Blogger Call: Open Discussion with Rick Hahn

[NorthSideSox72]

Similar to the call with Brooks Boyer, reps from various Sox social media sites got a chance to sit down (vitually, by phone) with new Sox GM Rick Hahn. This call was shorter than the last, didn't get a lot of quesitons in, and most questions didn't dig very deep. But still got some interesting insights. Below are my notes from the call, I wouldn't go so far as to call it a transcript though, I can't type that fast...

 

 

Q: You have been with the Sox a long time… when did you start the discussions about becoming GM?

Rick: Kenny first raised it in 2008 or 2009. He felt it would be more efficient, allow KW to free up for more talent evaluation work and other things. Transition of GM responsibilities was over time. The talks got much more serious about a year ago. Early on, didn’t really think about the GM job with the Sox, didn’t want to covet the boss’ job.

 

Q: Does it feel any different, the new role?

Rick: “Well I have to wear more ties”, which is bad, don’t like wearing ties. Feels more different than thought it would. Same people, but feels much more all-encompassing, and have a lot more on plate now. Just talked to KW before the call, so still talking to many of the same people internally. Will be able to spread responsibilities out and delegate more later, but right now doing a lot of things.

 

Q: You say the idea came up in 2008 or 2009, but you also interviewed with the Mets and Angels back then… what were your thoughts about your Sox future at that point?

Rick: Never commented much about the level of involvement in those pursuits, for professional reasons. Some reports in the media were exaggerate. Didn’t like to discuss it. Fair amount of “informal meals” with folks around baseball, sort of a get-to-know-you thing. Only one instance, in 2007, did it get serious and thought about leaving. But had to weigh pluses and minuses… family, title, money, career path, etc. Likes being in home town, chance to compete and win, family, organization… all key to staying. Sox just had more allure.

 

Q: Other than 3B, which we all see, what other positions or roster areas are you looking to enhance as the offseason goes on?

Rick: Third base is the definite high priority right now, without a clear answer internally. Catching and AJ is of course also big (Rick said he was surprised no one asked about AJ yet, because everyone else he talks to does). Bullpen is another area, looking at “different types of relievers”. Then also bench, backup IF and OF. If AJ were to not come back, but Youk did, team might be too right-handed. But again, 3B far and away most important right now.

 

Q: You seem like a mix of old school and new school, some stats in your decision making. Here is a stat to think about… in the last 10 years, Sox have had a worse winning percentage in the 2nd half in 8 of those. Causes? Solutions?

Rick: We are definitely aware, we see it too. It is on the agenda for the organization meetings this weekend. 2012 specifically, a big factor of course was pitchers going over their innings from previous years, which has a physical effect. Sometimes bad luck also plays in. Late season slumps are magnified. It merits discussion, team will look at all possible areas including game prep, conditioning, approach, etc. Want to find something tangible, but that can be hard, and really hard to find a single trigger for it.

 

Q: The last few seasons, there seems to be a huge emphasis on pitching, with position players coming in a distant second. Will this continue? Are the Peavy and Floyd deals indicators?

Rick: I don’t fully agree that is the case, but pitching and defense are certainly the foundation for winning. The Konerko and Dunn signings counter the argument. You can’t go so far in one direction that you cost yourself in the other. Now looking at the two early moves we made, and seeing where to go from there.

 

Q: When it comes to Youk, Myers and AJ… will re-signing them come down to years, money or both?

Rick: Both of course. But another big factor is a player’s desire to stay with a team or fit a certain role. If players want to explore the market, we understand that, even if we think the opportunities out there are more or less the same as what the Sox would offer. Myers is a slightly different case, because he has started, closed, set up… so for him the role he wants to play is a big key. Comfort level is important for players. Would love to have all those guys penciled in right now, but we can’t allow that to preclude other moves, now or later.

 

Q: What advice to Kenny give you before taking the job?

Rick: I expect to continue getting advice in the coming weeks, months… and almost all of it welcome! (laughter here) Having the benefit of having the most successful GM in team history around, was part of the allure of the position. If went somewhere else, would have needed to hire someone like KW to work with, and not had that same value addition. I want someone with opposite or complementary views around, and KW can provide that. There is always an argument from the other side. Also, told me to keep my humor about the job.

 

Q: Following up on your disagreements with KW… how often do you surprise each other with an idea of suggestion? And how often do you have irreconcilable differences?

Rick: Rarely. But there have been times when we were in disagreement, even in the end. When KW was GM, in those cases, he was in the big chair, so his ideas won. Some of them worked out well, others not as much. The back and forth with KW will continue. I do sometimes get frustrated when someone comes up with an idea, that I wish I had thought of and didn’t.

 

Q: The Peavy deal… seems like he could have gotten more years and more money on the open market. What was the back and forth like on that?

Rick: Jake felt strongly he wanted to come back. His agent assuredly told him he could have gotten more elsewhere, and other GM’s told me there was a pretty big money market out there for him. A vet player like Jake knows the business, knows what he wants, and knows what is fair. But he’s also made a lot of money. It is easier with a player like that. And without that strong desire from Jake to get a deal done quickly to stay, it probably doesn’t happen.

 

Q: When you pitch a low deal, do you risk insulting a player? How careful do you have to be?

Rick: There is some risk of that. It is usually a matter of tenor and approach, how you explain the team’s position, and why that is the offer on the table. There have been times where we knew the offer we were willing to make wasn’t going to be near what the player expected, so we just didn’t offer. Some players and agents see the players’ values differently than the Sox do. The agent plays a key role in this. They have to temper expectations in both directions, and not just scorch the earth between player and team. Better agents find common ground.

 

[Kyyle23]

Goodbye, brent morel

[Jake]

Thanks a lot for doing this again.

 

Also, if any Sox folks are reading out there...this kind of thing means a lot for us that follow the team so rabidly.

[NorthSideSox72]

I was the 4th question in there, that is the only one I got in. And I thought it was interested how he answered it. Obviously they don't see Morel or Sanchez as an answer there, at least not yet (in terms of Sanchez). The bullpen thing kind of surprised me, seems weird to go out there looking for that, when I'd think they might try to trade Thornton and/or Crain.

 

[GreatScott82]

One thing I love about this organization is the amount of respect they give the fans. The fact he took time to answer some fan questions is really cool. The fact that they lowered prices on tix/parking is super cool too. I truly love being a fan of this organization and would love to see them bring home (at least) one more for J.R.!

 

On a side note- it seems like they are looking hard for a new 3b. This is awesome! My biggest fear was for them to take another chance with Morel or a cheap flash in the pan type option. I really hope they do look into young talent like Chase Headley. But if the return price is too high, I wouldn't mind them bringing back Youk at the right price.

 

I just have a feeling that Hahn will pull off some blockbuster soon in regards to addressing the 3b spot. I wouldn't be surprised to see any of the following dealt at this point in a mega deal (Ramirez, Beckham, Viciedo, Floyd or Rios)

[Baron]

One thing I love about this organization is the amount of respect they give the fans. The fact he took time to answer some fan questions is really cool. The fact that they lowered prices on tix/parking is super cool too. I truly love being a fan of this organization and would love to see them bring home (at least) one more for J.R.!

 

On a side note- it seems like they are looking hard for a new 3b. This is awesome! My biggest fear was for them to take another chance with Morel or a cheap flash in the pan type option. I really hope they do look into young talent like Chase Headley. But if the return price is too high, I wouldn't mind them bringing back Youk at the right price.

 

I just have a feeling that Hahn will pull off some blockbuster soon in regards to addressing the 3b spot. I wouldn't be surprised to see any of the following dealt at this point in a mega deal (Ramirez, Beckham, Viciedo, Floyd or Rios)

 

In the ESPN article it sounds like Rick Hahn doesnt seem optimistic that they will find an upgrade at 3rd base. Given that the market is so poor.

[GreatScott82]

In the ESPN article it sounds like Rick Hahn doesnt seem optimistic that they will find an upgrade at 3rd base. Given that the market is so poor.

If he did learn anything from KW- its to fly under the radar and to put up smoke screens. I don't buy it!

[Baron]

If he did learn anything from KW- its to fly under the radar and to put up smoke screens. I don't buy it!

 

I dont buy the alleged smoke screen here.

Edited November 1, 2012 by Baron

[Jake]

I don't think we'll make a splash just to do it. I'm okay with bringing Youk in at a reasonable price instead of selling the farm for someone like Moustakas (who would be AWESOME on the right deal)

[GreatScott82]

I don't think we'll make a splash just to do it. I'm okay with bringing Youk in at a reasonable price instead of selling the farm for someone like Moustakas (who would be AWESOME on the right deal)

 

Making a splash is what this team needs. The team as is, will still come in 2nd to Detroit.

[ChiliIrishHammock24]

Making a splash is what this team needs. The team as is, will still come in 2nd to Detroit.

 

Yeah, I agree. Considering the Tigers are getting V-Mart back next year, and Scherzer breaking out, they should be a lock for 90+ wins (I know, I know, we all thought the same thing a year ago). Sox need an actual upgrade at 3B or SP.

[greg775]

Hahn comes across as a very impressive man in that interview. Very open if you read it closely he did say A LOT.

Thank you Mr. Hahn. I applaud you.

[justBLAZE]

Yeah, I agree. Considering the Tigers are getting V-Mart back next year, and Scherzer breaking out, they should be a lock for 90+ wins (I know, I know, we all thought the same thing a year ago). Sox need an actual upgrade at 3B or SP.

 

I agree, while getting a healthy John Danks back SHOULD be a tremendous SP upgrade, I was really hoping we can get better at 3B and C, the two positions that are wide open to fill.

 

Bringing back Youk and letting Flowers play full time doesn't scream division champs to me.

 

I'd want them to get creative and purse a 3B via trade, while signing Mike Napoli to play C. Next year Napoli can share 1B duties with Dunn after Paulie leaves and that creates lots of playing opportunities for Tyler Flowers.

[southsider2k5]

I agree, while getting a healthy John Danks back SHOULD be a tremendous SP upgrade, I was really hoping we can get better at 3B and C, the two positions that are wide open to fill.

 

Bringing back Youk and letting Flowers play full time doesn't scream division champs to me.

 

I'd want them to get creative and purse a 3B via trade, while signing Mike Napoli to play C. Next year Napoli can share 1B duties with Dunn after Paulie leaves and that creates lots of playing opportunities for Tyler Flowers.

 

I'd be curious to hear from PTATC on this one. I though that shoulder surgery was the kind of an operation that usually took some extra to get right from. The idea being like Tommy John that you are "healthy" enough to pitch, but your arm isn't quite 100% for the first year back.