Alex Gordon Thread

[Buehrle>Wood]

Which is why I don't think they'll keep 2 OF'ers, especially someone like Avi who can't play all 3 positions.

 

Seems more likely to go Shuck, Sanchez, C, & L. Garcia/Utility type player.

 

I think it's safe to say that if they add an OF'er, one of Avi/LaRoche won't be on the roster opening day. Avi still has an option, which makes me think he's the one who won't be there.

When Lawrie, Frazier and Saladino can all play a good 3b, there's no real reason for another utility player. A platoon with Laroche and PH off the bench for saladino/catcher would be way more valuable.

[SoCalSox]

The Sox signing 3 of the most expensive FA outfielders in the market is not even worth the thought. It isnt just unlikely to happen it is for sure not going to happen and pretty ridiculous to ponder as a possibility. IMHO.

 

I think you misread my post, my friend.

 

Never once did I say they should sign 3 OF'ers. I said one of Cespedes or Upton, unload LaRoche & go for Parra.

[bmags]

The Sox signing 3 of the most expensive FA outfielders in the market is not even worth the thought. It isnt just unlikely to happen it is for sure not going to happen and pretty ridiculous to ponder as a possibility. IMHO.

[Bob Sacamano]

I know they said no once, but once the Pirates sign a mid-tier pitcher (linked to Kazmir earlier in offseason and have moved some money around since), maybe offer them the same deal again just in case they decide they have a little extra room for a defensive first first baseman who can hit in the 6 or 7 spot in that lineup.

[SoCalSox]

When Lawrie, Frazier and Saladino can all play a good 3b, there's no real reason for another utility player. A platoon with Laroche and PH off the bench for saladino/catcher would be way more valuable.

 

Shuck playing LF/CF & having Melky move to DH isn't particularly bad, either.

 

Maybe I'm wrong but I can't see them carrying 5 bench guys or two OF'ers.

 

Navarro may see some time at DH as well.

[lasttriptotulsa]

The Sox signing 3 of the most expensive FA outfielders in the market is not even worth the thought. It isnt just unlikely to happen it is for sure not going to happen and pretty ridiculous to ponder as a possibility. IMHO.

 

I'm fairly confident he meant Upton OR Cespedes signed along with Parra so it would be just signing two instead of three. Still unlikely to happen.

[lasttriptotulsa]

Shuck playing LF/CF & having Melky move to DH isn't particularly bad, either.

 

Maybe I'm wrong but I can't see them carrying 5 bench guys or two OF'ers.

 

Navarro may see some time at DH as well.

 

As dumb as I think it is, teams generally do not like having both catchers playing in the same game. If Navarro is DH'ing and Avila goes down for some reason (which seems to happen a lot with him) then all of the sudden our pitcher is batting the rest of the game.

[SoCalSox]

I'm fairly confident he meant Upton OR Cespedes signed along with Parra so it would be just signing two instead of three. Still unlikely to happen.

 

Exactly what I meant. I also said, I know it's not likely that they'd sign one of the top guys, trade LaRoche & get Parra. Just saying, that's what I would like to see them do.

[SoCalSox]

As dumb as I think it is, teams generally do not like having both catchers playing in the same game. If Navarro is DH'ing and Avila goes down for some reason (which seems to happen a lot with him) then all of the sudden our pitcher is batting the rest of the game.

 

That is a good point.

 

Could also see Avila have time at 1B & let either Abreu or LaRoche get the day off. They have multiple options, IMO. Enough to not have to have Avi on the roster if he's not starting. Who knows, though. I'm sure they make a few more moves soon that could provide clarity to it all.

[Frank_Thomas]

Man is this dragging. I really hope if we don't have a conclusion by Xmas this doesn't drag into the New Year. While I never thought when the offseason began that any of these guys would still be available at Christmas time. Mostly because I thought most of them would have be signed at or a few days after the winter meetings. I don't think any of the big three want to be the first one to sign, because then they set the market. I think once one signs we see the rest sign in pretty rapid succession.

 

I have no clue what the price is on these guys but In the MLBTR chat the guy suggested Cespedes would get between 5-6/$130-150 mil, Upton about the same, and Gordon 5/$100-105 mil. I don't think any of them get that much cashoola. But even if it was a little less money that's a significant contract for the White Sox I don't know if that happens. I didn't buy much into shedding payroll to add one of the big 3 but if that's what it will take, I am pretty sure we will have to clear some payroll.

Edited December 23, 2015 by Frank_Thomas35

[Balta1701]

I know they said no once, but once the Pirates sign a mid-tier pitcher (linked to Kazmir earlier in offseason and have moved some money around since), maybe offer them the same deal again just in case they decide they have a little extra room for a defensive first first baseman who can hit in the 6 or 7 spot in that lineup.

They're still not picking up money unless you include a prospect or player worth that money. If you want the Pirates to pick up $5 million you have to give the Pirates a player worth $5 million.

[lasttriptotulsa]

They're still not picking up money unless you include a prospect or player worth that money. If you want the Pirates to pick up $5 million you have to give the Pirates a player worth $5 million.

 

I don't think that's necessarily true. While LaRoche doesn't have a ton of value, if he were a free agent he would get signed by someone. So the prospect you would have to give up would just have to be worth the difference between what you would be willing to sign LaRoche for on the open market and the amount of money you are picking up in the trade.

[Whisox05]

http://www.writesox.com/2015/12/white-sox-...rumors.html?m=1

[Lillian]

It is pretty unlikely that they will keep Avi on the Major League club, just to face LHP, as a platoon with La Roche. Management would more likely send him to AAA, where he can get playing time. If they only acquire one of the big 3 outfielders, Shuck probably stays, as the 4TH.

[Buehrle>Wood]

It is pretty unlikely that they will keep Avi on the Major League club, just to face LHP, as a platoon with La Roche. Management would more likely send him to AAA, where he can get playing time. If they only acquire one of the big 3 outfielders, Shuck probably stays, as the 4TH.

There's no reason to develop Avi. He is what he is. Take advantage of the few strengths he has and get whatever value you can out of him. Have him on as 5th of and platoon partner does that, and he still gets plenty of at bats.

[Chisoxfn]

It is pretty unlikely that they will keep Avi on the Major League club, just to face LHP, as a platoon with La Roche. Management would more likely send him to AAA, where he can get playing time. If they only acquire one of the big 3 outfielders, Shuck probably stays, as the 4TH.

Why is that? LaRoche can't hit lefties and Avi can hit righties. You also have Melky and other guys and need to give them rest. Why wouldn't we carry 5 outfielders? Especially when you are going to have a super sub like Sanchez on the bench?

[Knackattack]

Why is that? LaRoche can't hit lefties and Avi can hit righties. You also have Melky and other guys and need to give them rest. Why wouldn't we carry 5 outfielders? Especially when you are going to have a super sub like Sanchez on the bench?

Sanchez has the arm for like 1 position in the infield.. 2b.

[Lillian]

There's no reason to develop Avi. He is what he is. Take advantage of the few strengths he has and get whatever value you can out of him. Have him on as 5th of and platoon partner does that, and he still gets plenty of at bats.

 

I don't think that the front office has given up on Avi yet, and they would be justified in holding out a little more hope. After all, last year was his first full year

in the Big Leagues. He was actually pretty good, for the first two months of the season. Given his low trade value, I think that they'll exercise some patience.

However, if you're right about it not being realistic to count on any significant production from him, at this point, he would be better served playing everyday at AAA, than taking up a roster spot on the Major League team, just to face a few lefties.

[Lillian]

Sanchez has the arm for like 1 position in the infield.. 2b.

 

That is actually a good point. I'd prefer to use L. Garcia as a bench player. He is also a switch hitter, and can play SS, 2ND and CF.

As is the case with Avi, I would rather see Sanchez playing everyday at AAA, than sitting on the bench. After all, he is even younger than Avi.

With Lawrie at 2ND, Carlos is not going to get very much playing time.

[lasttriptotulsa]

That is actually a good point. I'd prefer to use L. Garcia as a bench player. He is also a switch hitter, and can play SS, 2ND and CF.

As is the case with Avi, I would rather see Sanchez playing everyday at AAA, than sitting on the bench. After all, he is even younger than Avi.

With Lawrie at 2ND, Carlos is not going to get very much playing time.

 

Sanchez's arm is fine as a SS sub. With Saladino and Lawrie's abilities to switch over and play third that would give Sanchez time to fill in for any one of Lawrie, Frazier or Saladino.

[Chicago White Sox]

That is actually a good point. I'd prefer to use L. Garcia as a bench player. He is also a switch hitter, and can play SS, 2ND and CF.

As is the case with Avi, I would rather see Sanchez playing everyday at AAA, than sitting on the bench. After all, he is even younger than Avi.

With Lawrie at 2ND, Carlos is not going to get very much playing time.

Luery Garcia is a horrible offensive player and an overrated defender. I want him nowhere near the Sox next year.

 

Sanchez is a perfect reserve infielder and that's what he's going to be in 2016 & long-term. I'm not sure why people think he can't play 3B & even SS occasionally. His arm may not be ideal, but it's good enough for a backup role. And he played both of these positions in the minors to some extent. In fact, he played a lot of 3B when he first came stateside. There's nothing more for him to accomplish in AAA, so he might as well start to adjusting to his likely major league role.

[Lillian]

Sanchez's arm is fine as a SS sub. With Saladino and Lawrie's abilities to switch over and play third that would give Sanchez time to fill in for any one of Lawrie, Frazier or Saladino.

 

I understood that Carlos' arm does not play well, at short. Perhaps, I missed something. Where have you seen scouting reports that suggest that he has the arm to play short? Watching him, last season, it didn't appear to me, as though he would be able to make that throw from the hole.

[lasttriptotulsa]

I understood that Carlos' arm does not play well, at short. Perhaps, I missed something. Where have you seen scouting reports that suggest that he has the arm to play short? Watching him, last season, it didn't appear to me, as though he would be able to make that throw from the hole.

 

He played nearly 200 games at SS in the minors. He'd be fine to play there once or twice a week as a substitute for Saladino when he needs a rest. The rest of Sanchez's appearances will be filling in for Lawrie or Frazier. When filling in for Frazier, Sanchez would play second with Lawrie shifting over to third.

[ChiSoxFanMike]

If Shuck stays and Avi/LaRoche are platooned, what would the rest of the bench be? I just can't see the Sox carrying 5 outfielders assuming that they sign one of the big guns.

[Y2Jimmy0]

If they sign one of these OF's, Shuck doesn't really have a spot. They need a RH hitting OF that can push Melky to DH vs LHP.