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QUOTE (steveno89 @ Dec 18, 2017 -> 03:57 PM) I'm not blown away by that Braves package, it feels light if I am the Marlins. Yelich is under long term control for a very reasonable sum of money, I'd be asking for two top 100's plus a solid third piece at a minimum. I would agree with you that Braves package seemed a tad light - I guess you could think of it as a "first offer" from the Braves. But even with two top 100 prospects as you suggest, Sox can definitely put up a package that would A) not include Eloy/Kopech/Moncada/Giolito/Lopez/Robert and B) not gut the system. Hansen, Cease, Rutherford, Burger, Collins can all be viewed as if they are top 100 or very close to it, depending on who's opinion you are asking. I'm just hoping the Sox are thinking about this. If the Braves and Phillies are in the mix as reports suggest, Sox should be as well then. Now if it turns into a bidding war then no need to include too much, but I think this would be a very smart move for the Sox.

I didn't want to start another thread for this since it is pure speculation and no reports have mentioned the Sox being interested so i just picked this one, but with the Yelich news today (apparently he wants to talk to management about getting out of MIA), wondering what everyone's thoughts are on him. At first, I think it would be an easy assumption to make that Yelich would cost an Adam Eaton package (if not more) but I am not necessarily convinced of that. Eaton was coming off a a 6+ WAR campaign whereas Yelich has never exceeded 4.5 (3 seasons of exactly 4.5). Eaton had 3 years remaining on contract at $14M plus two option years and Yelich has 5 years at $35M plus one option year - so Eaton 5 years less money, Yelich 6 years more money. We do have to factor that Yelich is three years younger, but overall Eaton could be seen as having a little more trade value than Yelich at this time last year. I think we all can agree the Eaton deal was an overpay as well - but it was a contending team that thought Eaton would help them get over the top while costing very little. In light of that, I don't think Yelich would cost a team two top 50 prospects and a previous years first rounder like Washington gave up for Eaton. More likely one top 50 prospect and some good prospects to supplement the package. https://tomahawktake.com/2017/12/18/atlanta...an-yelich-cost/ I typically don't read Fansided articles as they are pointless, but the author did put some thought into this one. It compares the trade package for Ozuna vs what a trade package for Yelich would look like from the Braves perspective. To sum it up for Yelich: Ian Anderson (#5 ATL prospect, #50 per MLB.com), Kyle Muller (#10) Christian Pache (#11) and some lower prospects that I won't mention. I think a package from the Sox perspective that would be similar and likely beat this proposed deal would be - Hansen/Cease, Rutherford, Fulmer. I would not dip into the Eloy, Kopech/Robert trio, but anyone else would be on the table (within the right combination). And this is coming from a guy that thinks Rutherford took too much heat last year for his struggles and not indicative of a failed prospect like some on here think. 5 years of Yelich when this team is just about to contend again (hopefully 2019) would be huge, rather than waiting to see if Rutherford/Robert/Adolfo are the next big things come 2020. I also think it would be a great signal to any free agents in the coming years that Sox are serious about contending and not just rebuilding. Sorry for the rambling, but been on a my mind on awhile as we sift through the confusion of the proposed Machado deal.

QUOTE (Sockin @ Aug 23, 2017 -> 10:24 AM) The homers were also a result of him having virtually no off speed stuff last night. Defintiely agreed - he was able to get through 6 innings relying on basically one pitch which is impressive to me but also was expected. Did anyone think the fastball had a little run to it (away from lefties, into a righty)? It didn't seem completely straight as opposed to Fulmer's the other night. I thought the fastball location to the lefties was above average for most of the night - he was able to get inside quite often. Also - anyone know how many swinging strikes he generated? I'm assuming low since he was only throwing the fastball with a little bit of the change.

Not an overly impressive start from Giolito yesterday at first glance (low K's) but still respectable for sure. Scranton got after him two starts ago and knocked him out in the second inning. Good to see he bounced back and went 7 against them yesterday.

QUOTE (flavum @ Jul 26, 2017 -> 02:04 PM) Lopez pitched in the postseason. McCarthy debuted against the Cubs, and he's been in the big leagues for 13 years. Okay, I'm not saying a bad start will lead to a wasted career...I just don't see the logic in throwing him in such an atmosphere. Teams often bring up prospects when the team is on the road instead of at home to let them get their feet wet when the atmosphere isn't as intense. Monday or Tuesday will have a quiet 20,000 fans instead of a crazy 40,000 tomorrow night. Would make more sense to bring him up after tonight's game in Charlotte, let him experience the game and the stadium tomorrow night. Throw a bullpen with Coop on Saturday and then let him start on Monday.

Why throw Lopez into the fire against the Cubs in front of a packed stadium? Let him pitch today in AAA and bring him up Monday/Tuesday for a start against the Jays.

QUOTE (bmags @ Jul 21, 2017 -> 09:03 AM) Those guys require long term deals. I'm fine taking some good vets on a more expensive 1-yar deal, but I want financial flexibility for when we actually know what our needs are. For sure, that is true - and this is all assuming the Sox want one of the big name guys. As others have said, I'd be fine with spreading the money around to a few guys in 2019 if they don't get one of the big guys. Probably hurts that those are basically the only FA's worth mentioning (Hosmer, Moose, JD) and so the bidding will get pretty high I'm sure. A couple guys that could fit your 1-year idea might be Garlos Gomez or Carlos Gonzalez who looks like he'll be entering FA on a really down year.

QUOTE (NCsoxfan @ Jul 20, 2017 -> 11:39 AM) Are there any free agent targets in the offseason that might work into the Sox medium/long term plans? I suppose by nature of when people hit free agency they're not usually young, so I guess unlikely. Maybe some more reclamation projects that could be flipped next deadline? I have been thinking the same as well, especially in relation to Machado/Harper and the FA's of 2019. Would it make sense for the Sox to grab one of the decent FA veterans this offseason? Looking at the list, it really boils down to one of Hosmer (27), Moustakas (28) and JD Martinez (29). My thinking would be: Do Harper and Machado or whomever else really want to come to a team in 2019 that is coming off 90-100 losses as we assume the Sox will do next year? Next year could be epic-ly bad for the Sox - besides Abreu, Moncada and TA, the rest could get ugly with growing pains for Lopez, Giolito, etc. If Moncada has a great year and TA improves, it could be enough to lure a big name FA or two to come to the Sox in 2019. But I feel like both of those happening is best case scenario and not likely to happen. I believe the year Lester came to the Cubs, the Cubs were coming off a bad year with Renteria, but they showed a little promise at least. Then with Maddon joining and the Cubs "curse" thing, Lester bought in and signed with them. Essentially, I picture one of the big name FA's saying "Alrite, I can see myself playing with Hosmer and Abreu plus the kids for the next few years" rather than "Abreu and the kids". I think it would have to be a situation similar to Encarnacion or Trumbo where the contract comes down to a reasonable price and so it makes sense for the Sox. I'd imagine Hosmer would be a great recruiter - seems like a likable guy. Realistically, Moose might make the most sense since we don't have a 3B waiting in the wings until the latter half of 2019 and we might have an 1B/OF/DH jam coming soon. Might be dumb, but something to throw out and discuss and see what you all thought.

QUOTE (2005thxfrthmmrs @ Jul 19, 2017 -> 09:41 AM) He's always been throwing hard, so if he's able to throw hard more consistently now due to improved command, then it's more likely he's able to sustain success. People act like he's having a fluke year, but there is real reason behind his success. I don't think people are acting like it is a fluke - just that you need to capitalize on his value when you (the Sox, not us) think the time is right. In looking at the MLB.com midseason ranking, which admittedly I don't love but it is the most easily accessible, I don't see another prospect the Sox could have gotten for Kahnle that is as highly rated as Rutherford, based on team need and teams willing to give up prospects (Robles, Brinson, Ray, etc). Now if you are in the camp that you might have wanted a more depth package instead of the higher ranked prospect then an argument can be made for that. Personally, I don't think the Yankees wanted to do that as they are saving some bullets for a controllable starter I assume. Another thing that has skewed alot of people's ideas of the possible return is what Miller and Chapman got back last year. The Cubs and Indians were very unique situations last year which played into the Yankees hands. I don't think that can be understated - IMO those types of deals are unlikely to happen again unless it is for the extremely uber talented young(ish) proven closers. Lastly - if you want to judge the possible return of what Kahnle might bring next year, then keep an eye on Justin Wilson. He's a guy that has for about 2 years has been a darn good bullpen piece which is what we would hope Kahnle might become. I doubt he brings back a player better than Rutherford, but likely will net a better second piece than Clarkin.

QUOTE (Dam8610 @ Jul 18, 2017 -> 02:09 PM) Yep, not many 3Bs out there with 30+ HR, 10%+ BB, ~20% K potential and good defense. He would be a fine return, I'd think, for Avi. He and Tapia would have my head spinning. Agreed on this - McMahon had one thing to work on this season with the K's and he seems to have figured that out a bit. I won't say completely figured out since the PCL does strange things to the numbers - but one would have to think he is trending in the right direction. Does he play good defense? I would love to get a guy that can play both ways a bit considering the talent we have brought in the past year don't scream GG defenders. MLB.com seems to think that McMahon is athletic enough for the position.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Jul 17, 2017 -> 01:32 PM) Who knows what it will look like in a couple of years. I doubt these trades happen, but if they did, so what? It might be ideal to have guys at different positions, but frankly, if all the prospects are going to work out, there isn't much room for any more. Get the best players, let the other stuff sort itself out. DH, position change, trade for some other position are always available. Really couldn't agree more on this. Would be a great problem if even two of them pan out, let alone one of Chavis, Andujar and Burger. Would Andujar have the athelticism for LF possibly? His carrying tool on defense is his arm so could be an option. He's a guy that I have really wanted in a deal with the Yankees.

Rather than research for myself - did Chavis make any offseason prospect rankings? Midseason prospect rankings?

The Sox and Rodon will be in the exact position that the Cubs faced with Samardzija in his last season with the Cubs- a team with a very good pitcher whose contract was running out just before the team was about to contend. I think taking the same approach as the Cubs did is the right way to go. Let Rodon develop into a TOR arm until 2019/2020 - make repeated attempts at making good fair contract offers and if nothing comes to fruition, then work on trading him at the 2019/2020 deadline. At that point, the Sox can start to target higher level prospects in trades that fit their rebuild strategy.

Hahn on the Score said something to the effect of "We viewed Jimenez and Cease as comparable to Moncada and Kopech, just a year earlier". Essentially, this offseason, Jimenez and Cease would be talked about the way we all talked about Moncada and Kopech last year. Love the analogy.

QUOTE (steveno89 @ Jul 13, 2017 -> 11:46 AM) Jimenez is by far the best prospect that was offered to the White Sox. Prospects like him only get traded in major blockbusters. I'm thrilled with this return. It's as much as Sox fans could have possibly hoped for. I agree with you on that - but some feel Acuna could be #1 prospect soon. I'll take the power that Jimenez provides over Acuna's overall game. Love the deal and Cease is a GREAT second piece. More than I thought they could get.

We were all drooling over the thought of getting Acuna or Maitan from the Braves only to be shot down by a few Braves posters (thanks for participating!) that it wan't going to happen. Well we might have just done better than either of them.

QUOTE (Enscheff @ Jul 12, 2017 -> 05:09 PM) Demeritte and Riley are garbage. Only the most posi-Braves seriously consider them as players who will ever impact the MLB roster. If I had to guess, I would imagine Coppy has offered 2 pitchers not named Wright (and probably not both Allard and Soroka), plus Pache, plus 1-2 other fungible assets. Hahn has that offer in his back pocket, and if the Yanks, Astros, Brewers, Rockies, or maybe even the Cubs, give in and include an elite position prospect, Hahn jumps. Absent those teams flinching, getting one of Allard or Soroka could very well be the biggest piece available to Hahn. If I were a Sox fan, I would hope he doesn't gamble again on keeping Q in hopes of netting a bigger return at a later date. It almost bit him once already, and he is unlikely to luck out again. What are Braves fans thoughts on Dustin Peterson? He was a guy that I had looked into during the offseason when rumors started up about the Braves and I liked what I saw - seems like a professional hitter. Any concerns on the wrist injury earlier in the year? Soroka + Gohara + Pache + Peterson?

The Sox really have an incentive to sell everything very fast. The Phillies (29) and Giants (34) are the only teams with less wins than the Sox (38). There are plenty of teams with 38-43 wins currently - some will be buyers, but some others will be sellers. If they can deal Quintana, Kahnle, Robertson and one of Melky/Frazier in the next few days, they theorteically should torpedo themselves down in the standings and would be staring down a top 5 pick, possibly top 3. Most other sellers will not deal until closer to the deadline which gives the Sox 2 plus weeks on the competition to "tank" for lack of a better word. Based on the smoke that's been thrown around by raBBit, WSD, Passan and others, there seems to be a heightened sense of urgency. Makes me think KW & RH recognize the opportunity as well and are really open for business if the right deals come around.

QUOTE (oneofthemikes @ Jul 11, 2017 -> 05:08 PM) 100% agree. Maitan or Acuna would be my preference. Then maybe Allard or Newcomb. Hopefully RH can swing Alex Jackson too. If you are able to get a Maitan or Acuna headlining package, I wouldn't mind the next piece being something like Gohara/Wentz. It sounds crazy to say that Acuna or Maitana > Albies (#7 overall prospect) but those two have so much upside. Either could be the #1 prospect in baseball at some point.

QUOTE (hi8is @ Jul 11, 2017 -> 04:41 PM) Also of note, raBBit on twitter just said: "Yeah I'm leaning towards Q never pitches for Sox again." This is both exciting and sad at the same time. I didn't really care when they traded Sale. I was one who got a little tired of his act, but Quintana has really been a joy to watch these last few years. Now, enough of the sentimental thinking...would love a depth package from the Braves. There's just so much to choose from in the 10-25 range to round out a decent haul.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Jul 11, 2017 -> 02:43 PM) There was a couple pages of Aaron Judge shaming. Why would the White Sox want him? The picture image of a bust. I don't know if the Yankees would have traded him for Sale. I don't know if he was traded if he would be doing what he is doing, but if he was, my God, how excited would we all be about him? Count me in the "Judge will not hit MLB pitching" club as well. But I am glad to see the kid doing well - he's very easy to root for. My own opinion, but I would bet the Yankees would have dealt him for Sale or Q in the offseason. I'd assume Sox were asking about Sanchez, Torres, Frazier and Cashman wanted to start further down his prospect list like Mateo or Judge. He rhad a rough go at it last year, and the Yankees were really considering starting him in the minors this season but injuries forced him on the ML roster to start the year. So they didn't seem to be sold on him either. Oh well...

QUOTE (raBBit @ Jul 11, 2017 -> 12:27 PM) McGuffey's legit. I'd imagine he got a call from someone with the Sox leading to him deleting the tweet. There's a lot of smoke here. Brewers, Yanks, Braves and rockies are the teams. Sox preparing internally for the after effects of a Q trade. They don't want to wait until 7/31. They don't want to feel forced. I think they'll say they don't have to trade him but you can be sure they want to. I think we might be a bit disappointed with return as I've said before. When you say "disappointed with return" - would that be in the headliner of the deal or the overall depth of the package? I would be okay with a Quintana deal if the depth makes up for a non-headliner (Frazier, Brinson, Rodgers). I feel like it has to be one or the other.

QUOTE (SoxPride18 @ Jun 23, 2017 -> 08:56 AM) Quintana and Frazier (can play 1B/3B) to the Yankees for Clint Frazier, Chance Adams, Jorge Mateo, and Estevan Florial. Robertson to the Nationals for Carter Kieboom and Jesus Luzardo. Can't figure out who Kahnle would go to Would love to see the Sox get the Dodgers involved somehow in trade discussions. Kahnle for Verdugo would be a great get. I also love Calhoun but the current influx of Burger, Sheets, Skoug means we might have a lot of all hit-no position players. Either way, I'd still target Calhoun.

QUOTE (Dam8610 @ Jun 13, 2017 -> 10:09 AM) Why is the arm bar hard to correct? Just tell him not to straighten his left arm when he prepares to swing. It's part of his natural motion to straighten his front arm - something he's probably been doing his whole life. He's just gotten away with it so far. It would take a lot of hard work and effort to break that habit which is why it came up in so many scouting reports before the draft.

QUOTE (shipps @ Jun 13, 2017 -> 08:42 AM) Looking at Burgers swing and its so weird how he lunges forward after contact. That isnt typical for a power guy is it? Really for any good MLB hitter a lunge like that is atypical. Kind of why Frazier's swing has always seemed odd to me - I always find myself yelling at him on TV to stay back. We do have to remember the swings of our current draftees will likely look different once the Sox get their hands on them. Ideally you'd like to stay on your backside rather than drift through the zone on contact. Most likely something he will have to correct, but to me it actually speaks a lot to his current bat to ball skills that he can manage the strike zone the way he does (or reportedly does, I have never seen him play besides youtube clips) with the current lunge he has going on. The more your body moves, the more your head moves and the more difficult pitch recognition and zone recognition becomes. I would think the weight transfer would not be a tough task to correct so not entirely concerned about that. The arm bar is more inane in his swing and theoretically would be harder to correct/shorten up.