SoCalSox

QUOTE (ChiSoxFanMike @ Dec 18, 2015 -> 06:43 PM) I still have a hunch that the Sox will get either Cespedes or Upton. We'll see. I feel the same. I think it happens fairly quick, too.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Dec 18, 2015 -> 05:15 PM) It isn't even a rumor. It is baseless fan speculation. Good to hear. Hearing the initial word just about pissed me off.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Dec 18, 2015 -> 05:08 PM) How many outfielders are you going to get for $900,000 in 2016, or $8 million over the next three years? Any truth to the rumor floating around that Robertson could be on the block? Would be extremely stupid.

QUOTE (Brian26 @ Dec 18, 2015 -> 04:51 PM) Some perspective. After the 2007 season, the Sox signed Scott Linebrink for four years and 19 million. An all-time Sox great Linebrink was.

Welp, This does it. The Sox are going to be a 70 win team because they signed what can be a pen arm to practically pennies... When are we having the funeral?

QUOTE (SouthSideSale @ Dec 17, 2015 -> 08:25 PM) Just seen this while re-reading this thread. WTF? You found a gem, there... Wow.

QUOTE (Y2JImmy0 @ Dec 17, 2015 -> 08:17 PM) Ideally, they sign Upton and someone like Austin Jackson (this is rabbit's idea and I'm stealing it). That gives them tons of flexibility and allows them to sit LaRoche vs LHP. I don't know where Avisail goes but he's gone in this scenario I don't see Avi as a very good 4th OF'er, so I wouldn't mind this at all. Can always send him back down.

QUOTE (Dam8610 @ Dec 17, 2015 -> 08:04 PM) Ideally Frazier is the 5 hole with a bat like Cespedes in the 4 hole. Sample lineup with Cespedes: 1) CF Eaton 2) DH Cabrera 3) 1B Abreu 4) LF Cespedes 5) 3B Frazier 6) 2B Lawrie 7) RF Garcia 8) C Navarro/Avila 9) SS Saladino/Sanchez That's a lineup that combined with the pitching staff in place can get to the postseason. Question is, would they rather have Melky at DH or Avi in DH in that situation. Where does LaRoche go?

QUOTE (blackmooncreeping @ Dec 17, 2015 -> 07:21 PM) I hear ya but then who protects Abreu? If we dont bring in another big bat then one of those guys will probably be somewhat vulnerable. That's why a big bat is so vital imo, it extends the lineup enough so Frazier can hit 5th and either dh/Lawrie can hit 6th/7th. I feel confident in saying, they'll find him protection & I'm guessing it'll be before Christmas.

QUOTE (SoxPride18 @ Dec 17, 2015 -> 03:34 PM) This, combined with Bucket's new info. I really hope we can sign Upton soon. I think Bucket was more of stating the obvious in a cryptic way to screw with people... Although, I do really think they land Upton soon.

RaBBit has said it, Nightengale has said it, Levine has said it, etc. They are in on the top 3. Teams seem to be falling off in terms of potential suitors, so I think the Sox have a good chance of getting one. I also would not mind seeing them end up with Parra, either. Good glove, not a power hitter but an overall good player that would be a sizable improvement over Avi at this point.

I remember last year the Sox had set somewhat of a number that they wanted to keep at in terms on 2015 salary & they seemed to have filled that before they signed Melky, Bonifacio, or Beckham. I guess my point out of that is that we may see a "soft" number but with LaRoche & Danks coming off the books next year & even after about $9M in increases with players under contract, they'll see a decent cap rise. If they can get their guy, which I think is Upton if the price is right in terms of overall tag & 2016 salary, I think they do it. I wouldn't get too obsessed with a set number just yet. There has not be one time this offseason where Rick Hahn has ever said he is satisfied with Avi in RF & has said multiple times they are looking to upgrade. Sure, it may not be one of the top three but I personally don't think it's asking too much to expect one of the top 3 or another option at this point.

QUOTE (fathom @ Dec 16, 2015 -> 08:48 PM) He kept saying it was Anderson plus more. Merkin seemed more confident, even posting a random Frazier story a few days ago from a few years ago Yup... I simply don't really take what he says for much right now. Nothing against him at all, I just don't think he's very dialed in right now.

Hayes told me he thought Todd Frazier was "cost prohibitive" 6 days ago. He's a cool dude & I like that he interacts with people but I don't think he's has much of a clue what's going on within the organization. I'll trust Nightengale at this point & guys like Levine, etc.

QUOTE (SouthSideSale @ Dec 16, 2015 -> 06:12 PM) I don't know how we'd get CarGo. 0% chance we deal Quintana for him. They can't keep trading the farm at this point. I have no issue with what they did these first two trades but I would rather them sacrifice a pick & sign an FA at this point.

QUOTE (Tony82087 @ Dec 16, 2015 -> 05:47 PM) Lets say the Sox sign Upton and put him in RF. They can't move LaRoach or Avi. Who would you rather see DH? Am I crazy to give Garcia most of the AB's at DH? Send Avi down & bring him up in case of an injury. He still has an option. Not totally locked in with him on the 25.

QUOTE (SoxPride18 @ Dec 16, 2015 -> 03:45 PM) I agree. That's why signing Upton, Cespedes, and Gordon is a MUST. 100% agree with this. I think they pretty well know that, too. I think it's more of a "when" they add an OF'er, instead of an "if". My personal prediction: Sox sign Upton & get a back end of the rotation type guy w/ some short term upside.

QUOTE (SouthSideSale @ Dec 16, 2015 -> 03:04 PM) Absolutely fair. I didn't mean it in we've haven't had interest in Upton. Was just backing my pick is all. I'm good with either. Me as well, man. This means absolutely nothing but when I look at Justin Upton, I see him in a Sox uniform. It was the same for Lawrie. I can kind of see Cespedes but not Gordon. Means absolutely nothing but I hope my vision ends up being right. Would be a great exclamation point to their offseason.

QUOTE (SouthSideSale @ Dec 16, 2015 -> 02:40 PM) For me it's Cespedes. We've had interest at the trade deadline and do now. I like his experience in AL and this division even though he's 2 years older. He's better defensively and is a better hitter. He also doesn't cost a pick and has the Cuban connection with Abreu so that would help with Abreu and chemistry (maybe it doesn't matter at all). I just like Cespedes better for this team. To be fair, Sox also had interest in Upton at the deadline, too. I think they end up with one of the two.

QUOTE (South Sider @ Dec 16, 2015 -> 02:28 PM) That's true. That is what I was thinking, for the most part. Not enough years. I would think a 5 years $110 type deal would get it done, but we'll see. Likely to see a backload of a sizable amount for 2015, too.

QUOTE (ChiSoxFanMike @ Dec 16, 2015 -> 02:25 PM) I've been waiting for something to happen ever since the Frazier deal was announced. I'd have to think that there will be a corresponding move at some point in the not so distant future. Agreed. The Sox can't make this move without something else in the works in terms of OF help, IMO. I'm sure we will soon see but upgrading 4 spots in the order & hoping for a few bounce backs could ultimately make this team a surprise to most. Still a long way to go but happy so far.

QUOTE (Rowand44 @ Dec 16, 2015 -> 02:21 PM) Not sure how plugged in Frank is but he thinks the sox are going to grab Upton. Frank... Thomas?

Is it bad that I'm already anxiously/impatiently awaiting the Sox next move for hopefully an OF bat?

I think we are mostly in agreement here when I say: The White Sox did not make this move to stand pat & hope for the best. There will be either a new LF/RF within the coming weeks & I get the feeling it comes in the way of a FA. If they can do that, I like their chances of competing.

At first, I thought the Sox gave up too much. After getting some perspective, I like it. I do think this helps the Sox in a big way but I'm like most people here, this move makes sense but would make much more sense with an top notch OF'er on the market. I'm not going to sit here & say I think this move or another move makes them a playoff contender... Mainly because I thought that last year & this team bombed. What I will say is, I like the offseason so far but only because I don't think they are done. Would like to see a big bat in the OF & possible some protection in the SP department. Also, this move still doesn't stack us up with the Cubs & it really shouldn't matter what they do unless both of these teams end up in the WS against each other.