GreatScott82

QUOTE (Eminor3rd @ Jul 30, 2014 -> 08:52 AM) This is where I am too. I would love for the team to convince Hahn that he needs to improve the MLB roster this offseason. While having a protected pick reduces the pain of signing top free agents, it also substantially reduces the incentive. I think you can have the best of both worlds here. I really don't think it matters if the Sox finish the season with 75 wins or 81 wins. I honestly believe Hahn will be aggressive in the FA market this winter regardless. I also have noticed that Hahn and the organization are finally putting a premium on draft picks. If you look at the farm system, it has improved quite a bit from where it was in 2012. The organization and most other MLB teams know that you need to build from within in today's game. Especially with the limitations of the new CBA. With that said, if the Sox are in the bottom 10, they can get that coveted first rounder AND have a solid chance of obtaining a top tier free agent with a risk of only losing a second rounder. Another thing to consider is some of these FAs might not even cost a pick if they were denied a QO. In my opinion, we will not see much of this as teams want draft picks. The best case scenario will be for the Sox to drop in the bottom 10, sign Shields and possibly a C and new DH, get another talented first round draft pick and be ready to compete in 2015.

QUOTE (LDF @ Jul 30, 2014 -> 05:06 AM) if we make a trade fine, if not we can add the final pieces thru FA's. with Dank in the lineup, and again no off season trades, I still think a very good sp. while there is high hopes for Rodon, I am not going to put all my eggs in the basket so to speak, as we did last off season. a catcher is needed, dh and rp are needed. a few pickups will get the sox into the playoff. look at this yr, this is a rebuilding yr and yet the sox came close and the season is still not over. One thing I worry about with us winning lately is that first round pick next year. I'm pretty sure the top 10 first round picks are protected, anything beyond that and the Sox will lose their first round pick next year if they sign a type-A Free Agent. As much as I want us to sign Shields, I would hate to sacrifice such a high pick. As of right now the Sox are the 11th pick. Not that I support losing in any way, but the Sox can truly benefit from being in that bottom 10. Another first round pick AND some decent FA signings and we will be in much better shape next season.

One thing to keep an eye on tomorrow morning is if Danks is pulled from his scheduled start. The game is at 1:05. FWIW.

I wonder if Eaton is better suited for the 2 - hole instead of leadoff? If Micah Johnson proves himself early next year, I would like to see that. Micah-Spanky-Abreu= (speed, scrappy, power)

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Jul 29, 2014 -> 08:19 AM) Looking at quality starts for a starting pitcher is like looking singularily at home runs or batting average for a hitter. Yes, it will tell part of the story, but the rest of the story says he hasn't done a hell of a lot. He has 15 quality starts in 21 games started. To me, that says he's essentially pitched poorly enough to lose 6 games, and who knows what he's done in the other 15 - maybe pitched just well enough to lose. The Sox pitching staff is not going to get considerably worse if they trade John Danks. I agree. The time to deal him is now.

QUOTE (LDF @ Jul 28, 2014 -> 07:28 PM) if the yanks are only talking about minors, I would be real ok with JR Murphy or even Pete O'Brien. I think it would take a crap load to get Sanchez. JR Murphy seems to fit Hahn's desired age group (ages 23-27) and he is also MLB ready. With Rodon likely entering the rotation next year and given this chance to shed that salary- this would be the perfect trade for the Sox.

I would be ok with either JR Murphy OR Sanchez. Isn't Sanchez the Yanks top prospect? Is that even a possibility for a Danks deal?

QUOTE (SoxPride18 @ Jul 26, 2014 -> 10:23 AM) Jon Heyman ‏@JonHeymanCBS 6m peavy goes to giants for minor league pitchers #redsox #SFgiants I'm very curious to see what SF gave them. Peavy didn't last 1 full year in Boston. What a difference a year makes.

QUOTE (Soxfest @ Jul 25, 2014 -> 06:26 PM) Not really a winter trade option either you offer him arbitration or you do not. I say let him walk. If that's the case, I can see Hahn trying to include him in a deal centered around Danks at the deadline. The Sox are too stubborn to let him walk.

QUOTE (spiderman @ Jul 25, 2014 -> 04:43 PM) It should be a simple conversation. He's your's for nothing, take him and his contract, see ya! Seriously? Teams will be desperate for a SP at the deadline. I would much rather pitch in cash in order to get the prospect back we want.

QUOTE (Soxfest @ Jul 25, 2014 -> 05:39 PM) GB is barely a top 20 player at his position he can be easily replaced and should be in 2015. I really don't see why they would consider him an option for 2015. Second Base is arguably the deepest position in the system. How many years and chances do they plan on giving this dude? I understand playing him this year. In a retooling season, you want to see what you have to work with. For instance, increasing the value of the veterans that are coming off poor 2013 seasons, determining needs for 2015 and establish that new core moving forward. If anything, Beckham decreased his value and has left Hahn with a slim hope for a winter trade.

QUOTE (chisoxfan310 @ Jul 21, 2014 -> 01:00 PM) Let's hope Beckham has the best 10-day stretch in his career. Of course the Beckham lovers would all come out of hiding and say that we need to keep him haha Is there such a thing? I cannot wait to see this dude traded. He is blocking the arrival of Micah Johnson. I cannot wait to see him light up the base paths at the MLB level.

Gordon Beckham is not a good offensive player. In fact, other than one or maybe two months every year- he is bad. Time to move on, cut your losses, swallow your pride and head in a newer direction. When you have Sanchez and Johnson waiting in the wings, this decision becomes less difficult. Beckham has had 5 seasons to prove himself. Most players only get 2 to 3 if they begin slowly. The Power of that 1st round pick I guess?

QUOTE (HickoryHuskers @ Jul 11, 2014 -> 08:17 AM) I see people use "taken for granite" all the time on Facebook. I tell them they need to come to Indiana where we don't take anybody for granite--we take them for limestone. And now I'm embarrassed. Thanks guys!

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Jul 10, 2014 -> 01:12 PM) I've got to think he'll have a good number of suitors though. As mentioned before, you may have to overpay for his services due to the lack of catching talent available. I'm okay with this. Especially with Dunn coming off the books.

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Jul 10, 2014 -> 12:30 PM) I'm the one who always suggests overpaying for catchers (hence my 4/$40 for Salty this offseason), but I have no problem giving Martin a lot of money. Say, 2 years, $22 mill - $10 year 1, $10 year 2, $2 mill buyout or $12 mill team year 3. Martin just may be the best catching option out there for the Sox this winter. I would like this move a lot actually. Granite he does not fit into the ideal age group of 22-27 for the next core, he still would have a lot to offer this young starting staff.

Super stoked. Those of you upset about what he signed for, relax! What is another $200-300,000 anyway? Not to mention, Rodon was originally slotted for the #1 spot in the draft. He will be a huge part of this organization for many many years. Welcome to the era of Rodon!

Just sweep Boston and force Peavy out of there. Lol. Honestly, this might be the best 5 games consecutively I have seen the Sox play all season. Those two solid starts by Noesi and Carroll was a great surprise. Just keep winning.

We are not getting anything for Dunn. The best case scenario is that he will be placed on waivers right before the August 31st deadline and a competitive team claims him. In regards to Viciedo, the market really is heating up for his services. The question is, does Hahn truly believe that he fits into the future plans? I have a hunch that he is not part of the plan and that he will be dealt. This indeed is the perfect time for him to catch fire....

QUOTE (ventura_abreu @ Jul 7, 2014 -> 03:34 PM) I like John Danks, but he may be the player that can best be turned for a position prospect that we still need. Normally, I would still stick with keeping a quality left-handed pitcher; however, if Sale, Quintana, and Rodon are expected to be three lefties in our rotation next year, then it would make sense to re-balance things by trading Danks for the best available major league ready or almost ready prospects. Good post. I couldn't agree more. Not to mention it can open up additional $$ to use on other areas of weakness.

I love you Mark! You were my favorite White Sox of all time. However, today I am cheering against you buddy. Perhaps Q can deliver as fast as him today? Perhaps a 2 hour game today?

QUOTE (greg775 @ Jun 28, 2014 -> 03:58 AM) Let's face it. He's gonna be around as our manager as long as jerry is alive and owns the team. He's the polar opposite of Oz's personality and that's what everybody on the Sox front office wants. I'm afraid your right here. He is a total 'yes man' type of manager. When I was talking to Hawk at Soxfest this year, he said this will be a growing year and that they will be going for it in 2015. If that is true, you would have to believe 2015 will be make or break for Robin as a manager. If Hahn brings him some top target free agents and makes some more trades to help set up success in 2015, and Robin still fails to earn a playoff birth as manager, He Gone.

Bobby Thigpen is already in the pen, suit him up!!

Time to look in a different direction. Flowers had his opportunity. I'm ok with him sticking around as a backup, but the dudes plate discipline is bad.

I say open up the Trade Winds Forum. It's about that time in the summer. The question is, are the sox buyers or sellers this summer? Can they perhaps be both????