Starting pitching

[35thstreetswarm]

There’s already a thread dedicated to the “RF or 2b” question, so I figured I’d start one for starting pitching, as I think adding a front-line starting pitcher is the one thing that is most likely to put this team over the top in the postseason.  This should be priority #1 imo.

While there are multiple potential avenues here, I think the Sox should make a run at Scherzer on a relatively short deal, even if it eats up funds for RF/2b.  (This would mean letting Carlos go, which I’m fine with).  The existing team with Scherzer as a game 1 playoff starter would be scary, and even minor upgrades to RF and 2b would make it even more so.  And just think—this could be the one situation where the org’s penchant for big name vets nearing the end of their careers could work out for them!

[Chicago White Sox]

The Sox have to bring back Rodon or add an impactful starting pitcher.  Honestly, I really struggle what to do with Carlos.  He was a legit ace last year before breaking down, but nothing on resume suggests that won’t continue to happen.  If you’re going to make a sizable investment in a pitcher, why not go with someone who provides a much after floor?

To me, either you offer him the QO with the hope he accepts or simply move on to another direction.  There is zero reason to go the multi-year route with him unless it’s the most team friendly deal of all-time and Boras will never agree to something like that.

[caulfield12]

54 minutes ago, 35thstreetswarm said:

There’s already a thread dedicated to the “RF or 2b” question, so I figured I’d start one for starting pitching, as I think adding a front-line starting pitcher is the one thing that is most likely to put this team over the top in the postseason.  This should be priority #1 imo.

While there are multiple potential avenues here, I think the Sox should make a run at Scherzer on a relatively short deal, even if it eats up funds for RF/2b.  (This would mean letting Carlos go, which I’m fine with).  The existing team with Scherzer as a game 1 playoff starter would be scary, and even minor upgrades to RF and 2b would make it even more so.  And just think—this could be the one situation where the org’s penchant for big name vets nearing the end of their careers could work out for them!

Well, except it didn’t work for the team with a payroll roughly $100 million higher than the Sox to add 2 of the top 5 gets of the entire deadline in one fell swoop…and Scherzer hasn’t pitched in the AL since his Tigers’ days.

It’s definitely a “prove it” moves in terms of claiming to be a legit WS contender.  Odds of it actually happing are what, 5-10%?

[bmags]

If only there was a pitching thread

[35thstreetswarm]

2 hours ago, bmags said:

If only there was a pitching thread

Is there one?  Didn’t see one on the front page at least, which is why I started one.  Feel free to merge this one with another thread if appropriate.

[35thstreetswarm]

3 hours ago, Chicago White Sox said:

The Sox have to bring back Rodon or add an impactful starting pitcher.  Honestly, I really struggle what to do with Carlos.  He was a legit ace last year before breaking down, but nothing on resume suggests that won’t continue to happen.  If you’re going to make a sizable investment in a pitcher, why not go with someone who provides a much after floor?

To me, either you offer him the QO with the hope he accepts or simply move on to another direction.  There is zero reason to go the multi-year route with him unless it’s the most team friendly deal of all-time and Boras will never agree to something like that.

I just don’t trust Carlos to be what we need him to be in October.  Definitely agree on a multi-year deal, which would be reckless.

[Jack Parkman]

34 minutes ago, 35thstreetswarm said:

I just don’t trust Carlos to be what we need him to be in October.  Definitely agree on a multi-year deal, which would be reckless.

Really. What more do we need to see from Rodon? Dude just can't stay healthy. Time to move on. 

Edited November 6, 2021 by Jack Parkman