Perfect Vision

This feels about right to me. While it's fair to ask why Ozuna would sign early if he didn't get a big offer, you could just as easily ask why would the Sox make a big offer now with so many other options available, both free agents and trade. Seems more likely that they would have made Ozuna a reaonable middle of the road type offer, and told him to let them know by the winter meetings before they start discussing other options.

I doubt they would use a relatively unknown Dominican reporter they presumably have no relationship with.

Except the report wasn't that Ozuna had signed with the White Sox, but that he's going to on Monday. Interesting worded tweet here.

Well, they could pay Castellanos or Ozuna more money per year to walk 40 times (but still post a lower OBP and provide worse defense).

If the Sox were to acquire Betts, the entire story of next offseason will be of the Sox attempt (and likely failure) to sign him long term. No thanks. It seems almost inevitable that the Pirates are going to trade Marte and the Mets trade one of their surplus left-handed outfielders. IMO those are the best options -- multiple years of control and good balance of offensive and defensive ability. Also, a much better chance of extending them than Betts if the Sox wish to do so.

Here's MLB's list of top catcher prospects: http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2019/?list=c None of those teams jump out at me as being likely interested in trading their catcher prospect for 2 years of Marte, either because they're rebuilding, small market, or are set in the outfield. If the Sox are interested, Collins may very well be the best catcher the Pirates are offered, assuming they feel comfortable using him at catcher.

I wouldn't be at all surprised if what the Rays just acquired for Pham is better than whatever the Red Sox get for Betts. The additional year of control really is worth that much.

I would hope the Sox would be all over this. It's been reported that the Mets are hoping to package one of Lowrie or Familia with a valuable, low-cost outfielder just to shed salary. Either Lowrie or Familia would be a fit with the Sox in the short term.

Probably increases the chances the Mets trade one of their current outfielders.

Bob Nightengale reporting that Sox final offer to Wheeler was 5/125. Sucks they didn't get him, but they don't deserve any blame here.

I'm on the fence about both Bumgarner and Ryu, but shutting out the Twins does have value.

They targeted the one guy on the planet who would turn down more money to be closer to his wife's family.

I woke up today thinking there was a pretty good chance the Sox sign both Wheeler and Hamels. LOL.

Bumgarner now expected to get $100 mil +?

I didn't read the Evan Grant article, but apparently he's reporting that Wheeler is choosing between the Sox and Phillies, with the Reds only "perhaps" in the mix.

This really is Corbin all over again. Someone is giving him 6 years and the deal is happening today or tomorrow.

So today we've had Rosenthal report that Wheeler has received a $100 mil offer, Heyman report that Wheeler was the Sox top pitching target, and Nightengale report that the Sox are going hard after Wheeler. Not too hard to put these pieces together.

The lemon has become the Sox version of Charles the Cat.