ChiSox59

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Dec 10, 2014 -> 09:38 AM) I don't think there's necessarily a clear cut answer. If your best hitter happens to be a high OBP, limited slugging guy, leadoff or the two hole would be best. But if your best hitter has a ton of power, I'd say the cleanup spot is a much better spot for him. In the end, so long as they're near the top, you're OK. Studies have shown that the difference between the best lineup optimization and the worst lineup optimization without being completely irrational (like benching Jose Abreu for Leury Garcia) is only going to make a difference of like 5 games, and the most optimal lineup is not going to be that far off from the typical managerial lineup. Studies also show that your #2 hitter actually comes to bat in "key/pressure/critical/important" moments more often than any other spot in the lineup. Furthermore, the #2 hitter is going to see quite a bit more at bats throughout the year than the #4 hitter - assuming the same guy bats #2 and #4 all year. Now, your "best hitter" isn't necessarily your most powerful or even productive hitter, they're simply someone who drives the ball, doesn't strike out a whole lot and gets on base. Two of the better "pure hitters" in baseball - Votto and Mauer - primarily bat in the two hole. I could go on for awhile, but the point is, plenty of elite baseball minds think your best all around hitter should bat #2.

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Dec 10, 2014 -> 09:31 AM) I do not agree with this and I do not believe most elite baseball minds would agree with this either. I think the 2nd spot is a very important spot in the lineup, but it does not necessarily have to be your best hitter. That is fine. Not everyone looks at the game the same way. Maybe "most" was the wrong word. I will use "many" instead, and firmly stand behind that statement.

QUOTE (LDF @ Dec 10, 2014 -> 09:01 AM) the #2 hitter is to provide hitting and moving the leadoff hitter over, and yeah it will be nice if he can get on base as well. Most elite baseball minds would tell you that your best hitter should hit #2. And let them hit, none of this "get em' over, get em' in" BS. Both have merits, but the 2 hole is not utilized in the "traditional" way by many teams these days.

QUOTE (SoxPride18 @ Dec 10, 2014 -> 09:06 AM) That would be my order via free agency. Via trade, that is ugly. I think Bruce can be had too. Bruce is going to be expensive prospect-wise. The other three - not so much. I think Victorino could be had for very little. Problem with him is that he only had 1 year left on his contract (at $13M), and then we're in the same position again next year. But hell, it lots like we're going for it, so why not.

QUOTE (Eminor3rd @ Dec 10, 2014 -> 09:10 AM) That Melky has scared the Blue Jays and Mariners away with his price makes me much less into him. Also, we need to improve this defense. I want us to sign Parra today for like 1/$5m but then keep looking for a better option. Parra would then be worst-case fallback (that's at least an elite defender) and would be a high-end 4th OF if we find a better starter. With a guy like that on the bench, we could rely on late inning defensive replacements much more often, taking pressure off the bullpen, at least. Then give Viciedo to Seattle for literally anything except like Anthrax or a mailbomb. Pretty sure Parra is on the the Brewers.

I think the options come down to this: FA: Melky Cabrera Colby Rasmus Nori Aoki Trade: Crawford Ethier Victorino To me, I'd go for Melky and Rasmus, as you don't have to give up any talent to get them. Rasmus can probably be had on a decent deal (3 years for $33M or so). If the Dodgers want to pay half of Crawford's salary to play for the Sox (plus Sox give up close to nothing), then that slides up the list.

A lot of really dumb things have been said in this thread.

I was just thinking..did the sox ever get the PTBNL in the Beckham trade?

QUOTE (LDF @ Dec 9, 2014 -> 04:33 PM) with whom?? any more on any scouting rpt?? Braves.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Dec 9, 2014 -> 04:10 PM) 5 years 120 million sound ok? Yikes, a bit rich for my blood. Not much room for upside in that deal.

QUOTE (LDF @ Dec 9, 2014 -> 04:08 PM) i have been saying this in not so uncertain terms, but with another one declaring, i might as well say it again. i would love to hear from the Cuban's Jose Fernadez - 2b, but i sure would like to know more about the other player, Dian Toscano, a left batting, right hand throwing cf. either way, i always been pushing for Fernadez. Toscano signed yesterday.

QUOTE (TheTruth05 @ Dec 9, 2014 -> 12:57 PM) So is there any chance we could still trade for this guy? I'd literally lose myself. I don't think so, but I am hoping Rick has something in store for LF. He has said he isn't done, and that is now the most glaring weakness (I am fine w/ Flowers behind the dish).

Is 2B and the 9 hole now Micah Johnson's job to lose? Or will it just come down to who performs better in ST between Johnson and Sanchez? Clearly the SOX really like one of them, unless they have a 1 year stop gap in mind.

QUOTE (LittleHurt05 @ Dec 9, 2014 -> 12:25 PM) I don't see it happening. From day one he has been adamant about testing free agency. He's gonna be 30 at the end of next season, it's his one chance for a big contract. Unless the Sox overpay to keep him, I just don't think it will happen. Well, he did just say it is a "dream come true", so maybe 6 years and $100M would sound appealing to him.

QUOTE (Jose Abreu @ Dec 9, 2014 -> 12:23 PM) MLB ‏@MLB 5m5 minutes ago "In our mind, we're not finished yet." - @WhiteSox GM Rich Hahn. #WinterMeetings Glad to hear, as we still have a gaping hole in LF.

How the hell am I supposed to work???

QUOTE (LDF @ Dec 9, 2014 -> 11:05 AM) i hope it is not Adams No way.

Who is the 3rd f***ing player?

Hopefully Bonifacio.

Depends if Danks is on the roster. If he is, Rodon will be given time to season in the minors. If Danks is shipped out, my guess is Rodon and Noesi are your 4/5.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Dec 9, 2014 -> 10:10 AM) I'd say that signing another QO free agent seems to make even more sense now. We've already given up the 2nd round pick, why should we hesitate on giving up a 3rd round pick? The issue sounds like they're running out of funds available to spend on those free agents, not that they're worried about giving up the pick. You're still losing your 3rd round pick and bonus pool. There is obviously value there. I trust KW when he says the SOX are going to get creative now. I just don't think Melky is gonna happen anymore - but I hope I am wrong. Although, I do think Rasmus is getting undervalued in this market. He could be a nice guy to have around.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Dec 9, 2014 -> 10:05 AM) And the Yankees receive a compensatory pick between the 1st and 2nd round. The White Sox also lose a portion of their draft signing bonus pool commensurate with the value of the 2nd round pick and I think it hurts their international pool a bit as well. If we sign someone else, we lose the 3rd round pick and that signing team would get a comp pick after the first round as well. Kind of why I am thinking Melky is out of the cards now. Either Rasmus or someone via trade like Ethier/Crawford/Victorino/Joyce are more likely at this point.

QUOTE (southside hitman @ Dec 9, 2014 -> 09:54 AM) I'm amazed in this day and age the 3rd player hasn't been leaked yet. Sox and A's front offices are sealed tight. Exactly. It is pretty bizarre no one can say who the 3rd guy is. Just tell us already!!!

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Dec 9, 2014 -> 09:55 AM) Isn't the new rule that the signing team starts losing picks in either the first or 2nd round depending on their record but the team that lost a player always gets a sandwich pick in-between the first and 2nd round? Yes. The Yanks don't literally get the SOX 2nd round pick, they get a sandwich pick between the 1st and 2nd rounds.

Approximately $100M now. Kenny just stated that they have "a little space", but suggested they will get creative with additional moves. Gimme Rasmus and Bonifacio and I'll be thrilled.