Tony

Of course it does. Let's say he was in line for a 5 year, 100 million dollar deal. You still think the Sox shouldn't have "risked" offering the QO, because there was a chance he accepted the 1 year deal, instead of taking a 5 year commitment? Because if what he got really doesn't matter, that's still how you would think, which makes zero sense.

I believed that for a while, but after seeing what they have done with Kimbrel, I can't buy this line of thinking anymore. They clearly are fine "rolling the dice" on a player that they don't feel like should be part of the roster moving forward. Additionally, seeing what Rodon got from the Giants, it's clear they didn't judge the market accurately. Yes, Rodon turning down the QO would have hurt his value, but not enough where he wouldn't have received any multi-year deals.

The same reason they didn't offer Rodon a QO. They lack a basic understanding of the market.

So by that logic, Carlos Correa sucks?

By the way, one thing that needs to be said, although it shouldn't have to be.....if the Sox trade Kimbrel, get salary relief and don't do anything with the flexibility after that....it's a bad move. Craig Kimbrel should be somewhat productive this season, with the Sox or someone else. The Sox already have too much invested into their pen, and Kimbrel carries a huge price tag. But if that money is moved, and nothing is done with said savings, the Sox really accomplished nothing. Again, that is incredibly obvious, but I feel like some have missed that point. It's not just about dumping Kimbrel. It's then using that money on something the Sox actually need.

If this is an attempt to get Sox fans prepared for Kimbrel actually being part of this team in 2022...woof. If the Sox enter the season with Josh Harrison at 2B, Sheets/Vaughn splitting up RF/DH, and Dallas Keuchel in the rotation...and Craig Kimbrel as a 16 million dollar set up man, this off-season was an unmitigated disaster.

Wouldn't be spring training without it

Oh god I didn't put together that NSC is "Not Steve" I shouldn't have asked lol. But thanks for sharing!

Which one is this?

I really don't think you have a firm grasp on the White Sox contractual realities: - Jose Abreu is a FA at the end of the year and is talking about possibly walking away - Grandal is an FA after the 2023 season, and will be 35 when he hits FA - Giolito is an FA after the 2023 season - Tim Anderson is a FA after the 2024 season Things can change quickly, but with no real minor leagues to speak of, I'm currently unsure where the Sox are filling those large holes in 2023 and 2024. This year and next year is "the window"

This is a very fair take and where I'm at. I'm real pissed at the Sox right now. As the days go on, picking up the option on Kimbrel so they could try and squeeze just a little bit of value out of the failed Madrigal-Kimbrel trade looks to be a mistake, which they then compounded by not giving the QO to Rodon, which still doesn't make any sense. Then they have spent 17 million (not even counting Graverman) this offseason on guys you would hope your minor league system could produce, and haven't addressed RF or SP in any significant way. I just don't understand the process here. I really, really hope it becomes clear in the coming days, but I'm losing faith.

Yep, I'd be very pleased with this deal.

I believe he averaged around a 1.0 WAR for them over 4 years. My guess is they would expect more out of Suzuki.

I have no idea what you are referring to then, and I don't think anyone else does.

Correct.

You said the moment they "started adding big leaguers" Dane Dunning was traded for an MLB vet. I would say that qualifies. I'm also not going to split hairs with you, but your comment was incorrect. Also, Grandal.

All the while paying NO attention to the farm system, and letting it once again become a wasteland devoid of any talent.

Lance Lynn would like to have a word.

Most teams have a lot of them. It's not just a condition of the White Sox. They still have a very good roster, which this FO is responsible for.

It shouldn't have been...but Madrigal for Kimbrel has seemingly been the point in time where things went sideways, and thus far they have let it spin out of control. There is still time to course-correct, but I just don't understand the decision-making the last 8 months....especially from a FO that actually put together a really impressive group of players.

They did that with Grandal, if we're being fair.

It’s the reason I liked the Kimbrel move at the time. It didn’t work, but I agreed with the thought process. I don’t agree with this process, at least at this point.

They were also 2-5 against Houston in the regular season. You can believe what you want to believe. I don't think the Sox were very competitive in the 2021 MLB Playoffs. Some of us believe their window to contend is limited based on financial realities set from ownership. Because of that, there is a sense of urgency from some to quote "go for the jugular" these next two seasons. Thus far, these moves haven't inspired a confidence that the Sox are truly interested in pushing themselves over the top. Time will tell.