MiddleCoastBias

Not to belabor the point that we desperately need a true backup catcher, but cherry picking a stat from MLBN with the worst pitch framers last year: https://ibb.co/LhNRpSN Sal Perez: -19 run in 120 games started Collin: -10 runs in only 55 games started Severino: -10 runs in 102 games started Gary Sanchez: -6 in 110 games started

Ok so then who is going to catch on those days...? If they want to prioritize Yaz at DH, maybe they should also prioritize getting an actual backup catcher?

This. And to think we're going to somehow get them to take him AND give up someone of the caliber of Lux or Bellinger. I agree that they're now a good trade partner for him. But we're either eating a lot of money (not our MO) or get the money off our books and a modest/meager return.

I feel like this is the same thing that happens every year. The 'smartest guys in the room' think they're going to outsmart everyone else and grab their off-season target on a steal of a deal, and then they have no contingency plan when they realize there are other smart people that are willing to offer more money for those same players.

Glass half full perspective: this is exactly what we said when SD came out on Freeman before the LAD signing, so maybe this is a sign that a Sox signing is imminent. ?

Honestly, that new rule in indie ball or wherever it is that allows for an attempt to advance to 1B on any passed ball (ie dropped 3rd strike on any pitch), means that Billy will have use for more teams if it's ever adopted in the majors.

That's because LaRussa was able to use speedy assets as runners at 2B. You know, guys like Billy Hamilton and Liam Hendriks.

This sounds like San Diego sees there are fewer teams remaining preventing Freddie from going to the Dodgers, so they're just going to try to drive LA's price up. Bet this is over soon and he's a Dodger.

Farts. My conspiracy theory lived on for a fresh 30 seconds.

I don't think I've seen this offered yet, but where is Kimbrel right now (physically) while everyone else is arriving at camp? Haven't heard any indication that he's shown up. To me that's an indicator that the team has communicated with him that they're actively working on a trade and that he'll be on the move soon anyway, no point in coming here.

Which means it means EVERYTHING. IT'S HAPPENING. Ok guys, what number do we think Conforto will wear?? /gr

True, and it does sound like they aren't done going after Olson and Rizzo. They have options that could make Gleybar become available, but I think they'll still be in a position to keep him unless they really like the offer.

Currently LeMahieu would be slotted at 1B and Gleybar at 2B. They had DJ play 1B quite a bit and seem comfortable with him there.

Sheets' swing looks so smooth when he's confident. The latter half of the season, after he made some adjustments, he had great plate presence and looked confident that he could find a ball to drive. I'm excited to see that develop into what it could possibly be. Maybe that's as a White Sox or maybe that's with someone else, but he's one of those lefties where you can see some real potential to do some damage from that side of the plate.

Buehrle gets the love (rightfully) for the HR, but Matt Albers' double and celebration will always hold a special place in my heart. https://www.mlb.com/cut4/white-sox-pitcher-matt-albers-hits-double-and-has-hilarious-reaction-c181541836 https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/t_16x9/mlb/w5o8cxzivtbqakqphj0h.mp4 Other than that, good riddance to pitchers hitting.

Cancelled mine after the Machado/Harper fiasco. Only so much we can do to get a point across, "vote with your dollar".

Yep, the owners seem to work against their own long-term interests, saving a penny when it could pay off millions at the major league level. Just seems like the opportunity cost for teams to spend a little more earlier on to fully realize their prospects' potential could pay off huge down the line. Hell, teams throw int'l signing bonus money at 16 year olds on pure speculation, then turn around and squeeze pennies on the development of these same players once they're in the fold. It just doesn't make sense for anyone involved.

Mark Appel with a good a thread about being a minor leaguer and what they need to be successful re: housing, food, and off-season training. Lays out a pretty decent proposal that makes a ton of sense from the practical perspective, but owners will hate from a financial perspective. https://twitter.com/markappel26/status/1493693618988720137?s=20&t=KaSaeV1eqf_cY7VrDvMcZA

I'm on record with my concern/interest to see if/how he can adjust defensively to meet the requirements to play 2B. Let him get the reps in the off-season to see what he can do, can't hurt. Setting aside all rational thought now and jumping on the positive feedback loop, I now fully expect him to be the next Max Muncy that can play every infield position and mash as a big guy. Don't let me down, Max! Er, Jake!

I agree with you that I think it'll be great to see his bat in the lineup and I think it plays at the major league level, and I do think stretching him out at 2B in the off-season is a great idea to see if that's how we can fit him into the lineup. Where I have issue is the "can’t believe 2nd base is that much more difficult than 3rd base." The footwork, glovework, and quick hands/body are definitely different from anything he may have done at 3B. It's no longer fielding something and throwing to someone right in front of you; turning the DP and flipping around *smoothly* to throw to 1B requires totally different body control. I want to see if he can develop that, but turning DPs is a huge portion of the 2B defensive requirements, especially when we have ground ball pitchers like Keuchel that will rely on it for outs.

Kudos to you for what you have been able to find and the information you've provided on these guys. This is great insight into some guys that most folks aren't able to get otherwise, appreciate the work you've done on this.

Hopefully he can do something to condition everyone's hamstrings better than whatever was done last year. I know injuries are injuries, but the rate at which the team injured (and RE-injured) a hamstring seemed way above norm.

And while we're at it, remind people that Stroman will never play here either. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/11/marcus-stroman-tony-la-russa-white-sox.html

Oh, it's definitely out there it you want to look for it. It's just that there are fewer posters sharing every "nugget of wisdom" the foodies et al drop.

But none of those guys were expected to keep their legs under them and play up to the defensive demands of shortstop. Sure, Baez can move to 2B in a few years if they replace him with a younger SS, but you still can't rely on burying his aging legs at DH when he will never be the hitter Pujols or Miggy are/were.