Bob Sacamano

QUOTE (JUSTgottaBELIEVE @ Apr 21, 2017 -> 12:30 PM) Some have stated Robert would be a potential 1-1 pick in this year's draft. Also, it has been stated that he is the top international prospect currently available and a potential top 25 prospect in MLB upon signing. So what is that worth on the open market? A few points of reference: - The last two 1-1 picks have signed for an average of $6.3MM (understood that this number is heavily skewed because of the cap rules) - The top international prospect in 2016 and #29 ranked per MLB pipeline Kevin Maitan signed for $4.25MM - The top international prospect in 2015 and #14 ranked in Rays org per MLB pipeline Lucius Fox signed for $6MM Based on some of the reference points above, I don't see it taking more than a $13MM signing bonus to land Robert. But are the White Sox willing to pony up $25MM (including tax) to sign him? When Moncada became available late in the signing period, he got $31.5 mill from the Red Sox (who I believe were already over). That should probably factor into your estimate and skew the number up more a bit.

QUOTE (ptatc @ Apr 21, 2017 -> 11:15 AM) If they have 1 million left, is there the 100% tax of all money after the 1 million? I can't find a good resource on the current system. Most of them have an analysis of the new system. Yes all of the money past the $1 million would be taxed.

QUOTE (bmags @ Apr 21, 2017 -> 11:08 AM) We actually signed 20 players, most for basically nothing. Southsidesox says we have $1 million left. So, if we offer 10 million (nice round numbers) we pay effectively $19mill. Negligible, I think the total spend for FA classes is more important. When you are already paying $10 mill in tax another $30 mill can feel worse. I'm assuming if a player signs for under $300k, it doesn't count towards the allotment. The math I did on the info I provided up top has us at the $1 million remaining.

QUOTE (ptatc @ Apr 21, 2017 -> 10:46 AM) Back on topic......How much could the Sox offer without going into the penalty? Without knowing the exact numbers, I'm guessing only a couple mill. Edit: just checked. We were allotted $2,973,500 for this period so even less than I guessed haha Source: https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/04/mlb-...onus-pools.html Edit 2: here is how much we have spent already: Josue Guerrero, of, Dominican Republic (No. 33 prospect), $1.1 million. Luis Mieses, of, Dominican Republic (No. 36 prospect), $428,000. Anderson Comas, of, Dominican Republic (No. 37 prospect), $450,000. These 3 didn't have amounts, so I'm guessing under $300k. Lenyn Sosa, ss, Venezuela Jenderson Caraballo, rhp, Venezuela Anthony Coronado, of, Venezuela

QUOTE (ChiSoxFanMike @ Apr 21, 2017 -> 10:31 AM) To be fair, I'd rather only make the playoffs once and win the World Series in said season than be like the Nationals or Dodgers. The one playoff appearance he is referring to is 08.

QUOTE (bmags @ Apr 21, 2017 -> 09:41 AM) There are some things that make me more optimistic: - I do think JR is more cautious on Intl talents due to youth. That Robert is 19 years old makes him more likely to spend - Yes, sox have never signed someone over 68 million, but, Robert will not cost over 68 million - The CBA has already changed, so he has cost certainty moving forward in both the MLBAM draft and the INTL FA signings. As with signing Rodon over, I think it makes it more likely he plays outside his normal operating lines BUT, the white sox don't operate in a vacuum. Some other team just may want him more. I don't know that I'd pay Moncada money for robert, I probably would not. But then I'd hope we trade for a ful INTL slot to go after Otani. Including the 100% tax it could be close (not that I think it will go that high).

QUOTE (Two-Gun Pete @ Apr 21, 2017 -> 07:52 AM) I don't recall the timing, but signing a 27 year old Jose Abreu doesn't seem to be anything like pursuing a 19/20 year old Robert. The former seems like KW's treasured policy of pursuing veterans. Any pursuit of Robert would seem to go contrary to Reinsdorf's reluctance to spend on "just prospects." Moreover, I can't recall an example where this org beat out other MLB teams to sign a youngster where other teams were interested and involved in pursuing a youngster. Belle, Borchard, and Abreu were veteran players, unlike Robert. Borchard was a draftee. Viciedo did not gin up as much interest & competition for his services as Robert. I see no precedence in recent years from this org. On balance, signing Robert seems incredibly unlikely to me. I do 100% agree with this. The first part of my post was more about teams not being to really sign Abreu due to the playoffs going on. I know the Red Sox were interested and had Napoli at first on an expiring contract. Would seem difficult to sign Abreu at that point in time.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Apr 20, 2017 -> 10:10 PM) The precedents of outspending markets exist for Albert Belle, Joe Borchard, Viciedo and Abreu (although every MLB team wasn't looking 1B that off-season, including most of the big spenders). Dunn and Robertson would be other examples for DH's and relievers. It does make sense with our long history with Cuban players, not to mention the presence of Abreu, Moncada and even Rodon's family background. That said, like MOST of the time we've been excited about acquiring a player or a potential trade, will only believe it when I see it. I recall Abreu signing during the playoffs with the Red Sox as an interested team, who were in the post-season. Would be tough to make a signing at that time.

QUOTE (Nokona @ Apr 20, 2017 -> 06:46 PM) Nice to see Boseo and Lackey accusing Thames of juicing. #ThatsCub Where? I mean it wouldn't shock me if he is but to accuse him is dumb.

QUOTE (greg775 @ Apr 20, 2017 -> 06:38 PM) LOL at the draftniks who want us to lose so we get this guy. Why not just trade for KC's Bubba Starling while you're at it. Lol

QUOTE (steveno89 @ Apr 20, 2017 -> 03:00 PM) Padres have already spent a ton in the past 12 months on international players and the draft If the bidding ends up costing $30 million or so I'm not sure I see them shelling out even more money to sign Robert To be honest, I can't see the Sox shelling out that much (or close to it) for a 19-year old.

QUOTE (bmags @ Apr 20, 2017 -> 01:15 PM) I don't think this is accurate. I think it was only because of how much the bonus was to be honest. Makes sense that they would be allowed to pay $31.5 mill over 3 years.

QUOTE (bmags @ Apr 20, 2017 -> 11:50 AM) ...4 weeks of this? Ugh. Yeah that's rough. 30 more days!

QUOTE (Sleepy Harold @ Apr 20, 2017 -> 11:48 AM) Jesse Sanchez @JesseSanchezMLB now Source: Cuban OF prospect Luis Robert, 19, was declared a free agent today but will not be eligible to sign until May 20. @MLBPipeline So basically a month of possible show-cases and then a little less than month of making a decision.

QUOTE (bmags @ Apr 20, 2017 -> 11:42 AM) In addition (and maybe you wrote this :$ ) we have more and more money coming off the books, whereas the rest are adding. That said, STL are rich and out a draft pick. Probably shouldn't talk myself into Sox signing him too much, could be a big gut punch. I'd rather not expect to sign him and not sign him than to get my hopes extremely up only for him to sign somewhere else lol I'm not going to expect anything and if we end up signing him, it'll be f***ing awesome lol

QUOTE (daggins @ Apr 20, 2017 -> 11:39 AM) I see the Reds as the dark horse with STL or HOU the favorites. SDP and OAK less likely for the reasons bmags laid out above. CHW are the true wild cards here. The Reds...definitely a team that really could use him as their rebuild seems awful so far in terms of bringing in talent.

QUOTE (bmags @ Apr 20, 2017 -> 11:19 AM) I will be shocked if he gets $35 million. I think you guys are way overestimating this. Yeah I don't think it'll get that crazy. Edit: is he viewed the same as Moncada when Moncada came over? Where he was kind of like a must have, 5-tool player in the middle-infield who switch hits that every team should want. It doesn't really seem like it.

QUOTE (IowaSoxFan @ Apr 20, 2017 -> 11:13 AM) Yeah, Houston is probably the definitive favorite right now as he worked out for them and then "postponed" the rest of his work outs. I think the Sox chance at Robert isn't great at this point as I anticipate that the price for him is going to well exceed what they are comfortable to dolling out. I can see him getting close to $35M which would end up costing the team $70M. He had the flu supposedly. He has no reason not to work out for other teams.

QUOTE (shipps @ Apr 20, 2017 -> 11:00 AM) What is the time frame on this again? I was under the impression that it would be closer to June 15th until he signs. Is this like an any day type of thing? Any time he wants now. He would be motivated to sign sooner than wait for the next signing period since he can make more money so it would be before June 15th.

QUOTE (daggins @ Apr 20, 2017 -> 10:31 AM) I remember seeing the question posed in a Fangraphs chat and the guy thought that without significant salary eating, Robertson wouldn't return a top 100 guy. I tend to agree, so yes. I don't know what the Sox are thinking, but I wouldn't mind them eating cash if it meant receiving the best possible package. It seems like they've shown a willingness to eat money in recent years so who knows.

QUOTE (daggins @ Apr 20, 2017 -> 10:17 AM) The Rangers aren't likely to be buyers unless they rebound pretty quickly. They're looking more like the ill fated injury prone team from a couple years ago and less like the world beaters from 2016. I feel like you could be right and they could potentially make a desperation move to sure up there bullpen by making an early deal for a closer as well.

QUOTE (ptatc @ Apr 20, 2017 -> 10:11 AM) People undervalue relievers until their team needs one. I love that the Nationals and Rangers are already on their second closers of the season just over 2 weeks into the season. And Bush, the current Rangers reliever, is dealing with arm trouble so they could potentially be on #3 before too long.

QUOTE (bmags @ Apr 20, 2017 -> 09:29 AM) Agree with this. Just glad we've moved out of the "Robertson for Severino" territory here. Especially since Collins is improving defensively (so far anyway).

QUOTE (daa84 @ Apr 20, 2017 -> 09:12 AM) not sure which thread to say it in, but adam eaton has been awesome so far Yeah I looked yesterday since my buddy (who has Harper on his fantasy team) feels the need to tell me every time he hits a homer. So I kinda figured Eaton has a lot of runs scored already on the season and checking his stats, I am correct. It's comical how one-sided the media and fans of other teams said that deal was. OBP is .429 and he's scored 14 runs already for them in 14 games. Does he belong in a corner spot? Yes and he likely will be next year since Werth's contract expires this season.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Apr 20, 2017 -> 08:33 AM) It was the right thing to do. I think the league looks at some questionable scoring decisions these days. OTOH, just because the Sox boot the ball around doesn't excuse the homer. It seems the past several years, White Sox errors lead to runs by the bundle. Pitchers have to step up and pick up the defense once in a while. But he certainly didn't deserve the earned runs there. Yeah on Yahoo for fantasy baseball, there's always a list of stat changes every week so it seems like it is more common that stats change. They usually involve hits and ER so probably similar situations to what happened in our game.