CWSpalehoseCWS

For the back end of the season its a combo of Vaughn/Abreu, but I think we'll see a rotating DH to start the year off as the Sox will be playing service time games with Vaughn to start the year. I don't see this team using their limited funds from JR for the DH. Any type of spending or player acquisition needs to go to RF, SP, and possibly the back end of the bullpen.

I think the vast majority of players performances from this season could be chalked up to a bit of bad luck given the circumstances. Doesn't mean I want the Sox to absorb that contract, but I would be very surprised is Castellanos is a .225 hitting moving forward. If the power evaporated, that's when I would start getting a * little * concerned.

I’d entertain it as a possible backup plan. He has interesting stats, but remember the KBO is often considered equivalent to Double-A competition. He’s not going to come over here and hit 30 homers. He carries some risk.

Lopez has an option remaining too. Doesn't hurt if he's in Charlotte to being the year. Maybe Katz can get him halfway decent.

Honestly it's not hard to figure out. It has to be Andrus. He's the only guy on their roster with WS experience. He's also got $43.5M coming to him over the next 3 years (2021-2023).

I'd love to see Hendricks brought in, but I doubt the Sox would dare go in that direction. RF and SP are much bigger and more important needs. Though I do have faith in Bummer, Heuer, or Foster being able to handle that role in a worst case scenario. Heuer and Foster have had some closing experience in the minors before.

Yes, but he only has 1 minor league option remaining. So The Sox will need to figure out over the course of 2021 if he has a future in the big league or not.

I like this move. Very Jose Quintana vibes and seems like a solid under-the-radar move for a nice role player. I doubt he sticks as a starter, but moving to the pen and possibly adding a few mph to that fastball is intriguing. Also, I've seen reports he throws a split-change, which might be why BA now claims his change is his better off speed now (which conflicts with earlier reports from 2018).

And here I thought he retired back in 2019 while batting cleanup for the Sox...

Burger I think is pretty much a given. I really hope Kincanon is kept. Been a big fan of his and I think he’d be another nice arm in the pen.

You really can't fault teams for wanting their affiliates closer. Logistically it makes a ton of sense. It's really unfortunate the way the entire situation is being handled.

I think the comment about Katz approaching each pitcher differently is going to be huge. Not saying Cooper was one dimensional, but the Sox seemed more likely to tweak or change a pitcher under his philosophy (i.e. everyone throw a cutter, stop throwing 100 mph). Seems like Katz will be more likely to take what a guy does and figure out a way to make him more successful. Hope he can get Cease or Lopez (if he’s around) to take that next step.

They definitely are going to have their struggles. I'm more curious who they are going to move. Bryant, Schwarber, Contreras are all realistic trade candidates IMO.

Just stay away from Cruz. How many old DH-only type players does this organization have to bring here to watch their careers die and fall off a cliff?

Totally agree. I'm a little worried they aren't going to go outside the box for the bench job. But the Katz hiring gives me hope they can get someone good from outside the organization.

No way Hahn posts anything regarding Sox plans on Twitter. This is the same guy that called out social media for breaking the Pederson deal. He’s not going to jeopardize Sox moves. I do think he could be one of the leaks to Passan though about LaRussa. He has to be salty about that decision.

Well deserved. Couldn't happen to a better Sox player.

That’s fine. If they aren’t, I look forward to seeing what he does with them. A new set of outside eyes is exactly what this team needs for their young pitchers that failed to make the jump under Coop.

Love this hire. He’s a fantastic 1B consolation prize after not getting Fetter. Really excited to see what he can do with Lopez, Cease, and Kopech.

Not even. Polanco is 29. At least Mazara has the slightest potential to have a good year or two in his future at 25.

I stopped following the guy. This theoretically is plausible, but I don't buy it coming from a legitimate source. Sounds like fan-fiction of some of the rumored Lynn/Gallo deals that floated around in August.

He's been recovering from the dreaded Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Wish the guy well and all, but this pretty much destroyed Matt Harvey's career. He's a hard pass for me. Take a chance on another guy, there's plenty out there.

I'm very concerned LaRussa will have too much of JR's ear when it comes to making moves. I'd almost expect someone to be moved from the young group, and if I had to guess, I'd say it's Cease. He was already nearly moved last offseason, and one of his biggest fans (Cooper) is no longer around. I'm fine with making moves when they make sense. I just really hope the Sox don't lose sight about SUSTAINED success over the next few years, and shy away from a Brewer's approach of blowing their load and prospect pool on 1 push.

I’m not expecting any outside hires. I’m fine with Zaleski, but the way this organization operates, I’m have zero faith the people they bring in are qualified.

Still no reactions from any Sox players that I've seen. That is extremely odd if you ask me.