GGajewski18

QUOTE (Y2JImmy0 @ Dec 19, 2015 -> 04:37 PM) If front office gets 1 of the 3 big outfielders, then the fans should show up honestly. This team should be in the AL Central race and maybe even the favorites if that happens. I won't be buying a ticket package but I'll sure as hell be at about 15 games I literally got an email about buying a ticket package the other day. I told the guy that I'm holding off on buying one because I think the Sox are an OFer away from being contenders (I mentioned the big 3 OFs, preferably Upton). He emailed me back saying not a problem at all as he hopes as well that they make a few more moves to improve the roster. Here's to Upton!

QUOTE (Y2JImmy0 @ Dec 19, 2015 -> 04:20 PM) Cespedes doesn't play RF. I think Upton is the best fit. If they signed Upton and someone like Austin Jackson they could do this: vs RHP 1. Eaton CF 2.Cabrera LF 3. Abreu 1B 4. Upton RF 5. Frazier 3B 6.LaRoche DH 7. Lawrie 2B 8. Avila C 9. Saladino SS vs LHP 1. Eaton LF 2. Cabrera DH 3. Abreu 1B 4. Upton RF 5. Frazier 3B 6. Navarro C 7. Lawrie 2B 8. Jackson CF 9. Saladino SS Trading Avi for some pitching?

QUOTE (Lillian @ Dec 19, 2015 -> 04:10 PM) This makes a lot of sense. The logic is very compelling to me. Of course, there are all kinds of other factors to consider, but this on base percentage point should be given a lot of weight in their decision. I'm sure that they know that. Perhaps that's why the rumors seem to link the Sox more to Upton, than Cespedes. I could see why Cespedes because he is better defensively than Upton, but at the same time, Upton isn't a bad defender. He's average to above average. In Cespedes 4 years, he's had 2 years with an OPS above 800 (737, 751). In Upton's 8 full years in the league, he's had an OPS 5 years with an OPS above 800 (799, 785, 790). Cespedes has a career on base of 319, while Upton's is 352. Hahn has stated that he's looked at more offense this year. Offensively, I think Upton is the safer bet than Cespedes. Also, like others have said, don't mention the draft pick. When you plan on investing over 100 million on a player, the draft pick should not interfere with a game plan.

QUOTE (MDWhiteSoxFan @ Dec 19, 2015 -> 03:46 PM) Is there a time when a guy with a QO can be signed without giving up the pick? Like does that go out the window once the season starts or Spring Training? Isn't it like mid June? That happened to Stephen Drew a couple years ago I believe. QUOTE (Brian @ Dec 19, 2015 -> 03:49 PM) Can't find the tweet now but someone said Phillips wanted an extension and he 2 more years left at some ridiculous rate for what he is now. Washington didn't want to do that and rightfully so. Yes, this is correct.

QUOTE (bmags @ Dec 19, 2015 -> 01:37 PM) The mets were so sure he was going to be too expensive,at what point do they call in Where would they play Murphy? Wright at 3B, Cabrera at SS, and Walker at 2B.

QUOTE (Lillian @ Dec 19, 2015 -> 01:36 PM) You make a very valid and important point. Having added Lawrie and Frazier, both who have power, but not great on base %, adding a power hitter, who also possesses that skill is more valuable. It should also be noted that the returning players on this roster are not good OBP hitters. Another way to look at it is this: Low OBP was one of the major flaws of this team, last season, and the additions the front office has made, so far, have not done anything to address that issue. They have added power, but not OBP. Upton is the guy who can help accomplish that. It's a bonus that he can also hit for big power. Upton should be the guy, even if he cost that draft pick, which Cespedes does not. Another, less tangible advantage of adding players with better OBP skills, is that it might "rub off" on some of the younger, impatient hitters, like Avi and Lawrie. They sure don't need any more bad influence in plate discipline, such as the free swinging Cespedes. Don't misunderstand, I'd be thrilled with him too, but Upton would be a better influence. Exactly. Putting Upton behind Abreu would lengthen the lineup and bump Frazier down to 5 where he can think about that power instead of drawing walks, if that makes sense.

QUOTE (LDF @ Dec 19, 2015 -> 09:52 AM) with the continuing saga of columbus, i would ask if they would be willing to Ryan Johansen to chi plus a nice pkg of players and the hawks first rounder. Just ask for Saad back lol

Could be a huge day for Tottenham if scores hold. Tottenham up 2-0 on Southhampton MU down 2-0 to Norwich City

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Dec 19, 2015 -> 09:58 AM) Nightingale says Upton. I am sure they have checked in on both. I would prefer Upton, but wouldn't be sad if Cespedes is in the line up. KW went after Upton many moons ago, so I would imagine the White Sox still feel fondly about him. I also think RH and KW pretty much view most players the similarly, so if they wanted him then, Hahn probably would like to have him now. Hahn was trained by KW, you don't work together as long as they have with polar opposite philosophies. There will be differences, but not like it seems many assume. Hahn took his name out of consideration for the St. Louis job when he found out the farm director had the owner's direct ear, and could undermine the GM. That doesn't sound like a guy who would assume the Sox GM job to be a puppet. I think the White Sox preference is Upton. But the contract plays a huge roll. On this FA OF matter, I've agreed with every word you've said. I too would definitely prefer Upton, but wouldn't mind Cespedes. My reason for Upton is because he is 2 years younger, gets on base more than Cespedes, has the same amount of pop (if not more), and Upton can steal some bases. Plus, I think Upton would compliment Frazier & Abreu more than Cespedes would. I'd rather have 2 guys get on base more in Abreu and Upton (350 OBP) than 2 guys in Frazier and Cespedes (low 300 OBP).

QUOTE (SouthSideSale @ Dec 18, 2015 -> 07:12 PM) Love me some cargo but I don't know how we match up. We really don't anymore.

QUOTE (BlackSox13 @ Dec 18, 2015 -> 06:54 PM) "We’ve heard chatter that the Orioles and Rockies have had some talks regarding outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, and Heyman says that Colorado asked for young righty Kevin Gausman in a deal. That was, unsurprisingly, a non-starter for Baltimore. " http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/jon-he...-plus-mlb-notes Sounds like the FA and trade markets are finally getting some traction. This kind of gives an idea in value of what Colorado is looking for in a return for CarGo. Shoot for the moon Colorado.

Buster Olney ‏@Buster_ESPN 17m17 minutes ago With OF market frozen and O's talks with Chris Davis at a standstill, BAL has engaged with high-end FA OFers, including Yoenis Cespedes. Buster Olney ‏@Buster_ESPN 15m15 minutes ago O's situation with Davis remains the same:$150m offer off the table, but would discuss re-opening--at their price. But don't intend to wait. Buster Olney ‏@Buster_ESPN 10m10 minutes ago Some execs predicted in Oct. lots of players would be paid well, but b/c of high volume of FAs, some wouldn't be paid as much as expected.

QUOTE (BlackSox13 @ Dec 18, 2015 -> 02:54 PM) And what exactly is the Cardinals MO? How does Gordon provide a better fit than Upton or Cespedes? Left handed bat. Great outfield defense. Gets on base at a higher clip. Good on the base paths.

QUOTE (BlackSox13 @ Dec 18, 2015 -> 02:44 PM) I think STL ends up signing either Upton or Cespedes. They have the money since they were unable to sign Heyward. Definitely disagree with this. Upton and Cespedes doesn't fit the Cardinals MO at all imo. Their best fit is Alex Gordon, or like Fathom said, a trade for CarGo.

QUOTE (bmags @ Dec 18, 2015 -> 02:43 PM) Ugh I would have loved that deal. Same. He could make 5.8 if he hits all his incentives.

QUOTE (Hatchetman @ Dec 18, 2015 -> 02:33 PM) Let's watch the Dodgers use him somewhere other than 2B. Better the Dodgers try it than us. He is brutal defensively at one of the easiest positions on the field.

Chris Cotillo ‏@ChrisCotillo 44s44 seconds ago Source: Athletics in agreement with Henderson Alvarez. @JonHeymanCBS said close. Jeff Passan ‏@JeffPassan 9m9 minutes ago Source: A's deal with Henderson Alvarez should be done soon. Going to be for one year, $4M+, big incentives. @jonheymancbs had them close. Bummer

QUOTE (fathom @ Dec 18, 2015 -> 02:01 PM) I know someone earlier mentioned the news that Holliday is getting reps at 1B now. To me, that's a great idea for the Cardinals. However, I think that instead of going after Gordon, they'll make a trade for Cargo Very viable option, obviously the Rockies are gonna ask for pitching. Do the Cards have the pitching depth in the minors?

QUOTE (flavum @ Dec 18, 2015 -> 11:11 AM) Gut feeling at some point between now and next Thursday, Upton signs with the Sox for five years, with an opt-out after two or three. I agree. But, I think it'll be 7 years with an opt out after 3-4. QUOTE (dpd9189 @ Dec 18, 2015 -> 12:30 PM) I think if they could have done this already, they would have. I still think they need to move some money first. Disagree, the OF market is just so slow right now. Literally barely hearing anything on players. They can backload a deal, much like what the Giants did with Samardzija. Side not, Cardinals are working Holliday out at 1B now. I bet they get back in the Gordon sweepstakes.

QUOTE (blackmooncreeping @ Dec 18, 2015 -> 12:18 PM) Being creative means with the structure of contracts, not dumping one. Ding. Ding. Ding. Backload the deal.

https://twitter.com/CST_soxvan/status/677899112205959168 Jeff Passan ‏@JeffPassan 5m5 minutes ago Interesting language in Nate Jones' three-year, $8M deal with the White Sox regarding prospective Tommy John surgery -- a big Lackey clause. Jeff Passan ‏@JeffPassan 4m4 minutes ago If Nate Jones has a second TJ before end of 2018, White Sox get a club option at league minimum in 2019. If not, club options much higher. Jeff Passan ‏@JeffPassan 3m3 minutes ago If Jones needs another TJ, White Sox get three options at total of $8.5M. If he doesn't, two club options at $9.8M and mutual option at $6M.

QUOTE (bmags @ Dec 18, 2015 -> 11:18 AM) Is there word of the actual packages? No. The only thing were actually basing all of this off of is Phillips tweet last night about switching area codes and a plane next to it.

QUOTE (Y2JImmy0 @ Dec 18, 2015 -> 09:31 AM) I doubt that the Angels are out. Moreno, their owner, has come out and said they don't want to do anymore long term free agents for now after Pujols, Hamilton, and Wells

Ken Rosenthal just said on MLBN that an O's beat writer said that the O's aren't spending 100 million+ on a player other than Chris Davis. So now, that is the Angels, Giants, Cardinals, and O's now out on the big OFs. That leaves the Sox, Nationals, Tigers, and Royals that have reported interest in the big 3 OFs.

QUOTE (jasonxctf @ Dec 18, 2015 -> 08:45 AM) Alexei was wearing a Sox jersey at his Cuba trip. Just sayin..... Serious question about that, do you think he had to get permission by the team to where the Sox jersey in Cuba? I understand why he would, but he is a free agent. It's really not important, but interesting to think about.