Getting Cespedes would rekindle my excitement around the White Sox. Getting Upton would feel like having years added onto a prison sentence.

 

Where's the option for Alex Gordon?

 

The signing of Upton, Cespedes or Gordon would significantly improve this team going into next season. Danks and LaRoche come off the books after this season and free up money that can go towards signing one of these three players.

 

Gordon might make the most sense in terms of length of contract and dollar amount, plus he bats left handed. Cespedes and Upton would require lengthier contracts

 

I don't particularly like the idea of signing Fowler or Span because of defensive concerns

I posted this in the J Up thread but I'll do it again since this thread is comparing these guys. Here our a few visual tools to help make your decision.

 

Surfing other fan forums and found this comparing the free agent OFs.... Pretty nice visual tool to compare these guys offensively.

 

HT Angles Win fan forum

 

http://i.imgur.com/PNm8mjt.png

http://i.imgur.com/HJcXhkw.png

http://i.imgur.com/DSxb0OE.png

http://i.imgur.com/0iT6r7G.png

http://i.imgur.com/qWpIdsZ.png

Where's the option for Alex Gordon?

 

The signing of Upton, Cespedes or Gordon would significantly improve this team going into next season. Danks and LaRoche come off the books after this season and free up money that can go towards signing one of these three players.

 

Gordon might make the most sense in terms of length of contract and dollar amount, plus he bats left handed. Cespedes and Upton would require lengthier contracts

 

I don't particularly like the idea of signing Fowler or Span because of defensive concerns

 

I want nothing to do with Fowler either seeing he costs a pick. Span is an interesting option just not as flashy as the others. But something I wouldn't mind if we strike out on the big three.

Dont sleep on Alex Gordon.

Another OF idea: Nick Markakis? Braves clearly willing to move players, name we've been rumored with in the past.

On paper I like Cespedes for the production and I believe he won't cost a pick. On the negative side he's older by 2 years, who knows maybe more coming from Cuba. Also, his first two clubs seemed to imply he was a clubhouse cancer. I'm not sure if Detroit saw him that way, and the Mets seemed to like him, but Oakland and Boston grew sick of him. Not sure that's worth it considering we already have Eaton and Lawrie potentially creating distractions in that locker room. I like CarGo if the trade price is fair personally.

Edited December 16, 201510 yr by QuickJones81

Another OF idea: Nick Markakis? Braves clearly willing to move players, name we've been rumored with in the past.

 

Markakis defense concerns me, as he has graded out poorly and won't likely get better with age. Also what would we have to give up to get him? I don't want to raid our minor league system too much more after the Frazier deal.

 

I am glad that we managed to keep Fulmer and Adams as I don't feel as strongly about Montas as I do about those two

Another OF idea: Nick Markakis? Braves clearly willing to move players, name we've been rumored with in the past.

 

the braves FO does not negotiate well, they are pretty firm in what they want as a rtn.

What about Upton at 7 years with an opt out year 4 when he's 32? Can try to get 4 or 5 guaranteed years instead of the 3 left on his deal.

Markakis defense concerns me, as he has graded out poorly and won't likely get better with age. Also what would we have to give up to get him? I don't want to raid our minor league system too much more after the Frazier deal.

 

I am glad that we managed to keep Fulmer and Adams as I don't feel as strongly about Montas as I do about those two

With the Braves selling off everything and Markakis signed for 2 years at >$10m per year, I can't imagine he'll cost a ton unless you want money from them.

What about Upton at 7 years with an opt out year 4 when he's 32? Can try to get 4 or 5 guaranteed years instead of the 3 left on his deal.

 

I'm scared of dishing out a 5+ year deal to ANY player. Depends on the dollars and term of course, but Gordon might make the most sense overall on a 4-5 year deal

I'm scared of dishing out a 5+ year deal to ANY player. Depends on the dollars and term of course, but Gordon might make the most sense overall on a 4-5 year deal

 

I'd be ok with Cespedes on 4/5 years. He may get more depending on how many and who is involved.

Age, track record beyond one season.

Well that and his OBP is a better fit with what we need as a team. Plus his offensive numbers are some Cespedes prior to last season has never come close to putting up. (Upton averages like a 120+wRC)

I'd be ok with Cespedes on 4/5 years. He may get more depending on how many and who is involved.

I'd guess that Cespedes is 32 or 33 years old - not 30 like he claims.

I'd guess that Cespedes is 32 or 33 years old - not 30 like he claims.

 

I like Alex Gordon on a 4/5 year deal (4 ideally) for a more reasonable dollar amount. His bat is solid, he gets on base and plays above average defense all while batting left handed

 

Cespedes on base percentage scares me, and the contract length for Upton scares me as he will likely require a 6-8 year deal

I like Alex Gordon on a 4/5 year deal (4 ideally) for a more reasonable dollar amount. His bat is solid, he gets on base and plays above average defense all while batting left handed

 

Cespedes on base percentage scares me, and the contract length for Upton scares me as he will likely require a 6-8 year deal

The lefty thing is one reason I'd prefer Gordon. His age is a drawback, but slap him into the lineup and it's got a little more balance to it.

 

Eaton

Cabrera

Abreu

Frazier

???

Lawrie

LaRoche

Avila/Navarro

Saladino/Sanchez

I'd take a.) Gordon. b) Upton. c.) Ces.

Gordon is a 20 homer/30-40 doubles guy.. don't know why we aren't regarding him as a power bat

Gordon is limited to LF, though, correct?

 

I'd rather have Upton with his RF arm and sheer power.

Plus, he's younger than Cespedes.

Gordon is limited to LF, though, correct?

 

I'd rather have Upton with his RF arm and sheer power.

Plus, he's younger than Cespedes.

I mean he grades out really well in LF and he has a good arm.. I'm sure he could play RF well

I voted Cespedes, for 3 reasons.

 

1. Might be able to develop some competition for best Cuban on the team between him and Abreu.

 

2. Don't want to surrender the draft pick.

 

3. I think Cespedes could be had on a shorter deal.

I voted Cespedes, for 3 reasons.

 

1. Might be able to develop some competition for best Cuban on the team between him and Abreu.

 

2. Don't want to surrender the draft pick.

 

3. I think Cespedes could be had on a shorter deal.

 

Sox first round draft pick at #10 overall is protected, so they would only lose a compensation rd A pick...although we do have the #33 overall pick as compensation for Samardzija which I would be hesitant to give up very easily. That's almost a first round pick that we could land a quality prospect with who slipped out of round one

Imagine the shock if we signed Gordon AND Upton. Would that make us the favorites to come out of the AL?

 

Eaton CF

Gordon LF

Abreu 1B

Upton RF

Frazier 3B

Melky DH

Lawrie 2B

Avila/Navarro C

Saladino SS

 

 

I'd go to war with the cubs with this team.

Edited December 16, 201510 yr by Chet Kincaid

1. Gordon

 

2. Upton

 

3. Cespedes

Yeah I'd pick Gordon because he also weakens your division rival. Plus I want defense. DEFENSE DEFENSE DEFENSE!!!