spiderman

Just seems, if true, they like acquiring the same two positions over and over. If they have to trade anything of value (i.e. prospects), does that really make sense?

If true, the White Sox have an unhealthy obsession with 1B/DH types. The current roster probably has too many of these guys already with Alfonso, Abreu and Palka (DH, but attempting to say he's now a better OF). I'd much rather have the rotating DH in an ideal situation, but it probably doesn't matter much on the current version of the White Sox.

I'd rather give any openings to young pitchers (sort of how the White Sox handled Giolito last season). If they did want to bring in a veteran, I'd rather go after somebody who makes a difference for more than 1 year, but that doesn't make a ton of sense given that Rodon, Lopez, Nova (for 1 season) and Giolito (hopefully) are forming the core of the rotation. It's hard to block guys like Cease/Dunning, etc. for a 1 year James Shields type starter. Giolito will go into next season trying to solidify a future rotation spot, but right now, he's doubtful (or a question mark if being generous). If Covey can earn that #5 job, great. I'd much rather see that than a older veteran.

I'd rather not spend money on some borderline veteran, and just let the younger talent (and maybe a cheaper veteran) battle. There's a very good chance that whomever opens in the 5th spot won't be in that spot by mid-season anyway with some of the higher level prospects.

Is Ottavino the closer for any of the teams (including the White Sox) who sign him?

One snippet; Based on ERA, seems to be on/off. 2018: 2.43 2017: 5.07 2016: 2.67 2014: 3.60 (only 10 games in 2015) 2013: 2.64

I've also started posting more regularly. Probably just a coincidence that the quality of the forum has improved significantly though (or not).

No mocking, but I do question posters (of any history) claiming to have inside knowledge.

My guess is that the poster read the same (or similar) information from a few different writers and made an assumption that there would be news soon. It's possible that he is completely on the right track, however, it's rather obvious that the White Sox (and several other teams) are actively trying to make moves. Unfortunately, it's a slow moving market so it takes the entire off-season to complete your off-season moves. There will be a few more moves by the White Sox. Obviously, most are hoping for either Machado or Harper, but, if not one of them, they will do something of some significance. The problem is that this move can happen tomorrow, New Years Eve, mid-January or even later. A sign of the times.

Are the Indians re-tooling or rebuilding on the fly? Seems like an odd message to be sent if you're trying to compete by trading their ace.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say the White Sox are probably talking on several fronts, but, to some degree, are impacted on larger moves, by the wait for Harper/Machado. Could they add another relief pitcher? Probably and it wouldn't impact the star moves they want to make. Can they make a major trade for a proven talent elsewhere? Lesser possibility unless they believe it enhances the chances of a signing of Machado/Harper. This is the time of the year to talk and and make moves. The White Sox have been fairly active already.

I'm sure they have all sorts of plans under consideration, but most of it is probably dependent on Machado/Harper making a decision. Arguably, the White Sox have been active already, adding a middle/backend of the rotation starter, a closer and a lefty for the middle of the lineup. Obviously, none of these moves are probably going to alter the win total much for next season and the biggest area's of improvement is still with the younger talent. I'm sure most are hoping they can land a true difference maker, but I am guessing that will have to come via trade.

This was where I was. The Dodgers got increased flexibility for 2019 with this move, and get prospects on top of it. Yes, the Reds got some major league help for next season, but I feel like they should have had a stronger position to not give up good prospects.

Why did they have to trade good prospects in exchange for a salary dump (by both sides)?

Never heard of it. Anyone else with any updates?

Is there any actual news on either Machado or Harper? Any reports from Rosenthal?

This is exactly the point.

Why is Anderson even a concern? I don't think he's proven to be anything more than a mediocre player. What am I missing here?

These winter meetings didn't live up to the hype. What does baseball need to do to have a 2-3 week sprint where most of the significant moves take place vs. being spread out over 3 months? Maybe it's fine to be 3 months and we're all impatient, but compared to the NFL / NBA, this seems to be boring as all hell. thoughts?

Who is wanting a 75 win team? I think most fans want a 90+ win team, but to get there, incremental progress is going to be needed.

At some point though, there has to be progress on the major league level. They can't be bad forever and/or expect to go from 60 to 90+ wins in one off-season.

It doesn't make sense to sign any long-term deals unless they fit into the future. It's hard to argue that signing M.Brantley at 31 years old fits into the future even if he has 1-2 more productive seasons. Next year could revert more to growth from within though complemented with Nova type acquisitions that could be traded at the deadline. Ultimately, there is no rebuild that will work without major development and next season has to see huge steps from guys like Giolito, Lopez, Jimenez, Moncada, etc. If we're having the same conversation at this time next year about injuries too young players and/or slow development, the White Sox rebuild could be looking more like a 5 year plan, at best.

The Dodgers situation reminds me more of a NBA team unloading contracts to sign the best free agents on the market. The stars probably want to go there (according to at least the perception of the media, etc.) and the Dodgers have enough flexibility to move pieces around, etc. to fit in these monster deals into their payroll.

So far, you're exactly right although one big move can potentially have a domino effect.