Flash

Is the an update re: Vera? What seems to be the hold up?

Interesting ZIPS projection/write-up in FanGraphs on Vaughn, who they rank 90th (vs. 12 by Eric L.). 'One projection certain to disappoint is that of Andrew Vaughn, a player who the White Sox are making noise about promoting aggressively this year. I can’t say for certain if that desire is earnest and not partially a public cover for not going after someone like Nelson Cruz for the team’s DH spot, but ZiPS is not sold at all on Vaughn. ZiPS is aware of his power while at Cal. Indeed, if all it knew was Vaughn’s sub-.450 slugging debut while not being young for A-ball, he would not have come anywhere near this list'.

This stat speaks more to the vagueries of WAR calculation than their relative effectiveness in 2020. While its seldom pretty, Colome was damn near perfect in 2020 and perfect is hard to improve upon.

Thats alot of Met OF'ers. Wonder if Nimmo could be available?

For me, I'd take Rizzo at 1B (sorry). Its close to a coin flip at SS w/ever so slight advantage to TA. I think both Moncada and Bryant will both bounce back but Bryant has a higher historical performance level to return to than Yoan. Gotta go with Sox at every other position.

For grins, am contemplating what a combination of Sox-Cubs might look like in 2021 if we could pick the best positional player from either team. Sox win the pitching matchups hands down but, If I'm being honest, there are several positions that aren't completely obvious. For instance...Abreu vs. Rizzo?; Moncada vs. Bryant?; Anderson vs. Baez?; Grandal vs. Contreres? Eaton/Engel vs. Heyward? Thoughts?

Love this group. Any concern Vera might not sign?

Given Covid related uncertainties re: revenue, I'm not terribly disappointed with the off-season moves (so far). Lynn was an excellent pick up and if he can remain effective, should be a rotation piece beyonnd '21. Hendriks makes our BP nails . Eaton was a puzzling addition, mostly due to salary coming off a down year but I'll reserve judgement. My only real disappointment is/was our inability/unwillingness to effect a trade for another strong rotation arm...Burnes, Castillo, Marquez (or Darvish at the time). I understand our lack of minor league trade chits such as the Padres had but my guess is there was//is(?) business to be done with the Reds (i.e. Castillo + Moustakas for ???) or Rockies for Marquez and salary relief i.e. Blackman. Can you imagine the rotation if with either Marquez or Castillo added to the mix?

Angels picked up Dexter Fowler for a PTBNL and Cards are covering all but @$1M of his remaining contract. SH who can cover all 3 OF positions and bring clubhouse value. Not exactly a need for Sox today (w/Leuery) but he compares favorably to Eaton for a fraction of the cost.

Nothing to tear down. Excellent analysis. Well done!

You have captured my concerns better than I could articulate. In a nutshell...Lynn > Dunning; Hendriks > Colome; Eaton =/> Mazara BUT...who replaces McCann? Seems like a reliance on young, unproven bats (and catcher). My sense is the strength of the '21 Sox will be the bullpen, especially if Bummer returns to form.

The black hole reference was not mine (SoxBlanco I believe). What I was driving at is the value of the '21 front office moves. I understand we have young players in the system who we intend to plug in. I'd also have to check but recall McCann and Grandal manned DH role a fair amount of '20.

In terms of net personnel, Vaughn, Engel and Collins are/were part of the organization in '20 so I'm not counting them as actual additions. Both Eaton and Mazara had rough years in '20 but I like Eaton's chances of bouncing back better than Mazara's.

I guess it depends on how you gauge the loss of McCann. Agree Lynn an upgrade over whoever we trotted out at #3 last year. Love and prefer Hendriks but hard to improve on Colome's '20 performance.

Notwithstanding the additional year of experience, is this team as it stands better than the 2020 version? Additions include TLR, Lynn, Eaton and Hendriks. Subtractions include Renteria, McCann, Dunning, Colome.

Cardinals Get Nolan Arenado Arenado -43.7 Cash Cash 50 Total Value- 6.30 Rockies Get Luken Baker Baker 2.5 Austin Gomber Gomber 4.9 Jhon Torres Torres 3.3 Total Value- 10.70 Total Value- 6.30 Total Value- 10.70.webloc

Eloy

Initially USAToday

Appears Bauer to Mets

Looks like Bauer to the Mets

Thats unfortunate because those are two parts to a whole that could turn a deal. If they really like Madrigal and Heuer and we add Stiever + Sheets (they need 1B) and/or Lopez and/or Mercedes, it might get interesting. I'd also consider taking back Avi and his contract. It seems like there are several paths to getting this done but I fear its just smoke. I've been all over Brewers blogs and can't find any chatter about moving Burnes. Hope it happens but not optimistic.

Except he wouldn't be the 4th starter and acquiring him moves Sox to front of the line. Also, I wouldn't speculate on how many innings he will provide based on 2020 and prior to 2020 he was Alec Hansen.

Gotta believe a mutually acceptable deal can be arrived at. Something starting in mid-high 20s w/annual opt-outs for Bauer.

Almost suggests we weren't in on him, which is surprising. Also makes me wonder if Angels are out on Bauer.

Q only $8M to Angels. Hmmm