poppysox

Fair weather fans are in the majority. In another year all sorts of former Cubs fans will be scampering aboard the bandwagon.

Star Power! First WS team ever with so many potential stars.

A few more tweaks and this WS team will go through this weak division like a hot knife through butter. I would be extremely disappointed with 85 wins.

Count me in the group who wants to keep all three catchers. Depth at the most physically taxing position on the field is a great thing to have. Two solid major league catchers mentoring Collins will help his development as well.

The Sox players are pulling for each other. Often see them on the bench showing each other how they grip the ball or talking about baseball stuff. Abreu and McCann are like having additional bench coaches. EE, Gio and Keuchel will add to this coaching culture IMO.

It's safe to say that Ricky will look a lot smarter in 2020 with this lineup.

If Puig doesn't get along with Abreu he won't be coming here. This is Abreu's team.

Agreed! A strong backup catcher is necessary on good teams. The mentoring from two good catchers will do lots for Collins development as well.

A trend!

If you are content with 82 wins...you should be purring like a cat.?

I think extension offers will be made to both Madrigal & Robert. RH wants to hit the ground running in 2020.

I agree...depth at catcher is a real luxury that we can afford. Things happen in a long season. Quality backups at all positions are needed to win consistently.

I'm surprised how little love Pence has received on this board.

Ya...sure...you betcha!

Yolmer, Engle & Garcia were overmatched as regulars with the WS. I think it has earned them bad raps from some fans. Late inning defensive replacement and pinch runners are role players needed on a good team. Fabulous players aren't available to sit on the bench. Players like the 3 mentioned are happy to be in the majors and their skills are less affected by long periods of non play. I am open minded to anyone who would make the bench better... but I don't know who that would be. Just my opinion.

I think it comes to a little more than that.?

I know the arguments... but I just don't like players like Bryant who take this attitude of wanting to test the market. Lot's of players take fair offers to play for their teams and fans they have matured with.

Lineup construction will be interesting. Four players in that lineup could bat third on some teams. Not one easy out in the lineup. Opponents are not going to be throwing many shutouts against that lineup. Also, we have a lot of speed for a team with that much power.?

Both of our new starters are known for pitching out of the zone. Grandal is a great catcher for these kind of guys.

I believe Madrigal will be extended as I've said before. Rick seems to be going for it in 2020. Also, don't be surprised when Sanchez resigns for about $4 million. Sanchez & Engel with their GG defense are ideal for backup roles. They were overexposed starting all the time but have desirable skill sets in backup roles.

Once Madrigal and Robert acclimate...they and Anderson will all take a shot at #1. Madrigal is so Nellie Fox like I think eventually #2 is made for him. Just an observation...that bottom third looks kind of interesting. No more doing other stuff when the bottom third is up to bat.

They all seem to like playing for Ricky. Our secret weapon.

Pence was a terrific defender in CF as a youngster. Don't know what he has left in his defensive tank.

Ditto!

IMO when the smoke clears on this offseason...the WS will be the favorite.?