Chicago White Sox

I agree. And if the prices via trade are too much at the moment, then go sign two of Paxton, Kluber, & Richards and hope that one of them gives you at least #3 production next year. If not, you look to acquire a TOR starter at the deadline since we’d still have all our chips. Either way, we can’t rely on the young guys to step up into that #3 spot in 2021.

We need to add at least one legit starter to the rotation. Giolito, Keuchel, & Dunning should be locks for spots. Regarding the other five guys, Katz made it sound like Lopez will be moving to the bullpen which makes sense since he’s out of options and it’s now or never time for him. I also think Lambert’s days of starting are over based on their decision to use him the major league bullpen last year rather than rehab him in Schaumburg like Dunning. Crochet is going to be on a strict innings limit next year and would likely come out of the bullpen when he’s finally part of the major league mix. Kopech hasn’t pitched in a professional game in several years and will be on an innings limit and IMO would be better off starting off the season in Charlotte. That leaves Cease who should be able to absorb a lot of innings, but is coming off a horrible 2020 season. If we don’t add at least one legit starter, I don’t think we’re serious about competing next year.

You would not add a single starting pitcher then?

Saying that “nobody has overrated Schwarber for years” is a completely untrue statement and it’s an impressively condescending comment to make. I guess all my friends, family, coworkers, etc. from Chicago who have been hyping him up as a star hitter until the day he was non-tendered don’t count. I guess the national media writing tons of articles already trying to place Schwarber in free agency like he’s some hot ticket, while very few if any are talking about a superior player in Joc Pederson don’t count. People have overrated Kyle Schwarber for years because he impressed as a rookie and had some big playoff moments. That doesn’t make him a great hitter though, it makes a good platoon bat who is a questionable defensive fit on the field. None of this angers me, nor am I trying to “impress” anyone by saying he is overrated. I’m simply stating my opinion because we’re on a Sox message and I think some Sox fans have partially bought into the “Babe” hype.

So basically Len isn’t allowed to make a career decision because it will upset Cubs fans?

Calling someone overrated means I’m mad?

A wRC+ of 123 is good not great. For perspective, Joc Pederson has a career wRC+ of 135 against righties and is a halfway decent defensive OF, but the Dodgers’ fanbase never gushed over him like he was the second coming.

Honestly not trying to be a dick, but that song is terrible and Spiegel is creep AF in that video.

I will never understand the infatuation with Kyle “Babe” Schwarber. One of the most overrated players in Chicago sports history.

I think the Mets are obviously the path to a massive contract, but I think Realmuto gets nine figures regardless if they go in a different direction.

The Reds certainly should.

There are also a ton of high-end SS’s hitting free agency next in Lindor, Baez, Correa, Story, & Seager. Only the value shoppers will be looking for a SS this year. I expect him to return to OAK or sign with the Reds.

You’re missing my point. I’m not saying he’s 100% going to be worth $30M+ going forward, I’m saying he will get a contract at that level because at least one club’s projections (even after discounting for risk) will forecast that type of pitcher going forward and pay accordingly.

Who is pitching for us?

The Nationals another team rumored to be interested.

Lol...baseball is over-hiring by having actual data scientists run their analytics departments? You got me there bro! And no, the numbers guys are not a small part of the process. When evaluating a $100M+ multi-year agreement, you are going to rely on these things called numbers to ensure you know what something is worth so you can determine what you can pay for said asset. That’s called valuation and it’s not a skill-set a scout possesses. And don’t get me wrong, scouting is absolutely vital to a front office’s decision-making process, but only when paired with analytical information. Suggesting to use one or the other exclusively is just plain dumb.

Realmuto’s market isn’t the Mets or bust, he’ll get a nice deal regardless.

I hope this dude is still in high school or something, because what kind of grown ass man actually makes fun of someone else for being smarter than them.

What in the fuck are you rambling about? Comparing a $100M+ investment to making a fucking blizzard has got to be the dumbest shit I have ever heard on this board. There is a reason people a lot smarter than you are paid millions of dollars to make these decisions. There is a reason all companies (not just baseball) are levering analytics into their decision making process. People like Jim Bowden are no longer making these decisions because the game passed them by years ago. Your entitled to have a difference of option on Bauer, but your view that I’m overstating the importance of analytics and the people who work them is laughable.

I’m indifferent on Kasper, but it sure is fun seeing all the media attention we’re getting over it and I love when Cubs fans get salty.

100% agree.

I’d easily do 5/$150M with Bauer.

You are so off here it’s not even funny.

That’s not how valuation works and baseball is managed by a bunch of Ivy Leaguers and legit data scientists who know how to forecast appropriately.

Sure, some people are adjusting their go-forward projections due to past performance, but there will be at least couple teams who feel he’s a 5 to 6 win pitcher over next handful years and that will ultimately set his marker above $30M/year.