Jake

Alexei!!

I don't think it's a non-factor, but I think it is a tiny factor.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Jul 6, 2014 -> 06:31 PM) It depends on if they are willing to pay him $5 million as a 2nd year arb candidate next year. Given that they are committed to much less than half of the payrolls we've had in the past, I don't think the cash will deter us from giving it a shot

Kazmir and Buerhle were less deserving than Sale, but Kluber was snubbed also and is definitely more deserving.

I think Alexei is the best bet of them all. Not sure if anyone else gets in, but they very well may.

QUOTE (Jose Abreu @ Jul 6, 2014 -> 03:32 PM) Eaton got caught in the stampede LMAO

This is what they deserve for taking their only remaining MiLB starter and turning him into a relief pitcher.

It's a deal where you can hate the plan and be disappointed that the trade signals the continuation of that plan. At the same time, it's not like the plan doesn't come without its benefits - you can get a good young player in trade like Russell. Some of them will turn out.

Gordon could be the downfall of Hawk's career. Could lose his mind when he's traded

It's not rocket science, here. Dayan has to hit better. We know what a good hitting version of him would look like. A little higher average, a little higher walk rate, and an uptick in power. Bear in mind, when looking at WAR, he's going to have an uphill battle this year playing RF where the defensive portion is going to be even more unkind to him

Groce gets 'em with the Jesus talk

QUOTE (Jordan4life @ Jul 5, 2014 -> 11:24 PM) Yet they were one of the finalists for Tanaka. Sox fans should know better. How many times did KW practically file for bankruptcy during his GM tenure? Yeah, there's nobody besides the Cubs saying they were finalists for Tanaka.

There is way too much smoke about the Cubs being out of cash for there not to be a fire.

QUOTE (Melissa1334 @ Jul 5, 2014 -> 08:09 PM) how do you trade gibson though, if he helped you recruit him lol If Melo demands a max deal, he'll understand what would have to happen for him to get it

QUOTE (Brian @ Jul 5, 2014 -> 06:47 PM) Think LA can give him more money. It has been said repeatedly that the Bulls believe they can easily make the moves necessary to free up space for a max deal if that's his ask.

QUOTE (Andy the Clown @ Jul 5, 2014 -> 07:06 PM) I'd rather have the financial flexibility going forward. If you're talking about finding someone to fill out the rotation for the rest of the year, sign Wandy Rodriguez to the minimum. We have a LOT of financial flexibility even with Danks on the roster. I'll trade Danks if we get good value. His peripherals are horrible right now, I'm not sure if he can keep it up.

QUOTE (Heads22 @ Jul 5, 2014 -> 06:33 PM) Woj makes it sound like the Lakers are really moving in on Anthony. I interpret that to be good news. If he's considering Lakers, there's no way he isn't considering Bulls

22% K rate isn't exactly alarming and you can't ignore his team-leading OBP either.

QUOTE (Brian @ Jul 5, 2014 -> 05:22 PM) Every guy wants sex from women. somebody (except for asexuals) FTFY

I wouldn't mind Brian Roberts as a backup PG. I'd like Trevor Ariza, but I'm so uncertain about what kind of player he is that I'm not sure the expenditure will make sense for us. I kinda like Nick Young, but I have no clue what he'll cost. These are all in the "we don't get Carmelo situation."

QUOTE (Brian @ Jul 5, 2014 -> 04:56 PM) Read this story a couple of weeks ago. Think there were some suspicious Google searches found on his computer about dogs in hot cars. This is exactly why you shouldn't use Google

My feeling is that the yield on prospects, even good ones, is pretty damn low. This is especially true when we're talking about young and low-level guys like Addison Russel and CJ Edwards. If you accept that maybe 1 out of 5 of pretty damn good prospects nets you a major league regular, then you have to get 5 of these guys for every one major league spot you want filled. It's hard to get that many guys via trade and the difference on your MLB roster for having done so may not be worth the effort. I've always like the Sox's more pragmatic approach, which both values prospects and is hesitant to overvalue them. We often target guys that are close to the major leagues and/or have high floors when it comes to player acquisition. Alternately, we look to high ceiling but low risk players in these situations - who cares if Moises Sierra doesn't pan out? We can release him. I'm not a huge fan of paying top dollar for players that are far away from the majors.

Chances are, the more trades you make to get to the same end, the worse off you will be. Too much risk in each step of the process.

My previous employer sent me a letter today saying that they did not comply with some rule (not sure institutional or legal) that required them to let me know that I could divert some of my pay to a TIAA-CREF retirement account. To make amends, they created an account and deposited an amount equal to the average rate of contributions within their company. I wasn't making any money there and it isn't like it's a bunch that they put in there, but it's an impressive gesture. Now, I wish they had given me a clue as to how to access this account.

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Jul 5, 2014 -> 07:41 AM) The most important point in Jake's post is that we promoted a guy to AAA after striking out 31% of the time in AA. If that doesn't give Hahn enough merit to fire Buddy Bell I don't know what else does. Yes. There have to be some seriously extenuating circumstances to promote a player who strikes out in 3 out of 10 plate appearances.