BlackSox13

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Oct 16, 2014 -> 04:53 PM) From what I've seen, the best options to attach to the end of a deal are vesting options with a buyout if those certain requirements (99% of the time they're playing time requirements with the occasional "if not on the DL" also included) are met. 3 year, $42 million deal, breaking down as follows '15: $12 mill '16: $13 mill '17: $14 mill '18: $15 mill (option) - option vests with 1100 PAs between '16 and '17 or (500/550) in '17, otherwise, $3 mill team buyout It brings it up to a max value of 4/$54, which is still a pretty penny. Those numbers can be fudged with a little bit, but in today's environment, for a player that is not one dimensional, it's a fairly good contract for both player and team. Hell, maybe they can even front load it while the payroll is low so as to allow for more flexibility later on in his contract. I like the idea. Maybe something like that would work for Headley as well.

QUOTE (Vance Law @ Oct 16, 2014 -> 06:25 PM) Pirates DFA'd Tabata I know. I mentioned in an earlier post that Pitt designated Tabata for assignment, which he accepted and is now apart of their AAA affiliate. Thing is that Tabata will still make 4M next year regardless and that likely makes him trade bait which is why his name was brought up in the first place. The idea was to throw his name into the mix to relieve Pitt of his salary in an effort to try and nab Snyder.

QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ Oct 16, 2014 -> 06:30 PM) Just cause more guys do it, doesn't mean you have to accept it or think that it is valuable. I could also say, look at the teams in the playoffs (small sample size) but the teams who are having the most success do not strike out a lot. I agree but that's merely one aspect though. Those same teams are playing great defense behind some great starting pitching.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Oct 16, 2014 -> 06:12 PM) First of all, welcome to modern day MLB. You're literally not moving on from high strikeout guys, they're all over the place. Secondly, he had a down year, with some major fielding issues and injury issues, both of which went to the plate with him. He's 27, at that age its entirely possible he could pull things together next year. Hell, he could probably be even better if he stays healthy and is put in the right setting. He's not the greatest hitter in human history, but he shouldn't have a very high price, he would fill a need on our team, and he'd be less of a long term money commitment than most of the other DH options. He ought to at least be on the list. I have to agree with all this as well. Alvarez being 27, has power and a DH/1B makes him a fit for this team and closer to what Hahn is looking for as a potential core player. He's not ideal by any means but the FA market is short on #3/4/5 LH power hitters and the Sox are short on minor league talent to use as worthy trade bait so Alvarez makes plenty of sense. I think you're right Balta, Viciedo for Alvarez has to be pretty damn close to fair for both teams.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Oct 16, 2014 -> 04:45 PM) I've thought that as well and it really starts to make sense if the Sox are able to sign that Cuban OF. We fill our OF slot with a righty that Abreu likes, we fill our 1b/DH slot with a power bat that can slot in behind Abreu and spell him sometimes at 1b, we balance our lineup better than it is now, and we do so without sacrificing a draft pick or any bonus money. I admit I'm kinda leery of Tomas due to the scouting reports are a reminder of Viciedo but if its true that Abreu is pumping Tomas to the front office then maybe there's more than what the scouting reports have to say. I think one possible scenerio is .... Sox trade Viciedo for Alvarez (DH). Sox sign Tomas (LF). Sox sign Headley (3B/LHH). Sox trade Gillaspie. Sanchez, Semien and Johnson battle it out for 2B. Sox lose no draft picks and have plenty of money to sign/ trade for relief help. I'm liking this more and more as we discuss this Balta.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Oct 16, 2014 -> 04:33 PM) Well, Snider is cheaper, and fills the role as the counterpoint to all their right hand hitting corner OFs. Alvarez is now very position limited, can really only play 1b/DH, has little experience at 1b so you're not going to want him there every day, hits from the same side of the plate as Ike Davis, and is already more expensive. I'd have to say that they'll move Alvarez. I literally can't see how he fits on their roster unless they drop Ike Davis for nothing. From the Pirates POV, it makes more sense to move Alvarez and keep Snyder so what you say makes sense. In that case they can keep Tabata and his contract and the Sox keep Sierra. So could we be looking at a possible Viciedo for Alvarez swap? Could make sense for both teams.

QUOTE (shysocks @ Oct 16, 2014 -> 04:15 PM) I'd oppose a four-year deal, I think, but I'd be on board for giving Markakis around 3/$39. I wouldn't be against myself. I like the sound of a 3/39 and if necessary and 4th year mutual option with some kind of buy out.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Oct 16, 2014 -> 04:24 PM) I think Alvarez at DH makes a lot of sense for us if we do something like landing the cuban OF as our biggest offseason signing especially if we don't lose our 2nd round pick in any other big move. But yeah, we know who. So are you thinking the Sox have a better chance of grabbing Alvarez over Snyder out of Pitt?

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Oct 16, 2014 -> 04:14 PM) I still think Viciedo is a general fit for them in that they could use a righty to pair with Ike Davis over at 1b. They'd have to like him and think there's more that he can do, but I can't help but see the possible match. I'm also very much of the belief that they will move Pedro Alvarez this offseason as well. Hmmm, I like your thinking on this.Viciedo for Tabata would pretty much be an even swap financially speaking. With Viciedo's power and Tabata recently optioned, Viciedo should have a tick more value than Tabata and that value then applied towards the trade involving Snyder. Still not sure what the Sox would offer along with Viciedo. I just hope Hahn doesn't have interest in Alvarez. I like Alvarez's power but his low BA and high K's reminds me too much of, well, you know.

QUOTE (Joshua Strong @ Oct 16, 2014 -> 04:10 PM) Thank God you are not the GM, and you don't want Cargo the millionth f***ing time, he makes no sense for the Sox and he is the definition of a bad contract. He's not even a guy you could buy low on and take a risk since the contract is so big. Preach on it Joshua, preach on it!!!

QUOTE (Eminor3rd @ Oct 16, 2014 -> 04:01 PM) I have an irrational love for Tabata, so I would totally be down with that. Having said that, losing both Tabata AND Snider depletes their depth quite a bit, so I'd expect them to be happy to move one, but probably not both. Thing is, Pitt just designated Tabata for assignment, which he accepted, so he is in AAA limbo making 4M in 2015. I don't think they would mind moving his salary considering they need the money to try and re-sign Martin, Liriano and Volquez. Sending a cheap back up OF like Sierra could help. Not sure what the Sox could offer to grab both Snyder and Tabata. I would imagine Bassitt would almost have to be included.

From mlbtraderumors regarding Markakis..... "Assuming there’s no QO in play, I’m projecting a four-year, $48MM contract in a weak market for hitters." So the same speculated contract for both Markakis and Headley. Come on Hahn, let's make it happen.

QUOTE (flavum @ Oct 16, 2014 -> 03:42 PM) After the Pirates called up Polanco, I've been thinking Travis Snider makes a lot of sense for the Sox. I like this idea too. Hell, I would take Tabata's contract off their hands since Tabata can hit for average and play good defense. In fact, offering to take Tabata's contract might help with a deal for Snyder. As for Cargo. Bad splits, bad injury history and an absolutely horrible contract is a beyond horrible idea. The idea is below scraping the bottom of the barrel. Why Cargo's name continues to get brought up with so many other options available at this point is beyond logical understanding. I'll take Ethier and his ugly contract over CarGo and given the Dodgers want to trade an OF to open up a spot for Pederson as well as lower their payroll, I'd say Ethier makes much more sense from the Sox perspective. I must give credit, I believe the Ethier idea is Wite's if I'm not mistaken.

QUOTE (SoxPride18 @ Oct 16, 2014 -> 11:34 AM) Why sign a 26 year old second baseman when Sox have 3 that could fill that void right now? Agreed. Here's an interesting little snippet... "Though a highly developed player, Fernandez does come with some warts, including an unconventional swing, tendency to hit grounders, and below-average speed and power tools. And his defense is described as merely adequate." http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/10/cuba...ez-defects.html I would MUCH rather go with Sanchez, Semien, Johnson instead of over paying for the latest sensation. IMO, the three options the Sox currently have all have higher upside and two of them have already gotten their feet wet in the majors.

1- defense/ bats ( they tie in together). Sanchez at 2B, Alexei at SS, Headley at 3B ( I'm on board with the idea now). Trade Gillaspie for........? Sign LaRoche to share 1B/DH with Abreu. Trade for Ethier to play LF or if he can handle it, play RF and move Avi to LF where's he likely better off. Sign AJ to be the back up LH catcher to Flowers. 2- Bullpen- sign a few relievers to help get the pen back on track. We all know the names available so there's no need to list them. Any of them will help that pathetic pen. I really like the idea of adding Bassitt to the pen and believe he could help quite a bit. 3- sign Volquez. Sale, Q, Volquez, Danks, Noesi sounds pretty good to start the season. This way the Sox have time to find a trade partner for Danks while Rodon works on his control at Charlotte. Once Danks is traded, Rodon takes his place. This is all assuming the Sox are unable to trade Danks this winter, which I hold out hope for but am not counting on.

I like the idea of Volquez but any idea what his project annual salary could be? I read in September that he was long for a two or three year deal which sounds great.

Montas: 3IP, 4 H, 2BB, 3K on 62 pitches. Bassitt pitching now.

QUOTE (flavum @ Oct 15, 2014 -> 09:36 PM) After they didn't call him up in September, they might as well go all the way now with his service time. Unless they make an unexpected trade, I'm ok with Sale, Quintana, Noesi, Danks, and Bassitt to start the year. ^this^ Unless Danks is traded, I would let Rodon work on his command at Charlotte. Hopefully Danks can be traded at some point and open up a spot for Rodon.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Oct 15, 2014 -> 07:36 PM) Isn't Tabata now available for basically nothing (removed from roster)? The Pirates are going to put all their resources into keeping Volquez, Liriano and Martin, not adding someone like John Danks. According to the latest from mlbtraderumors. Tabata accepted his assignment to AAA so given his salary I would think that Tabata is available since I cannot see the Pirates paying 4M to play AAA. I suppose he could be the backup OF but then why would they designate him in the first place? I'm just thinking about, bad contract for bad contract trade with the Sox kicking in money with Danks to make him cheaper. QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Oct 15, 2014 -> 07:46 PM) Liriano made $6 million this year, along with performance incentives/bonuses up to $8 million. Volquez made $5 million this past year. That's ($13 million) less than the White Sox pay Danks, combined. Surely, they'll lose Martin and put their efforts into keeping Volquez, since he seemed very comfortable with their coaching staff and pitching coach. If I'm the Pirates, I will ask for Noesi to fill out the back of the rotation. Both Liriano and Volquez are going to get healthy raises with their next contract. Same with Martin so I doubt Pitt can afford to keep all three. Its possible that any one of those players bail Pitt for a more lucrative offer elsewhere since they are at the age of getting what could be their last multi-year contract.

Wow. I'm stunned and never would have expected it. I really hope they can continue the streak they are on. Congrats and I hope they win World Series.

QUOTE (LDF @ Oct 15, 2014 -> 01:58 PM) I screwed up on the way I phrase that answer. my bad. but here is what I wanted to ask. should the sox draft him, b/c he as good stuff and is on a fast track to the majors? Hard to say without knowing what players are picked ahead of the #8 pick. Generally, relievers aren't picked til late 1st round - second round, if I remember correctly but I could be wrong. IMO, I would not draft a reliever/closer with the #8 pick. I would go with Nathan Kirby unless a better option was available than him.

Anyone think there could be a trade with the Pirates built around Dank + cash ............ for Tabata and ............? I know the Sox don't need Tabata but the Pirates will be looking for pitching and could be interested if the cash is right. Its rumored the Pirates are looking to unload Tabata who will cost 4M in 2015 and 4.5M in 2016. After 2016 there are three consecutive years of team buy outs that cost 250k so if the Sox didn't like Tabata they can buy him out after the 2016 season is over and make him a FA.

QUOTE (chitownsportsfan @ Aug 29, 2014 -> 04:53 PM) On what planet has Hahn indicated Micah is the de facto starting 2B next year? He has a total of like 450 PA above A ball and he is 22/35 Sb wise in AA/AAA. He's often compared (ludicrously IMO) to Billy Hamilton. Forget for a second that Hamilton is a once a decade type player just compare the SB numbers in MiLB: Hamilton in combined AA/AAA was 126 of 157 for a 81% success rate at extreme volume. Micah: 22/35 or 63%. Not even break even, not much volume either. I don't pretend to know first hand but every report on Micah lists "poor defense at 2B" as a problem as well. His profile screams "more dev time, maybe a lot more". I'm not sure who the starting 2B will be on openeing day '15 but I will buy a Micah BR sponsorship to anyone that wants to bet on it. Wasn't it Merkin that said something on twitter declaring Johnson would be the starting 2B in 2015? I think it was right around the time Beckham was traded. Anyway, I agree that Johnson would benefit from more time at Charlotte. If the Sox truly want to contend then keep Alexei. Sanchez and Semien as the two middle infielders scares me, although I have much more confidence in Sanchez defensively. I'd go with Alexei at SS, Sanchez at 2B and Semien platooning with Gillaspie at 3B. Oh yeah. Very well written article NSS! I enjoyed it very much.

If indeed Johnson's mechanics changed, I'd say guess that's likely the culprit. Johnson pretty much tanked from the get go so I'm not really sure about the dead arm/ fatigue idea. Maybe a dead arm led to the inadvertent mechanical change? Honestly, I was never impressed with Johnson so it was not surprising to see him fall, just not that hard that fast. I mean, dude dropped like a rock. If I had to take a guess, I'd say his best shot is a reliever as long as he can regain some of that control, velocity and most importantly his confidence. The Sox can use a quality strike thrower in the pen, maybe he can help the team that way.

QUOTE (LDF @ Oct 15, 2014 -> 07:27 AM) I agree, here is a question, so the sox draft him. b/c of his height, he reminds me of billy wagner. Oh yeah and a number of others that have been posted already. It would seem Fullmer is destined to be a closer so I think his height is even less of an issue. QUOTE (LDF @ Oct 15, 2014 -> 07:29 AM) here is another mock draft, done on sept 30, 2014. this site, with fangraph I like the most. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2015-ml...-mock-1-0/44039 Just watched some video from Nathan Kirby's no hitter. Kid has a nice curve ball and change up. The change seemed to dive as it approached the plate. Also looked to have pretty good control of his pitches.