12 minutes ago, GreenSox said:

The Sox  knew this was coming with Lee.  Best hope is that there are multiple teams in need of a backup catcher, with no others available,  at the end of March.  Getz just needs to be patient and not give him away too soon. 

Mead shouldn't push out anyone. 

Others will be available at the end of March as well 

33 minutes ago, GreenSox said:

The Sox  knew this was coming with Lee.  Best hope is that there are multiple teams in need of a backup catcher, with no others available,  at the end of March.  Getz just needs to be patient and not give him away too soon. 

Mead shouldn't push out anyone. 

I guess the question is what is the market for a back-up C regardless of need. I just cant imagine getting real prospects for him. I was thinking best possible scenario is an OF rosters number casualty from another team, albeit we may have those already as bad as our OF is. 

I still wouldnt be surprised if we roster Lee. The players on the 25 man at least have plenty of versatility, making it viable. Also wouldnt hate him playing more corner OF.

3 minutes ago, Buehrle>Wood said:

I guess the question is what is the market for a back-up C regardless of need. I just cant imagine getting real prospects for him. I was thinking best possible scenario is an OF rosters number casualty from another team, albeit we may have those already as bad as our OF is. 

I still wouldnt be surprised if we roster Lee. The players on the 25 man at least have plenty of versatility, making it viable. Also wouldnt hate him playing more corner OF.

The only place that arm makes sense is in RF, but didn't they stick him in LF already once or twice?...that bat just doesn't play on a corner, though.

9 minutes ago, Buehrle>Wood said:

I guess the question is what is the market for a back-up C regardless of need. I just cant imagine getting real prospects for him. I was thinking best possible scenario is an OF rosters number casualty from another team, albeit we may have those already as bad as our OF is. 

I still wouldnt be surprised if we roster Lee. The players on the 25 man at least have plenty of versatility, making it viable. Also wouldnt hate him playing more corner OF.

Judging by us getting Romo on Waivers, and then waiving him, I am going to go with zero.

1 hour ago, GreenSox said:

The Sox  knew this was coming with Lee.  Best hope is that there are multiple teams in need of a backup catcher, with no others available,  at the end of March.  Getz just needs to be patient and not give him away too soon. 

Mead shouldn't push out anyone. 

I think you are overestimating Lee’s value.  Even if he is traded, it will be like a lottery ticket at most, cash considerations for Jerry, or a straight waiver claim.

30 minutes ago, WhiteSox2023 said:

I think you are overestimating Lee’s value.  Even if he is traded, it will be like a lottery ticket at most, cash considerations for Jerry, or a straight waiver claim.

This is where the current market for fringey back up catchers has been this winter.  Maybe someone who really NEEDS him at the end of ST, say due to injury or in camp flops, throws a bit of cash at Jerry to jump the waiver line, but I can't see him returning an actual player, and definitely not one of substance.

9 hours ago, Bob Sacamano said:

Others will be available at the end of March as well 

Yes, but he's better than most of the waiver wire catchers.

I prefer keeping Lee using Teal and Quero as much as they can. Enough of other teams low-balling our talent. 

 - RF - Braden Montgomery.  If he struggles, maybe send him for a brief refresher to AZ,  like the Sox did with Colson last year. This player is part of the young core so why wait, let's go now. 

-  CF - I think Everson Peraira arguably has the right combination of defense, speed and power for CF....but who knows for sure since he has been sidelined with the oblique.

- LF - Bennintendi by default, dammnit

- 3B  Miguel Vargas sticks at 3B.  I think this could be a break-out year for him.

- 2B  I am thinking now ...maybe I would prefer Acuna Jr. or  Sam Ant. at 2B over Meidroth.  Sox need at least some power from 2B.  I saw Sam jack that HR 417 ft yesterday and I am thinking why not him ?

-1B / DH - Murakami and Sosa. Need both of them in the line-up almost every game.

Edited March 2Mar 2 by tray

39 minutes ago, tray said:

 - RF - Braden Montgomery.  If he struggles, maybe send him for a brief refresher to AZ,  like the Sox did with Colson last year. This player is part of the young core so why wait, let's go now. 

-  CF - I think Everson Peraira arguably has the right combination of defense, speed and power for CF....but who knows for sure since he has been sidelined with the oblique.

- LF - Bennintendi by default, dammnit

- 3B  Miguel Vargas sticks at 3B.  I think this could be a break-out year for him.

- 2B  I am thinking now ...maybe I would prefer Acuna Jr. or  Sam Ant. at 2B over Meidroth.  Sox need at least some power from 2B.  I saw Sam jack that HR 417 ft yesterday and I am thinking why not him ?

-1B / DH - Murakami and Sosa. Need both of them in the line-up almost every game.

Acuña will be the primary center fielder this season. 

56 minutes ago, SoxBlanco said:

Acuña will be the primary center fielder this season. 

And Braden has barely got his feet wet in AA....

1 hour ago, SoxBlanco said:

Acuña will be the primary center fielder this season. 

I hope so, but in 2025 with the Mets he hit for a .234 BA , no HR and .567 OPS in 175 ABs.  OK but not that great. There is a lot of fan projection going on with almost every prospect, and he is no different. As Dennis Green said, "go ahead, crown his ass," but I would like to see  more of him before I agree with your assessment. Maybe he is the next Rickey Henderson, but I doubt it. There is a lot of hype about this guy so let's see if he can live up to it. 

Edited March 2Mar 2 by tray

7 minutes ago, caulfield12 said:

And Braden has barely got his feet wet in AA....

Means nothing. There is a CF in Milwaukee that barely got his feet wet before coming to the majors and pounding the ball. 

2 hours ago, tray said:

 - RF - Braden Montgomery.  If he struggles, maybe send him for a brief refresher to AZ,  like the Sox did with Colson last year. This player is part of the young core so why wait, let's go now. 

-  CF - I think Everson Peraira arguably has the right combination of defense, speed and power for CF....but who knows for sure since he has been sidelined with the oblique.

- LF - Bennintendi by default, dammnit

- 3B  Miguel Vargas sticks at 3B.  I think this could be a break-out year for him.

- 2B  I am thinking now ...maybe I would prefer Acuna Jr. or  Sam Ant. at 2B over Meidroth.  Sox need at least some power from 2B.  I saw Sam jack that HR 417 ft yesterday and I am thinking why not him ?

-1B / DH - Murakami and Sosa. Need both of them in the line-up almost every game.

Where's quero playing? Benintedi is probably going to dh alot more. Unfortunately leaves them with a pickle trying to get time for quero and Sosa to be playing consistently with no open spots

Edited March 2Mar 2 by Whisox05

2 hours ago, tray said:

Means nothing. There is a CF in Milwaukee that barely got his feet wet before coming to the majors and pounding the ball. 

Sure, but Chourio had been playing every day since age 13-14.

Braden missed all the development in his draft year due to his ankle injury.

Second, most important point, his contact rates/K rates and in game power need to be demonstrated at least for 2-3 months in Birmingham.

It’s not like they are competing for a playoff spot any earlier than 2027.

 

https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=chouri000jac

Chourio had 1232 minor league plate appearances before age 20/21.

How many total PA does Braden have?  Just 517.

 

Last two Sox ncaa guys who were rushed, Madrigal and Vaughn, didn’t turn out that well.

Finally, Milwaukee has the number one farm system and another Top 3 Latin prospect in Jesus Made.  They probably deserve the benefit of the doubt after all those playoff appearances with Bottom Quartile payrolls.

 

 

 

Edited March 2Mar 2 by caulfield12

Regardless of how this OD roster shakes out, I think we should be prepared for Antonacci & McDougal to be in the major league mix as early as 4/16 to 5/1.  The addition of McDougal in particular shouldn’t be overlooked as he immediately could change the complexion of the rotation.  A young trio of Shane Smith, Burke, & McDougal would be quite exciting and possibly very good.  I think the ability for this team to compete if far more possible than some are letting on.

Building off my previous post, here is my 5/1 roster projection:

Lineup:

1. B. Baldwin, RF (S)
2. K. Teel, CA (L)
3. M. Vargas, 3B (R)
4. C. Montgomery, SS (L)
5. M. Murakami, 1B (L)
6. Hayes, LF (R)
7. E. Quero, DH (S)
8. S. Antonacci, 2B (L)
9. Acuna, CF (R)

Bench:

• IF: C. Meidroth (R)
• IF: L. Sosa (R)
• OF: E. Pereira (R)
• OF: A. Benintendi (L)

Rotation:

1. S. Smith (R)
2. S. Burke (R)
3. T. McDougal (R)
4. A. Kay (L)
5. D. Martin (R) or E. Fedde (R)

Bullpen:

• CL: S. Dominguez (R)
• SU: Taylor (R)
• SU: Leasure (R)
• MR: S. Newcomb (L)
• MR: M. Vasil (R)
• MR: C. Murphy (L)
• MR: J. Hicks (R)
• LR: J. Paez (R)

IMO, that’s a team that could surprise this year, especially if one of Hagen Smith or Schultz can grab the #5 in the rotation by June or so.

18 minutes ago, Chicago White Sox said:

Building off my previous post, here is my 5/1 roster projection:

Lineup:

1. B. Baldwin, RF (S)
2. K. Teel, CA (L)
3. M. Vargas, 3B (R)
4. C. Montgomery, SS (L)
5. M. Murakami, 1B (L)
6. Hayes, LF (R)
7. E. Quero, DH (S)
8. S. Antonacci, 2B (L)
9. Acuna, CF (R)

Bench:

• IF: C. Meidroth (R)
• IF: L. Sosa (R)
• OF: E. Pereira (R)
• OF: A. Benintendi (L)

Rotation:

1. S. Smith (R)
2. S. Burke (R)
3. T. McDougal (R)
4. A. Kay (L)
5. D. Martin (R) or E. Fedde (R)

Bullpen:

• CL: S. Dominguez (R)
• SU: Taylor (R)
• SU: Leasure (R)
• MR: S. Newcomb (L)
• MR: M. Vasil (R)
• MR: C. Murphy (L)
• MR: J. Hicks (R)
• LR: J. Paez (R)

IMO, that’s a team that could surprise this year, especially if one of Hagen Smith or Schultz can grab the #5 in the rotation by June or so.

Very good, thank you. Maybe Acuna as the lead-off man though with Baldwin hitting in the 9 spot. 

My own roster has Braden starting in RF because, IMO, he is way better than Baldwin, especially  defensively, right now. Also Braden can hit, from both sides.

I am so psyched about this season. We have a lot of players that are going to hit. Let's go.

1 hour ago, tray said:

Very good, thank you. Maybe Acuna as the lead-off man though with Baldwin hitting in the 9 spot. 

My own roster has Braden starting in RF because, IMO, he is way better than Baldwin, especially  defensively, right now. Also Braden can hit, from both sides.

I am so psyched about this season. We have a lot of players that are going to hit. Let's go.

Braden will be up at some point, but they want him to work on his chase first.  To me, he’s more of a 2H reinforcement and hopefully the guy who eventually pushes Benintendi off this roster once and for all.

1 hour ago, Chicago White Sox said:

Building off my previous post, here is my 5/1 roster projection:

Lineup:

1. B. Baldwin, RF (S)
2. K. Teel, CA (L)
3. M. Vargas, 3B (R)
4. C. Montgomery, SS (L)
5. M. Murakami, 1B (L)
6. Hayes, LF (R)
7. E. Quero, DH (S)
8. S. Antonacci, 2B (L)
9. Acuna, CF (R)

Bench:

• IF: C. Meidroth (R)
• IF: L. Sosa (R)
• OF: E. Pereira (R)
• OF: A. Benintendi (L)

Rotation:

1. S. Smith (R)
2. S. Burke (R)
3. T. McDougal (R)
4. A. Kay (L)
5. D. Martin (R) or E. Fedde (R)

Bullpen:

• CL: S. Dominguez (R)
• SU: Taylor (R)
• SU: Leasure (R)
• MR: S. Newcomb (L)
• MR: M. Vasil (R)
• MR: C. Murphy (L)
• MR: J. Hicks (R)
• LR: J. Paez (R)

IMO, that’s a team that could surprise this year, especially if one of Hagen Smith or Schultz can grab the #5 in the rotation by June or so.

McDougal is the one to watch out for IMO.

Big jump for S.Burke and fall for Martin.

We don't know anything about Pereira yet other than his minor league track record and prospect pedigree.

 

Seems like wishful thinking that Benintendi will sit on the bench for at least a year and a half.

40 minutes ago, caulfield12 said:

McDougal is the one to watch out for IMO.

Big jump for S.Burke and fall for Martin.

We don't know anything about Pereira yet other than his minor league track record and prospect pedigree.

 

Seems like wishful thinking that Benintendi will sit on the bench for at least a year and a half.

I am very high on Burke.  He was phenomenal to end 2024 and then started off this past year very poorly before rebounding as the season progressed.  The reality is some repertoire changes negatively impacted his slider and he’s been working on addressing over the off-seaon.  If he can get that pitch back on track, I see a kid with ability to be a legit #3 SP.

Periera is backup OF in the above construct and one who would primarily play against LHP until he can demonstrate the ability to do more than that.  Not sure why he’s drawing your attention here as he’s simply a role player.  And FWIW, if he’s not healthy, I think Hill gets the spot ahead of Kelenic to start the season.

Finally, I assume that Benintendi and Quero split the DH role and that Andrew plays LF when Hayes needs a day off.  If he fails to produce in such role, then I think he’s a potential DFA by the 2H of the season.

I imagined that Getz has put a for sale sign on Benintendi so to speak, just looking for a team that will pick up perhaps half of his remaining Contract.

Quero has had an amazing ST, but maybe Getz would consider a trade for him, if the right deal was offered....like a TOR starter. Quero is an amazing catcher, but he may have one flaw - he looks like he is slow on the bases... but that is just from my own observation. Maybe he is faster than he looks. Not hoping they trade him but some have mentioned that they do not like having both catchers in the line-up in case of injury or substitution, and the Sox have others who can DH from either side. 

28 minutes ago, tray said:

I imagined that Getz has put a for sale sign on Benintendi so to speak, just looking for a team that will pick up perhaps half of his remaining Contract.

Quero has had an amazing ST, but maybe Getz would consider a trade for him, if the right deal was offered....like a TOR starter. Quero is an amazing catcher, but he may have one flaw - he looks like he is slow on the bases... but that is just from my own observation. Maybe he is faster than he looks. Not hoping they trade him but some have mentioned that they do not like having both catchers in the line-up in case of injury or substitution, and the Sox have others who can DH from either side. 

I’m still not seeing how any team would be interested in Benintendi, even if the Sox were actually willing to pick up half of his remaining contract which would mean the acquiring team would owe him $15.5 million over two years.  The Sox just signed a similar quality veteran outfielder in free agency for just $6 million for one year.  Unless Benintendi has a big first half and/or 2026, I think the Sox are stuck with him until they are willing to outright cut him and pay out his deal.

Edited March 4Mar 4 by WhiteSox2023

38 minutes ago, tray said:

I imagined that Getz has put a for sale sign on Benintendi so to speak, just looking for a team that will pick up perhaps half of his remaining Contract.

Quero has had an amazing ST, but maybe Getz would consider a trade for him, if the right deal was offered....like a TOR starter. Quero is an amazing catcher, but he may have one flaw - he looks like he is slow on the bases... but that is just from my own observation. Maybe he is faster than he looks. Not hoping they trade him but some have mentioned that they do not like having both catchers in the line-up in case of injury or substitution, and the Sox have others who can DH from either side. 

He’s probably worth the potential of a 3 starter right now…but not an established big leaguer, an imperfect prospect like a Sean Burke.

Would the White Sox even offer Shane Smith for him if Quero was with another organization…?  Not so sure about that.  Guess it would depend on how badly they needed a catcher.

The problem is a contender probably wouldn’t install Quero as the 60-65% starter until he’s more proven as a backstop and also in the power hitting dept.

 

Spring numbers in hitter friendly AZ are often deceiving.  Look at the AFL historically compared to what those prospects actually do in the majors.

Edited March 4Mar 4 by caulfield12

22 minutes ago, WhiteSox2023 said:

I’m still not seeing how any team would be interested in Benintendi, even if the Sox were actually willing to pick up half of his remaining contract which would mean the acquiring team would owe him $15.5 million over two years.  The Sox just signed a similar quality veteran outfielder in free agency for just $6 million for one year.  Unless Benintendi has a big first half and/or 2026, I think the Sox are stuck with him until they are willing to outright cut him and pay out his deal.

https://www.si.com/mlb/red-sox/onsi/boston-red-sox-news/masataka-yoshida-causes-stir-among-red-sox-fans-with-team-japan-blast-jackson3
 

Benintendi goes home again to Boston and Yoshida gets a defined role with the White Sox.

Boston would need to send $8-10 million along to balance the risk.

 

Article is an overreaction to one good exhibition game in a friendly environment.

Should be also panic if Murakami and Ohtani went hitless for two games?  Probably not.

Edited March 4Mar 4 by caulfield12