You may recall that I was on record (and still am) that I thought neither player is worth the $$$ it's going to take to sign. But for a number of reasons, if the Sox are indeed set on signing one of them, Machado is my choice. Cannot stand his smug attitude, but the man can definitely play ball.
I hope it all works out. Hahn will look like an assclown if Manny goes to Philly or NYY.
Sox need to make a splash. They drew roughly 20k per game last year, lowest number since 1999. Incrementally losing market share in Chicago as of late combined with a 100 loss 2018 means a facelift is needed ASAP. Having a 26 year old perennial all star would be refreshing. Plus, an all star vet needs to be in the mix with all the young dudes as the final piece
I think the Sox wish it was a slightly later window too. I think they believe, and rightly so in my opinion, that Machado is worth the odd timing to offer the most lucrative contract in team history. The report of Moustakas being a fallback is underwhelming to me and I hope false. I'd rather they not sign a guy if they miss out on Machado. Burger is coming back and Moncada needs to play there to make room for Madrigal, who is going to be a million times better than Moncada in my opinion. Lastly, I don't think Anderson should lose his starting SS spot even if they sign Machado. Anderson first Sox SS with a 20 HR, 20 SB season, which came last year.
Amen brotha
Agreed about Moustakis, altho I'd be ok with a one year signing, assuming of course they miss out on Machado. But my take has been all along to hold out and try to sign Arenado, who to me is the best of the bunch. Again tho, if we do indeed sign Machado, I immediately become his #1 fan. As was the saying for when the Bulls signed Dennis rodman back in the 90's, "He may be an asshole, but he's OUR asshole."
Hahaha....BINGO baby!!!
No way I let Arenado get to free agency if I'm CO.
Agreed, but that's a huge IF they can prevent him from testing the market. Much easier said than done.
If that's true, and I have no reason to suggest otherwise, then I'd be mildly shocked beyond belief that the Sox end of signing him. Well, unless that is they put in some kind of opt-out clause that would allow either party to bail say after 4 years or so.
I would think any contract Machado gets has one or even two opt outs depending on length. I don't believe Machado gets $325MM. He might top out at $300MM. Sox would look to defer and pad with incentive bonuses. I haven't seen any numbers for the new TV deal windfall for the team, but hopefully it's enough to make Jerry offer something competitive. They don't need to offer more than Philly, just as much or even maybe $5 or so MM less since the Sox have practically signed everyone other than his auto mechanic.
Sox fans have always embraced newcomers and stay loyal to them until they are no longer playing for the Sox - even the ones with less-than-great reputations. So I agree, Manny would get far and away the loudest ovation the first time he steps to the plate as a member of this ballclub. And he would immediately become the team's star.
