hogan873

Lots of encouraging news yesterday. It definitely sounds like the Sox are truly in the running to sign Harper. I don't think money will be an issue. It'll most likely come down to what Harper really wants. Coming to the Sox, he'd have to know and accept that 2019 will still be a building year, and competing for the division and beyond starts in 2020. What the Sox can do that some others may not be able to is build a team around him for years to come. That and he'd instantly be the face of the franchise.

Harper - 10 years/$385M, opt outs after years 4, 5, and 6 Machado - 10 years/$350M, similar opt outs I would offer more to Harper only because I believe he would be more valuable to the franchise. I never thought about an ownership clause. That is an interesting idea.

Two encouraging notes. That he wants a team to build around Harper and information about the minors has been shared with Harper.

The Sox won't be ready to win in 2019, but they could be winning for years starting in 2020. It's going to come down to money, the chance to win, money, the chance to win for multiple seasons, and money.

I don't buy the 4-year deal to the Cubs when offer from the Sox and others would most likely contain opt-outs starting at year 4 or 5.

If true, it's not a surprise.

*yawn*

I was thinking of starting a thread around this. So here's my take: - Sign Grandal and Brantley - Sign/acquire one more decent starting pitcher and at least one more arm for the bullpen Not a lot going on there, but it'll be an improvement over last year and give the young guys a chance to play. What concerns me is the lack of big free agents after next season. The Sox will have to be more creative with trades.

The Nightengale and Levine comments are meaningless as have been just about everything else we've seen. I think we can all agree that the Sox are being aggressive, and their offers will be one of the higher ones. They may be "on the outside looking in", but that could be based on where wither of these guys will ultimately want to play. Only Harper and Machado know what they will decide.

I agree. With two years of control, he could be a nice addition to allow Robert to get ready. I expect the Red Sox would want a decent return, probably too much for our Sox to consider.

I'm exhausted trying to keep up with the rumors. But, I can't help myself checking SoxTalk constantly and refreshing my Twitter feed. I've come to the conclusion, though, that there's not much of a chance of Harper or Machado signing this week. I'd be surprised to see either happen before January. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go check Twitter.

Yeah, I don't think it does. He's projected to get $15M a year? That shouldn't change things.

With the Phillies signing McCutchen, are they necessarily out on Harper?

Hmmm indeed

Unless GRF was moved to Vegas recently, I would say not very.

If I wasn't a fan of one of the other teams purportedly going after them I would probably think the Sox have a chance.

You'd have to think that a Harper or Machado signing will be a catalyst to getting things started. Hopefully something happens soon.

The Sox may have made an offer, but I would bet it's nowhere near $20M annually. But to your point, I would doubt the Sox are likely to sign him based on what he's purportedly asking.

Don't worry about the BS accusers. RaBBit will post something, and someone will call BS. Many of us appreciate the rumors. And, yes, this is a public forum.

It seems to me that both Harper and Machado have big egos (more so that the average player). I would think that the Sox are selling to them just how huge they would be in Chicago. They would instantly become the face of the team, and the team becomes a lot more popular.

My guess if Harper is signed: Billy Hamilton and Dallas Keuchel. And a few other pieces.

One stipulation in the offer to Harper is that he wear a clear helmet so his hair is always visible.

It sounds like they are determined to get one of these guys. We've obviously heard more about Harper, but I wouldn't be surprised if they are pursuing Machado, too. Hahn's comments really make me believe they expect to have a great chance at landing one of them.

I don't doubt that the Sox's offer will be one of the better ones. From what we've heard (from real sources), the meeting had gone well and the Sox feel good about their chances. I wouldn't be surprised if it comes down to 2-3 teams and the Sox are one of them.