny , Hahn and others may be making a killing if they have incentives in their contracts tied into bottom line profits.

But again, I ask the question how much is an 83 year old involved in the White Sox operation since you indicated he is hands-on. He owns multiple businesses. Some at that age have health and/or memory issues and others are more alert than people half their age. I was asking those who live in the Chicago area if they have seen Jerry lately do any interviews relative to the status of the White Sox.

I would add, from a fan standpoint, RH is a failure. With the present format of divisional leaders and two WC spots, going 7 years w/o an appearance is failure for the fans. But the owner picked him and he has stuck with him despite the failure on the field. That tells me the top priority of the owner is on some spreadsheet, not on the field results. JR must feel Hahn has produced the results he wants where he wants to see them. I know you said that JR is one of the most hands-on owners in baseball. It appeared he was years ago but he is 83. I do not live in the Chicago area. Does Jerry regularly appear before the media to answer questions and give statements on the franchise? I know on the 2nd place comment, the team released a statement from him "with no recollection". But I didn't see where he did a live interview. Where I do live, the Tampa and Boston owners are seen and heard pretty regularly.

Betts' status is a major topic in New England media these days which is not surprising. But there must be 30+ baseball media people spread throughout the 6 states. The media is filled with inaccuracies so often it is hard to judge true/false. But from several interviews I have seen w Betts going back to ST, he indicated he loves Boston and Cora. But he always says he wants to test the FA market. So I doubt he will allow any team to negotiate w him. In interviews he seems pretty humble but maybe he wants his day in the sun next FA period. I have never seen a rumor that he wants a destination i.e. New York, West Coast etc.

Which table the adult or the kiddie table.

At a quick glance, you think the White Sox will roughly double their 2019 payroll and go $160 + Mil? It would be great but I think you are way too high.

All signs point to Betts wanting to test the market next year. I think that would make Benintendi pretty much an untouchable since Martinez is the 4th outfielder at present. Now if they were getting a talent better than Benintendi back, that is different. Rumors are pretty slow in New England these day since there is a new GM involved.

Even if he isn't, you could still offer Jose again next year or worst case go find another IB

I think if you have to pay his $23 next year, little or nothing should have to be added. The question is what teams will be on his no-trade list.

But w the light payroll they gave him $16 last year. Maybe I am off, but I doubt he gets more than $20 so that is not a big hit for them. If they don't resign him, that creates another positional need. Hopefully he doesn't like Milwaukee and wants a change of scenery.

I don't see the Astros either. But I haven't seenmuch speculation about his status w the Brewers. They had a light payroll last year, drew close to 3 Mil. and had a pretty good year. I got to think they are going to try and keep him. Unless there was friction, I would think they have the inside track if they intend to pony up $18-20.

I would think if a team takes on JDM's full salary, the assets would be similar to the kids on the coach in Animal House. But JDM has to decide on who are no trade partners.

He has some no-trade provisions which are rumored to be certain teams he will not go to.

LH w solid power numbers. But 35% SO rate. He would move the needle.

I assume Boras and JD will wait till all the Football chatter from last night dies down. Probably 3-4 PM they will make their move.

Braves had $38 MIl with their top 3 starters. We had 9 with Nova. We could dump Nova and certainly add two very good starters for $38 or keep Nova and find two for $28.

He made $20 last year so I think $10-12 would get him. He got $5Mil already for his buyout.

No, but you probably have to be creative and lucky. Of the final four, the Cardinals had the lowest payroll at $165. But if you drop down to previous round, the Braves had a very good year and spent $117. I will not include Tampa as their payroll is minor league level. But the World Series had teams w big payrolls as well as many experienced players.

I think he and/or Wheeler will be our targets for the high rated starter and both will get similar $. But I do think the Giants will want to keep him. I think Wheeler may be easier to get.

Why not from Tampa? They have developed a lot of pitching and they probably don't pay their FO big bucks.

JD supposedly has a limited no-trade clause. It would be interesting to know what teams he blocked a trade to 3 years ago. I doubt the White Sox are included. Maybe Tigers are one for trading him.

I would add that Martinez has to decide on opting in/out well before he knows how the roster will be changed going into next season. if they decide to trade Betts, they may not be in contention next year. Chris Sales health is also a major factor. So I am not sure JD is assured Boston will be competitive for a playoff spot next year. Now he can opt out and try and choose a team in AL that will pay him and looks to be competitive.

But Boston usually sucks at evaluating pitching. They usually import the majority by trade. But the Tampa stat whiz is running the show now so maybe he brought his spreadsheets with him.

FWIW--As I remember it, he was out of the lineup for a week or so in the summer. When he returned, it was as a DH and their announcers said it was less stress on his back. Maybe throwing was a concern? I know he played quite a bit in the field in September because there was some media speculation it would bring down his FA value.

He died in the post season but he continues to hit 30 HR/80+ RBI. Not a bad Option C or D if we strike out w main targets since he might be had for 10 Mil.