Would you have done things different?

[LDF]

If the situation presents itself where the Sox could upgrade over 3B, you don't think twice about it, you take the upgrade. That's my point. I regard 3B, 2B, and C all in the same way. If an opportunity presents itself to get better there, take it. We can't depend on a playoff spot with 3-4 holes in our lineup, depending how Avisail does in a full year.

 

the sox need a good bench

 

get another SP / 1 yr rental.

[LittleHurt05]

I wouldn't have paid Zach Duke so much money, but other than that I liked all the moves.

 

Panda or Headley would have been nice for 3rd base, but they weren't cheap and I guess you have OK options there.

[GGajewski18]

Things have been pretty slow around here, so I just wanted to create a discussion regarding how things have gone so far this off season and what you expect the rest of the off season.

 

For me, I don't think I would of done a single thing different. I have loved every move so far whether it was the small Dan Jennings deal, to the huge deals with Samardzija, Robertson, and Cabrera.

 

The rest of the off season, I would love to add Emilio Bonifacio, another bullpen arm (Adams? Crain? Cotts? Janssen? Ogando?), and possibly another starter depth wise.

 

What are your guys thoughts?

 

One chip down.

[lvjeremylv]

I would have passed on Melky and signed Ioki.

And I'd sign one more great starter like Shields.

We're going to be good though on paper with Sale, Smardj, Q and Danks. Who's our fifth starter?

Hector Noesi?

[bear_brian]

I do not post here frequently, though I am an avid lurker. In November I suggested the following acquisitions:

 

Melky Cabrera

Kendry Morales - Hahn one-upped me by sigingn LaRoche

Emilio Bonifacio

Zach Duke

Brandon McCarthy - Hahn did even better by getting Samardzija

Luke Gregorson - Again he did much better by signing Robertson

 

There was a lot of scoffing with many saying we did not have the payroll to do those things. Reinsdorf really wants one more run at a championship, so he is taking a big payroll hit to see if he can win and get fannies back in the seats.

 

 

I could not be happier as to what has been accomplished this winter. Obviously it is all on paper, but this team looks like a real contender. Can't wait to see the season start!

 

PS One more thing to think about: If there was a way to dump both Danks and Viciedo, then either Scherzer or Shields becomes a possibility.

 

 

[LDF]

I do not post here frequently, though I am an avid lurker. In November I suggested the following acquisitions:

 

Melky Cabrera

Kendry Morales - Hahn one-upped me by sigingn LaRoche

Emilio Bonifacio

Zach Duke

Brandon McCarthy - Hahn did even better by getting Samardzija

Luke Gregorson - Again he did much better by signing Robertson

 

There was a lot of scoffing with many saying we did not have the payroll to do those things. Reinsdorf really wants one more run at a championship, so he is taking a big payroll hit to see if he can win and get fannies back in the seats.

 

 

I could not be happier as to what has been accomplished this winter. Obviously it is all on paper, but this team looks like a real contender. Can't wait to see the season start!

 

PS One more thing to think about: If there was a way to dump both Danks and Viciedo, then either Scherzer or Shields becomes a possibility.

 

the cost in yrs and salary would be too much.

 

[bear_brian]

the cost in yrs and salary would be too much.

 

Not if they do not keep Samardzija.

 

[Donny Lucy's Avocado Farm]

What if Hahn offered you the position of his special GM counsel on the condition you had to drink from his fart glass for the first few weeks...would you accept?

 

Edit: thanks, stix

 

Everyone has a price. Eleventy Billion. Full no trade clause. Done deal.

 

Thanks,

Charlie Haeger's Knuckles

[witesoxfan]

Not if they do not keep Samardzija.

 

Not including other acquisitions or arbitration figures, the Sox 2016 payroll obligations are approximately $86 million already. Considering the Sox likely want to keep their payroll at this juncture around $100 mill or so, I would say that adding a 5-7 year deal in the $22-25 million range is not a feasible option at this point.

[LDF]

 

in my opinion, the sox wanted to get a really good team to contend, have

some financial flexibility when these short term players are up, and hopefully

the sox minor league starts to produce.

 

i do not believe the sox will sign Jeff S. it is not thought.

[lvjeremylv]

I do not post here frequently, though I am an avid lurker. In November I suggested the following acquisitions:

 

Melky Cabrera

Kendry Morales - Hahn one-upped me by sigingn LaRoche

Emilio Bonifacio

Zach Duke

Brandon McCarthy - Hahn did even better by getting Samardzija

Luke Gregorson - Again he did much better by signing Robertson

 

There was a lot of scoffing with many saying we did not have the payroll to do those things. Reinsdorf really wants one more run at a championship, so he is taking a big payroll hit to see if he can win and get fannies back in the seats.

 

 

I could not be happier as to what has been accomplished this winter. Obviously it is all on paper, but this team looks like a real contender. Can't wait to see the season start!

 

PS One more thing to think about: If there was a way to dump both Danks and Viciedo, then either Scherzer or Shields becomes a possibility.

Reinsdorf is mega rich, and he probably pulls in a huge profit every year even when the Sox are awful, just based on the TV deal alone. So I think it's a fallacy to suggest he's taking any kind of a hit. But you're right when you say he's trying to win and put asses in seats. It's not financially motivated, though. He'll make money hand over fist whether the Sox win 73 games or 93 games.

 

Scherzer over Shields, please. There's no reason the White Sox couldn't carry a $150M payroll every year. They'd be extremely competitive at that price point if they continue doing the things they've been doing, and that would allow them to extend Samardzija during the season if the South Side is where he wants to pitch. If not, then the Sox could use that money to get someone else next off-season.

 

There's NO REASON AT ALL the Sox can't go out and get Scherzer. If they did, they'd be replacing either Noesi or Danks (if they could unload his contract) with a legit Cy Young contender, and would at the same time be taking him away from our toughest division rival. Talk about a coup, and a perfect ending to an already amazing off-season....

Edited January 5, 2015 by lvjeremylv

[Jose Abreu]

I would not have done anything differently. My only fear is our stars getting bitten by the injury bug- imagine how much weaker our rotation would look without Sale, or how our lineup would appear without Abreu. If this team can stay healthy, then watch out.

[Jose Abreu]

One more thing I'd do is add another bullpen arm, as I still don't trust this current group.

[bear_brian]

Reinsdorf is mega rich, and he probably pulls in a huge profit every year even when the Sox are awful, just based on the TV deal alone. So I think it's a fallacy to suggest he's taking any kind of a hit. But you're right when you say he's trying to win and put asses in seats. It's not financially motivated, though. He'll make money hand over fist whether the Sox win 73 games or 93 games.

 

Scherzer over Shields, please. There's no reason the White Sox couldn't carry a $150M payroll every year. They'd be extremely competitive at that price point if they continue doing the things they've been doing, and that would allow them to extend Samardzija during the season if the South Side is where he wants to pitch. If not, then the Sox could use that money to get someone else next off-season.

 

There's NO REASON AT ALL the Sox can't go out and get Scherzer. If they did, they'd be replacing either Noesi or Danks (if they could unload his contract) with a legit Cy Young contender, and would at the same time be taking him away from our toughest division rival. Talk about a coup, and a perfect ending to an already amazing off-season....

 

Agreed wholeheartedly, especially your comment that we ought to be a $150M payroll team. This constant notion of penny pinching based on attendance has really had one result - less people attending Sox games. Acquiring Scherzer would change the entire dynamic of the outside perception of the Sox, the eternally cynical view of our fan base - including many in this forum - allow us to compete with those north side incompetents, and put us in the position to challenge for the pennant on an annual basis.

 

[Jose Abreu]

Agreed wholeheartedly, especially your comment that we ought to be a $150M payroll team. This constant notion of penny pinching based on attendance has really had one result - less people attending Sox games. Acquiring Scherzer would change the entire dynamic of the outside perception of the Sox, the eternally cynical view of our fan base - including many in this forum - allow us to compete with those north side incompetents, and put us in the position to challenge for the pennant on an annual basis.

I agree, Scherzer would have a gigantic impact on an already very improved team and fanbase. I know it's possible, but I don't think it will happen.

[witesoxfan]

If a $150 million payroll were realistic, the White Sox would have a $150 million payroll.

 

I think they could probably get away with a $110 million payroll this year, but that leaves very little wiggle room and I don't see the need to spend money just to spend money.

 

I also want nothing to do with either Scherzer or Shields 3 years from now, let alone 5 or 7.

[lvjeremylv]

If a $150 million payroll were realistic, the White Sox would have a $150 million payroll.

 

I think they could probably get away with a $110 million payroll this year, but that leaves very little wiggle room and I don't see the need to spend money just to spend money.

 

I also want nothing to do with either Scherzer or Shields 3 years from now, let alone 5 or 7.

http://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-b...dorf-net-worth/

 

http://www.thecatbirdseatblog.com/blog/201...rding-to-forbes

 

JR has plenty of money. And if they barely were in the red for 2013 after that dismal performance, you can bet 2014 was a profitable year. I didn't spend much time looking for the figures, but I'm sure they're out there. And like the article points out, that $2.7M loss in 2013 doesn't factor in money that was made from JR owning 40% of CSN Chicago.

 

Please stop with the "the team doesn't have any more money" crap. Pro teams have as much money as the owner is willing to spend. See: Miami Marlins. For years their owner has been a cheapskate, only to get a bug up his ass a handful of years and spend like a wild man. Being in the 3rd largest market in the country, just the TV revenues alone are huge. Add in merchandising, attendance, and you've got a profitable situation.

 

If JR really wants to get another WS and put even more asses in the seats at the Cell (oh yeah, more money for JR, when he sold naming rights to US Cellular), he'll go out and add a stud like Scherzer. Who knows how he'll be pitching in 2 years, let alone 6. But you have to take risks if you want to be perennial contenders in today's sports world.

[southsider2k5]

http://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-b...dorf-net-worth/

 

http://www.thecatbirdseatblog.com/blog/201...rding-to-forbes

 

JR has plenty of money. And if they barely were in the red for 2013 after that dismal performance, you can bet 2014 was a profitable year. I didn't spend much time looking for the figures, but I'm sure they're out there. And like the article points out, that $2.7M loss in 2013 doesn't factor in money that was made from JR owning 40% of CSN Chicago.

 

Please stop with the "the team doesn't have any more money" crap. Pro teams have as much money as the owner is willing to spend. See: Miami Marlins. For years their owner has been a cheapskate, only to get a bug up his ass a handful of years and spend like a wild man. Being in the 3rd largest market in the country, just the TV revenues alone are huge. Add in merchandising, attendance, and you've got a profitable situation.

 

If JR really wants to get another WS and put even more asses in the seats at the Cell (oh yeah, more money for JR, when he sold naming rights to US Cellular), he'll go out and add a stud like Scherzer. Who knows how he'll be pitching in 2 years, let alone 6. But you have to take risks if you want to be perennial contenders in today's sports world.

 

 

Finance 101 alert: Net worth is not equal to "money". JR's weath is largely made up of illiquid assets, not cash. If you have a million dollar house, it doesn't mean you have a million dollars to spend. The same applies here.

 

 

[Dick Allen]

Finance 101 alert: Net worth is not equal to "money". JR's weath is largely made up of illiquid assets, not cash. If you have a million dollar house, it doesn't mean you have a million dollars to spend. The same applies here.

Depending on how much his actual stake is in the White Sox and Bulls, (he said his White Sox stake was a lot larger than most think), I think he has a lot of cash. Those teams have been highly profitable. The Bulls print money. The White Sox have made money every year except one the past 13 years, and an article I read said the Forbes report about being $3 million in the red in 2013 included Abreu's $10 million signing bonus.

 

Several years ago, Barry Rozner had an article quoting a Bulls investor as being embarrassed by how much money they were making when the team really sucked and I believe set a record for losses in a 3 or 4 year stretch.

 

It is amazing how many people think JR is strapped for cash as he is gassing up his jet to fly to AZ.

 

But the fact is the White Sox are owned by a group that has plenty of net worth between them. They could handle taking a bit hit, but that doesn't mean it is the smart thing to do.

Edited January 5, 2015 by Dick Allen

[lasttriptotulsa]

Finance 101 alert: Net worth is not equal to "money". JR's weath is largely made up of illiquid assets, not cash. If you have a million dollar house, it doesn't mean you have a million dollars to spend. The same applies here.

 

This. He's also failing to realize to that JR only has a 15% or so ownership stake in the White Sox. If he overspends just to fulfill his wish of another World Series he is taking money out of the pockets of the others with ownership stakes and I don't think they would take kindly to having JR spend their money frivolously.

[southsider2k5]

Depending on how much his actual stake is in the White Sox and Bulls, (he said his White Sox stake was a lot larger than most think), I think he has a lot of cash. Those teams have been highly profitable. The Bulls print money. The White Sox have made money every year except one the past 13 years, and an article I read said the Forbes report about being $3 million in the red in 2013 included Abreu's $10 million signing bonus.

 

I have also read over and over again during the years that the ownership takes no money out of the franchise, and instead re-invests those funds.

[lvjeremylv]

Finance 101 alert: Net worth is not equal to "money". JR's weath is largely made up of illiquid assets, not cash. If you have a million dollar house, it doesn't mean you have a million dollars to spend. The same applies here.

I wonder if there's a way I can wire him some money, you know, so he can manage to eat a decent meal tonight? His portfolio is full of illiquid assets, and I feel guilty having all this liquid in my wallet.

 

= JR in his house right now cos he can't afford to turn the heat on.

 

[witesoxfan]

I agree, Scherzer would have a gigantic impact on an already very improved team and fanbase. I know it's possible, but I don't think it will happen.

 

I believe it is possible in the same sense that Hector Noesi could win the Cy Young this year; that it's an entirely plausible possibility because he pitches for a MLB team and is virtually assured of a spot in a starting rotation. What limits it's likelihood is the fact that Hector Noesi is not a very good starting pitcher.

 

Yes, Scherzer to the Sox is a possibility in that he is a good pitcher and he is a free agent. That he is going to cost an astronomical amount of money and will require a minimum of a 6 year deal and very likely a 7 year deal (or more) and that the Sox have never signed a pitcher to a contract that exorbitant in their history and likely won't for quite some time now makes it a virtual impossibility.

[lvjeremylv]

Depending on how much his actual stake is in the White Sox and Bulls, (he said his White Sox stake was a lot larger than most think), I think he has a lot of cash. Those teams have been highly profitable. The Bulls print money. The White Sox have made money every year except one the past 13 years, and an article I read said the Forbes report about being $3 million in the red in 2013 included Abreu's $10 million signing bonus.

 

Several years ago, Barry Rozner had an article quoting a Bulls investor as being embarrassed by how much money they were making when the team really sucked and I believe set a record for losses in a 3 or 4 year stretch.

 

It is amazing how many people think JR is strapped for cash as he is gassing up his jet to fly to AZ.

 

But the fact is the White Sox are owned by a group that has plenty of net worth between them. They could handle taking a bit hit, but that doesn't mean it is the smart thing to do.

LOL. Nah. He's broke. Poor guy.

[witesoxfan]

I wonder if there's a way I can wire him some money, you know, so he can manage to eat a decent meal tonight? His portfolio is full of illiquid assets, and I feel guilty having all this liquid in my wallet.

 

= JR in his house right now cos he can't afford to turn the heat on.

 

 

LOL. Nah. He's broke. Poor guy.

 

 

No need for this tone. No one is saying Reinsdorf or the White Sox are poor, but considering you don't have insight into books or the board for the Chicago White Sox, I'm going to venture to guess that their knowledge with which they are able to work is much better than yours. This isn't the same as "Mark Cuban owns the team, spend all the money!" There's a few more moving parts than that.