The '20-'21 White Sox offseason

[Lake Shore Drive]

This is from a story segment regarding the latest rumors from the MLB website. Not sure of its accuracy or if the story has any real legs, but it's at least worth noting:

Source: Hendriks to sign with White Sox

Liam Hendriks has transformed himself into one of the very best relievers in baseball the past two years, featuring a 1.79 ERA, a 0.90 WHIP, a 13.1 K/9 rate and 39 saves in 99 appearances across 2019-20. Combine that with a six-season run of being relatively durable -- outside of

www.mlb.com

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Report: White Sox emerge as Hendriks' "primary suitor"

Dec. 14: A large group of teams are at least checking in on Hendriks as this offseason's top reliever, ESPN's Jeff Passan writes in his Monday column (subscription required), but the White Sox appear to be Hendriks' "primary suitor." Chicago has a hole to fill at closer with Alex Colomé also a free agent, and many expect the South Siders to address their bullpen next after trading for starter Lance Lynn and signing free-agent outfielder Adam Eaton.

But the White Sox are far from alone in the Hendriks derby. Passan lists the Dodgers, Astros, Mets and Blue Jays as other clubs that have thrown their hats in the ring so far, and notes that the Phillies could also enter the sweepstakes after a horrid showing by their bullpen in 2002.
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If for whatever reasons the Sox do not bring back Colomé, we're left with what could be a sizable hole in being without a proven closer. I know Bummer's name has been bandied about for some time as to becoming the heir apparent if Colomé was to depart. Can't speak for the rest of you diehards, but I'm a bit nervous at relying on an unproven talent for the most important spot in the bullpen, especially being we're on the brink of becoming an annual playoff contender. I like Bummer a lot, but strongly prefer him operating in his usual 7th/8th inning set up role.

 

[Mingo]

This is from a story segment regarding the latest rumors from the MLB website. Not sure of its accuracy or if the story has any real legs, but it's at least worth noting:

Source: Hendriks to sign with White Sox

Liam Hendriks has transformed himself into one of the very best relievers in baseball the past two years, featuring a 1.79 ERA, a 0.90 WHIP, a 13.1 K/9 rate and 39 saves in 99 appearances across 2019-20. Combine that with a six-season run of being relatively durable -- outside of

www.mlb.com

*********
Report: White Sox emerge as Hendriks' "primary suitor"

Dec. 14: A large group of teams are at least checking in on Hendriks as this offseason's top reliever, ESPN's Jeff Passan writes in his Monday column (subscription required), but the White Sox appear to be Hendriks' "primary suitor." Chicago has a hole to fill at closer with Alex Colomé also a free agent, and many expect the South Siders to address their bullpen next after trading for starter Lance Lynn and signing free-agent outfielder Adam Eaton.

But the White Sox are far from alone in the Hendriks derby. Passan lists the Dodgers, Astros, Mets and Blue Jays as other clubs that have thrown their hats in the ring so far, and notes that the Phillies could also enter the sweepstakes after a horrid showing by their bullpen in 2002.
*********

If for whatever reasons the Sox do not bring back Colomé, we're left with what could be a sizable hole in being without a proven closer. I know Bummer's name has been bandied about for some time as to becoming the heir apparent if Colomé was to depart. Can't speak for the rest of you diehards, but I'm a bit nervous at relying on an unproven talent for the most important spot in the bullpen, especially being we're on the brink of becoming an annual playoff contender. I like Bummer a lot, but strongly prefer him operating in his usual 7th/8th inning set up role.

There was a reason why the Sox gave Bummer his contract extension - if the time comes he will need to put his big boy pants on. I think he is ready, but I'd rather have Hendriks. I think it will take $15 mil per year for 4 years to get Hendriks.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

There was a reason why the Sox gave Bummer his contract extension - if the time comes he will need to put his big boy pants on. I think he is ready, but I'd rather have Hendriks. I think it will take $15 mil per year for 4 years to get Hendriks.

I feel ya and in a sense I completely agree. But all things being equal, I'd just as soon have someone take the ball in the 9th who has previously done this about 100 times or so.

 

[Mingo]

I feel ya and in a sense I completely agree. But all things being equal, I'd just as soon have someone take the ball in the 9th who has previously done this about 100 times or so.

@idseer told me you would fall for this bait.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

Fansided brings up three possible trade scenarios for the Sox. You have to page thru to read all three:

Chicago White Sox: Potential Trades Approved in “MLB 20 The Show”

'MLB 20: The Show' had three trade packages that went through and would really help the real-life Chicago White Sox compete for a title.

southsideshowdown.com

Trade #1: Kinda sucks
Trade #2: Big time sucks
Trade #3: Just plain sucks

 

[Jiddy]

Fansided brings up three possible trade scenarios for the Sox. You have to page thru to read all three:

Chicago White Sox: Potential Trades Approved in “MLB 20 The Show”

'MLB 20: The Show' had three trade packages that went through and would really help the real-life Chicago White Sox compete for a title.

southsideshowdown.com

Trade #1: Kinda sucks
Trade #2: Big time sucks
Trade #3: Just plain sucks

All 3 trades do suck indeed.

However, none of them suck worse than articles I have to click through with the buttons.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

All 3 trades do suck indeed.

However, none of them suck worse than articles I have to click through with the buttons.

Amen to that brutha Jid. I've never been a fan of articles that are presented in slideshow style. Obviously they're displayed in this manner to sneak in as much advertising as possible, and I respect that bills have to be paid. But it still sucks.

 

[idseer]

Fansided brings up three possible trade scenarios for the Sox. You have to page thru to read all three:

Chicago White Sox: Potential Trades Approved in “MLB 20 The Show”

'MLB 20: The Show' had three trade packages that went through and would really help the real-life Chicago White Sox compete for a title.

southsideshowdown.com

Trade #1: Kinda sucks
Trade #2: Big time sucks
Trade #3: Just plain sucks

this guy is apparently kenny williams in disguise. trade excellent potential for age and past glory. it's not even worth the read.

 

[Mingo]

this guy is apparently kenny williams in disguise. trade excellent potential for age and past glory. it's not even worth the read.

This time - I did not follow your advice and read it any way - only to find out how right you are.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

Three little, but interesting tidbits:

1. Adam Engel:
The Chicago White Sox and outfielder Adam Engel agreed Wednesday to a $1.375 million, one-year contract, avoiding arbitration.
Good for us, good for Adam.

2. George Springer:
According to SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino, the Mets and Blue Jays remain seriously interested in Springer and engaged with his representatives, but the Mets and Springer "are still a good distance apart on value.
"Two league sources tell Martino that Springer is still asking for well over $150 million. The Mets might be willing to approach $150 million for Springer, per Martino, but the sides "haven’t found sufficient common ground to even get near a deal."

3. Trevor Bauer:
Trevor Bauer is generating a lot of interest on the free agent market. He's also seeking a lot of money. The veteran pitcher and reigning Cy Young Award winner is believed to want a five- or six-year contract worth between $36 and $40 million annually for a total of about $200 million, MLB Network's Jon Heyman reported Tuesday.

Any Sox fan out there still wading in delusion waters that we have a shot at signing either of these two?

 

[Mingo]

Three little, but interesting tidbits:

1. Adam Engel:
The Chicago White Sox and outfielder Adam Engel agreed Wednesday to a $1.375 million, one-year contract, avoiding arbitration.
Good for us, good for Adam.

2. George Springer:
According to SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino, the Mets and Blue Jays remain seriously interested in Springer and engaged with his representatives, but the Mets and Springer "are still a good distance apart on value.
"Two league sources tell Martino that Springer is still asking for well over $150 million. The Mets might be willing to approach $150 million for Springer, per Martino, but the sides "haven’t found sufficient common ground to even get near a deal."

3. Trevor Bauer:
Trevor Bauer is generating a lot of interest on the free agent market. He's also seeking a lot of money. The veteran pitcher and reigning Cy Young Award winner is believed to want a five- or six-year contract worth between $36 and $40 million annually for a total of about $200 million, MLB Network's Jon Heyman reported Tuesday.

Any Sox fan out there still wading in delusion waters that we have a shot at signing either of these two?

Engel's a good value. Whoot - Whoot! Springer is a great ball player, but is addition to the Sox would be overpaid - overkill. I'd love to have bauer, but reluctant to pay a pitcher that much over a long period of time - even in this market.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

Engel's a good value. Whoot - Whoot! Springer is a great ball player, but is addition to the Sox would be overpaid - overkill. I'd love to have bauer, but reluctant to pay a pitcher that much over a long period of time - even in this market.

Bingo
Bingo
Bingo

These numbers harken us back to the Machado, Harper, Cole, and Betts signings. Sure, they will likely be worthy of their salaries for a few years - Betts already more than earned his first year extension coin. But what about years 4, 5, 6, and so on? With each passing season, it will likely result in diminishing returns in terms of value, in terms of bang for the buck. Then when each of these players are in their final years, those contracts are going to weigh like anchors in a swamp.

Would I want Springer and Bauer on the Sox, no matter what the cost? Without question, yes. But would I be saying 4,5,6 years down the road WTF was Hahn thinking in crippling the team's payroll when signing for these gross overvalued salaries? Again, without question, yes.

 

[Jiddy]

Three little, but interesting tidbits:

1. Adam Engel:
The Chicago White Sox and outfielder Adam Engel agreed Wednesday to a $1.375 million, one-year contract, avoiding arbitration.
Good for us, good for Adam.

2. George Springer:
According to SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino, the Mets and Blue Jays remain seriously interested in Springer and engaged with his representatives, but the Mets and Springer "are still a good distance apart on value.
"Two league sources tell Martino that Springer is still asking for well over $150 million. The Mets might be willing to approach $150 million for Springer, per Martino, but the sides "haven’t found sufficient common ground to even get near a deal."

3. Trevor Bauer:
Trevor Bauer is generating a lot of interest on the free agent market. He's also seeking a lot of money. The veteran pitcher and reigning Cy Young Award winner is believed to want a five- or six-year contract worth between $36 and $40 million annually for a total of about $200 million, MLB Network's Jon Heyman reported Tuesday.

Any Sox fan out there still wading in delusion waters that we have a shot at signing either of these two?

RE: Bauer...Wow...Yeah, that's not happening-especially after Lyn being traded for.

Kluber throws in front of scouts in mid-January. If he shows something, we should take the flier. We're in the perfect position to take a chance there because it would be short-term (1 year almost certainly...) and if he's even 75% of what he was it'll be a huge win...so if he's a bust out we'd be no worse off going forward. I'm almost certain the White Sox will have a scout in attendance. We're much more likely to take a chance on players in-division that we're very familiar with.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

RE: Bauer...Wow...Yeah, that's not happening-especially after Lyn being traded for.

Kluber throws in front of scouts in mid-January. If he shows something, we should take the flier. We're in the perfect position to take a chance there because it would be short-term (1 year almost certainly...) and if he's even 75% of what he was it'll be a huge win...so if he's a bust out we'd be no worse off going forward. I'm almost certain the White Sox will have a scout in attendance. We're much more likely to take a chance on players in-division that we're very familiar with.

I'm pretty sure Bauer's agent is pumping the numbers so that when he eventually signs for say, something like a $30/6 type of contract (including a year or two club option), the team who signs him can brag they got him at a more "reasonable" price. I suspect Springer tho will sign very close to his asking price, likely with the Mets. Their new owner, uber billionaire Steve Cohen, must be pissed that this uppity Padres GM has completely taken over the offseason bragging rights. He needs to land a big fish.

As for Kluber, I'm kinda along your line of thinking, altho I do have concerns regarding the second coming of Gio González. But still, let's see how he throws next month and take it from there.

 

[Mingo]

RE: Bauer...Wow...Yeah, that's not happening-especially after Lyn being traded for.

Kluber throws in front of scouts in mid-January. If he shows something, we should take the flier. We're in the perfect position to take a chance there because it would be short-term (1 year almost certainly...) and if he's even 75% of what he was it'll be a huge win...so if he's a bust out we'd be no worse off going forward. I'm almost certain the White Sox will have a scout in attendance. We're much more likely to take a chance on players in-division that we're very familiar with.

Great thought - the Sox are looking for upside on the 4th rotation spot - they have a number of youngsters who potentially could fill in, but line up a vet and let the youngsters prove themselves before they take the ball on the mound for a contender.

If the Sox spend money - big money on pitching this year - get Giolito an extension and lock him up for 4-5 years.

 

[idseer]

2. George Springer: .............................


3. Trevor Bauer: ....................


Any Sox fan out there still wading in delusion waters that we have a shot at signing either of these two?

my question is does ANYONE have a shot?
considering everything, maybe money is not going to work like it did pre-covid. did owners lose money this past season? maybe these two will, in fact, have to settle for a LOT less!

...... or maybe not.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

Ouch!

Padres Continue To Show The White Sox What A "Win Now" Team Looks Like

Both Chicago Cubs and White Sox fans are talkative about the San Diego Padres and their recent trades to better their roster this week. On Sunday night, the Padres acquired Cy Young pitcher Blake Snell from the Tampa Bay Ray and later trading for Cubs’ pitcher Yu Darvish a day later. San Diego’s...

www.sportsmockery.com

One thing that bugs me in the article is not the story itself, it's the picture of Rick Hahn, as if he's the face of the Sox lack of urgency, when we all know it's Reinsdorf who is pulling the strings or better stated, NOT pulling the $tring$. Gotta say, when I read what the equivalency was for the Sox trying to land Snell, I was fine with us not trading for him, being it could have involved two of our four untouchables in the transaction (Vaugh & Kopech). However, while I haven't seen the equivalency for what it would have taken to acquire Darvish, based on what the Cubs received from the Padres, we should have been able to come up with a comparable offering. Now that one I might put on Hahn, assuming he would have had the authority to take on Darvish's remaining salary.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

Sox and Marshall avoid arbitration:

Reliever Evan Marshall and the Chicago White Sox agree to a 1-year, $2 million deal

Evan Marshall has been a vital part of the Chicago White Sox bullpen the last two seasons, and on Thursday the sides came to terms on a one-year, $2 million deal, avoiding arbitration. Marshall, 30…

www.chicagotribune.com

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

Five questions facing the Sox in this remaining offseason:

5 questions facing White Sox for '21 season

CHICAGO -- The White Sox might not be the clear-cut American League Central favorite entering the 2021 season, but they find themselves in a great position to build off of last year’s 35-25 effort punctuated by a playoff appearance. And general manager Rick Hahn’s work is not yet done in

www.mlb.com

No problem with the 5 Q's, which involve the possible search for a closer, followed by status questions regarding Crochet, Kopech, Vaughn, and Moncada. But there needed to be Q's #6 & 7:

#6, are the Sox done searching for additional position/DH talent? They allude to Vaughn possibly filling the DH role, but there's a pretty decent counter-argument in that he could use some additional experience in minor ball before leapfrogging to the bigs. No harm in searching for a 1-2 year fill in until Vaughn is a definite go. I still very much like Eddie Rosario as that stop-gap.
#7, are we thru searching for another proven starter and/or more BP depth? I love the idea of Cease and Kopech shining thru in filling out the last two spots of the rotation, but that may be asking a bit too much......then again, maybe not.

Picky bastard, ain't I.

 

[idseer]

Ouch!

Padres Continue To Show The White Sox What A "Win Now" Team Looks Like

Both Chicago Cubs and White Sox fans are talkative about the San Diego Padres and their recent trades to better their roster this week. On Sunday night, the Padres acquired Cy Young pitcher Blake Snell from the Tampa Bay Ray and later trading for Cubs’ pitcher Yu Darvish a day later. San Diego’s...

www.sportsmockery.com

One thing that bugs me in the article is not the story itself, it's the picture of Rick Hahn, as if he's the face of the Sox lack of urgency, when we all know it's Reinsdorf who is pulling the strings or better stated, NOT pulling the $tring$. Gotta say, when I read what the equivalency was for the Sox trying to land Snell, I was fine with us not trading for him, being it could have involved two of our four untouchables in the transaction (Vaugh & Kopech). However, while I haven't seen the equivalency for what it would have taken to acquire Darvish, based on what the Cubs received from the Padres, we should have been able to come up with a comparable offering. Now that one I might put on Hahn, assuming he would have had the authority to take on Darvish's remaining salary.

first, the damn off season isn't over!
second, both darvish and snell are over-rated imo. so far, i am not displeased with anything hahn has or hasn't done.