https://theathletic.com/1476009/2019/12/20/yoan-moncadas-2020-goal-is-clear-play-every-single-game/?source=shared-article

This is pretty exciting, and of course wonderful work by Fegan again.

Here's to hoping Yoan gets out there for all 162 and starts a streak of longevity.

In summary:

After spending last year tirelessly working on his approach in the off-season - trying to get the most out of his elite tools - Moncada has shifted his focus on his legs and staying healthy for next year this off-season. Maybe this will mean Yoan is on the move more this next season as well.

 

"He believes this work will help give him the stamina late in the year to boost his stolen base totals, but admits that when he said improving that was his big goal for 2020, it was really just the most specific thing he could think of.

“Overall I think I can do better in every aspect of the game, even much better than I did last year,” Moncada said.

And the biggest piece and line in this entire article:

Moncada, when speaking of the loyalty and appreciation the Sox showed to Abreu said:

“I would like to stay here,” Moncada said through Russo. “I think this is a very good organization with a lot of good people. Definitely I would like to stay here and be a White Sox forever too.”

Actions speak louder than words, and players have said this before only to leave but citing how they took care of Abreu as a reason for why he wants to stay for life too is certainly exciting.

And one quote from Timmy just for more love: (Timmy lives in Chicago in the off-season despite the winters)

“I play here so I think it’s only right,” said Anderson, who lives in Flossmoor with his wife Bria and their two daughters. “To be able to play here and go home to my kids every night. But for the most part, man, it kind of feels like home. I came here and felt connected instantly.”

Edited December 20, 20196 yr by Look at Ray Ray Run

Nice to know.

Thanks for the positive thread, Ray Ray. Good stuff. 

Edited December 20, 20196 yr by SoxBlanco

I think everyone is doing what they can to make the organization more attractive and I do believe they're building that type of family atmosphere, or trying to. I also think it was a big influence in bringing Abreu back. It's too bad the fans aren't buying in... or maybe I shouldn't think this site is a reflection of all Sox fans. 

6 minutes ago, TaylorStSox said:

I think everyone is doing what they can to make the organization more attractive and I do believe they're building that type of family atmosphere, or trying to. I also think it was a big influence in bringing Abreu back. It's too bad the fans aren't buying in... or maybe I shouldn't think this site is a reflection of all Sox fans. 

Sox fans that don't spend an inordinate amount time b****ing about the Sox on the internet are pretty excited about 2020 from what I've gathered anecdotally.

4 minutes ago, TaylorStSox said:

I think everyone is doing what they can to make the organization more attractive and I do believe they're building that type of family atmosphere, or trying to. I also think it was a big influence in bringing Abreu back. It's too bad the fans aren't buying in... or maybe I shouldn't think this site is a reflection of all Sox fans. 

Lol...if you think this website is bad, definitely don’t check out White Sox twitter right now.

If Yoan stays healthy and plays nearly every game and improves...is a 7 WAR season out of the question? 

12 minutes ago, TaylorStSox said:

I think everyone is doing what they can to make the organization more attractive and I do believe they're building that type of family atmosphere, or trying to. I also think it was a big influence in bringing Abreu back. It's too bad the fans aren't buying in... or maybe I shouldn't think this site is a reflection of all Sox fans. 

Yeah, I think the Abreu thing does matter. I know people don't want to hear it, but it's amazing to hear someone like Mazara talk about Abreu with such glowing endorsement even though they just met.

It's even more exciting to see Yoan glowing about the Sox extending him after he said he said he wanted to be here for life... then Yoan says the same thing.

4 minutes ago, EloyJenkins said:

If Yoan stays healthy and plays nearly every game and improves...is a 7 WAR season out of the question? 

If he improved over last year and stayed healthy, you're looking at a 7-8 WAR season (Mookie and Trout territory).

I'll take another 5 WAR season from the guy if that's OK with him though.

6 minutes ago, Chicago White Sox said:

Lol...if you think this website is bad, definitely don’t check out White Sox twitter right now.

You couldn't pay me to read Twitter for any reason. 

9 minutes ago, mqr said:

Sox fans that don't spend an inordinate amount time b****ing about the Sox on the internet are pretty excited about 2020 from what I've gathered anecdotally.

Same. Pretty much all my Sox fan friends are really excited about the future. 

Just for fun, here's Moncada, Timmy, and Eloy's 2019 season extrapolated to 162 games:

M- 102 Rs, 42 2Bs, 6 3Bs, 31 HRs, 97 RBIs

T- 107 Rs, 42 2Bs, 24 HRs, 74 RBIs, 22 SBs

E- 91 Rs, 24 2Bs, 41 HRs, 104 RBIs

 

11 minutes ago, EloyJenkins said:

If Yoan stays healthy and plays nearly every game and improves...is a 7 WAR season out of the question? 

If he stays healthy and plays just as good as he did last year, he’s pretty much a shoe in for a 7war season

Hopefully the Sox are very aggressive about pursuing an extension with Moncada. His price will only go up as he gets closer to free agency.

16 minutes ago, EloyJenkins said:

If Yoan stays healthy and plays nearly every game and improves...is a 7 WAR season out of the question? 

I think if he fulfills your criteria he will get to 7 WAR easy.

Good.  The hamstring stuff is probably from over training quads relative to hamstrings.   Hopefully he can put it all together next year if he plays 162 games he will be worth about 6-7 WAR.

@EloyJenkins ha just saw your post yes indeed, great minds!

Edited December 20, 20196 yr by chitownsportsfan

16 minutes ago, chitownsportsfan said:

Good.  The hamstring stuff is probably from over training quads relative to hamstrings.   Hopefully he can put it all together next year if he plays 162 games he will be worth about 6-7 WAR.

@EloyJenkins ha just saw your post yes indeed, great minds!

Yeah, he said it was from a lack of flexibility and being overly tight.

Hopefully the Sox bring on the 162; 162 mil for 8 or 9 years.

2 minutes ago, PantsRowland said:

Hopefully the Sox bring on the 162; 162 mil for 8 or 9 years.

After seeing his quote about Abreu and wanting to be here for life too, the Sox should pounce on an extension offer tomorrow! lol

I will believe Yoan is able to play 155+ games when I see it.  

2 minutes ago, ChiSox59 said:

I will believe Yoan is able to play 155+ games when I see it.  

I mean, he played 149 two years ago but I get your point. Glad to see this is a focal point of his off-season and I am certainly not going to be one who doubts him when he wants to obtain something.

34 minutes ago, Look at Ray Ray Run said:

Yeah, he said it was from a lack of flexibility and being overly tight.

And if he doesn't work on that 3rd base is a position that will give you back troubles from lack of flexibility through your core and hamstrings.

50 minutes ago, Look at Ray Ray Run said:

I mean, he played 149 two years ago but I get your point. Glad to see this is a focal point of his off-season and I am certainly not going to be one who doubts him when he wants to obtain something.

I love the guy. But he is a bit of a softie. Hope that changes as he matures. 

Wait there’s nice guys who are easy to root for on this team? According to Sox twitter I’m supposed to hate them.