Sox and a Prayer

Yeah this will be interesting to see how this all plays out. I mean Puig is a guy who can play at every outfield position. Has a bat that is dangerous. I definitely would prefer over Engel's off the bench. As far as signing him, I imagine it would take at least $5 million - which is a bargain. But as some have pointed out, the Sox have chosen and committed to Nomar starting . And this is a course of action that I agree with. The Sox have got to see what Mazara can do first. If Puig can agree with those parameters and with the culture we have now in that locker room led by Abrue and Grandal then this could work out. We become a little more dangerous with his bat. And Ricky has flexibility if an outfielder needs a break. And if he disrupts what we are trying to do, then they can dfa him. Bottom line the risk is minimal.

I agree with you on Holt.

And Hahn did say in an interview at Soxfest (I think?) That it is a 2 way street. I think they have kicked the tires on some of these guys. But They're just not interested knowing Madrigal is about ready.

Yeah, I do believe him. I think he does seem to know someone connected to the whitesox or a mlb front office. Not alot of followers. He has explained why his Twitter account is called fake Steve Cishek. He's a Mariners fan not a Sox fan. I really can't find anything that he's been blatantly wrong on. He's made some suggestions and stated some opinions. But anything from his source has been correct. Some may feel they were just lucky guesses and that's fine - so be it. I just feel he's passing on information when he hears it.

No, you're not the only one. I ordered a Eloy one.

The interesting thing about this with the Dodgers, is would this take them out of any talks for Lindor? I got to think that if I was a Indians fan that this would be bad news. I know the Reds want him (Lindor) but don't have nearly as much as the Dodgers do. Or in the spirit of winning now do the Dodgers try to acquire both Betts and Lindor? If so, I would say they win the offseason.

Because its the ESPN east coast bias. They've already forgotten what the Twins did last year. And it looks like they haven't cared what the Reds have done this offseason. I'm surprised they have us as high as 13 honestly.

I agree with you on the starting depth. I'm still hoping Cade McClure returns and pitches like he did 2 yrs ago before all the injuries.

How are the Reds outfield going to pan out? They have got alot of outfielders - including the new Japanese guy. (Sorry I forgot his name)

Yes I do hate the Padres. But I hope they do this. Mortgage the future by trading their top prospects for a 1 year rental. And then Mookie walks next offseason. Is this the move of a maverick gm or a desperate gm?

I really hate the Padres.

The Sox are in a great spot right now. They don't absolutely need Castellanos. The market isn't what he thought it would be. And he doesn't want to wait for spring training to sign. Now -- major discount. Very good chance to a 1 year deal. No draft pick attached. And if the Sox don't get him I'm ok with that too-- they have NM. I'm not loosing any sleep over this. Again, very good position our Whitesox are in.

Yes I agree. In addition the precedent has already been set with our very own 1919 black sox scandal. Whom conspired to throw that world series. There is no asterix next to the Reds WS that year whether the Sox threw it or not.

If the pitcher and the catcher can recognize what's going on and certainly the batter in the batters box who its being communicated to, then I'm sure after a while the ump can distinguish it fromthe dugout vs. the stands. And certainly I would think the 3rd base or 1sr base ump would be able to tell depending on which dugout that its coming from. Listen, the umps don't need to know the specifics of the thumps. Just that they should be able to recognize that They're signaling something. Could be cheating. That's all I'm trying to say.

Well speaking of not doing anything, what about the umpires for the last 3 years? I mean think about it, its generally the same crew working the 3 or 4 game series. So at Houston the home plate umpire never heard the Bam noise with the bat right before each pitch Or the 3rd base coach? I'm sure after a while you could figure out what was going on. And I'm sure some crews even talked about it in there own locker rooms. Again I'm talking about 3 seasons! You might say this is outside the grounds of what they govern on a day to day basis. But I ask why? They can eject anyone caught cheating with a corked bat, too much pine tar, sandpaper, scuffed balls, etc. Etc. I know they hear what's going on in the dugout. They're quick to question anyone being critical of one of their calls from there. Right?

If they are they definitely have the prospects for a trade involving Bryant. Bleacher Report has the Twins as the 9th best farm system going into this year. Secondly, if they are trying to trade for Bryant then the Twins must feel pretty confident that Bryant is going to lose his grievance. So Twins would have him for 2 years. Not sure they would do this for a 1 year rental.

No thanks, I'll pass on Hader. And I am a Hader fan. Having a weapon like that out of the bullpen = more than a few wins. But at what cost? You're top 3 or 4 remaining prospects? Your 1st baseman and 2nd baseman of the future? Again, no way.

You're right about the radio. That is rough to listen to. I miss John Rooney.

What about Eloy last year? 31 bombs as a rookie.

They are a good pair - a great pair! But my favorite pair is Hawk and Wimpy. Those late 80's and 90's broadcasts were great. Alot of good memories and good whitesox teams then. I really do believe the sox would have went to the WS in 94 had it not been for the strike. I remember Hawk finding out live on air of his very good friend Don Drysdale passing away and Wimpy having to take over for an inning or 2. But I really do enjoy the Steve and Jason pairing. Better than the Steve and Hawk pairing and much better than the Hawk and Darren pairing.

Rankin I know it's still a little early but when are we going to get a new top 30 prospect list at futuresox?

I would think the sox make this official this week. I'm sure they need a physical or whatever loose ends to wrap up. I'm not even sure he needs to fly here to do that.

Love hearing about guys like this! Thanks for posting. Love Futuresox.

Was it Albert Belle ? His 2nd year with the whitesox was incredible. He was almost a 50/50 guy. 2bs, hrs.

I really enjoyed your article there Jose. It's an aspect of the whitesox that you really don't think about that much. But this does make me ask how many gold gloves will the whitesox win in the next 5 - 6 years? I got to think possibly Moncada at 3rd and Madrigal at 2nd? I'm sure not next year but a good chance later on?