SoxBlanco

I guess I still don’t see anything wrong with making it clear that your focus and intentions are to try to sign Machado or Harper. Just so it doesn’t look like a failure if they sign elsewhere? Why does that matter?

But why is it a big deal that they didn’t say what you have in quotes? I fail to see anything wrong with letting people know you would try to sign Machado and Harper.

I’m not saying they weren’t going out. They absolutely have gone all out. I’m wondering why people are upset at the things they have said.

First, what was the closest thing they actually said to “going all out” for them? Second, saying they will pursue the two big free agents does not mean it’s guaranteed that they sign them. I still have no idea why people are so upset with Hahn and/or KW’s comments. Is it because you will be mad that you got your hopes up? soxfan49, this isn’t directed at you only. I just don’t understand why anybody is so upset with Hahn and KW for not hiding the fact that they will try to sign the whales.

Completely agree.

If we miss out on Machado, I’d offer even more than that.

100% this.

Did Clark say that Schoop was his source? Or is that just our best guess based on his friend/former teammate comment?

You think they’d be able to keep it quiet when Manny visited the three cities? Hell, what about the Harper sign at the United Center? And it would have leaked during the winter meetings if nothing else. I see nothing wrong with the way they have “gotten our hopes up” like everybody is so up in arms about. It’s not like Hahn or KW ever said they were confident they would be able to sign one of them.

So the Sox and Phillies are both keeping this a secret to delay the roasting they will get by a week or so? But Dan Clark was able to get the scoop and nobody else has? I had trouble typing that without laughing about how ridiculous it sounds.

Why would the Sox want to keep this a secret?

Are you claiming there is a chance that Manny, the Yankees, the White Sox, and the Phillies all know that Manny has already chosen the Yankees, and yet it still hasn’t leaked to anyone more official than Dan Clark?

I’m still confused by this report from Rock. First he said that Schwarber and Heyward “will be dealt”. Then he said they might not be able to move Heyward. So which is it? Do they have a deal in place, or are they just exploring trade options? Doesn’t sound like anything official to me.

Why do you think Robert is a corner OF?

I’m not talking about the scenario where he wants the Yankees to offer more. I’m talking about the scenario where he realizes the Yankees can’t come close to the White Sox (or Philadelphia), and he has pretty much settled on signing with us but wants to try to get more money.

Why would Manny want to deny this if he knew the Yankees wouldn’t offer enough and this rumor was an attempt to get us/Phily to increase our offers?

Madrigal? (I agree that Machado is a better fit based on our plethora of outfield prospects)

Sounds like Steve Summers read Dan Clark’s tweet.

Seems like conflicting reports. Your source first said that Heyward and Schwarber “will be dealt”. But now your source is claiming there’s a chance they might not be able to unload Heyward. Sounds to me like this is nothing new at all. The Cubs would like to move Heyward in an attempt to sign Harper, but they might not be able to.

I agree with you. I’m just not sure when they should officially offer that max amount. There is almost 100% certainty that whatever their initial offer is, Manny will come back and ask for more, using the other teams as leverage. So are they going to reach that max offer at some point during negotiations no matter what? Or do you call their bluff at some point? I guess that’s why I’m not the one being paid to make these decisions.

Ok, then what if Manny’s camp comes back and says that they told Philadelphia the same thing and Phili upped their offer to $425. At what point do you think you are bidding against yourself?

I’m curious as to how everyone thinks the Sox should handle negotiations. Let’s say they truly believe the Yankees will offer around $300 million. They want to beat that significantly, so they offer $360 million (a 20% higher offer). Then Manny’s agent comes back and says that the Yankees are willing to spend $350 million, and Manny will choose NY if the money is only $10 million apart. What do you do if you’re Hahn?

I’m torn on Covey. My gut says he’s better suited for a relief role where he doesn’t have to face guys more than once, but he looked so good for that stretch last year.

And if 5 or 6 of our prospects hit, it’ll be very nice to have Harper or Machado on the team.

Are there any good examples of guys in the majors now who were drafted out of high school as raw athletes and struggled for a few years in rookie ball before starting to take off? I’m quoting you, but this is a question for anyone. I only recently started following prospects and minor league affiliates, so my knowledge is limited.