WestEddy

Why do teams need more money if it's already decided years before? If a 12 year old kid develops way beyond where everyone thought he'd be at 16, he might just decide he wants more money.

The stuff I've read is that the system isn't going to be overused lest a team run themselves out of appeals early in the game. If a catcher could keep the calls that are too near the zone to safely dispute, that still has value.

There's still a chance of Elko wearing a Sox hat on his HOF plaque.

The problem with bad framing is that it leads to unfavorable counts, and higher pitch counts. Quero cost his team about 13 runs over the season. I believe that Baseball Prospectus has one of the more comprehensive catcher rating systems, although I'm sure someone else could be better.

It's 9 weeks until voluntary reporting to spring training starts (2/15/26). In that time, I'd say the Sox are still pursuing a SP, "closer", 1B LHH, veteran OF/CF, and there's got to be a good half dozen bullpen arms and utility/3rd-4th chance guys, right? So that's 1-2 signings a week. We've just had Kay, Rolison, Oliver Done, the 3 Rule 5 picks, Pallette getting picked in the last week. I'd think there'd be any movement before the 2 weeks of holidays. January 15 is the opening of the 2026 International Signing period.

Local reporting on trade. Apparently, Collins was a fluke, and Mears lost his swing and miss stuff. Zerpa has an arsenal that appeals to the Brewers. Or so some fans on MLBTR say in the comments. Brewers trade Isaac Collins and Nick Mears to Royals for Ángel Zerpa

Brewers send OF Isaac Collins and RHP Nick Mears to the royals for LH reliever Angel Zerpa? Why couldn't Brandon Eisert bring that back?

I believe the Heyman article hinted at JR having an issue with Cohen and not wanting to pay down Robert for him. Mets checked in with White Sox on outfielder Luis Robert | New York Post

It's also a smarter negotiating stance to start off with a higher ask.

It's a minor league deal. He might see the 4th inning of a spring training game.

Another guy the Brewers kept on their 40-man instead of rostering Shane Smith for the 2025 Rule 5 draft.

You just said two teams in the AL Central are trying. Does "trying" have a different definition for you than the one most of us subscribe to?

Now it seems like Getz really did pick the Red Sox' pockets, holding out for the guy (Teel) they didn't want to trade. Good on him.

Polanco to the Mets

Most of what I have to offer would be based on gut and wish-casting, but Steamer thinks Ryan O'Hearn would be good for 1.1 fWAR, and Bleday 0.9. Tauchman's at 0.7. While I'm resigned to something like an O'Hearn addition, I would hope the front office does get cute and takes a few gambles.

Braves blogger breaks down how to fix Rolison:

Baldwin was always a "utility" guy. Look back to his college experience, summer ball, and through the Sox system, he's always played 7 positions.

I post those guys just for trade rumor talk. Most of it is BS. I just get jonesing for trade talk. There doesn't seem to have been a lot of that this off-season.

Capra and Amaya are natural shortstops. Baldwin isn't.