SonofaRoache

Nothing will be concrete until after the WS. The White Sox and Red Sox both know his decision already. No way he opts out without knowing how much we'd be willing to pay him. And no way he opts in with Boston without knowing if he can make more money elsewhere, especially since he said he likes to move around. I think this predicament coupled with Boras as his agent means he opts out. I'd put it at 85-15.

Just because Jose isnon the roster doesn't mean he will make 19 million each year he is here. I think the Sox give him a big 2 year deal that goes in line with Vaughn's development. Then they will see how good Abreu is after. If he becomes below average or sucks, he can hang around only if it is cheap for a few years. If Martinez is playing really well and you have Vauhgn, that sounds like a good problem. If he is average or sucks, then you pay to give him the boot and roll with Vaughn.

Comeback player is an award Gio should get. He went from top prospect to major hype after his september to a flop. Then became very good. Most improved should go to Moncada to be honest. He was bordering disappointment status and then became elite.

Great post. I'd add Vaughn to tier 1 and move Cease down to tier 2 for the moment. He just doesn't have the expectation of Kopech and Gio right now.

The difference is this year the players and front office are talking big. Hahn believes it will get done for sure. I doubt after last year they speak a big game and fail again. We all are cautiously optimistic but I'd encourage you to have faith until FA is over. If they fail again, there will be plenty of time to crucify them.

I'm afraid of Grandal because his average and plate discipline were real suspect. If we really want him I'd rather front load his deal so it doesn't hurt to bad in years 3 and 4.

He probably doesn't have the stuff to be a full time consistent starter. Lots of guys like him can post high 4 ERAs but on a very good team you want a better 5. If we sign two pitchers he will still have a chance to prove himself early next year. I don't think Kopech starts until May or June.

Not upset but I'd like to replace Lopez. He can work in the bullpen on a very good team.

I'm on board with this, I'd do both.

You forget, JR was also working on making the Bulls mediocre and helping them to finish 2nd for the top FA's.

We've had a year to plan for this offseason, no excuses for them not to be ready for a rush on these guys.

Just means we can do mostof our Christmas shopping at one store.

I understand the reluctance for chasing Cole and Stras, but we need one of these two guys. Teams that are serious about contending long term have anchors at the top of that quality and or experience experience. The best teams have two shut down starters or an unbelievable offense.

I think with all the teams who will be seeking pitching, one team will go seven years to seal the deal. All the big boys want pitching, as do the Sox and Twins.

The talk is that he and Cole are headed west, so I won't hold my breath, especially when he will probably want 210 million over 7 seasons at age 31. I think Wheeler will be more in our wheelhouse.

This is a message board, you need to make your point a little clearer. You said the harsh reality was they don't care if fans show up to the ball park because they are getting tv money. And fans should stop watching games on tv to take a stand. I am not obtuse for saying you are wrong because your original comment is very broad. I see what you what you mean now that it's explained and we agree on this issue. They don't need ball park revenue as much as before, but that money is still valuable enough for them to care to some degree. Fans not showing up is bad for their business because it impacts sponsorship, national tv exposure, fan support overall, and good players wanting to come here. All of this must be taken into context as well and shows why our FO and owner would care about fans at the park. Even if it is not just for the cash earned in sales.

If they didn't care about fans showing up why would they waste time emailing folks, meeting with season ticket holders, discounting tickets and food to get more fans in the parks etc? It's because they actually do care. Maybe not as much as they did previously, but fan attendance and game atmosphere are important.

You can't say teams always want more money and then say attendance is really not that important. . If you had a wedding and no one showed up, it wouldn't matter in the grand scheme of things. But if no one showed up, your pride would be hurt at the very least. The FO doesn't want bad crowds because it embarrasses the organization and makes the team less desirable to FA's and sponsors. We also have an owner who cherishes every penny, so even fan attendance is important to him.

Weird, because I get emails from the Sox everyday trying to get me to buy tickets.

Yeah but these quotes are coming directly from teammates Cole talks to regularly. They didn't even hide their names in the middle of a championship run. This means if the Sox want Cole they better overpay, or try to get other guys early.

We shall see if money trumps preference in this case. It's also interesting that his teammates are talking so openly about him wanting to play in Oakland because of his success there. You'd think they'd keep his preferences under wraps out of respect. Unless he asked them to do this to test his market early and give other teams a chance to pay up or find other solutions.

Depending on who else we sign, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. I'm just saying we need to be careful because he is the type of player who can fall off a cliff at any moment offensively and defensively.

His defense isn't that great anymore either.

It was easy if looked at objectively. Both teams top three starters are equally good. The Nats offense scored just as much in a better division with better pitching. I think people just gave the Dodgers the benefit of the doubt because they've been to 3 straight NLCSs and back to back WS. Whereas the Nats flame out early every year. The Nats were also hotter in addition to the talent levels being equal. The Dodgers bullpen screwed them over, but you'd expect your HOF pitcher to come up big for you.

We need to sign two good starting pitchers. We can debate about who those two should be, but doing so gives the team a ton of flexibility, will strengthen their bullpen by default, and will provide insurance against busting or injuries. I still prefer Cole and Hammels though. Cole gives you a star rotation anchor and a hell of a 2 and 3 with Gio and Kopech. Hammels makes sense because he can be had for relatively cheap and can go months being lights out at a time. He'd make a great number 5 and has valuable experience. If Rodon or Lopez pitch well and Hammels struggles, he can simply go to the bullpen. Since he'd likely get a two year deal, he won't hurt us financially and if he busts, we can replace him quickly. Cole Gio Kopech Cease Hammels Is a pretty good rotation. If Kopech is on an innings restriction, then move everyone up one spot and let Lopez take 5th. When everyone is healthy, Rodon and Lopez can anchor the bullpen.