poppysox

I'm shocked...someone has figured out a way to extort cash out of someone with deep pockets.

Yep!

I agree with you...and to be honest...I think there is a good chance. JR is aware that he won't live forever. Getting his house in order is job #1 at this point.

That would be a terrible overpay IMO.

Jerry could spend $200 million at the drop of a hat. He just doesn't think it's good business. I agree. Now when we get our new mega-rich owner that only cares about winning... we can pay the penalty tax etc. I don't think that is all that far off.

Jerry is correct IMO. Those 10-year commitments become backbreakers for the teams that give them. Teams do need to manage their budgets just like real people.

Good suggestion. Just read up on him and he sounds perfect.

Makes sense.

So...who is the best defensive catcher available this off-season?

No one said Abreu is all washed up. He has produced very well overall. Three rbi's in four games of playoff baseball is not all that impressive IMO. His rbi totals are a result of the high OBP guys in front of him as well as his personal abilities. Age will slowly lessen his abilities as it did Konerko and the fourth or fifth spot in the lineup is better suited IMO.

I am open to trading anyone for the right return. It's very easy to fall in love with your hometown favorites and wear blinders. A good example would be if the FO really thinks the low-cost of Burger could replace the high cost of Moncada...then trade Moncada from a position of strength. The low-budget teams do this all the time in order to survive and compete with the big spenders. Some teams like Tampa have excelled with this MO.

This is a well-thought-out and well-written post.

Eloy would probably get my vote. His final month of the season was really disappointing but I chalk it up to the long layoff. I am probably overreacting to Abreu and the DP problem. He has really seemly turned into a rally killer IMO.

He is not a problem now IMO. I do think it's time to move him down in the batting order, however.

How about Kimbrel and Hernandez for Madrigal.

Excellent for Burger but no to Vaughn.

He has a beautiful swing IMO. Perhaps it's your TV feed.

A new owner with deep pockets along with a new FO would certainly be good for heating up the off-season. Might not be as far-fetched as some would think.

We needed you in the playoffs, Jack. Please don't leave us again.

Some interesting thoughts to ponder.

Who cares if Ron cheers for the Cubs? Why should any of us care?

Sheets and Vaughn are both playable and you need to play these high draft pieces somewhere. If all they are is trade chips they shouldn't have been drafted in the first place.

"Spectacular" was used to describe what they don't provide.

Eloy, Vaughn, and Sheets all play a solid if not spectacular defense. They handle the basic play very dependably IMO. Over the years I have seen many big bats with bad gloves hidden in the outfield as they need to play somewhere. These guys are considerably better than that.

When I suggest a platoon of Vaughn and Sheets `I am sure to hear about them not having the necessary speed. While it's obvious that we would like a Robert at each position...that is not financially feasible. When I consider a Leury in RF vs a Vaughn/Sheets I can't see very many runs saved by Leury. These guys need to be utilized until Jose's retirement happens IMO. Spend the money we have on 2nd base and pitching.