SonofaRoache

If we are on board with the rebuild, we have to at least see through to 2020. We expected to be good next year back in 2016 and certainly after the Q trade. I want to see what they do this FA and next season before I lose faith.

Wow you've been a fan for 65 years? It's awesome that you will get to see a nice long run of success.

All Cole had to do was 1. Average 400 innings per year. 2. Be active for 162 games per year that are played in Chicago. 3. Win 5 CY Youngs in the next 3 seasons.

The FO came out several times and had to address the fans concerns though. They made those comments to discourage fans from speaking bad about them. Ny point is made clear by the fact that Hahn addressed angry fans multiple times. Of course they are gonna bad mouth negative fans because they don't want the truth about their failures spreading to the casual fan and being picked up nationally. That's why stores accommodate and reward customers who complain, it is to prevent them from leaving bad reviews and telling people they know to avoid.

What I mean is fans are gonna be very vocal about displeasure if we suspect less than full effort. The Sox felt it in March and had to clear the air and make statements several times about the fans and media perceptions. It will get much worse. So no, the fans can't spend the money but they can rage to the point this front office has to answer for it.

Even if this is true, Sox fans aren't going for anything less than excellence this time around.

I don't think Moncada is wildly optimistic, although it is optimistic. He will lose some of his BA but I think he hits about 6 to10 more homers and increases his XBH's over the course of 2020. His defense should also slightly improve with a year at third under his belt.

To do what the Sox want to do they are gonna have to approach 150 for 7 years. That puts them above the Reds and Mariners and with previous discounts there are no more excuses. Market this roster as a playoff contender after free agency to get fans in the seats and roll forward.

Bum has never had an era over 3.90 and is a really good pitcher. I prefer him first because he has post season experience and has some edge to him. If we couldn't get Cole or Stras I would want both of these guys.

Well hopefully they don't let 5 million stop them from getting a more reliable pitcher who has pitched well in the AL. I also agree that us fans are scared to think we can win 95 games. Our roster turnover and internal improvement will be significant. And our division leaders will get weaker starting this off season

Talk seems to be that he and Bum likes the west coast warm weather lifestyle and big time spot light. To get him, we would probably have to overpay by a decent margin. Once a player crosses 200 million on a deal, they can be more selective. I wouldn't be shocked if San Diego gets Cole.

It probably has more to do with Cole not wanting to come here. I do think we will make a legit run at Bum and Stras though. We need a pitcher with post season experience to lead our staff.

I'd rather sign Cole Hamels to a one year deal than Wood. You have much higher upside and the extra money would give you a better pitcher.

That wasn't bad. He is just throwing names around we could be interested in. I think we may see a combination of good and meh players. Thise meh players will have key roles as well.

???

The point I was making was venting on a message board is fine, as there are people who do much worse. It may get annoying at times, but it is what it is. In the same manner, if you don't like people venting here this much you can simply not read their posts. Being sports fan angry and complaining on forums does not mean your life is in shambles or that you are wrong. Your movie example is not relevant here because a movie is a one time thing and not something people invest in since they are kids. Movies don't bring people together like sports. Penn State is different because that was sex crimes against children. The frustration directed at the FO last offseason probably means they will handle things differently this year. Fans have a voice and should always use it, as long as they aren't being rude or hurting others.

Come on man, you know it is not as easy as just quitting on a team you've cheered for this long. You are right in that the failures of last year should be behind us and that we should be excited about this free agency, but I'd rather our fans vent here than to do something awful IRL. Some people take sports anger out on their loved ones. This being said, I've been real hard on this organization but I'm willing to ride this thing out to the end. We don't really have a choice as we've come this far.

At this fellas and ladies, we need to get whoever we can. I know some of these guys aren't perfect fits but if they agree to play for us and are significant upgrades, we shouldn't say no. Nick Castellanos may be a bad defender but if he can be a huge upgrade to the RF position and wants to sign, then bring him in. Obviously, if we have our pick of the litter then we can be more selective. As far as pitchers go, we must sign two good ones if we want to build a yearly contender. We let all of them know that we want them, and the first to agree gets a check. We then play the field and negotiate with the rest and take the best deal to talent combo that will sign. It's important we stockpile talent and let the roster fall where it may.

I think the pitchers are gonna sign later to wait out the top dogs first. I also think older hitters are gonna want to get the first good deal that is available to them. This being said, I think it is JDM.

June I think.

This is why it is important to start competing next year. We can take it for granted that he will be here long term. As it stands, we have until 2023 to win with his talents.

If we trade with Boston I don't think you'd have to give up top prospects for him. They want to unload his salary and would probably take a few mid level prospects for him, especially as a rental. If Hahn can make some big signings for pitching and a DH this offseason I wouldn't be opposed to that.

I mean trades like taking on high salary to get solid prospects. Teams will be dumping high priced good players to get under the luxury tax.

Too many players and coaches are openly talking about making the playoffs next year. There will be signings and improvement. The losing part is over as we will not be in the running for top 7 picks. The rebuild is OVAH. Now we will be enhancing the roster.

Not mad that young guys are stepping up big time. We can still get a really good player at 11.