10 minutes ago, Bob Sacamano said:

I’m ok with shifting but think it is a bit ridiculous when there are 5 guys in the outfield. 

Other than the pitcher and catcher I think the other 7 guys ought to be able to play wherever they want and restricting them is dumb, but if this moves them closer to an agreement on the major issues than I'll live with it.

4 minutes ago, caulfield12 said:

Why can’t they just have an upward adjustment in the CBT of something like a 3-3.5% increase each year (accounting for extraordinarily high inflation this cycle)…even 2.5% would be better.

I think they will end up in $225-$230m range increasing by $2.5M a year. Below inflation, but better than no increases. And from a Sox perspective removes most CBT concerns for next couple years. 

I don’t think they will spend close to whatever the number ends up being but I think they trade Kimbrel. So say if there budget is close to what they are currently at, they have room for Conforto and lesser 2B signing, give or take going over a couple mill.

20 minutes ago, Bob Sacamano said:

I don’t think they will spend close to whatever the number ends up being but I think they trade Kimbrel. So say if there budget is close to what they are currently at, they have room for Conforto and lesser 2B signing, give or take going over a couple mill.

But they could easily spend above what the luxury tax was going to be previously ($210M) as they are already at $195M.  At a bare minimum, I expect the Sox to trade Kimbrel (freeing up $16M or so), while also adding a RF, 2B, SP, & RP.  Those four will almost certainly cost more than $16M and perhaps as much as $40M.  That could push our luxury tax payroll close to $220M, so even an extra $10M really helps here.

Edited March 1, 20224 yr by Chicago White Sox

9 minutes ago, Bob Sacamano said:

I don’t think they will spend close to whatever the number ends up being but I think they trade Kimbrel. So say if there budget is close to what they are currently at, they have room for Conforto and lesser 2B signing, give or take going over a couple mill.

The thing is the effective luxury tax number is much lower when benefits are factored in. The Sox were really only one signing from it currently. So this is a big help to prevent being tapped out at deadline.

Well this was a fun read.

2 minutes ago, Chicago White Sox said:

But they could easily spend above what the luxury tax was going to be previously ($210M) as they are already at $195M.  At a bare minimum, I expect the Sox to trade Kimbrel (freeing up $16M or so), while also adding a RF, 3B, SP, & 2B.  Those four will almost certainly cost more than $16M and perhaps as much as $40M.  That could push our luxury tax payroll close to $220M, so even an extra $10M really helps here.

3B? 

6 minutes ago, Bob Sacamano said:

3B? 

Was just about to ask the same thing. 

7 minutes ago, Bob Sacamano said:

3B? 

Sorry, meant RF, 2B, SP, & RP.

1 minute ago, ChiSox59 said:

Was just about to ask the same thing. 

Typo…see post above.  This is what happens when you’re on four hours of sleep…lol.

For example, Conforto at $20M and Bassitt would put you close to $29M alone.  Even if you go cheap at 2B and with Kimbrel’s replacement you’d be hard press not to spend $35M on those combined positions.

Just now, Chicago White Sox said:

For example, Conforto at $20M and Bassitt would put you close to $29M alone.  Even if you go cheap at 2B and with Kimbrel’s replacement you’d be hard press not to spend $35M on those combined positions.

I believe Kimbrels replacement was Gravemen.  If we trade Kimbrel I imagine it's for someone with low salary.

Just now, Chicago White Sox said:

For example, Conforto at $20M and Bassitt would put you close to $29M alone.  Even if you go cheap at 2B and with Kimbrel’s replacement you’d be hard press not to spend $35M on those combined positions.

Still think you're going to be disappointed on the SP.  Fully expect Sox to go cheap FAs on 2B/SP depth.  Could see a Tepera reunion at RP.  

Conforto is the big fish.   

So every player gets a 20% raise and the playoff teams send a few better players to the Pirates of the world and we're all happy. Come on, make it happen.

4 minutes ago, ChiSox59 said:

Still think you're going to be disappointed on the SP.  Fully expect Sox to go cheap FAs on 2B/SP depth.  Could see a Tepera reunion at RP.  

Conforto is the big fish.   

Agreed. I think they grab more of a depth guy.

The rotation is set in my mind, for better or worse.

Edited March 1, 20224 yr by Bob Sacamano

My Prediction

Conforto 5/110.  Tepera 2/13. Kimbrel traded for Marchan and Alvarado/Dominguez.  Rodon signed 1/22. with a 25 million innings vesting option at 150 innings pitched.  This puts us around 230 I think.

1 hour ago, ChiSox59 said:

Balta will be disappointed to hear this.

I’m ok with this. I expected far worse from the owners.

Just now, Squirmin' for Yermin said:

My Prediction

Conforto 5/110.  Tepera 2/13. Kimbrel traded for Marchan and Alvarado/Dominguez.  Rodon signed 1/22. with a 25 million innings vesting option at 150 innings pitched.  This puts us around 230 I think.

Eek

11 minutes ago, Squirmin' for Yermin said:

I believe Kimbrels replacement was Gravemen.  If we trade Kimbrel I imagine it's for someone with low salary.

Graveman was clearly Tepera’s replacement (and Tepera replaced Heuer).

3 minutes ago, Balta1701 said:

Graveman was clearly Tepera’s replacement (and Tepera replaced Heuer).

Graveman will likely be a setup man so that would replace Kimbrel’s role. No doubt Kimbrel gets moved. 

Luxury tax increase also helps those teams that were right up against the previous amount and need a closer (Kimbrel).

Edited March 1, 20224 yr by Bob Sacamano

6 minutes ago, Balta1701 said:

I’m ok with this. I expected far worse from the owners.

Haha I was kidding. You just spent all winter telling the whole board it was gonna be $212M and the Sox have no room. 

I REALLY would love to see if we can grab Lux from the Dodgers for Kimbrel + like @Harold's Leg Lift has semi-alluded to.  Cheap, left handed and high ceiling.

I can't wait for all the fake insiders scurrying to make their guesses in like a 10 minute window today after this deal gets done.  

1 minute ago, Squirmin' for Yermin said:

I REALLY would love to see if we can grab Lux from the Dodgers for Kimbrel + like @Harold's Leg Lift has semi-alluded to.  Cheap, left handed and high ceiling.

With Muncy likely to miss beginning of season and the NL likely adding a DH, he’s not exactly an extra piece anymore. I’d be interested in seeing what it would take.

I think the first move they make will be signing a reliever.  If they can't get Tepera done a guy like Mychal Givins could happen.