Outside of Bauer, who we all know the Sox aren't going to sign, there really isn't a high impact FA pitcher out there. Tanaka's probably the most consistent and has a decent track record, but reports keep suggesting he's heading back to the mother land. As far as potential trades are concerned, if the Reds were to dangle Castillo out there again (but then NOT pull him back), I'd definitely like to see what it would take to land him, which I'm guessing is a lot. As always, I trust Hahn will not trade any of the untouchables, Vaughn, Kopech, Crochet, and Kelley.
I've been hoping this offseason for the Sox to find a 1-2 year LH bat............but give me RH hitter Nelson Cruz any day of the week and twice on Sunday - make that three times!!
He would be a double addition, as in adding his bat to our already impressive lineup, as well as addition by subtraction, as in he's no longer beating the crap out of our pitchers while playing for our arch rivals. Which is also the same way I feel about Rosario.
ontapsportsnet.com
Even if - last year's total annualized team salary is the goal - the Sox still have $12 million to spend on FA's.I really like this article:
"Enough" Simply Can't Be Enough for the White Sox This Offseason
The White Sox may be the favorites in the AL Central, but they still have the payroll flexibility to add even more quality reinforcements.
Actually, I don't like it or I shouldn't, because it explains how the Sox are presently in position to really stick a dagger in the Central and maybe the rest of the league as well, but aren't doing it. Sometimes the truth hurts. There's still plenty of offseason left, but I'd like to see the Good Guys take the next step while it's there for the taking. A lot of high end FA talent remains unsigned, let's ink at least one or two of them.
That should net us at least one Nelson Cruz or Eddie Rosario, maybe splurge just a bit beyond this with signing one of the remaining FA starters out there or another experienced BP guy. The beauty about signing one of those two former Twins tho is if they set up the contract correctly, if need be, the Sox can buyout the 2nd year and get that contract off the books.
interesting that this article agrees with my previous post in the 'random thoughts' thread. have they really gotten that much better?I really like this article:
"Enough" Simply Can't Be Enough for the White Sox This Offseason
The White Sox may be the favorites in the AL Central, but they still have the payroll flexibility to add even more quality reinforcements.
Actually, I don't like it or I shouldn't, because it explains how the Sox are presently in position to really stick a dagger in the Central and maybe the rest of the league as well, but aren't doing it. Sometimes the truth hurts. There's still plenty of offseason left, but I'd like to see the Good Guys take the next step while it's there for the taking. A lot of high end FA talent remains unsigned, let's ink at least one or two of them.
It kinda does, kinda doesn't agree with your previous assessment. The article isn't suggesting that the Sox haven't improved. In fact, it points out that we've taken concrete steps to get better while the rest of the division has primarily remained stagnant, altho I've said in other posts that I do think the Royals have so far been the other Central club to at least make an effort to improve.
i never suggested the sox haven't improved.
I think it was an improvement, even tho being what we did do turned out to be an exchange, so the improvement might not be all that measurable. But I'll take Hendriks over Colome any time. Let's summarize:
ok, let's say the 'more than on inning' thing is a small improvement (and btw i don't expect to see that much of that kind of use, do you?). i'd suggest the fact we weakened ourselves by losing mccann more than makes up for that. so it's still a wash in my mind. i still say the only improvement we made was lynn (and you know i've been claiming all along that it was the kind of improvement we needed the most) but that was it! all the other improvement depends on the players we already have. eaton and engel in right is a complete wait and see. i am glad we have depth there if robert or eloy goes down.
1. mark my words ... collins will never, ever be a good catcher! the same label that was attached to him in 2017 hasn't changed one bit. he's a hack behind the plate. as a hitter he just another typical 'hit's the ball a long way' no field, no hit player. do not count on collins for anything!
MLB has on the average 6-7 extra innings games per year (of course, some of them crucial) if you pitch your closer in the 9th and it is still tied going into the 10th - your closer is very valuable. Also - depending on bullpen use or injuries - you might want to put your closer in the game in the 8th inning and have him pitch two innings. Not much use - maybe, but crucial.
I have made nothing but complimentary mentions of Vaughn's talent - if you think counting on Vaughn to play in the majors after a few games in high A ball - is a smart thing to do - I've got a Gordon Beckham I'd like to sell you. You don't rush players to the majors - without risking the possibility of ruining their careers.
