31 minutes ago, Chicago White Sox said:

McDougal has made three straight relief appearances in the minors. Unlike with Shane Smith, they aren’t trying to stretch him out again. This suggests a role in the Sox’s bullpen is very likely in the near future and @Y2Jimmy0 has suggested he’s heard the same. This kid could be our Bobby Jenks and quickly ascend to the closer role. If he does, you could be looking at this bullpen:

• CL: McDougal

• SU: Taylor

• SU: Hudson

• MR Newcomb*

• MR: Hicks

• MR: Murphy*

• MR: Dominguez

• LR: Richards

That could be a really good bullpen. Yes, Dominguez has sucked so far but I still believe that we can we right him enough to be our 7th best guy worst case scenario. Richards would be your weakest guy stuff wise, but has been super valuable & productive in his mop up duty role. Hopefully someone eventually pushes for that spot or we add for a SP and the domino effects knock Richards out ahead of the playoffs. Until then, he serves an important role this team.

I would still try to target a few more arms to bump Dominguez and Murphy. Richards has surprisingly been solid for us. Brooks Raley and Luke Weaver from the dumpster fire that is the Mets would be solid additions.

The best part of the above is that it’s possible we don’t need to go out and add an expensive closer at the deadline. As such, our ammo could be focused on adding a much needed SP.

I remain committed to the Sonny Gray idea. Beyond the potential cash cost of acquiring him, Gray also comes with a $19M+ CBT hit for his last two months based on how the tax accounting works. That could be very problematic for a Braves team already above the first luxury tax threshold and might put the Sox in a very favorable position given Sonny’s NTC and geographical desires.

In terms of prospect cost, I still believe it could be reasonable if we’re willing to absorb a large chunk of his salary & buyout. I think there is a tier of prospects after what I will refer as the “big seven” that I think could get the job done. For reference, the big 7 includes J. Gonzalez, Bonemer, Carlson, Fauske, H. Smith, McDougel, & Sandlin.

The tier in focus is primarily a mix of infielders and RHPs. For the former, the group would include Bergola, Shelton, Lodise, Mogollon, & Boughton. For the latter, the group would include Davis, Adams, LaCombe, & George. I’d also include Boston Smith within this group. Give up two or three of these guys, depending on which ones, and I think it might be able to get a deal done.

23 minutes ago, Chicago White Sox said:

The best part of the above is that it’s possible we don’t need to go out and add an expensive closer at the deadline. As such, our ammo could be focused on adding a much needed SP.

I remain committed to the Sonny Gray idea. Beyond the potential cash cost of acquiring him, Gray also comes with a $19M+ CBT hit for his last two months based on how the tax accounting works. That could be very problematic for a Braves team already above the first luxury tax threshold and might put the Sox in a very favorable position given Sonny’s NTC and geographical desires.

In terms of prospect cost, I still believe it could be reasonable if we’re willing to absorb a large chunk of his salary & buyout. I think there is a tier of prospects after what I will refer as the “big seven” that I think could get the job done. For reference, the big 7 includes J. Gonzalez, Bonemer, Carlson, Fauske, H. Smith, McDougel, & Sandlin.

The tier in focus is primarily a mix of infielders and RHPs. For the former, the group would include Bergola, Shelton, Lodise, Mogollon, & Boughton. For the latter, the group would include Davis, Adams, LaCombe, & George. I’d also include Boston Smith within this group. Give up two or three of these guys, depending on which ones, and I think it might be able to get a deal done.

There's one big problem now.

15 teams buying and only about five are clear sellers.

And the Red Sox are a sweep away from falling into the "on the fence" group.

Breslow's job is probably on the line or very close to it. Depends on what John Henry directs him to do.

2 hours ago, Chicago White Sox said:

McDougal has made three straight relief appearances in the minors. Unlike with Shane Smith, they aren’t trying to stretch him out again. This suggests a role in the Sox’s bullpen is very likely in the near future and @Y2Jimmy0 has suggested he’s heard the same. This kid could be our Bobby Jenks and quickly ascend to the closer role. If he does, you could be looking at this bullpen:

• CL: McDougal

• SU: Taylor

• SU: Hudson

• MR Newcomb*

• MR: Hicks

• MR: Murphy*

• MR: Dominguez

• LR: Richards

That could be a really good bullpen. Yes, Dominguez has sucked so far but I still believe that we can we right him enough to be our 7th best guy worst case scenario. Richards would be your weakest guy stuff wise, but has been super valuable & productive in his mop up duty role. Hopefully someone eventually pushes for that spot or we add for a SP and the domino effects knock Richards out ahead of the playoffs. Until then, he serves an important role this team.

I love burning two moderatly high end prospects in relief roles.. I hope this wouldn't be another Taylor situation where he never even sniffs the chance to start. This year... fine - next year - start!

Question for debate: is it possible the Sox have fixed Jordan Hicks? Small sample size, but since his rehab stint he has looked like a different guy. If he becomes a reliable option late, it changes the vibe of the pen immensely. Maybe the need to go outside the org is a lot less.

6 minutes ago, Timmy U said:

Question for debate: is it possible the Sox have fixed Jordan Hicks? Small sample size, but since his rehab stint he has looked like a different guy. If he becomes a reliable option late, it changes the vibe of the pen immensely. Maybe the need to go outside the org is a lot less.

He was filthy last night. That running fastball looked like Skenes with its insane tail into RHH, and a nasty slider to pair with it.

9 minutes ago, Timmy U said:

Question for debate: is it possible the Sox have fixed Jordan Hicks? Small sample size, but since his rehab stint he has looked like a different guy. If he becomes a reliable option late, it changes the vibe of the pen immensely. Maybe the need to go outside the org is a lot less.

Don't see why not. He does have a track record of being very good

13 minutes ago, Timmy U said:

Question for debate: is it possible the Sox have fixed Jordan Hicks? Small sample size, but since his rehab stint he has looked like a different guy. If he becomes a reliable option late, it changes the vibe of the pen immensely. Maybe the need to go outside the org is a lot less.

Just looked at his stats since he returned. 5.1IP 0ER 3H 1BB 10K

3 hours ago, Chicago White Sox said:

McDougal has made three straight relief appearances in the minors. Unlike with Shane Smith, they aren’t trying to stretch him out again. This suggests a role in the Sox’s bullpen is very likely in the near future and @Y2Jimmy0 has suggested he’s heard the same. This kid could be our Bobby Jenks and quickly ascend to the closer role. If he does, you could be looking at this bullpen:

• CL: McDougal

• SU: Taylor

• SU: Hudson

• MR Newcomb*

• MR: Hicks

• MR: Murphy*

• MR: Dominguez

• LR: Richards

That could be a really good bullpen. Yes, Dominguez has sucked so far but I still believe that we can we right him enough to be our 7th best guy worst case scenario. Richards would be your weakest guy stuff wise, but has been super valuable & productive in his mop up duty role. Hopefully someone eventually pushes for that spot or we add for a SP and the domino effects knock Richards out ahead of the playoffs. Until then, he serves an important role this team.

It's possible McDougal takes that role and runs with it. But it is nowhere near a given. Add a legit backend of the bullpen talent via trade, call up McDougal, and you could have the makings of a playoff-worthy bullpen.

1 hour ago, Squirmin' for Yermin said:

I love burning two moderatly high end prospects in relief roles.. I hope this wouldn't be another Taylor situation where he never even sniffs the chance to start. This year... fine - next year - start!

I fully agree.

Too many quotes that I want to address.

McDougal, I think they just want him up now. Stop wasting bullets in the minors. Maybe to piggyback Schultz for the time being? Either way, he's going to be up this year, but I still believe his future is in the rotation. (I think if he never got hurt, he would already be in the rotation)

Chris Murphy, he actually has been pretty good. The opener in Cleveland wasn't his fault outside of the HR. I get wanting an upgrade, but he hasn't been bad.

Dominguez, he's on the team no matter what. Just use him in a different role when losing or up 5+ runs.

Hicks has been fricken awesome. Start using him in different roles too. He has experience in that.

25 minutes ago, Chicago White Sox said:

McDougal has made three straight relief appearances in the minors. Unlike with Shane Smith, they aren’t trying to stretch him out again. This suggests a role in the Sox’s bullpen is very likely in the near future and @Y2Jimmy0 has suggested he’s heard the same. This kid could be our Bobby Jenks and quickly ascend to the closer role. If he does, you could be looking at this bullpen:

• CL: McDougal

• SU: Taylor

• SU: Hudson

• MR Newcomb*

• MR: Hicks

• MR: Murphy*

• MR: Dominguez

• LR: Richards

That could be a really good bullpen. Yes, Dominguez has sucked so far but I still believe that we can we right him enough to be our 7th best guy worst case scenario. Richards would be your weakest guy stuff wise, but has been super valuable & productive in his mop up duty role. Hopefully someone eventually pushes for that spot or we add for a SP and the domino effects knock Richards out ahead of the playoffs. Until then, he serves an important role this team.

Bobby Jenks? I'm seriously envious of your optimism. Before, McDougal was your solution for the rotation woes. Now he's suddenly Bobby Jenks.

1 hour ago, Timmy U said:

Question for debate: is it possible the Sox have fixed Jordan Hicks? Small sample size, but since his rehab stint he has looked like a different guy. If he becomes a reliable option late, it changes the vibe of the pen immensely. Maybe the need to go outside the org is a lot less.

Hicks is the 2nd or 3rd best reliever on the team. I'd take Hicks over Hudson.

I've only been wrong about Hicks for 8 years now too so I'm due!

35 minutes ago, GGajewski18 said:

Too many quotes that I want to address.

McDougal, I think they just want him up now. Stop wasting bullets in the minors. Maybe to piggyback Schultz for the time being? Either way, he's going to be up this year, but I still believe his future is in the rotation. (I think if he never got hurt, he would already be in the rotation)

Chris Murphy, he actually has been pretty good. The opener in Cleveland wasn't his fault outside of the HR. I get wanting an upgrade, but he hasn't been bad.

Dominguez, he's on the team no matter what. Just use him in a different role when losing or up 5+ runs.

Hicks has been fricken awesome. Start using him in different roles too. He has experience in that.

Wasting bullets in the minors lol. McDougal has looked serviceable for 113 of his career 311 minor league innings, and even then he was rocking a WHIP of 1.332 in a very pitcher friendly environment. That WHIP in the minor leagues would rank him in the back 30% of MLB relievers. When adjusting for environment, his 1.54 WHIP puts him in Erik Fedde territory (140ish of 150ish arms).

The way we talk about McDougal here has always been a bit odd to me. It's not like the guy has forced the issue.

13 minutes ago, Look at Ray Ray Run said:

Wasting bullets in the minors lol. McDougal has looked serviceable for 113 of his career 311 minor league innings, and even then he was rocking a WHIP of 1.332 in a very pitcher friendly environment. That WHIP in the minor leagues would rank him in the back 30% of MLB relievers. When adjusting for environment, his 1.54 WHIP puts him in Erik Fedde territory (140ish of 150ish arms).

The way we talk about McDougal here has always been a bit odd to me. It's not like the guy has forced the issue.

Bobby Jenks is terms of coming up as a rookie and filling the closer spot. Not suggesting he’s going to be as good as Bobby Jenks was.

33 minutes ago, Look at Ray Ray Run said:

Bobby Jenks? I'm seriously envious of your optimism. Before, McDougal was your solution for the rotation woes. Now he's suddenly Bobby Jenks.

Hicks is the 2nd or 3rd best reliever on the team. I'd take Hicks over Hudson.

I've only been wrong about Hicks for 8 years now too so I'm due!

I have also been very clear on needing to acquire a SP via trade throughout many threads including this one. I thought McDougal could be the answer to one rotation spot, but the team appears to be going in a different direction. If that’s indeed the case, I think McDougal has the stuff to come in and potentially be a solid high leverage reliever pretty quickly. There is no guarantee however, but I can understand the idea if they feel the cost for someone like Chapman will be more than they’re willing to pay.

4 hours ago, Squirmin' for Yermin said:

I love burning two moderatly high end prospects in relief roles.. I hope this wouldn't be another Taylor situation where he never even sniffs the chance to start. This year... fine - next year - start!

He really doesn't have time to build innings this year anyway, but he really should go back to the rotation next year, somewhere.

Wrong thread.

Edited 42 minutes ago42 min by DirtySox