Soxbadger

Whats absurd is thinking the Sox are leaking information. So either a) all the writers are just making shit up b) agents/players or their people are leaking c) competition is leaking. Pick whichever you want, but those are the options.

Because if the reports from NY are true, ownership is split. Machados agent needs something to change the dynamics. Why would the Sox leak they are close? That would be the stupidest thing ever. The Sox want complete silence if they are close. And why would Machado's agent be lying? They dont have a deal, hes trying to get his cliet more money. (edit) Only other option is its from thr NY camp who wants to sign him.

Do "formal" offers even usually get reported? After the signing other teams interest leaks, but to me this seems like Machado wants another higher offer.

Youre presuming the leak is by the Sox. The leak almost undoubtedly would be from Machado's side trying to get higher offers.

I wouldnt expect anyone besides the biggest writers are getting direct leaks. No offense to guys like white sox dave, but you are talking about arguably the biggest signing in Sox history. No one with direct knowledge is putting it the hands of bloggers etc. If Machado signs, i expect the Sox to give the scoop to someone who has done work for them for years. Everything else is bread crumbs being recirculated to varying degrees.

Based on Yonder and Machado's Instagram i dont really see how its possible he was in NY. 2 days ago he was with Yonder and his NYE post looks like its outside somewhere, so id bet hes in Miami.

It was Yonder in the study with the tablet.

Who knows what will happen, but if you look at Machado's instagram, Yonder does appear a lot (its close between Yonder and Machado's wife for who appears most). For all the Kris Bryant/Harper BFF talk, Id actually say Yonder/Machado seem closer.

Its all about the clicks. Who cares about the facts.

If Harper doesnt want the Sox/Phillies, then absolutely the Dodgers hold the cards. And Im not saying Boras has played himself into a corner, Im saying that it is possible Harper will play Boras into a corner. If Harper wont sign with the Phillies for any amount of money, its problematic for Boras.

Boras is doing what he always does, try and outlast teams. I personally think he is in a bad spot if Harper is dictating a small amount of locations. That just doesnt fit with how Boras operates. Boras likes random teams who get desperate and throw a ton of money at the situation. He wants a team like the Sox or Phillies to miss on Machado and overpay Harper. He hates having to wait on the Dodgers to decide, that takes away all of his power and control.

I think that Boras is hoping that the Yankees miss on Machado. I just dont see the Cubs as a possible option. It makes no sense for them, the money doesnt line up right and it would potentially limit them resigning their own players in the next few years.

Boras has a major problem right now, he needs to get Harper $300mil. Anything less and his mystique is gone. The teams he thought were going to be players, havent really stepped up. I know he loves the spotlight, but that press conference (to me) showed weakness. IMO the offers arent there right now.

That comment contains nothing new. The question has always been how much money would the Yankees really spend. The fact that the Yankees havent signed him makes me think its not as much as usual. I dont normally think of the Yankees as a team who waits in the weeds hoping to get a good deal. They are usually the ones who set the market and spend right away.

There are basically no leaks that I can tell. These teams are really keeping it locked down. I think Harper leaks are more likely because Boras plays the game and tries any advantage he can get My guess is Machado signs first. Boras wants him to set the market and wants Harper to get more. I think all of the Harper waiting on teams is a mirage. Harper made the choice of Boras as his agent. His dad could get him $300mil, you only have Boras for one reason, and its because you want the money. Thats my opinion with no sources or insider knowledge. I know its not exciting or flashy as saying my best friend walks Reinsdorfs dog and the dog got a hold of the cotract.

Im pretty sure ive been posting on this board with Rock for almost a decade. Id let him speak for himself.

Id let Rock speak for himself. And Machado/Harper is way above normal sources.

Machado planned this tour a while back. If it was always the Yankees hed have scheduled them last.

Because its all about meaningless likes. Its the post facebook internet. Before if you agreed you actually post and add something to the conversation. Now you can just press a button.

Like Nomar to the Sox.

I miss rumors before twitter.

How could you forget Elaine Benes?

Hamels is a huge risk at that price. If you thought Harper was realistic you could have saved the $20mil and traded for a cheaper replacement if necessary. Plus the bigger problem is a few years down the road. Without Harper they likely have trouble keeping all their guys, with Harper its even more painful. I don't think Harper is a winning move for the Cubs. Its their money, but theoretically Harper replaces Schwarber their 4th best offensive player. It likely precludes them from getting pitching help. Now they are relying on 2 34+ pitchers with no real way to upgrade. Again not my money but hard to think sinking $50 mil in heyward/harper is the path to sustainable success.

Im just not sure how the Cubs can move contracts to make it work. Who is going to take $20mil Heyward when they have a shot at Harper? If they wanted Harper they wouldn't have signed Hamels. Their salary situation is all fucked because of Darvish and Heyward. Bryant, Baez, Hendricks are all going to hit FA while those are on the books. Until i see something happen first, i dont see how Harper makes any sense for the cubs.

Its all entirely speculation at this point. I personally dont think Machado was selling himself to the Yankees. I think Machado knows the basic framework of the Yankees offer and the Yankees are trying to pitch Machado why signing with them for 4 years is better than 10 years with someone else. Probably telling him how in 4 years if he does well they will take care of him etc. Telling him about other players who were Yankees and always were treated right and that he doesnt need to worry about the 5-6 years guaranteed. Just my guess.