Sambuca

Hendriks isn’t happening. Do we ever win bidding wars after they go this public?

I don’t have enough energy to keep being upset about this, and it’s just not worth it. Nothing we can do about it now except take enjoyment out of something we love. We aren’t to blame, but directing blame elsewhere is a lost cause. They aren’t forgiven, but I’m moving on.

What a douche.

He’s striking out 13/9 over the last five years. What exactly is happening?

When the Sox signed Grandal, one of the big things we heard about was how much time and work he put into understanding and improving his pitchers and how much preparation he put into each start. Now I’m reading from people “in the know” on this site that one of his biggest issues is lack of preparedness and lack of general connection with his pitchers. If it’s somewhere in the middle, why are people speaking in extreme opposites on the matter? Not really sure if you have an answer to that, but I just find it odd.

Just tell us now. How big of a twist is it?

Players are going to sign the best deal given to them. If San Diego didn't make a better offer, Machado would have signed here and then the Sox interest would have been legitimate I guess? What you're saying is pretty much true for any team trying to sign a player. That doesn't mean what the Sox are willing to offer will not ever match what the player is willing to sign for. If that were the case, the Sox wouldn't have Keuchel, Grandal, and even Robert on the roster right now. The Sox have shown they will play at the top of the market for a closer, so I am not ruling out a Hendrik's signing because Bernstein claims to have a "source." Nor am I going to pout and act like the Sox will never sign a good free agent ever again because Machado. Not even sure why we are comparing 10/300mil to 3/40mil anyways. The Sox have proven to do the latter very recently. Jeez, you're making me sound like some kind of optimist. You're good, man.

What does that even mean? Do you think it's impossible for another team not to make a better offer? We aren't talking about a 300mil contract here. The Sox have successfully signed free agents before.

I would not put much stock into Bernstein's "segment." The Sox might not spend much more, but Bernstein doesn't know shit. What would be the point of waiting until the deadline to get a closer anyways? When the Cubs did that, they gave up Gleyber Torres for 2 months of a closer. So their plan is "let's see how many games we can lose without a closer, then after that happens, let's give up our best prospect for 20 innings of work." I know it's the White Sox we are talking about, but that doesn't make sense at all.

Eaton is so much better of a bat to slide into the White Sox lineup. If healthy, which I understand is a big if and I’m assuming they did some homework, he’s providing around .290/.360/.790 with some speed on the base paths and plays like a spark plug. His defense has declined pretty drastically, and that is an issue, but since he doesn’t seem to have lost too much speed, I’m hoping it comes back a bit. Has his arm gotten worse? Anyway, I don’t love the signing, but if the Sox get one more decent OF/DH, it’s a solid move as the lineup looks nice with him at the top or bottom. This team doesn’t need more home runs, they could use more straight up hitters and guys who get on base like Madrigal, Eaton, and hopefully Brantley. These guys will keep lineup moving, make pitchers work, and hit consistently. This will help the power guys out in a lot of ways and avoid prolonged team slumps. I was all about the Mazara trade and seeing what he could do. But gambling on him having a better season than Eaton when he’s never had one close is way too much of a risk next season. Eaton brings so much more to the table than an all or nothing hitter that is mostly nothing.

Well it did kind of bring things full circle with Addison Reed being traded for Matt Davidson, but yes I meant Robertson. Too many first name-son last names, I tell ya.

I actually don't hate this signing, but as I said in the Brantley thread, they desperately need another corner OF/DH on this roster.

The Sox need another corner OF/DH desperately. With their current roster, they are not only relying on Eloy and Eaton to stay healthy for the majority of the season, they are also relying on a kid who hasn't played above A and missed an entire year of development to immediately step into the DH role. A guy like Brantley has a spot on the roster this year, and possibly in 2022. With the current state of MLB, I wouldn't be surprised to see Brantley take a 1 year deal with a 2nd year team option. Hoping they are still considering him, but not counting on it.

This is believable to me as Closer is one position the Sox truly value, and have actually spent money and resources on since trading Addison Reed. Referring to the big contract to Davidson and trading a ton of value in Narvaez.

Nothing made me right. I said "eventually." That word means stuff. I swear.

I’ve been telling people this for a while now as well. Most people called me crazy. I was so pumped to eventually not only be right, but to also have our version of Shane Bieber for the next six years. Now I’m struggling because I don’t want to be right anymore, but I do wish Dunning the best of luck.

Lance Lynn is also a huge Lance Lynn.

Yes, without hesitation.

Gordon Beckham looked pretty damn good when he came up.

Side question: Is there a way to tell who “reacts” to your posts? Or is it always “somebody”? Or is there a poster named “somebody” who is my biggest fan?

I feel Madrigal is the only option at lead off that makes sense. He’s the one guy who doesn’t have to sacrifice anything else in his offensive skill set to get on base. It’s pretty much the name of this game, although I do understand a lot of that will come from BA. If he can’t produce a high BA then he doesn’t really belong in the majors anyways. I believe the Sox will instill in him a more patient approach. Not only to draw more walks, but to ensure he’s making contact on the pitches he can drive. Which would in turn increase his BA. He belongs at the top of the order. Moncada belongs 2nd. Those are the main two spots I feel most strongly about.

I really cannot see the Sox signing Puig. He’s not that good. They want to give Mazara at bats. And Puig isn’t going to sign to platoon, especially on the wrong side of it. I do not dislike Puig and he may be a nice guy. I just don’t like the potential disruption of a young clubhouse that looks to be coming together really well. I do believe if a team has enough talent, those kind of teams are the ones that surprise people. If he actually is a jerk, that stuff does matter. You’re not just on a baseball field with him, you’re pretty much tied to him for the majority of the year. In short, his production is nowhere near good enough to potentially have his attitude become an obstacle. I think the the Sox know this.

Not a huge Collins fan, but I really hope he’s not used to acquire a RP, especially one with only a year or two of control. Collins should be used to a acquire a more impactful player, probably in a package. If not traded, he can still be useful during the White Sox window as soon as opening day as a LH power bat. There’s also the small hope he can position himself to be a regular in 2021. I’d much rather just sign a RP. If it’s a trade, prospects like Basabe, Rutherford, Pilkington should be used. It’s shaping up that they will never serve any purpose in this rebuild besides a potential trade chip.

And pretty decent RH-LH balance.

I also liked the idea of having four above average runners batting in a row.