SCCWS

Hopefully they gave Alonso an opt-out so he can move to SD.

Agree but the idea was to surround him w enough talent like Eloy , Anderson, Moncada etc. to have a good team. Now his personality is a different thing.

Chicago is certainly a haven for crime. But Nashville has one of the highest crime rates in America based on it's size. Do your research as to where to relocate to in that area. Good luck to you and your family in your new locale. Certainly the weather will be a bonus.

You underestimate Boras. I bet Harper will get $325-350 before it is over which could be as early as tomorrow. tomorrow.

Maybe the Phillies really wanted Harper. We shall see

A few thoughts as this settles in: Kenny saying he was stunned Manny chose San Diego is scary. You got to think the agent said last chance can you beat this. Lost in our disappointment, are the Phillies. Their owner said they would spend crazy money. Does that mean that they would not top 300/10/5? Or does it mean they really wanted Harper more than Manny? Who said Manny didn't like the West Coast? White Sox offer +Friends/Family did not overcome San Diego offer. In the end, all the "insiders" were on the outside.

Which is why I said the blame is on the front office since we don't know who made what decisions.

I disagree. We have no clue what transpired in the process. We can blame the entire front office but we have no idea if Jerry, Kenny or Rick was mostly to blame. Remember, if Jerry thinks Kenny and/or Rick screwed it up, he can fire them. But as I posted last week, Jerry turns 84 next week so for all we know he may not know what Kenny and Rick do.

Huh??? Who wants those type of fans? They are the ones who arrive in the 2nd inning, need a scorecard to know who is on the home team and leave to beat the traffic in the 8th.

But really aren't the White Sox from an attendance and payroll standpoint are also a small market team?

It was a year ago today that Boras client J D Martinez's agreement w Boston was announced. We will see if 2/19 has some significance w Boras.

Stalk them

Moncada had good numbers in AA and AAA. Eloy had exceptional numbers at AA and AAA( so far)

NESN via USA Today on Above: It’s worth noting that Russell originally reported that Harper would announce his decision Friday, so his report obviously needs to be taken with a grain of salt. He also said that ironing out contract details likely is the reason for the holdup. So, where will Harper end up? “I don’t think it’s going to be the Nationals. I think it’s going to be the San Francisco Giants. But, that is not, that is not — by any means — a, like, I know that for a fact. So, I want to caution everybody because I know how this works.” Round and round we go. What does the Fortune Teller say? https://nesn.com/2019/02/bryce-harper-rumors-star-free-agent-finally-has-made-his-decision/

This source says Manny holding out for $300 M https://www.ibtimes.com/manny-machado-rumors-mlb-star-wants-300-million-contract-bryce-harper-sign-first-2764461

Did Manny order a Chicago Deep Dish or a Philly Cheesesteak.

He is turning 83 in a few weeks. He may think Michael Jordon is playing left-field.

Boras /Red Sox/Martinez chose 2/19 last year. Will that be Harper's day?

But actually they do. They can take the big money or a favorable location. If Manny wants less money, I am sure the Dodgers or Yankees will take him. People all over this country make the same type decisions. Like, do I take more money for a job but I have to relocate my family? Difference is either decision Harper or Manny make, financially they are still set for life unless they screw it up. Average person could be making the decision to stay above water.

No. Manny had such a great time as Gronk's guest riding in a duck boat, he is thinking of playing football next season.

HUH??? It is greed on both sides. I will bet you Jerry has more money than Manny. So w your rationale, the team is also stringing it out to save every last penny.

First of all the guy writes for a Yankee periodical so I take him like almost everyone else these days w 2 grains of salt. But I am concerned somewhat. The Yankees finished 8 games behind Boston and will start w Didi out of the lineup. The Yankees bolstered their pitching but offensively they were a distant 2nd to Boston in all but HR. Now if Boston loses Kimbrel to FA that shifts the scales some. But Cashman may be concerned that the Didi loss and the Pedroia add may still leave an offensive void. Now maybe Machado is still too rich to fill that void.

Last year it was 72-90. So with their accuracy we can expect to be 64-98. Let's wait for Vegas numbers. Last year this book had White Sox at 65 wins and they had 62. https://www.docsports.com/current/mlb-season-win-totals-predictions-720.html

One downside of a 2-3 year deal and Manny walks would be if we missed out on someone else in free agency during that same window. But Manny will put life back into the fanbase and also take pressure off Moncada and Eloy as they develop.

FWIW: Actually, the deal was announced on February 19th. The formal signing for media purposes took place on the 26th.