poppysox

I would love $100M personally but I don't think you could get $75.

Sheets/Vaughn/Engel combo in RF and Marte at 2B and it isn't close IMO. The question is what do we give up for Marte that doesn't include Vaughn. I might give up Vaughn in a Marte deal and live with Engel/Sheets.

I want nothing to do with expanded playoffs but the best record down idea is kind of intriguing.

I agree especially since parity was the original big need for both sides.

Both players and owners said their biggest concern is parity. Can't have teams tanking and not even trying to win. If every team had to spend a minimum of 75M that would create tons of extra good-paying jobs compared to now. Raising the CBT helps teams like the Yanks further outbid the smaller market teams. Hard to find a way to sell this to a group of small-market owners, however.

I care about left-handed catching Collins until we have a suitable replacement and Sheets is not going to be at AAA. Trades and acquisitions are going to happen in abundance so there is no telling what will happen. Vaughn will be in high demand and might get moved to help us attain a more balanced roster. Also, Burger is blocked so might be used to trade for someone's blocked second baseman.

I am a big fan of Engel having called him a 5 tool player. Sheets and Vaughn are passable IMO and we need to use them someplace. They can't all DH.

Both sides claim to want competitive balance. I am glad to see the owners hold the line on the CBT. Create a minimum amount a team needs to spend...say 75 M. They should give the minimum salary a healthy boost and do what they can to foster a more even playing field. A higher CBT only helps the big market teams while putting more and more distance between the haves and have nots.

I have nothing against Conforto if we are going to spend money on a right fielder. However...Vaughn, Sheets, Grandal, Eloy, Abreu, and Collins can't all be the DH. I've stated earlier that I prefer using Vaughn and Sheets in a platoon with late-inning assistance from Engel. Use the money on other areas of need being pitching, 2nd base, and perhaps a backup catcher if a good defensive catcher can be found.

I think the Sox can like Rodon without wanting to pay him at QO prices. Just depends on what Rodon is worth in the eyes of the league. I'm sure we won't be signing him if the price is 20 per year for 3 years but he might be that guy. If we could sign him for 2 at 16 that's another story.

Yep...and that would annoy me since they already took away Madrigal. However, Marte if available would be a great fit.

I suspect a trade will happen. Marte would be top of the list but probably untouchable. One of the Mets guys is more probable. I think Vaughn & Sheets would put up mega numbers and with Engel filling in after we put away the opposition...the defense isn't half as alarming as some here think. As I've said before on here...Vaughn & Sheets have to play somewhere and unfortunately, we already have the DH covered and then some. I know some will say trade Vaughn & Sheets for something we need but they will come back to haunt us IMO.

Need to know what happens with Kimbrel and perhaps Keuchel before I say we don't have the money. I would prefer to use Sheets, Vaughn, Engel, and Garcia in RF and spend the money at 2nd and pitching. I understand your liking of Conforto but we already have the guys I mentioned and they need to play somewhere.

I think we make a solid effort and have an edge in case of ties.

I would think the 282 still unsigned free agents might be interested along with those players hoping to show their wares in spring training camp in hopes of making a team.

I am in agreement with everything you said here. When I lived in Texas I was a semi-frequent visitor to Hooks games. As you say...a nice day in the sunshine at a fraction of the price and aggravations that go with being a fan at the big league level.

I'm glad to not be the guy negotiating that contract with you. I was always among the folks that valued enjoying my job over the pay. Strangely...the pay seemed to take care of itself.

What time period are you using for that doubling effect. I will concede 8.2 billion in 2015 climbed to 10.7 in 2019 which is 30%.

I certainly don't blame the players for trying. I think they're trying for some of the wrong things but that's their right. In the end, the owners hold the better hand and the sooner players realize this the sooner we get baseball.

Hey look...you got 2 likes from your posse for that in-depth analysis.

Welcome back and as always...well said.

No...what I am is a senior citizen who got his 5.9% ($92.00 average recipient) increase in his benefit along with the news that Medicare part B premiums are going up 14.5%. You all already know about the price of gas and groceries. This ridiculous fight for money between some of the most overpaid people in the country is maddening. In the opening pages of this topic, I said every dollar won by the millionaire players would be passed on to the fan through increase in cost for tickets, hot dogs, parking, MLB TV, etc. Bend over and get ready.

Thanks for the typo correction.

I believe the Admin should go out of their way to be fair and balanced in presenting both sides of most issues. Instead, many of the Admin join in the bully sessions that frequently break out on a daily basis. It's reminiscent of how a pack of Hyenas attacks a buffalo calf. It is not my intention to paint all admin with the same brush. Texsox for example goes out of his way to show both sides of the argument. I probably agree with him on 90% of his content.

I know you think the overwhelming numbers on this site favor your viewpoint. However, of the over 6000 members of these forums only approximately 15 members have participated in the recent days of posting on this subject. Many good posters have given up because they don't like the gang tackle approach used by a few. Sadly, half of those 15 posters are admin who should welcome opposing viewpoints but instead attempt to steamroll those with opposing views.