SCCWS

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Dec 19, 2017 -> 08:07 AM) I haven’t seen that anywhere (these all rumors anyways), but I’d probably prefer Cease & Adams. At least Cease offers star potential if he hits. If you swap Adams for Fulmer I think it’s no doubt a better deal unless you really believe in Drury. I tend to ignore most of these "inside sources" rumors. Did we see accurate rumors of the Stanton deal as it ended up before it happened?

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Dec 18, 2017 -> 07:16 AM) I’m not saying the Orioles should or should not trade him now, but banking on an injury by the deadline to create demand is probably a bad strategy. And no one will forced to overpay for Machado if there are other quality options available. Donaldson is one name that immediately comes to mind who will likely be available. There’s just no certainty when it comes to the deadline. And it’s definitely not fair to assume a Chapman overpay. That is one of the biggest outlier deals in recent memory, even when considering the reliever premium in recent years. Look at what the Diamondbacks gave up for JDM last year. With this many sellers, there are typically good position players available at the deadline. There is a lot of heat in New England on DD because Red Sox did not take a sniff on Stanton and have their sights on someone else. You can bet Boston will be all over Machado and/or Harper next year so I think Machado now goes to the FA market because his value has jumped with the Stanton move.

QUOTE (mmmmmbeeer @ Dec 16, 2017 -> 12:50 AM) I think Giolito will be put up very solid #2 numbers this season. It was all mental with him and, after several solid starts last season, I think this kid is going to dominate this season. I definitely see struggles from Lopez and especially Fulmer. Lopez will improve as the season goes along but I just see this being the year Carson is sent to the pen for good. Rodon will take several months to get right and then still be susceptible to the occasional blowout (please trade his ass). There's no way this team competes in 2018. I think it will be extremely fun baseball to watch as we see the chemistry continue to grow, young guys catching on to the MLB game, and some of our top guys coming up throughout the season but, really, they're going to be really s***ty for at least the first half of the season. We may see a late run/streak but it won't be enough to snag a WC spot....though it will leave us pumped for 2019. I agreed with your opening sentence. But then you jumped from Giolito being solid to dominating next year. Maybe solid in 2018 could lead to dominate in 2019 or 2020. Chris Sale was dominating and Q was outstanding. I don't see Gio as either next year.

QUOTE (kwill @ Dec 13, 2017 -> 02:25 AM) I think the best thing the White Sox can do is just chill. Let the madness happen that is the Winter Meetings. Let the young guys develop and take their lumps this year. They need to figure out what prospects will pan out and where they will fit in the rotation and diamond. It is not as exciting as making the big move but it needs to happen. Look at the Yankees last winter meetings. They sat it out and waited for their young guys to develop. I agree but the White Sox are not the Yankees. Certainly it made sense for NY and they have an entrenched fan base. So they might have taken a hit on attendance( even some advertising money) while they reloaded but their attendance numbers are still top 5 ish. The White Sox must be concerned on their numbers as the rebuild continues. Hopefully next year, the White Sox marketing can start to "advertise' the kids to get fans to start coming back and hope the advertisers do not wander North. But 2-3 years of struggling could set the Sox back especially if the Cubs continue as an attractive product.

QUOTE (steveno89 @ Dec 9, 2017 -> 06:57 PM) To me Clint Frazier is an overrated prospect due to the questionable hit tool. He has yet to show he can handle mlb pitching and any team would be foolish to trade quality young pitching for him. Same can be said for Moncada. Having said that I would rather have Moncada than Frazier.

QUOTE (KyYlE23 @ Dec 8, 2017 -> 10:08 AM) That’s not a caviat that is a huge risk for the White Sox. They can’t risk the prospects necessary to acquire him without the guarantee that he extends I don't mean for the White Sox. A contender next year may take a shot on Machado depending on the return with the hope that if they win he may want to sign w that team long-term. The White Sox should only get involved if a sign and trade is a possibility which I doubt.

QUOTE (soxforlife05 @ Dec 8, 2017 -> 07:03 AM) We don't even need him this year. Total waste of prospects. Agree but there is a caviat. Machado may go somewhere for a year, love the situation and sign there long-term. I think he ends up in Boston, LA or New York in FA.

QUOTE (Wanne @ Dec 5, 2017 -> 09:28 PM) I'm glad Hahn is standing firm in demanding a haul. Abreu still puts up MVP type numbers...so settling for a Cardinals decent prospect and a couple of leftover outfielders ain't cuttin' it in my book. If somebody wants JA...they'll have to cough it up. I think Hahn will keep him. I saw a piece this weekend in Boston with a beat-writer talking about Abreu for JBJ. He said there are a bunch of IB/DH guys availableand the market will restrict their value. So Hahn is better Keeping Jose since he certainly seems to thrive in Chicago.

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Dec 5, 2017 -> 04:21 PM) Soon enough hopefully And I’m a huge fan of Demonico, have considered him a potential core piece since early last year. I will say this, I feel confident we have enough guys in the system to fill our corner spots long-term, but CF is potentially a question mark if Robert can’t stick there. So I’m more than ok with adding an OF if we find one that’s a legit CF, but I wouldn’t move a guy as important/valuable as Abreu for a corner guy. I hope your right but I am doubtful. Next year is a big year for him. He was a career .260--ish hitter in the minors with limited power. Certainly he has a chance to get PA with the limited roster. He looks to me to be a utility player/4th outfielder who can play a few spots and will be a .250 hitter. But he is still 25 so maybe he has a solid spring and wins starting position.

QUOTE (GenericUserName @ Dec 3, 2017 -> 08:52 PM) I understand that the teams are the ones announcing when they are out, but how are the Cubs still in and the White Sox out? Neither are on the West coast Cubs are a bigger market when he wants small market He didn't want a team that was already established He could get DH at bats with the Sox but would have to play the field with the Cubs We have Don freaking Cooper I knew we were a long shot, but seeing the Cubs still in it gets me mad maybe the criteria was not correct or changed during the process.

QUOTE (ron883 @ Nov 26, 2017 -> 02:54 PM) Machado isn't getting 500mil. That is absurd. 400 mil is even a bit high. He didn't exactly light it up last season. I predict something like 10 year 35 mil. Would you rather have avi + abreu or Machado+ more touted prospects? I know what makes sense. The sox will have NO payroll. I don't see why it's hard to imagine the sox making a play for Machado. It makes almost too much sense. What's the different between signing 2-4 free agents vs signing machado? Obviously the length will be different, but they will have LOTS of payroll freed up. I don't know what you have against Jerry or if you are stereotyping, but he will spend if he sees it as a wide investment. I don't think it will be when Machado is on the market. I think 10-- $375-400.

QUOTE (WBWSF @ Nov 26, 2017 -> 06:27 PM) I don't know when Hahn said the team wouldn't be contending until 2020. But if he actually said that and meant that I just want it to be known that statement actually depresses me. That just confirms my thoughts that this team is going to be crummy for the next few seasons. And it will be a team with a very low payroll. Always remember, low payroll = more moola for JR and his investors. JR will be 84 that year. He may be following the team from the community room of Shady Acres Home for Franchise Owners in AZ.

QUOTE (oldsox @ Nov 25, 2017 -> 09:33 AM) Murphy was virtually handed the catching job in ST and he got hurt, came back and was overwhelmed offensively. I saw him. He got one hit, and they sent him down. If Rockies re-sign Lacroy, Murphy is baggage to them. A 27 year old rookie, so, yeah, I have written him off as a trade target for Abreu. You don't trade a stud hitter like Abreu for guys like Murphy. Keep laughing. If RH is serious about finding a trade partner for Abreu, and I hope he is not, the Rox are great candidates. They love Abreu, and they would give up a lot for him. Of course, they would probably want us to take Desmond off their hands. No thanks. Rox don't really need Tapia or McMahon (if they had Abreu), so they would be offered. Then there remains Rodgers and Pint. I don't have an opinion on Murphy but catchers tend to develop later than positional players. So 27 is not unrealistic for a catcher. Swihart of Boston will be 26 next spring training and there has been talk of him on this board as well.

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Nov 19, 2017 -> 01:38 PM) $30M may be a little light, but I can’t see Machado getting anywhere near $40M in AAV. What teams will actually be in need of a 3B come 2019? Below is a list of all the teams I think could afford to have $30M AAV type player on their books and what their 3B situations currently look like. LAD - Turner (2020) NYY - Key prospects in Torres & Andujar BOS - Devers DET - Candelario (plus rebuilding) TOR - Key prospect in Vlad Guerrero Jr TEX - Gallo SFG - Arroyo CHC - Bryant WAS - Rendon (2019) LAA - Valbuena (option) NYM - Wright (2020) STL - Gyorko (2020) SEA - Seager HOU - Bregman PHI - Franco (for now) IMO, most teams look pretty much set at 3B. The Yankees are without question the biggest spender who might have a hole at 3B, but they also have a top 5 prospect in Torres plus another interesting option in Andujar. After them, I’d say the biggest threats for him are the Phillies & the Angels, and LAA already has $104M committed to five players in 2019. Also, this list doesn’t include the potential impact Moustakas & Donaldson may have on the 3B market as well. Honestly, I really think the market is being set up for a battle between us & the Phillies for Machado and I ultimately think we’d be the preferred destination if the money is equal. Just saw a Boston writer last week speculate they will eventually move Devers to 1st when Hanley goes and bring up or acquire a 3B. So Machado could be a destination if they don't go Stanton.

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Nov 18, 2017 -> 04:49 PM) Do you think Machado gets more years or a higher AAV or some combo of both? I believe Miguel Cabrera was the highest paid positional guy this last season and he only made $28M. Obviously salaries are going up, but I really can’t see him getting much more than a $30M AAV if he goes for a 10 year deal with an opt-out clause. Harper for sure will get more but I think he will also have more of the traditional big spenders involved. Trout gets $34 MIL est and he is better than machado just for his value in CF. But in 2 years you have to think Salaries will see the continual ( and crazy) escalation. So I think Machado in 2 years will get a 10 year $375-425 deal w the opt=out that seems to be growing in popularity.

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Nov 18, 2017 -> 11:07 AM) Free Agents: Manny Machado - 10/$300M (w/ opt-out) Daniel Murphy - 2/$32M Tyler Flowers - 2/$24M Andrew Miller - 4/$64M Trades: Avi Garcia to OAK for SS/OF Jorge Mateo & RHP Daulton Jefferies Roster: 1. L. Garcia, CF ($4M) 2. Moncada, 2B ($0.6M) 3. Machado, 3B ($30M) 4. Abreu, DH ($20M) 5. Jimenez, RF ($0.6M) 6. Murphy, 1B ($16M) 7. Anderson, SS ($1.0M) 8. Delmonico, LF ($0.6M) 9. Flowers, C ($12M) Sub-total = $84.6M IF: Sanchez ($4M) OF: Polo ($0.6M) UT: Cordell ($0.6M BC: Narvaez* ($0.6M) Sub-total = $5.8M #1: Kopech ($0.6M) #2: Rodon ($7M) #3: Giolito ($0.6M) #4: Lopez ($0.6M) #5: Hansen ($0.6M) Sub-total = $9.4M CL: Burdi ($0.6M) SU: Jones ($0.6M) SU: Miller ($16M) MR: Vieira ($0.6M) MR: Fulmer ($0.6M) MR: Guerrero ($0.6M) LR: Stephens ($0.6M) Sub-total = $19.6M Grand-total = $119.4M *Note: Collins would replace Narvaez by the end of June Great job/analysis. I will tell you though, this is 2017 and by 2019 Machado I think he will be in the $400 Mil group. The $300 group of David Price types is not his group. He will be w Stanton, Trout, Kershaw etc especially because of age. I wonder if Orioles will pass on him and trade him for a semi-bundle next summer if they are out of it.

In the World Series, Smoltz talked about the stress factor in pitching. He said pitching in stressful situations( runners on, big games. relief) forces pitchers to exert more effort. So pitchers who allow more baserunners are pitching with more stress and probably using more pitches. I wonder what the impact, if any , does pitching from the stretch have in comparison to pitching w a full windup?

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Nov 8, 2017 -> 02:07 PM) Yeah 25-30 innings is a pretty normal jump season over season. Agree but with some reservations. I assume both will be in majors opening day. Going 175- 200 would be pretty normal for a ML pitcher. But I would think the stress of pitching in the majors is higher than at AAA. So maybe the normal jump is not the same between AAA and Majors.

QUOTE (pittshoganerkoff @ Nov 7, 2017 -> 07:53 AM) The Sox will spend but not this offseason. It is expected by anyone who understands the rebuild that they will pursue some big FAs next offseason. But you know this and still want to complain about this rebuild you don't seem to get. If this happens, I hope this decision is based on availability and not timing. I am sure the front office is looking at an organization depth chart and knows what positions are weak. If there is a FA that would fill an organizational weakness, it would be crazy to not sign them this offseason. Our obvious trade chips( Abreu and Avi) might also be a way to fill a void but it could also expose a new one. Getting a FA to fill a major weakness this offseason is still part of a rebuild. I don't see a negative getting a FA this year if there is a guy you really like and fills an organizational weakness. It also gives you a year to get him acclimated to the team and depending on the player may have a positive influence on the young players as they come up.

QUOTE (Jerksticks @ Nov 4, 2017 -> 10:38 PM) For as long as it sometimes takes young hitters to figure out big league pitching, it might be nice to have a guy in his prime who can hit .330 and loves being here. I mean in 2019-2020, are we really expecting all the young guys to be awesome. I'm guilty of thinking that quite often. Eloy might be a special case hopefully. No. I think if 60-70% of your top prospects make it and are solid players, that would be great.

QUOTE (daggins @ Oct 28, 2017 -> 10:56 AM) From what i've read, the problem with Girardi to Nats is mostly the cost. The Lerners have a tendency to be penny-wise but pound-foolish. Girardi might have to take a year off like Tito, but he'll find the right opening pretty soon. If the Red Sox took Alex Cora should the Yankees take Joey Cora??? Girardi to Philly..........................

QUOTE (BlackSox13 @ Oct 27, 2017 -> 11:23 PM) The Nat's would be a good fit for Girardi and , IMHO, would be an upgrade over Dusty or at least bring something different to the clubhouse in DC. I know the Nat's just interviewed Farrell but now that Girardi is available, I would think he'll interview soon. Not sure why but I think Farrell would be a good fit for a young team like the Phillies. I had a few thoughts on this: 1. It seems the main issues that have surfaced w Girardi is his intensity and communication issues( which may be connected). But whatever reason Cashman had, it outweighed success on the field. 2. Farrell was 1st Red Sox manager since divisonal play to win back to back divisional titles. Some of the rumors were communication issues caused his downfall. Again, success on the field did not help him 3. I think we are in the era where the FO( and their personalities) have stronger feelings on how the team should play on a daily basis. I think the myriad of statistics available is causing more FO opinions on what should be happening on the field. Managers who disregard the direction they are urged to go become unpopular with the GM and his stat geeks. 4. As a fan watching games in Boston, almost every game the cameras pan to Bob Kraft, Danny Ainge or Dombrowski. Years ago owners and GM's were always in the background eexcept when changes occurred. I know the Boston media constantly criticized Farrell for postgame remarks. The same media that is pis*** because Belichick regularly gives them nothing in postgame interviews. In Boston, Theo was always in the news and I assume the same is happening in Chicago. 5. I think managers will continue to move around in the era where the FO wants to play manager every day.

QUOTE (Donaldo @ Oct 24, 2017 -> 08:13 PM) Wonder if he'll hire his brother as a coach? I saw where he is one possibility as a bench coach. But I would guess that job should go to an experienced manager type.

I looked but didn't see this posted. Red Sox named Alex Cora manager last weekend.

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Oct 24, 2017 -> 07:22 AM) I’d go Anderson, Moncada, Delmonico. Rodon, Abreu and Avi