ChiSoxFanMike

Payroll flexibility only means something if you use it to get a star like Machado. Having payroll flexibility and then signing the Melky Cabrera's and David Robertson's of the world doesn't get you anywhere.

So you'd rather give a 2-3 year deal to a mediocre player than a long term deal to a superstar in his prime like Machado? That makes sense.

Sox need to wrap this up ASAP. The longer this drags on the more room for something to go wrong.

You seem like a good guy, but man your pessimism is unbearable.

I was thinking the same thing. He is doing exactly what he threw a hissy fit about a couple weeks ago.

I refuse to freak out until it's confirmed that he's signing somewhere other than the Sox.

I'm not saying that the Padres aren't a threat, I just think the Sox still have the upper hand for a number of reasons.

Eh it's alright. Now the Sox have no choice but to get Machado since the backup plan is off the board.

I'm going to go into the fetal position and not leave my house for 20 years if the Sox don't get Machado

We only went through 10 pages today. Shame shame.

I bet Manny reads these forums and is taking forever to make a decision just to torture us

We'll all be dead by the time he makes a decision.

Manny, Eloy, the improved bullpen, and hopefully leaps forward from the core guys should at least make this team somewhat respectable, especially in a terrible division.

The only real threat the Sox face are the Indians, and they're the worst they have been in awhile. I don't think the Twins will be anything special. Meanwhile, the Phillies have to deal with the Braves, Nationals, and maybe even the Mets.

The Sox have a better chance of winning their division than the Phillies do theirs.

Thoughts on the potential infield logjam the Sox will have if Machado comes here? Will Madrigal be traded? Will he play 2B and Moncada goes to CF?

Boozer wasn't even that bad, but that signing felt disappointing since the Bulls had to settle for a second tier player because they missed on an elite talent. Moustakas would be the same way.

What about Harper?

That is like trying to sign LeBron and then ending up with Carlos Boozer.

To be fair, that tweet only says that they're willing to meet his demand in terms of years...not money.

Is this guy legit?

We really need Harper to go to Philadelphia. If he goes to San Francisco or pretty much anywhere other than the Phillies, this could end badly for us.

If nothing else, I'm confident on Machado just by the process of elimination. Philly is more interested in Harper, the Yankees almost certainly aren't happening, and the Padres are probably just being used for leverage. That leaves the Sox. Just gotta make a fair offer and he's most likely ours.

I don't even know how I'd react if they got both