SoCalSox

I really just can't see the Sox being able to come away with Cespedes at this point. 7-10 teams & somewhat long-term suitors don't bode well for them. I hope I'm wrong but this is just not playing out the way most were hoping, IMO.

QUOTE (Tony @ Jan 16, 2016 -> 09:33 PM) You use the word "could" in your post a lot. And rightfully so. It's easy to say when it isn't your money. Fathom is right, you are talking about a 100 million dollar commitment. And I don't think signing Cespedes increases ticket sales that much. The Sox have been so mediocre for so long, it's going to take a very hot start to get people back out the park on a consistent basis, which as we know isn't a guarantee, even with Cespedes. Why are we treating ticket sales like that source of income is that big of a deal, especially in this scenario... The Cubs doing good & the Sox doing good have much more bearing on the Sox budget than attendance does, due to their TV revenue. The Sox probably have the money if they want to, question is, do they want to spend it or keep half ass'ing everything they do? I have the feeling it'll be the latter.

There's been multiple people even on the MLB Network that have cited Cespedes' personal/leadership issues as well. At this point, this could be his 5th team in 5 years. It's not unrealistic to think there's an issue with him. With that being said, I still want to see the Sox lock this guy up.

QUOTE (WhiteSoxLifer @ Jan 16, 2016 -> 05:00 PM) http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseb...0116-story.html Care to copy & paste the link? It has a paywall on it.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Jan 15, 2016 -> 08:21 PM) I have no clue who NickyMitch93 is...but false twitter rumors and non-activity are definitely the stories of this offseason, unless you're a starting pitcher. Read the post again. I think it might make more sense to you.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Jan 15, 2016 -> 08:17 PM) Desmond? You missed the joke.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Jan 15, 2016 -> 01:21 PM) With a $4 million price tag, to me it means the White Sox are planning on spending that money differently. If they weren't planning on a major financial addition(s) bringing him back for $4 million would be a no brainer. Interesting train of thought & I hope you're right. Really surprised me to see him only sign for $4M.

QUOTE (SouthSideSale @ Jan 15, 2016 -> 11:22 AM) I want to have hope but there's nothing to support it Because there's no chance that he would walk from a deal that would be the difference between 2 mil as a whole.

Nightengale just keeps repeating himself. I think this means nothing.

QUOTE (fathom @ Jan 15, 2016 -> 10:27 AM) Rabbit had a big rumor yesterday, it's just not what people wanted to hear Exactly. If you follow him close enough, you can usually get a little bit of a jump on what the Sox are doing. Dude has been nails all offseason.

QUOTE (Al Lopez's Ghost @ Jan 15, 2016 -> 10:24 AM) They've been quiet for weeks. Most moves take time & a lot of it.

QUOTE (WhiteSoxLifer @ Jan 15, 2016 -> 10:19 AM) The question i have is what have the Sox been doing this whole time. The need to upgrade a outfield spot and a bunch of second tier OF with not QO attached been signed and yet the Sox seem to haven't been doing anything. No rumors or anything for a couple weeks now. When the Sox are quiet is usually when they are doing something. Expect something soon.

Brittany Ghiroli: "Source: Cespedes deal could include an option year beyond guaranteed five years. Hitter-friendly Camden Yards is appealing for him." "Orioles seem serious, esp if they add that option. Nothing is imminent, but Cespedes is at least considering the offer."

QUOTE (fathom @ Jan 15, 2016 -> 09:46 AM) I would love to know if they were ever in on the top 2. I have big time doubts Both raBBit & MLB Trade Rumors have said our interest on those two were overstated & more of a used leak than anything.

QUOTE (fathom @ Jan 15, 2016 -> 09:41 AM) I don't see the Sox topping that in years or total money I think it's safe to say they are out on the top 2. Time to change focus to Fowler/Trade option, IMO.

Jon Heyman: "orioles offer to cespedes is said to be about 90M for 5 years. may include 6th year option. uncertain how he'll respond."

QUOTE (peavy44 @ Jan 14, 2016 -> 06:50 PM) I think fowler due for regress with us. Based on?

QUOTE (CaliSoxFanViaSWside @ Jan 14, 2016 -> 06:50 PM) Can they put Fowler in the middle of the lineup and expect 100 RBI's from him ? If the answer to that is no then the drop off from Cespedes to him is huge not only in run production but probably in season tickets, attendance and hopes to be in contention . They play two separate roles. I'm not sure why that is so hard for fans to understand. Is Cespedes the better player? Sure. Most are fooled by his career year, because outside of that, he's averaged 2.8 WAR per year, while Fowler has averaged 2.1 WAR over his career playing in full years. Not sure Cespedes warrants up to $10M more per season.

QUOTE (fathom @ Jan 14, 2016 -> 06:43 PM) Cespedes has become Mike Trout on here Cespedes would be nice but he's got a low OBP %, will get paid big money & most fans are probably expecting close to last year's production which is simply not realistic. Would he be a good get? Absolutely, but the drop off from him to Fowler isn't as large as some think.

QUOTE (peavy44 @ Jan 14, 2016 -> 06:41 PM) Im not happy giving up draft pick to the cubs. What does giving up a pick & the Cubs gaining a comp have anything to do with the Sox improving their team?

QUOTE (fathom @ Jan 14, 2016 -> 06:41 PM) Fowler would have been 2nd on the offense in WAR last year Exactly. Most people seem to not understand how much of an upgrade he is.

QUOTE (peavy44 @ Jan 14, 2016 -> 06:33 PM) Fowler not that good might be NL player. Fowler is a 2 WAR a year player that gets on base at a high clip. Defense is below average but still a huge upgrade over Avi. He played with the Astros & hit .276/.375, 8 HRs & 11 SBs. He would be fine in the AL.

QUOTE (peavy44 @ Jan 14, 2016 -> 06:29 PM) thats not a good move. It improves the team & won't cost $20-22M per year. They could do a lot worse, like say... Trade for CarGo.

QUOTE (SouthSideSale @ Jan 14, 2016 -> 06:26 PM) Hahn is waiting to strike. He's letting it come to him. He'll have Fowler by next week, IMO.

Front loading even a contract like that would be something the Sox could do as well, IMO.