Plan B: SS and RHP?

[blackmooncreeping]

Time will tell if the Sox are indeed moving to the back of the room when it comes to Gordon/Cespedes/Upton. While I'm not ready to throw in the towel on one of these guys quite yet, if we are out of the mix do the Sox quickly pivot to finding an answer at SS or a starting RHP? Who would you target out there if that's the case? There was some buzz earlier on Segura from Milwaukee as a younger SS option, is there a fit there? Any way we can flip Danks or Laroche to the Brewers somehow in the process? Just spitballing here...

[CWSpalehoseCWS]

Time will tell if the Sox are indeed moving to the back of the room when it comes to Gordon/Cespedes/Upton. While I'm not ready to throw in the towel on one of these guys quite yet, if we are out of the mix do the Sox quickly pivot to finding an answer at SS or a starting RHP? Who would you target out there if that's the case? There was some buzz earlier on Segura from Milwaukee as a younger SS option, is there a fit there? Any way we can flip Danks or Laroche to the Brewers somehow in the process? Just spitballing here...

 

I really hope the Sox stay FAR away from Segura. Going after him doesn't make any sense, especially if the Sox are as high on Anderson as they appear to be. They need a stopgap at SS for 1-2 years until Anderson proves he's ready. If anything they'd be better off bringing back Ramirez rather than trading more talent for Segura - who hasn't been the same player since he lost his son two years ago. I'm perfectly content with Saladino at SS next season with some of the offseason additions the team has made.

[BlackSox13]

IMHO. Stick with Saladino at SS, look to sign one of E.Jackson/G.Floyd/B.Beachy for depth and look into the numerous OF trade candidates that are available. Maybe with so many outfielders available the cost in prospects could be B level or lower depending on the player sought in the trade. I'm sure Hahn has plenty of ideas and discussions with other teams for fall-back options.

[blackmooncreeping]

I really hope the Sox stay FAR away from Segura. Going after him doesn't make any sense, especially if the Sox are as high on Anderson as they appear to be. They need a stopgap at SS for 1-2 years until Anderson proves he's ready. If anything they'd be better off bringing back Ramirez rather than trading more talent for Segura - who hasn't been the same player since he lost his son two years ago. I'm perfectly content with Saladino at SS next season with some of the offseason additions the team has made.

Ok, if not Segura, any other players come to mind to play SS? I'm not super familiar with who may or may not be available SS-wise. I love Saladino's glove but and not sold that he can hit as a starter--he seemed to tail off dramatically the last part of the year. Especially if we don't end up with a big bat from Gordon/Upton/Cespedes, Salad's weak hitting will potentially stand out even more.

[GGajewski18]

My number 1 pitching target is Edwin Jackson. He'll be extremely cheap because he's still getting paid by the Cubs.

 

If we sign Cespedes/Gordon/Upton, then I think they bring back Alexei on a 1 year/4-6 million deal.

 

Bench would consist of Saldino, Sanchez, Shuck and one of the catchers. Move Avi to AAA for everyday at bats or trade him for more pitching depth.

[CWSpalehoseCWS]

Ok, if not Segura, any other players come to mind to play SS? I'm not super familiar with who may or may not be available SS-wise. I love Saladino's glove but and not sold that he can hit as a starter--he seemed to tail off dramatically the last part of the year. Especially if we don't end up with a big bat from Gordon/Upton/Cespedes, Salad's weak hitting will potentially stand out even more.

 

The only player in FA SS other than Ramirez is Desmond who is going to cost a draft pick. Not worth it IMO. Saladino's 2016 projections are not that far off from what Ramirez did last year. I would much rather see the Sox go with the internal option and allocate their resources towards other positions. I think with the additions of Frazier, Lawrie, and Avila/Navarro to Sox will be ok with Saladino in the 9 spot. The lineup is already 100x better than last year. Adding a big OF bat will only make it stronger.

[blackmooncreeping]

My number 1 pitching target is Edwin Jackson. He'll be extremely cheap because he's still getting paid by the Cubs.

 

If we sign Cespedes/Gordon/Upton, then I think they bring back Alexei on a 1 year/4-6 million deal.

 

Bench would consist of Saldino, Sanchez, Shuck and one of the catchers. Move Avi to AAA for everyday at bats or trade him for more pitching depth.

That bench has no pop at all though. I'd rather start Saladino at SS and use that bench spot for someone who's got some pop if possible.

 

I'd love to bring in Edwin Jackson, who has swingman ability as far as starting or long relief. Plus it would be sweet for him to have a good year for us while the Cubs were still paying him

[blackmooncreeping]

The only player in FA SS other than Ramirez is Desmond who is going to cost a draft pick. Not worth it IMO. Saladino's 2016 projections are not that far off from what Ramirez did last year. I would much rather see the Sox go with the internal option and allocate their resources towards other positions. I think with the additions of Frazier, Lawrie, and Avila/Navarro to Sox will be ok with Saladino in the 9 spot. The lineup is already 100x better than last year. Adding a big OF bat will only make it stronger.

I agree, def don't want to give up a pick for Desmond. Or Fowler for that matter.

[BlackSox13]

That bench has no pop at all though. I'd rather start Saladino at SS and use that bench spot for someone who's got some pop if possible.

 

I'd love to bring in Edwin Jackson, who has swingman ability as far as starting or long relief. Plus it would be sweet for him to have a good year for us while the Cubs were still paying him

Definitely like the idea of Jackson. Also like the idea of Saladino starting at SS with a bench of Catcher, Sanchez, Shuck and Sands (provides some pop).

 

Another idea could be, let's say the Sox signed Upton. Upton to RF, Avi to LF, Melky to DH and LaRoche on the bench with Sands to give the bench pop from both sides of the plate late in games. LaRoche also provides an option of late inning defensive replacement at 1B.

[MDWhiteSoxFan]

I would love Edwin Jackson back. If I remember correctly his numbers were pretty good here in his short service with us. I've always been a fan of him.

[blackmooncreeping]

Another idea could be, let's say the Sox signed Upton. Upton to RF, Avi to LF, Melky to DH and LaRoche on the bench with Sands to give the bench pop from both sides of the plate late in games. LaRoche also provides an option of late inning defensive replacement at 1B.

 

I like this idea, whether it's Upton or Cespedes in theory that could work.

[BlackSox13]

I like this idea, whether it's Upton or Cespedes in theory that could work.

The only thing about Cespedes is that he has never played RF in the majors. Not sure how that would play out to be honest. He definitely has the arm.

[blackmooncreeping]

The only thing about Cespedes is that he has never played RF in the majors. Not sure how that would play out to be honest. He definitely has the arm.

Would you rather have Cespedes in left and Melky in right?

 

Or Cespedes in right (never played there, but clearly the more athletic of him/Melky) and Melky in left?

 

Tough call imo, right field is typically harder to play but Cespedes might not be as comfortable there. Melky will play either corner below average so exactly how much harder is right field than left? What hurts you less in the long run? Melky clearly has the gun for either.

[BlackSox13]

Would you rather have Cespedes in left and Melky in right?

 

Or Cespedes in right (never played there, but clearly the more athletic of him/Melky) and Melky in left?

 

Tough call imo, right field is typically harder to play but Cespedes might not be as comfortable there. Melky will play either corner below average so exactly how much harder is right field than left? What hurts you less in the long run? Melky clearly has the gun for either.

I definitely don't like the idea of Melky in RF, shoot, I don't like the idea of Melky in LF!

 

I see what you're saying though and if I had to choose it would be Cespedes in RF. However, let's just make this easier by signing Upton.

[Baron]

Time will tell if the Sox are indeed moving to the back of the room when it comes to Gordon/Cespedes/Upton. While I'm not ready to throw in the towel on one of these guys quite yet, if we are out of the mix do the Sox quickly pivot to finding an answer at SS or a starting RHP? Who would you target out there if that's the case? There was some buzz earlier on Segura from Milwaukee as a younger SS option, is there a fit there? Any way we can flip Danks or Laroche to the Brewers somehow in the process? Just spitballing here...

 

That "buzz" was from another person who tried to jump the gun on an OF signing. I'd take any names in that regard with a grain of salt. Although the longer he's out there...Desmond may become intriguing atleast on the financial side of things.

Edited January 2, 2016 by Baron

[blackmooncreeping]

I definitely don't like the idea of Melky in RF, shoot, I don't like the idea of Melky in LF!

 

I see what you're saying though and if I had to choose it would be Cespedes in RF. However, let's just make this easier by signing Upton.

I've been all over the place on all 3 of these guys, and now see the Upton fit more clearly. Like most have said already, I'm happy if we are able to bring in any of them, and will deal with their individual weak spots with a smile on my face.

[blackmooncreeping]

That "buzz" was from another person who tried to jump the gun on an OF signing. I'd take any names in that regard with a grain of salt. Although the longer he's out there...Desmond may become intriguing atleast on the financial side of things.

I would be beyond surprised if they would be willing to give up a pick for Desmond.

[Baron]

I would be beyond surprised if they would be willing to give up a pick for Desmond.

If they sign an OFer I wouldnt mind them doing it. It's just if they dont where it gets harder to swallow.

[Bob Sacamano]

I like the Edwin Jackson idea. Would only cost league minimum.

Edited January 2, 2016 by soxfan2014

[SoCalSox]

If they sign an OFer I wouldnt mind them doing it. It's just if they dont where it gets harder to swallow.

 

I'd rather see them re-sign Alexei for another year or two & get a guy like Latos to fill out the rotation.

[GreenSox]

A SS isn't a plan B. No SS will provide much offense. While I have no problem with Segura at a Segura value (i.e. basically zilch) wanting him or Alexei over Saladino is simply wanting a veteran for the sake of a veteran.

This org. has had more than enough of Alexei.

 

They should probably try to find a relief pitcher anyway. I figured they'd sign up Albers for another year.

Edited January 2, 2016 by GreenSox

[striker]

I don't know why everyone sells Desmond so short. His down year was Cespedes's average year before 2015. He plays a premium position and could move to 3b, 2b, or the OF later.

[Dick Allen]

I don't understand this Desmond as a Zobrist type player. Why would he be competent at all these other positions without playing them, and if he can't get paid the money he is looking for as a SS, wouldn't playing another position just make his bat less valuable?

[BlackSox13]

I don't know why everyone sells Desmond so short. His down year was Cespedes's average year before 2015. He plays a premium position and could move to 3b, 2b, or the OF later.

His OPS has need sliding downward for three straight years, comp pick attached, Frazier at 3B and Lawrie at 2B for the next two years, the Sox outfield is already crowded while they seek to sign a free agent outfielder and the Sox do not want to block the SS position from Tim Anderson. There's just too many reasons as to why the Sox should not bother with Desmond.