The Chicago White Sox '21-'22 offseason

[Mingo]

Semien makes a lot of sense in the rational world - not determined by Uncle Jerry's attachment to his money. Signing Semien will fire up the fan base - make the Sox a credible threat for a championship and it is the one thing the team can do to put Madrigal's trade behind them.

As for Semien - it also makes sense in that he can be convinced he will be the missing piece to a championship and a prominent spot for commercial sucess.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

Semien makes a lot of sense in the rational world - not determined by Uncle Jerry's attachment to his money. Signing Semien will fire up the fan base - make the Sox a credible threat for a championship and it is the one thing the team can do to put Madrigal's trade behind them.

As for Semien - it also makes sense in that he can be convinced he will be the missing piece to a championship and a prominent spot for commercial sucess.

Well there's no doubt he'd be the prize get for this team, but like you I question Jerry's willingness to throw major coin at him. Maybe Hahn and Co can get a bit creative, but I'm not banking on this happening. Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst!!

 

[idseer]

Semien makes a lot of sense in the rational world - not determined by Uncle Jerry's attachment to his money. Signing Semien will fire up the fan base - make the Sox a credible threat for a championship and it is the one thing the team can do to put Madrigal's trade behind them.

As for Semien - it also makes sense in that he can be convinced he will be the missing piece to a championship and a prominent spot for commercial sucess.

just curious. why do you call him uncle jerry? in my mind 'uncle' is a term of respect. do you like reinsdork?

 

[Mingo]

Well there's no doubt he'd be the prize get for this team, but like you I question Jerry's willingness to throw major coin at him. Maybe Hahn and Co can get a bit creative, but I'm not banking on this happening. Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst!!

Semien was a 7 WAR player - brings the Defense and 30-40 Hrs - and can also spell Anderson at SS. He's worth $25 million a year in today's market place. Uncle Jerry just needs to understand the value of that investment. I was sorry to see Semien become a Scott Boras client - though.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

Semien was a 7 WAR player - brings the Defense and 30-40 Hrs - and can also spell Anderson at SS. He's worth $25 million a year in today's market place. Uncle Jerry just needs to understand the value of that investment. I was sorry to see Semien become a Scott Boras client - though.

You're preaching to the choir my brutha. I gots no problems with paying him, even overpaying a bit. His addition would be huge. Unleash the wallet Jerry!!!!

 

[idseer]

just curious. why do you call him uncle jerry? in my mind 'uncle' is a term of respect. do you like reinsdork?

i see.

 

[Mingo]

Some good news about Norge Vera in the Athletic.

He is being tutored and mentored by Jose Contreras. Contreras reports that 'Vera is listed as 6'4" - 185 lbs - but is currently in his age 21 year - 6'6" - 210 lbs now. In the Dominican League he faced 55 batters - struck out 27 - and had a zero earned run average..

Vera is now arrived in the US - and living at Jose Contreras' place. Contreras - says Vera' fast ball averages 97mph - and can tick up to 101mph. He also has a curve ball, change up, cutter, slider and forkball.

I'd say Joe Contreras is the Cuban Satchel Paige. It is great to have him getting the kid ready for a White Sox career.

 

[Mingo]

I have now come to the conclusion that based on past White Sox front office decision making - the Sox will make a run for Semien (but not enough to win) and sign Edurado Escobar for 2nd base duties. TLR will play him around the diamond - at his will -like he loves to do with Leury Garcia. Escobar would be a shorter commitment and smaller investment - but would allow the Sox to develop some promising middle infield prospects - in the system - who are logically two years away from being counted on in the bigs.

On another matter - someone needs to tell Abreu - that he will be spending an increasingly higher percentage of DH at bats than he has in the past. Jose almost killed himself last season - in physically impactful plays - not to mention being plunked all the time. He can still be the emotional center and leader of the team as a DH. Baines ought to be able to explain that to him.

 

[msgkings322]

I don’t think Sox fans should expect big improvements, if any at all, to the roster. I honestly doubt payroll increases. I would not be surprised to see payroll decrease. It’s a shame so much money is tied up in n Keuchel and Grandal.

Grandal is worth it. Keuchel obviously not

 

[Mingo]

Since Keuchel is the only lefty starter - cross fingers and hope he comes back to his even numbered year form. I believe Keuchel's spin rate and pitch speed were normal last season - so his problem last season was accuracy. He also may have had more problems adjusting to Grandhal over McCann has his catcher. Pitchers - lefty's in particular - are sensitive people.

Since MLB - has proposed shrinking the non-taxable dollars in team salaries from $212 million to $180 million - I don't think the Sox will be spending until that is resolved. I think the Sox are at $160 million in commitments to salary. Figuring a trade for Kimbrel for some bullpen pitchers who can be reasonably relied upon - seems like the thing easiest to accomplish now.

I do think Uncle Jerry will spend enough money to at least make the claim - the club improved itself. He has ego invested in making TLR a success - even if it is just an illusion - some fairy dust needs to be sprinkled toward action to improve the club. That's how you sell tickets in the early part of the season - when you want for exceed 2 million fans at the ball park. The other factor is Jerry's got to make something happen within the next three year window -with the core players.

If I was running the FO of the Chicago White Sox I'd be worried about the potential for ridicule if Madrigal plays up to his ability as a Cub and the Sox go into the season with 2nd base as a glaring hole. The guy that makes the most sense here is Eduardo Escobar. He is position versatile - hits 25-30 reliable HRs - and is old enough he wouldn't stack up the Sox middle infield prospects who are doing well in the minors.

Abreu has just one year left on his contract. Gavin Sheets ought to be getting more reps at 1st base and Abreu needs to save his body some abuse and DH more often this season. If it were me presented with the current state of the roster - I would pencil Vaughn in at RF for the majority of his starts there. Vaughn had a monster July at the plate - and as the league adjusted to him - he sunk into a slump. Vaughn has an unusual drive to succeed - so he is adjusting back to how they pitched him at the end of the season. The most impressive thing I saw out of Vaughn last year - was his willingness to play fielder all around the diamond.

I haven't seen anything of replacing the strength and conditioning staff since they fired the last group. I imagine that is going on in the background -because the players will probably be locked out on 12/1. The Sox should be dispensing individual workouts for off season players - to gain some control over the lock out period.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

Since Keuchel is the only lefty starter - cross fingers and hope he comes back to his even numbered year form. I believe Keuchel's spin rate and pitch speed were normal last season - so his problem last season was accuracy. He also may have had more problems adjusting to Grandhal over McCann has his catcher. Pitchers - lefty's in particular - are sensitive people.

Since MLB - has proposed shrinking the non-taxable dollars in team salaries from $212 million to $180 million - I don't think the Sox will be spending until that is resolved. I think the Sox are at $160 million in commitments to salary. Figuring a trade for Kimbrel for some bullpen pitchers who can be reasonably relied upon - seems like the thing easiest to accomplish now.

I do think Uncle Jerry will spend enough money to at least make the claim - the club improved itself. He has ego invested in making TLR a success - even if it is just an illusion - some fairy dust needs to be sprinkled toward action to improve the club. That's how you sell tickets in the early part of the season - when you want for exceed 2 million fans at the ball park. The other factor is Jerry's got to make something happen within the next three year window -with the core players.

If I was running the FO of the Chicago White Sox I'd be worried about the potential for ridicule if Madrigal plays up to his ability as a Cub and the Sox go into the season with 2nd base as a glaring hole. The guy that makes the most sense here is Eduardo Escobar. He is position versatile - hits 25-30 reliable HRs - and is old enough he wouldn't stack up the Sox middle infield prospects who are doing well in the minors.

Abreu has just one year left on his contract. Gavin Sheets ought to be getting more reps at 1st base and Abreu needs to save his body some abuse and DH more often this season. If it were me presented with the current state of the roster - I would pencil Vaughn in at RF for the majority of his starts there. Vaughn had a monster July at the plate - and as the league adjusted to him - he sunk into a slump. Vaughn has an unusual drive to succeed - so he is adjusting back to how they pitched him at the end of the season. The most impressive thing I saw out of Vaughn last year - was his willingness to play fielder all around the diamond.

I haven't seen anything of replacing the strength and conditioning staff since they fired the last group. I imagine that is going on in the background -because the players will probably be locked out on 12/1. The Sox should be dispensing individual workouts for off season players - to gain some control over the lock out period.

I both like and dislike your analysis here. I like it because it's based on a ton of common sense and potentially accurate projections, especially considering how the Sox tend to go about their business. I dislike it because there's nothing to get excited about in this analysis. Maybe, MAYBE we go after Eduardo Escobar for the 2 bag, an average hitter with some power and ability to drive in runs, yet just an average defensive player who brings some versatility to the infield. Now, if he brings a 2019-like season with him to the Sox, he'd definitely be a major plus over the players we had manning 2b this past season. Actually, it won't take all that much to improve the position, at least offensively. But he wouldn't generate 1/10th of the excitement that signing Marcus Semien would produce. And if Madrigal goes on to have the kind of season and career we suspect he'll have, we'll need that electricity to help us forget that it may end up listed as one of the dumbest trades in recent Sox history.

Now Mingo, if you think I'm being overly critical of your take, it's because it's pretty much the same attitude that I've had and have stated such in similar posts. So if I don't like your take, then I don't like mine either. I think we both agree it's becoming more apparent that any type of dramatic signing ala Semien or one of a similar ilk seems to be more pie in the sky with each passing day. Have to say it concerns me at this point in time that the Sox, especially with Hahn running the show, generally strike early in the offseason and any kind of splashy move gets made early. So far there have been nothing but crickets. In fairness, some of this lack of action may be due to the looming battle brewing with the players and owners, some of it may be that Hahn could indeed be working his toosh off behind the scenes, and simply doesn't have anything yet concrete to show for it. Guess this is the glass-half-full 'tude I'm struggling to maintain.

 

[Mingo]

I both like and dislike your analysis here. I like it because it's based on a ton of common sense and potentially accurate projections, especially considering how the Sox tend to go about their business. I dislike it because there's nothing to get excited about in this analysis. Maybe, MAYBE we go after Eduardo Escobar for the 2 bag, an average hitter with some power and ability to drive in runs, yet just an average defensive player who brings some versatility to the infield. Now, if he brings a 2019-like season with him to the Sox, he'd definitely be a major plus over the players we had manning 2b this past season. Actually, it won't take all that much to improve the position, at least offensively. But he wouldn't generate 1/10th of the excitement that signing Marcus Semien would produce. And if Madrigal goes on to have the kind of season and career we suspect he'll have, we'll need that electricity to help us forget that it may end up listed as one of the dumbest trades in recent Sox history.

Now Mingo, if you think I'm being overly critical of your take, it's because it's pretty much the same attitude that I've had and have stated such in similar posts. So if I don't like your take, then I don't like mine either. I think we both agree it's becoming more apparent that any type of dramatic signing ala Semien or one of a similar ilk seems to be more pie in the sky with each passing day. Have to say it concerns me at this point in time that the Sox, especially with Hahn running the show, generally strike early in the offseason and any kind of splashy move gets made early. So far there have been nothing but crickets. In fairness, some of this lack of action may be due to the looming battle brewing with the players and owners, some of it may be that Hahn could indeed be working his toosh off behind the scenes, and simply doesn't have anything yet concrete to show for it. Guess this is the glass-half-full 'tude I'm struggling to maintain.

Sometimes I predict what I think the Sox will do and sometimes I post what I'd like them to do.

I did see the other day that Nightingale Tweeted that the sox were ready to make at least one big investment prior to the season. The Sox seem to speak through him sometimes.

Also - I will note the Sox added two guys to the 40 man - bringing that roster to 35 players. The Sox are either leaving room for some player acquisition or some minor league contracts for MLB guys on the fringe for whatever reason.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

Sometimes I predict what I think the Sox will do and sometimes I post what I'd like them to do.

I did see the other day that Nightingale Tweeted that the sox were ready to make at least one big investment prior to the season. The Sox seem to speak through him sometimes.

Also - I will note the Sox added two guys to the 40 man - bringing that roster to 35 players. The Sox are either leaving room for some player acquisition or some minor league contracts for MLB guys on the fringe for whatever reason.

I highlighted the first sentence because that's how I roll as well. Like you, I try to balance what I want vs what I expect, what I hope for vs the reality of it all.

And that hope part lies with your 2nd sentence regarding Nightengale. I truly hope they're working behind the scenes on a big signing or other type of important transaction. Guess we'll just have to wait and see.

 

[idseer]

I highlighted the first sentence because that's how I roll as well. Like you, I try to balance what I want vs what I expect, what I hope for vs the reality of it all.

And that hope part lies with your 2nd sentence regarding Nightengale. I truly hope they're working behind the scenes on a big signing or other type of important transaction. Guess we'll just have to wait and see.

jeez ... get a room!

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

Looks like the Sox are at least getting the ball rollin':

MLB Free Agency: White Sox set to sign Kendall Graveman

The Sox are set to sign Astros free agent Kendall Graveman, one of the top relievers on this offseason's market.

sports.yahoo.com

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

Something went wacky after I pasted the link, it wouldn't let me continue below it. Anyway, I like this signing, but even more so and as the article suggests, it would appear that Kimbrel might be on the trading block. I can't see otherwise why we'd make this transaction.

 

[Bearsfan81]

I like the Graveman signing. I don’t know how they get any value for Kimbrel at this point. There is no chance they keep him to pitch the 6th/7th innings - what leverage will they have with opposing GM’s?

 

[Mingo]

I don't think it would be difficult to trade Kimbrell - the Phillies and the Padres have desperate needs in a thin market. I don't expect blockbuster returns, but "useful" would be the goal.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

I like the Graveman signing. I don’t know how they get any value for Kimbrel at this point. There is no chance they keep him to pitch the 6th/7th innings - what leverage will they have with opposing GM’s?

I don't think it would be difficult to trade Kimbrell - the Phillies and the Padres have desperate needs in a thin market. I don't expect blockbuster returns, but "useful" would be the goal.

I'm guessing the more we're willing to (a) cover some of Kimbrel's salary, or (b) accept lower level prospects, or (c) a combination thereof, the easier it will be to find a trading partner. At this point I'm thinking Philly, but there are obviously other clubs who are in need of closer help.

 

[Mingo]

I'm guessing the more we're willing to (a) cover some of Kimbrel's salary, or (b) accept lower-level prospects, or (c) a combination thereof, the easier it will be to find a trading partner. At this point I'm thinking Philly, but there are obviously other clubs who are in need of closer help.

If trading Kimbrell is the "open secret" of the White Sox off season, then I would think Hohn already has a minimum deal on the table for a trade. A signing like Graveman puts in place - prior to the trade - the infrastructure of a new bullpen. So, the Graveman signing is a preparation for the Sox trading Kimbrell. Graveman - effectively takes the Kimbrell pitching slot - final setup guy for the closer.

Both the Phillies and the Padres are teams very close to WS contenders and have been willing to spend big to get there and both could use the 2021 first half season of Kimbrell as their closer. IMO - this deal will get done prior to the Dec. 1st lockout. That move could give the fan base the sense of some movement to improvement that helps sell season tickets in a shortened season.