Detroit with the first major trade of the offseason, sending Maybin to the Halos for a AA pitcher. The tigers also picked up the option for KRod. Tiger's GM has made it his stated goal to make the team younger and more flexible in this offseason. That probably means that Kinsler, Upton, and JD Martinez can be had for major league-ready, club-controlled contract brandishing prospects. And if anybody want Anibal Sanchez or Mike Pelphrey, just offer a used jock-strap and pick up their salary.
Fowler activated his player option to become a free agent. Won't rule out returning to Cubs.
Quote from: Dr. Blackheart on November 03, 2016, 07:52:12 PM
Fowler activated his player option to become a free agent. Won't rule out returning to Cubs.
I think they let Fowler walk unless they can get him back at a discounted rate again. He's 30 yo and coming off the best season of his career, not to mention they have Almora seemingly ready to take over in CF.
It'll be interesting to see how the Cubs look next season.
I doubt that Hammel and Chapman will be back. Maddon has said that Montgomery will be a starter next season so they'll need a LH reliever. Wood is a UFA but will he want to go somewhere to be a starter? Is Edwards going to take over as the closer or is it Rondon's job again?
With Schwarber returning, they'll have 10-11 everyday players on the roster. Could they trade Soler for a reliever? How will LF and 2B look with Baez, Zobrist and Schwarber all healthy?
Lots of questions but it's hard not to trust Jed and Theo at this point!
Brewers off season: Can they find a place to trade Braun? Other than that...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Quote from: tower912 on November 03, 2016, 06:12:14 PM
And if anybody want Anibal Sanchez or Mike Pelphrey, just offer a used jock-strap and pick up their salary.
we'll even pick up most of their salary.
Quote from: MerrittsMustache on November 04, 2016, 09:16:44 AM
I think they let Fowler walk unless they can get him back at a discounted rate again. He's 30 yo and coming off the best season of his career, not to mention they have Almora seemingly ready to take over in CF.
It'll be interesting to see how the Cubs look next season.
I doubt that Hammel and Chapman will be back. Maddon has said that Montgomery will be a starter next season so they'll need a LH reliever. Wood is a UFA but will he want to go somewhere to be a starter? Is Edwards going to take over as the closer or is it Rondon's job again?
With Schwarber returning, they'll have 10-11 everyday players on the roster. Could they trade Soler for a reliever? How will LF and 2B look with Baez, Zobrist and Schwarber all healthy?
Lots of questions but it's hard not to trust Jed and Theo at this point!
While everyone else looks to fill holed in their every day lineup the Cubs have the luxury of deciding what to do with their "extras".
I know that the crosstown rivals rarely trade, but if the White Sox are serious about a rebuild and they're looking to move Chris Sale the Cubs have the young talent to get it done. Could be a win/win that would help the Sox down the road and make the Cubs overwhelming favorites for the next few years.
Quote from: Lennys Tap on November 04, 2016, 10:01:20 AM
While everyone else looks to fill holed in their every day lineup the Cubs have the luxury of deciding what to do with their "extras".
I know that the crosstown rivals rarely trade, but if the White Sox are serious about a rebuild and they're looking to move Chris Sale the Cubs have the young talent to get it done. Could be a win/win that would help the Sox down the road and make the Cubs overwhelming favorites for the next few years.
The issue being the Sox aren't serious about a rebuild unfortunately.
Quote from: The Sultan of Sunshine on November 04, 2016, 09:19:08 AM
Brewers off season: Can they find a place to trade Braun? Other than that...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Haudricourt from the JS says it's a high probability that the Brewers move Braun to the Dodgers. Expects the Brewers to get Puig in return and for the Dodgers to pick up Braun's salary. I'd be glad to get rid of Braun's salary, but Puig just can't seem to put it all together. Not sure there's any reason to expect him to do so in Milwaukee either.
Quote from: jficke13 on November 04, 2016, 10:21:18 AM
Haudricourt from the JS says it's a high probability that the Brewers move Braun to the Dodgers. Expects the Brewers to get Puig in return and for the Dodgers to pick up Braun's salary. I'd be glad to get rid of Braun's salary, but Puig just can't seem to put it all together. Not sure there's any reason to expect him to do so in Milwaukee either.
They'll have to get at least one good prospect along with Puig. Obviously Urias and Deleon are off limits, but LA has a stacked system.
Of course the Dodgers will pick up Braun's salary. It is a bargain - barely more than Andre Ethier money; less than Adrian Gonzalez. And it gets cheaper the last two years of the deal.
Quote from: brandx on November 04, 2016, 10:39:01 AM
They'll have to get at least one good prospect along with Puig. Obviously Urias and Deleon are off limits, but LA has a stacked system.
Of course the Dodgers will pick up Braun's salary. It is a bargain - barely more than Andre Ethier money; less than Adrian Gonzalez. And it gets cheaper the last two years of the deal.
I wouldn't call Braun's contract a bargain. LA would be on the hook for 75+MM for a 33 year old player that can't play defense. I think an AL team makes more sense for Braun.
As a Sox fan, I hope the Cubs success would light a fire under the Sox front office, but I doubt it.
Quote from: MUDish on November 04, 2016, 11:02:34 AM
As a Sox fan, I hope the Cubs success would light a fire under the Sox front office, but I doubt it.
I think they finally do it, but can the front office execute the right trades?
Braun will only be traded to an al team. And no you won't be getting someone of puigs talent for a 33 year old who can't field. That's as asinine as when the JS reported the cubs were shopping for Braun.
Quote from: #UnleashWally on November 04, 2016, 11:25:50 AM
Braun will only be traded to an al team. And no you won't be getting someone of puigs talent for a 33 year old who can't field. That's as asinine as when the JS reported the cubs were shopping for Braun.
If the Brewers and Dodgers had an extra half hour at the trade deadline the Brewers would've gotten Puig (subtraction by addition) along with 2 solid prospects and an expiring contract.
Quote from: MUDish on November 04, 2016, 11:02:34 AM
As a Sox fan, I hope the Cubs success would light a fire under the Sox front office, but I doubt it.
One of the seemingly overlooked aspects of the Cubs turnaround was that they were still drawing close to 3M fans per season even when they were tanking. They have the draw of Wrigley, a loyal fanbase and Theo sold big on the notion of hope. Most MLB teams can't afford to go into full blown tank mode for 3-5 seasons without getting killed financially. To put things into perspective, in 2006 (the year after the Sox won the WS), the Sox drew a franchise-record 2.97M fans. That same season, the 66-win Cubs drew 3.12M fans.
Personally, I think the Sox should trade Sale right now. They're not going anywhere with him and teams have shown that they're willing to trade young, big-time talent for stud starters. That one trade could re-shape the whole future of the franchise...but as LAZER points out, it's depended on the FO getting the right prospects in return.
Quote from: #UnleashWally on November 04, 2016, 11:25:50 AM
Braun will only be traded to an al team. And no you won't be getting someone of puigs talent for a 33 year old who can't field. That's as asinine as when the JS reported the cubs were shopping for Braun.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2016/09/13/ryan-braun-yasiel-puig-dodgers-brewers-trade/90311414/
Haudricourt isn't a hack. If he writes this: "Braun and Puig were about 20 minutes from being traded for one another two weeks ago, according to several executives with direct knowledge of their trade talks, but the teams ran out of time at the Aug. 31 trade deadline." He's not making it up for clicks.
Quote from: wadesworld on November 04, 2016, 11:57:38 AM
If the Brewers and Dodgers had an extra half hour at the trade deadline the Brewers would've gotten Puig (subtraction by addition) along with 2 solid prospects and an expiring contract.
I think Braun is a bad fit for the Dodgers right now (admittedly the deadline is a different story). They've got plenty of roster issues to address and I don't think Braun solves any of those problems.
Quote from: MerrittsMustache on November 04, 2016, 12:01:39 PM
One of the seemingly overlooked aspects of the Cubs turnaround was that they were still drawing close to 3M fans per season even when they were tanking. They have the draw of Wrigley, a loyal fanbase and Theo sold big on the notion of hope. Most MLB teams can't afford to go into full blown tank mode for 3-5 seasons without getting killed financially. To put things into perspective, in 2006 (the year after the Sox won the WS), the Sox drew a franchise-record 2.97M fans. That same season, the 66-win Cubs drew 3.12M fans.
Solid point, but if the White Sox went full tank mode, really how much would it hurt their attendance?
They have been consistently averaging just above 21,500 the last four years.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CHW/attend.shtml
Does a 75 win Sox team really move the attendance needle anymore than a tanking, but building for the future 62 win club?
I think the bigger issue is that Reinsdorf is now 80 years old. And, while reportedly in good health, it seems that he doesn't want to throw away seasons doing a complete rebuild. Hence, why it has been reported that Kenny Williams has not allowed Rick Hahn to move Sale & Quintana. Rumors are that Hahn was interested in moving them.
Quote from: MerrittsMustache on November 04, 2016, 09:16:44 AM
I think they let Fowler walk unless they can get him back at a discounted rate again. He's 30 yo and coming off the best season of his career, not to mention they have Almora seemingly ready to take over in CF.
It'll be interesting to see how the Cubs look next season.
I doubt that Hammel and Chapman will be back. Maddon has said that Montgomery will be a starter next season so they'll need a LH reliever. Wood is a UFA but will he want to go somewhere to be a starter? Is Edwards going to take over as the closer or is it Rondon's job again?
With Schwarber returning, they'll have 10-11 everyday players on the roster. Could they trade Soler for a reliever? How will LF and 2B look with Baez, Zobrist and Schwarber all healthy?
Lots of questions but it's hard not to trust Jed and Theo at this point!
Agreed on Fowler although I'd be happy to have him back. If he moves on then Zobrist is your likely lead off hitter next year.
I think Hammel will absolutely be back. Picking up his option at that price is a no-brainer. I think Montgomery spends one more year in the bullpen and as an emergency starter and then moves into the rotation in 2018, when Lackey, Hammel, and probably Arrieta are all gone.
If I had to guess, Wood will move on as well for what he is going to be looking for.
They obviously add a huge bat in Schwarber next year and hopefully Heyward can rebuild his swing in the offseason.
Quote from: MUDish on November 04, 2016, 11:02:34 AM
As a Sox fan, I hope the Cubs success would light a fire under the Sox front office, but I doubt it.
Even if it did, I'm not confident they would be able to get the job done. They have repeatedly shown an unwillingness to tear it all down. They could move assets like Sale, Quintana, Abreu, and Frazier and restock their minor league system, but would they get the right guys? Would they even be willing, or would they rather splash money in free agency to patch holes and try to stick with the "win now" mentality?
Reinsdorf has had a ton of success, but I'm starting to think neither the Bulls nor Sox will turn it around as long as he is at the top of the food chain. Similar to how the Blackhawks needed Bill Wirtz out of the picture, Reinsdorf is now the guy who's trying to cling to and recreate past success without having the patience to do it right.
Quote from: brewcity77 on November 04, 2016, 05:19:29 PM
Even if it did, I'm not confident they would be able to get the job done. They have repeatedly shown an unwillingness to tear it all down. They could move assets like Sale, Quintana, Abreu, and Frazier and restock their minor league system, but would they get the right guys? Would they even be willing, or would they rather splash money in free agency to patch holes and try to stick with the "win now" mentality?
Reinsdorf has had a ton of success, but I'm starting to think neither the Bulls nor Sox will turn it around as long as he is at the top of the food chain. Similar to how the Blackhawks needed Bill Wirtz out of the picture, Reinsdorf is now the guy who's trying to cling to and recreate past success without having the patience to do it right.
If the White Sox don't go that route this season I don't think they will anytime soon. Even as a Cubs fan I'm curious to see what transpires. With the lack of pitching in free agency this offseason it could be the right time to try and cash in.
The Sox would also never send Sale to the Cubs, which I completely understand.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on November 04, 2016, 05:51:49 PM
If the White Sox don't go that route this season I don't think they will anytime soon. Even as a Cubs fan I'm curious to see what transpires. With the lack of pitching in free agency this offseason it could be the right time to try and cash in.
The Sox would also never send Sale to the Cubs, which I completely understand.
No, and I don't think the Cubs would send them Schwarber, which is probably what it would take to land Sale.
Good stuff here. And I can laugh about it because we won.
http://www.theheckler.com/2016/11/04/maddon-yanks-hendricks-from-victory-parade-after-4-23-blocks/
Don't count out a Schwarber trade just yet. Schwarber's ability to catch was a huge draw for the Cubs. While his hitting is amazing we will have to see how much of his speed he can get back and if he will ever be able to catch again. If neither of these happen, he may live on as a DH hitter like Ortiz.
Quote from: #UnleashWally on November 04, 2016, 06:58:01 PM
Don't count out a Schwarber trade just yet. Schwarber's ability to catch was a huge draw for the Cubs. While his hitting is amazing we will have to see how much of his speed he can get back and if he will ever be able to catch again. If neither of these happen, he may live on as a DH hitter like Ortiz.
I suppose you can never say never but I don't see any possibility of that occurring, especially after what he was able to come back and accomplish in the Series.
And there's no reason not think he'll be able to play LF next year.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on November 04, 2016, 07:18:24 PM
I suppose you can never say never but I don't see any possibility of that occurring, especially after what he was able to come back and accomplish in the Series.
And there's no reason not think he'll be able to play LF next year.
I wouldn't completely rule out trading Schwarber, I mean, it's not like the guy will continue to be a career .412 hitter. Right now might be the best time to trade him, considering he hit .246 last year.
I'd love to keep him, but unless the Ricketts can fast track the DH rule into the NL (makes no sense that it isn't there already) he is better suited as an AL player. If someone will give up the farm (system) for him or a proven star, I could see dealing him.
Quote from: The Sultan of Sunshine on November 04, 2016, 09:19:08 AM
Brewers off season: Can they find a place to trade Braun? Other than that...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Peddle da mofo for some stickum and a used rosin bag, hey?
Quote from: brewcity77 on November 04, 2016, 07:42:30 PM
I wouldn't completely rule out trading Schwarber, I mean, it's not like the guy will continue to be a career .412 hitter. Right now might be the best time to trade him, considering he hit .246 last year.
I'd love to keep him, but unless the Ricketts can fast track the DH rule into the NL (makes no sense that it isn't there already) he is better suited as an AL player. If someone will give up the farm (system) for him or a proven star, I could see dealing him.
He's never going to be a great defender but his trouble in LF is way overstated due to a some poor plays last year in the NLCS.
His OPS was .842 and his OPS+ was 130 so I can't say I care too much about his .246 average. Ultimately I do think he hits for average as well, and LH power and plate discipline like that is hard to find. Plus Theo absolutely loves him.
Anything can happen but I'm pretty confident in saying he's not going anywhere. There's not too many players I would consider moving him for, and certainly not any prospects.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on November 04, 2016, 09:12:11 PM
He's never going to be a great defender but his trouble in LF is way overstated due to a some poor plays last year in the NLCS.
His OPS was .842 and his OPS+ was 130 so I can't say I care too much about his .246 average. Ultimately I do think he hits for average as well, and LH power and plate discipline like that is hard to find. Plus Theo absolutely loves him.
Anything can happen but I'm pretty confident in saying he's not going anywhere. There's not too many players I would consider moving him for, and certainly not any prospects.
His poor play in LF might be exemplified depending on how he comes off this injury. And they can't throw him at first base like Joe Mauer, they already have rizzo.
I've said it before, but I'd be 100% behind a two-three season Sox tank job. That said their recent track record of drafting hasn't been great at all, but I'm beyond tired of the seemingly every year band aid fix by picking up guys like Dunn, LaRoche, Melky, Frazier. It's frustrating that they should be staring across town and seeing how you can trade assets to get young position players and hitting on top 5 picks to produce success. I realize the Sox philosophy starts at the top, and won't change though in the next few years.
Quote from: MUDish on November 05, 2016, 12:55:23 PM
I've said it before, but I'd be 100% behind a two-three season Sox tank job. That said their recent track record of drafting hasn't been great at all, but I'm beyond tired of the seemingly every year band aid fix by picking up guys like Dunn, LaRoche, Melky, Frazier. It's frustrating that they should be staring across town and seeing how you can trade assets to get young position players and hitting on top 5 picks to produce success. I realize the Sox philosophy starts at the top, and won't change though in the next few years.
As a north side fan, it's really odd. I grew so accustomed to the Tribune being happy with Sosa bombs and band aid fixes that it's weird to be that envy of the league type team.
Quote from: brewcity77 on November 04, 2016, 07:42:30 PM
I wouldn't completely rule out trading Schwarber, I mean, it's not like the guy will continue to be a career .412 hitter. Right now might be the best time to trade him, considering he hit .246 last year.
I'd love to keep him, but unless the Ricketts can fast track the DH rule into the NL (makes no sense that it isn't there already) he is better suited as an AL player. If someone will give up the farm (system) for him or a proven star, I could see dealing him.
They ain't trading Schwarber unless they can get a young #1 starter.
In other words, he is going nowhere.
Quote from: brandx on November 05, 2016, 03:11:47 PM
They ain't trading Schwarber unless they can get a young #1 starter.
In other words, he is going nowhere.
If he's part of a package to get Chris Sale it could be a "win win" for both sides of town.
Quote from: Lennys Tap on November 05, 2016, 08:45:42 PM
If he's part of a package to get Chris Sale it could be a "win win" for both sides of town.
Could be. That's why I said a young #1 starter. It would be the only way they would let him go. And there are only a couple guys who would qualify.
Quote from: brandx on November 05, 2016, 09:02:18 PM
Could be. That's why I said a young #1 starter. It would be the only way they would let him go. And there are only a couple guys who would qualify.
I think Sale's trade window is passing, very quickly and possibly closed to some GMs after his slashing incident.
Schwarber isn't on the table for Sale for Hoyer.
I would make the trade though in a second.
Quote from: PTM on November 05, 2016, 11:13:59 PM
I think Sale's trade window is passing, very quickly and possibly closed to some GMs after his slashing incident.
Schwarber isn't on the table for Sale for Hoyer.
I would make the trade though in a second.
The Cubs payed a pretty sizable price for a 1/2 year rental of a relief pitcher who had been suspended for 50 games for violence toward his girlfriend.
You honestly don't think they'd be interested in 3 years of cheap control over one of the top starters in baseball due his violence against some crappy looking uniforms?
Not saying you're wrong but it doesn't seem logical.
Quote from: Lennys Tap on November 05, 2016, 11:31:00 PM
The Cubs payed a pretty sizable price for a 1/2 year rental of a relief pitcher who had been suspended for 50 games for violence toward his girlfriend.
You honestly don't think they'd be interested in 3 years of cheap control over one of the top starters in baseball due his violence against some crappy looking uniforms?
Not saying you're wrong but it doesn't seem logical.
Cutting a clubhouse full of jerseys is a tipping point of an overworked pitcher with a classic gut wretching delivery.
Again, I'd do it, but I don't think Hoyer would be interested.
I can't see any circumstance the Sox trade Sale to the Cubs. Not saying it might not be a win-win, but sending your ace to the cross-town rival just seems really unlikely.
Cubs declined Hammel's option which I don't like and doesn't make sense to me as a standalone move.
I'm very surprised but assume it will make more sense as the offseason progresses. But in a vacuum I think it is a poor decision.
Quote from: brewcity77 on November 06, 2016, 09:33:30 AM
I can't see any circumstance the Sox trade Sale to the Cubs. Not saying it might not be a win-win, but sending your ace to the cross-town rival just seems really unlikely.
I agree. I'm a Sox fan, but regrettably admit that they might shy away from a deal that would help the Cubs even if it would help the Sox more.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on November 06, 2016, 09:30:53 PM
Cubs declined Hammel's option which I don't like and doesn't make sense to me as a standalone move.
I'm very surprised but assume it will make more sense as the offseason progresses. But in a vacuum I think it is a poor decision.
They didnt bring Hammel along with them to the playoffs. He was spotty during the season. Looks like Montgomery is going to be in the 5 spot.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on November 06, 2016, 09:30:53 PM
Cubs declined Hammel's option which I don't like and doesn't make sense to me as a standalone move.
I'm very surprised but assume it will make more sense as the offseason progresses. But in a vacuum I think it is a poor decision.
Hammel hates Maddon and Maddon isn't a fan of Hammel.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on November 06, 2016, 09:30:53 PM
Cubs declined Hammel's option which I don't like and doesn't make sense to me as a standalone move.
I'm very surprised but assume it will make more sense as the offseason progresses. But in a vacuum I think it is a poor decision.
Hammel is a fine pitcher, but I understand not committing money to a guy who is 34. He might have a few years left, but he won't be the future of the staff going forward. If they have confidence in Montgomery, who's been a starter before, I'm all for it. Especially as it adds another lefty arm to the rotation.
Quote from: brewcity77 on November 07, 2016, 06:16:37 AM
Hammel is a fine pitcher, but I understand not committing money to a guy who is 34. He might have a few years left, but he won't be the future of the staff going forward. If they have confidence in Montgomery, who's been a starter before, I'm all for it. Especially as it adds another lefty arm to the rotation.
Hammel and Maddon didn't exactly see eye to eye. He had a FIP of 4.48, he's 34 years old and no team wants to pay their 5th starter $12M. Montgomery will likely make about 5% of that, plus he's a lefty and performed well in 5 spot starts this season. I also wouldn't be surprised if the Cubs kept Montgomery in the bullpen and traded Soler and prospects for a starter.
Sidenote: True, the Sox wouldn't want to trade Sale to Cubs...but the Cubs wouldn't want to trade Schwarber to the Sox either.
Quote from: brewcity77 on November 06, 2016, 09:33:30 AM
I can't see any circumstance the Sox trade Sale to the Cubs. Not saying it might not be a win-win, but sending your ace to the cross-town rival just seems really unlikely.
Oh, I think it
could happen. The teams have made big deals in the past (Sammy Sosa for George Bell, Ron Santo for Steve Stone and Steve Swisher) and I think the Sox would rather send Sale to the NL if given a choice.
But I don't think it makes sense for either team. The Cubs obviously don't need Sale to compete, and I wonder how much more they want to thin their system after giving up some top prospects at the deadline this year. Realistically, getting Sale is going to cost one MLB proven young player (Schwarber, Reed) and a few legit prospects. I don't see the Cubs either willing or needing to part with that when they're already got three quality starters and a very good middle of the rotation guy in Lackey for another season.
Quote from: PTM on November 07, 2016, 05:44:14 AM
Hammel hates Maddon and Maddon isn't a fan of Hammel.
Personally this just seems like speculation to me based on Hammel not liking being pulled early from a few starts. I'd be surprised if that played any significant role in the decision.
Quote from: brewcity77 on November 07, 2016, 06:16:37 AM
Hammel is a fine pitcher, but I understand not committing money to a guy who is 34. He might have a few years left, but he won't be the future of the staff going forward. If they have confidence in Montgomery, who's been a starter before, I'm all for it. Especially as it adds another lefty arm to the rotation.
Those are fair points. I guess the way I see it is that you had a solid pitcher at locked in at a very reasonable rate in today's marketplace. While he was a #5 on the Cubs, he was certainly not the quality of a #5 compared with the rest of the league.
They have Monty for 5 more years so maybe they wanted to see what they had this year with him as a starter. But I would have been good with Monty being in that swing role for one more year. As of now, this adversely impacts the rotation depth.
I'm sure it will make sense after more moves are made and that money is reallocated but on the surface I think they should have picked it up.
Quote from: MerrittsMustache on November 07, 2016, 08:36:55 AM
Hammel and Maddon didn't exactly see eye to eye. He had a FIP of 4.48, he's 34 years old and no team wants to pay their 5th starter $12M. Montgomery will likely make about 5% of that, plus he's a lefty and performed well in 5 spot starts this season. I also wouldn't be surprised if the Cubs kept Montgomery in the bullpen and traded Soler and prospects for a starter.
Sidenote: True, the Sox wouldn't want to trade Sale to Cubs...but the Cubs wouldn't want to trade Schwarber to the Sox either.
I'd prefer Monty in that swingman/6th starter this year with the eye towards moving him into the rotation next year when Lackey and probably Arrieta are gone. Maybe they want to see what they have in Montgomery this year before handing him a spot next season.
This will probably work out financially for Hammel but overall he was a solid piece at a reasonable price.
I obviously trust Theo but was very surprised by this decision.
Quote from: #UnleashWally on November 06, 2016, 11:10:08 PM
They didnt bring Hammel along with them to the playoffs. He was spotty during the season. Looks like Montgomery is going to be in the 5 spot.
As I've said above, I'd rather have Montgomery in that swing rule. I imagine they're going to add another SP via trade at this point. Should be interesting.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on November 07, 2016, 10:02:12 AM
Personally this just seems like speculation to me based on Hammel not liking being pulled early from a few starts. I'd be surprised if that played any significant role in the decision.
Those are fair points. I guess the way I see it is that you had a solid pitcher at locked in at a very reasonable rate in today's marketplace. While he was a #5 on the Cubs, he was certainly not the quality of a #5 compared with the rest of the league.
They have Monty for 5 more years so maybe they wanted to see what they had this year with him as a starter. But I would have been good with Monty being in that swing role for one more year. As of now, this adversely impacts the rotation depth.
I'm sure it will make sense after more moves are made and that money is reallocated but on the surface I think they should have picked it up.
I'd prefer Monty in that swingman/6th starter this year with the eye towards moving him into the rotation next year when Lackey and probably Arrieta are gone. Maybe they want to see what they have in Montgomery this year before handing him a spot next season.
This will probably work out financially for Hammel but overall he was a solid piece at a reasonable price.
I obviously trust Theo but was very surprised by this decision.
As I've said above, I'd rather have Montgomery in that swing rule. I imagine they're going to add another SP via trade at this point. Should be interesting.
It shouldn't be that surprising. The Cubs aren't strapped for cash, but $12M is a lot of money to pay for a back of the rotation pitcher who you don't trust to pitch in the postseason.
The Cubs were rumored to be interested in Jake Odorizzi at the deadline. The Rays have some young, talented pitchers close to being MLB-ready but they could use some hitters (Soler, Candelario, another prospect?).
Quote from: MerrittsMustache on November 07, 2016, 10:18:53 AM
It shouldn't be that surprising. The Cubs aren't strapped for cash, but $12M is a lot of money to pay for a back of the rotation pitcher who you don't trust to pitch in the postseason.
The Cubs were rumored to be interested in Jake Odorizzi at the deadline. The Rays have some young, talented pitchers close to being MLB-ready but they could use some hitters (Soler, Candelario, another prospect?).
I'm not saying we're the Yankees but the additional $10 million shouldn't have been any kind of hindrance. In the grand scheme, it's not going to be a big deal but the consensus was that the option was going to be picked up.
After not doing so, I would be stunned if they don't pick up a young pitcher with 3-4 years of control. But those guys are going to be VERY expensive.
I wonder if doing right by Hammel played any role in it. Guy came back in free agency after being traded away. Perhaps they decided to let him pursue a longer/more lucrative deal and choose his own destination rather than take whatever middling prospect or relieve they could get for him.
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/why-jason-hammel-is-no-longer-a-cub/
Sale traded. Moncada is a nice get. How do White Sox fans feel about it?
Might as well clean house and look to move Frazier, Robertson, Cabrera, Quintana, Eaton, and Abreu at this point.
Love. It. Love. It. Love. It.
Trade Quintana, his market price is high, have the Astros & Nats keep bidding.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on December 06, 2016, 12:48:11 PM
Sale traded. Moncada is a nice get. How do White Sox fans feel about it?
Might as well clean house and look to move Frazier, Robertson, Cabrera, Quintana, Eaton, and Abreu at this point.
Not a Sox fan but I thought they'd get more. Moncada is a top 10 prospect and Kopech has a lot of potential but I thought they'd get at least one more highly regarded prospect. Basabe is erratic and Diaz is the token throw-in. We'll see. I hope it works out for them. It's fun when both the Cubs and Sox are good.
Word is that the Rockies are interested in Abreu. Quintana has some value and Robertson might too given the weak FA closer class.
I like the John Jay signing for the Cubs. Fowler isn't coming back, and if Jay is healthy, he's a good stick and very good defender.
I've read recently that they're trying to put Soler in a package to get Wade Davis. Makes sense to me. Obviously you'd like a young starter, but Soler's value is down.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on December 06, 2016, 12:48:11 PM
Sale traded. Moncada is a nice get. How do White Sox fans feel about it?
Might as well clean house and look to move Frazier, Robertson, Cabrera, Quintana, Eaton, and Abreu at this point.
1. Yes, time to clean house. Dodgers apparently interested in Frazier. Colorado interested in Abreu. Sale sweepstakes losers (particularly Houston) interested in Quintana. Anderson and Rodon should be the only untouchables from the major league roster.
2. I think this is a reasonable return for Sale. Not a Shelby Miller robbery, but that wasn't going to happen. The purported Washington offer (Giolito, Robles) may have looked slightly better on paper, but there are more questions about Giolito than Moncada, and the Sox are pretty strong with pitching prospects (compared to an absolute dearth of position players). Kopech has top of the rotation stuff.
I hope Tim Anderson can keep developing, as they finally can see a core develop between Anderson, Zack Collins, Moncada.
I trust the Sox to develop pitching, and they have Fulmer, Burdi, Adams, Kopech.
If you can swap Eaton/Quintana/Frazier/Abreu go for it. I hated the Nats offer for Sale, but I'd take it for Quintana right now.
Quote from: MUDish on December 06, 2016, 01:11:35 PM
I hope Tim Anderson can keep developing, as they finally can see a core develop between Anderson, Zack Collins, Moncada.
I trust the Sox to develop pitching, and they have Fulmer, Burdi, Adams, Kopech.
If you can swap Eaton/Quintana/Frazier/Abreu go for it. I hated the Nats offer for Sale, but I'd take it for Quintana right now.
You can add Alec Hansen to the list of high level pitching prospects. Best pure stuff in the organization. Just has to consistently harness it.
Quote from: RushmoreAcademy on December 06, 2016, 01:01:36 PM
I like the John Jay signing for the Cubs. Fowler isn't coming back, and if Jay is healthy, he's a good stick and very good defender.
I've read recently that they're trying to put Soler in a package to get Wade Davis. Makes sense to me. Obviously you'd like a young starter, but Soler's value is down.
Jay is fine to share CF with Almora. He can get on base and is versatile. The team will miss Fowler quite a bit but bringing him back was probably not realistic.
As a fan, I am probably biased regarding Soler. His value certainly is down but one year of Davis is not enough for me personally in that scenario.
I also hope and don't expect the Cubs to get Jansen for the duration and value he is looking for.
Quote from: Pakuni on December 06, 2016, 01:16:05 PM
You can add Alec Hansen to the list of high level pitching prospects. Best pure stuff in the organization. Just has to consistently harness it.
Ahh, I did miss Hansen, good call.
2017 should be a throw away year, they'll pick 12th in the June draft. If they can draft well, and have money to spend in the 2018 mega free agent class, I'm on board with being patient and letting the kids play.
Is Moncada Big League ready? If not when? If so, what to do with Lawrie, now that they just resigned him?
Nice haul for the Sox. I think the Nats rumors last night were just to spark a team like the Red Sox. I don't think they are done yet.
Quote from: Lighthouse 84 on December 06, 2016, 01:34:02 PM
Is Moncada Big League ready? If not when? If so, what to do with Lawrie, now that they just resigned him?
IMO, he be at Charlotte to start the season, but they'll be calling him up before September.
Quote from: Lighthouse 84 on December 06, 2016, 01:34:02 PM
Is Moncada Big League ready? If not when? If so, what to do with Lawrie, now that they just resigned him?
Lawrie was arb eligible, Sox and him agreed to a salary, so he wasn't re-signed, he was under contract (through 2017). I'm fine with Moncada up or down in 2017. They're not going to compete next year anyway.
Wow, Red Sox are playing Moncada's entire contract.
Quote from: MUDish on December 06, 2016, 01:11:35 PM
I hope Tim Anderson can keep developing, as they finally can see a core develop between Anderson, Zack Collins, Moncada.
I trust the Sox to develop pitching, and they have Fulmer, Burdi, Adams, Kopech.
If you can swap Eaton/Quintana/Frazier/Abreu go for it. I hated the Nats offer for Sale, but I'd take it for Quintana right now.
1. I like this deal MUCH better than the one the Nats offered. Giolito scares me.
2. If we can get fair value for Quintana (he's been better than Sale the last 2 years and has an extra year of control), Eaton, Abreu, Frazier, Robertson and Jones I would trade them all. We'd come out of it with 12 or so top 100 prospects and be in good shape to get a top 3 pick for at least 2 (likely 3) years. Sox park will be a ghost town for awhile but we weren't going anywhere with our core anyway.
Quote from: PTM on December 06, 2016, 01:50:16 PM
Wow, Red Sox are playing Moncada's entire contract.
Just saw that too...he was still due $30 plus million, that's insane.
White Sox really made out well here.
Let me know when dat POS Braun is dumped for some used chew and a musty jockstrap, hey?
Quote from: PTM on December 06, 2016, 01:36:24 PM
IMO, he be at Charlotte to start the season, but they'll be calling him up before September.
I hope you're right, but I suspect they'll be a lot of pressure on the organization to bring him up early to show they got something out of this deal. Not sure exactly where his service time stands now, but wouldn't be a surprise to see the Sox give him the Kris Bryant treatment at the start of the season.
Quote from: 4everwarriors on December 06, 2016, 01:53:48 PM
Let me know when dat POS Braun is dumped for some used chew and a musty jockstrap, hey?
+1.
But not a horrible move by the Brewers today. Villar now a 2nd baseman it seems. Thanks for your efforts. Scooter! Enjoy your next stop.
Quote from: Pakuni on December 06, 2016, 01:54:21 PM
I hope you're right, but I suspect they'll be a lot of pressure on the organization to bring him up early to show they got something out of this deal. Not sure exactly where his service time stands now, but wouldn't be a surprise to see the Sox give him the Kris Bryant treatment at the start of the season.
Moncada was up for a while last year with Boston (and struggled with the bat) so the Sox would have to hold him down a bit longer, which they should. Plus, his struggles when he was called up give them an obvious reason to do so.
Quote from: Pakuni on December 06, 2016, 01:54:21 PM
I hope you're right, but I suspect they'll be a lot of pressure on the organization to bring him up early to show they got something out of this deal. Not sure exactly where his service time stands now, but wouldn't be a surprise to see the Sox give him the Kris Bryant treatment at the start of the season.
I agree with this analysis. They won't trade a year of control for a handful of games (or whatever it amounts to) - it's a rebuild not a reload.
Quote from: MerrittsMustache on December 06, 2016, 12:58:11 PM
Word is that the Rockies are interested in Abreu. Quintana has some value and Robertson might too given the weak FA closer class.
Chapman, Jansen and Melancon plus a handful of middling talents are a weak free agent class?
Quote from: Lennys Tap on December 06, 2016, 01:52:53 PM
1. I like this deal MUCH better than the one the Nats offered. Giolito scares me.
2. If we can get fair value for Quintana (he's been better than Sale the last 2 years and has an extra year of control), Eaton, Abreu, Frazier, Robertson and Jones I would trade them all. We'd come out of it with 12 or so top 100 prospects and be in good shape to get a top 3 pick for at least 2 (likely 3) years. Sox park will be a ghost town for awhile but we weren't going anywhere with our core anyway.
You sound like a FanGraph's reader. 8-)
Quote from: Lighthouse 84 on December 06, 2016, 01:34:02 PM
Is Moncada Big League ready? If not when? If so, what to do with Lawrie, now that they just resigned him?
No sense to have him up next year. Keep the year of control.
Quote from: brandx on December 06, 2016, 04:01:27 PM
Chapman, Jansen and Melancon plus a handful of middling talents are a weak free agent class?
The Nationals, Cubs, Yankees, Dodgers and Giants all need (or needed in the Giants case) closers, at least. That is more teams than closers. There could be a decent market for Robertson.
Quote from: buckchuckler on December 06, 2016, 04:13:24 PM
The Nationals, Cubs, Yankees, Dodgers and Giants all need (or needed in the Giants case) closers, at least. That is more teams than closers. There could be a decent market for Robertson.
I have no desire for the Cubs to pay what Jansen and Chapman are going to command. Those years at that AAV typically turn out horribly. Maybe these guys are exceptions but I'd rather allocate resources elsewhere.
Of course, I don't want to have to overpay in a trade again like we did for Chapman but I think that was a special circumstance.
The prices those guys are going for should make Robertson more appealing though.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on December 06, 2016, 04:24:31 PM
I have no desire for the Cubs to pay what Jansen and Chapman are going to command. Those years at that AAV typically turn out horribly. Maybe these guys are exceptions but I'd rather allocate resources elsewhere.
Of course, I don't want to have to overpay in a trade again like we did for Chapman but I think that was a special circumstance.
The prices those guys are going for should make Robertson more appealing though.
Cubs reportedly are talking to KC about Wade Davis.
Quote from: Pakuni on December 06, 2016, 04:28:37 PM
Cubs reportedly are talking to KC about Wade Davis.
Saw that. I do like him. Saw Soler mentioned but hoping that is speculation. Now I realize Soler's value is down and he has nowhere to play so I'm fine with trading him. But trading him for one year of a reliever doesn't feel right.
Cubs have also been reportedly talking to Greg Holland but he is coming off an injury. Might be worth a roll of the dice.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on December 06, 2016, 04:30:37 PM
Saw that. I do like him. Saw Soler mentioned but hoping that is speculation. Now I realize Soler's value is down and he has nowhere to play so I'm fine with trading him. But trading him for one year of a reliever doesn't feel right.
Cubs have also been reportedly talking to Greg Holland but he is coming off an injury. Might be worth a roll of the dice.
Boy, maybe my view is skewed, but I saw that and thought "no way Soler is enough to get Davis"
Maybe I am overrating Davis as I have seen him destroy the AL Central the last few years, but that guy is as good a closer as there is this side of Britton.
His ERA the last 3 years is 1.18, and his WHIP is .892 with 11.5 K/9.
Oh yeah, and he has completely dominated in the World Series.
Quote from: buckchuckler on December 06, 2016, 05:41:48 PM
Boy, maybe my view is skewed, but I saw that and thought "no way Soler is enough to get Davis"
Maybe I am overrating Davis as I have seen him destroy the AL Central the last few years, but that guy is as good a closer as there is this side of Britton.
His ERA the last 3 years is 1.18, and his WHIP is .892 with 11.5 K/9.
Oh yeah, and he has completely dominated in the World Series.
But you're dealing with the Royals, who aren't going to want to (or be able to) shell out Davis' asking price in 2018, especially with Moustakas, Hosmer and Cain all hitting free agency that year as well.
Quote from: Pakuni on December 06, 2016, 06:03:07 PM
But you're dealing with the Royals, who aren't going to want to (or be able to) shell out Davis' asking price in 2018, especially with Moustakas, Hosmer and Cain all hitting free agency that year as well.
Very true, but there are other teams that would want him. I would think they could get a better deal than Soler.
I think a Robertson to the Cubs deal makes some sense, I don't think it would happen, but his salary and control make him a solid alternative to what the going rate is dollars/years in the open market.
Sox pitching staff in two-three years has a chance to be really really good. If they could flip Quintana for either a young stud catcher or CF, I'd be stoked. I think Collins eventually is your DH.
Quote from: buckchuckler on December 06, 2016, 04:13:24 PM
The Nationals, Cubs, Yankees, Dodgers and Giants all need (or needed in the Giants case) closers, at least. That is more teams than closers. There could be a decent market for Robertson.
I think the Cubs already have their closer in Hector Rondon.
Quote from: buckchuckler on December 06, 2016, 05:41:48 PM
Boy, maybe my view is skewed, but I saw that and thought "no way Soler is enough to get Davis"
Maybe I am overrating Davis as I have seen him destroy the AL Central the last few years, but that guy is as good a closer as there is this side of Britton.
His ERA the last 3 years is 1.18, and his WHIP is .892 with 11.5 K/9.
Oh yeah, and he has completely dominated in the World Series.
As I'm watching Marquette piss away the lead against Fresno St. I'll respond.
If healthy, Davis is a complete stud. It's not so much about the players vs. the fact that Davis only has one year left on his deal. I was also hoping Soler could be a piece in a package for a cost-controlled starter.
I found the following headline amusing. Maybe ironic is a better word,
Yankees GM Brian Cashman says Red Sox are now Warriors of MLB
Cashmen couldn't GM himself out of a wet paper bag if he had to survive on a payroll that is $100 million less than what he is able to spend - like the majority of teams have to do.
Quote from: WI inferiority Complexes on December 06, 2016, 07:53:30 PM
I think the Cubs already have their closer in Hector Rondon.
Based on how he was used in the playoffs, Joe Maddon disagrees.
Quote from: brandx on December 06, 2016, 10:56:08 PM
I found the following headline amusing. Maybe ironic is a better word,
Yankees GM Brian Cashman says Red Sox are now Warriors of MLB
Cashmen couldn't GM himself out of a wet paper bag if he had to survive on a payroll that is $100 million less than what he is able to spend - like the majority of teams have to do.
Cashman should have won executive of the year for how he managed the trade deadline this year.
Quote from: buckchuckler on December 06, 2016, 10:56:29 PM
Based on how he was used in the playoffs, Joe Maddon disagrees.
That's primarily because he was coming off an injury. He's not elite but he's very good.
Quote from: buckchuckler on December 06, 2016, 10:57:15 PM
Cashman should have won executive of the year for how he managed the trade deadline this year.
Agreed!
Wade Davis is only 31. Even with just a year on his contract, he could be in line for an extension if he pitches well and enjoys Chicago. He played for Maddon in TB so he's familiar with his style. If Davis walks after the season, I'd guess that Edwards steps into the closer role.
I really like Soler but ultimately, he was expendable. The Cubs already have Hayward, Schwarber, Jay, Almora and Szczur as OF and Zobrist, Contreras and Bryant can play out there as well. Soler should do well in KC given a chance to play every day.
EDIT: I had left out Almora.
Well I was wrong. Looks like Davis for Soler straight is the deal.
Quote from: MerrittsMustache on December 07, 2016, 08:24:47 AM
Wade Davis is only 31. Even with just a year on his contract, he could be in line for an extension if he pitches well and enjoys Chicago. He played for Maddon in TB so he's familiar with his style. If Davis walks after the season, I'd guess that Edwards steps into the closer role.
I really like Soler but ultimately, he was expendable. The Cubs already have Hayward, Schwarber, Jay and Szczur as OF and Zobrist, Contreras and Bryant can play out there as well. Soler should do well in KC given a chance to play every day.
Rangers kicking the tires on Szczur as well. My guess is he's gone. 5 primary outfielders: Schwarber, Almora, Hayward, Zobrist and Jay.
KC has a whole bunch of players who are going to be unrestricted FA's after 2017. They know they can't keep all of them. They are going to be actively seeking to trade WS heroes for young talent that they will have under club control for a few years. Davis for Soler is just the beginning.
Quote from: tower912 on December 07, 2016, 09:04:17 AM
KC has a whole bunch of players who are going to be unrestricted FA's after 2017. They know they can't keep all of them. They are going to be actively seeking to trade WS heroes for young talent that they will have under club control for a few years. Davis for Soler is just the beginning.
Both Cain and Hosmer are FA after next season, and Moose shortly there after.
Quote from: buckchuckler on December 07, 2016, 11:49:41 AM
Both Cain and Hosmer are FA after next season, and Moose shortly there after.
Moose is also a free agent after the 2017 season.
Ah, ok then. Thought it was the next year.
White Sox reportedly trade Eaton to Nationals for Lucas Gilito (#1 Nationals prospect/#3 overall), Reynaldo Lopez (#3/#38 overall) and Dane Dunning (#6/NR).
Yabo!
Quote from: Pakuni on December 07, 2016, 04:15:16 PM
White Sox reportedly trade Eaton to Nationals for Lucas Gilito (#1 Nationals prospect/#3 overall), Reynaldo Lopez (#3/#38 overall) and Dane Dunning (#6/NR).
Yabo!
Seems like quite a haul. I had thought I had heard they were going to hold onto Eaton because he would still be under contract for the next time they hoped to be competitive but maybe the Nats overwhelmed them with the offer.
It takes a lot to stun me...that haul for Eaton is incredibly stunning, I was on a conference call and accidentally said "holy $hit" when I saw it...had some explaining to do
I wonder if the Nats are down on Giolito for some reason.
Multiple Nats players pissed about the deal.
Wow. That is an amazing return! Great trade. Just love it.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on December 07, 2016, 04:50:30 PM
I wonder if the Nats are down on Giolito for some reason.
I wonder the same thing. Eaton is a great value, but if Giolito is anywhere near "all that" it's a home run for the Sox.
Quote from: MUDish on December 07, 2016, 04:41:27 PM
It takes a lot to stun me...that haul for Eaton is incredibly stunning, I was on a conference call and accidentally said "holy $hit" when I saw it...had some explaining to do
Orioles' Dan Duquette: Don't want Bautista because fans don't like him
What a way to run a team. Makes me think maybe he ordered Showalter not to use Britton with the entire season on the line.
Quote from: Pakuni on December 06, 2016, 05:37:00 PM
Eaton is a very good player. Probably underrated, even.
But he's not a guy you build around.
Well, quite the return for a guy that is just a complementary piece. Love this trade. It takes away all the pain from losing Sale. The Sox have stacked their farm, and could still have some pretty big chips to move.
Quote from: buckchuckler on December 07, 2016, 05:37:49 PM
Well, quite the return for a guy that is just a complementary piece. Love this trade. It takes away all the pain from losing Sale. The Sox have stacked their farm, and could still have some pretty big chips to move.
It's a shocking return. General consensus is the Nats got fleeced. I couldn't be happier.
Casey Stern
@CaseyStern
Consensus on the floor here from GM's: As bad a panic move as they've seen at the meetings.
Bob Nightengale @BNightengale
Several scouts and executives say they actually thought the #WhiteSox did better in the Adam Eaton trade than the Chris Sale trade.
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
Rival evaluator on the White Sox trades: "They're kicking some butt."
Meant to say earlier, I loved the Cubs trade for Davis. I was lukewarm on Soler, he's probably a better fit in the AL, and to get Davis, even for a year, is very solid.
Quote from: Pakuni on December 07, 2016, 05:44:38 PM
It's a shocking return. General consensus is the Nats got fleeced. I couldn't be happier.
Casey Stern
@CaseyStern
Consensus on the floor here from GM's: As bad a panic move as they've seen at the meetings.
Bob Nightengale @BNightengale
Several scouts and executives say they actually thought the #WhiteSox did better in the Adam Eaton trade than the Chris Sale trade.
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
Rival evaluator on the White Sox trades: "They're kicking some butt."
They ended up with 2/3 of the players they would have gotten for Sale, it is pretty darn amazing. That extension for Eaton was huge. Wow did that pay off. Also, this is the result of trading Hector Santiago. That seems pretty solid.
Quote from: buckchuckler on December 07, 2016, 06:08:48 PM
They ended up with 2/3 of the players they would have gotten for Sale, it is pretty darn amazing. That extension for Eaton was huge. Wow did that pay off. Also, this is the result of trading Hector Santiago. That seems pretty solid.
Adam Eaton is a shorter version of Jason Heyward. 5yrs, 39 mil vs 7 yrs, 184 mil = great value.
If I read Nightengale correctly, the Sox will have only $3.2 million committed in salary entering November 2018, lowest of any MLB team heading into that superstar free agency period.
If I had to guess, they are going to go after both Harper & Machado, and they can front end a truckload of money and avoid the new hard cap tax levels.
Quote from: MUDish on December 07, 2016, 09:44:16 PM
If I read Nightengale correctly, the Sox will have only $3.2 million committed in salary entering November 2018, lowest of any MLB team heading into that superstar free agency period.
If I had to guess, they are going to go after both Harper & Machado, and they can front end a truckload of money and avoid the new hard cap tax levels.
Yankees won't be outbid for either or both of them, IMO.
Quote from: MUDish on December 07, 2016, 05:46:33 PM
Meant to say earlier, I loved the Cubs trade for Davis. I was lukewarm on Soler, he's probably a better fit in the AL, and to get Davis, even for a year, is very solid.
If Davis is healthy I love this trade for the Cubs. Soler doesn't have anywhere to play on the Cubs, and as recently as 2015 Davis was maybe the best closer in baseball.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on December 07, 2016, 09:45:41 PM
Yankees won't be outbid for either or both of them, IMO.
I think Harper will be a Yankee, but the Yankees (after Chapman just signed) will be at $73 mil committed heading into 2018. If they don't give an eff about the luxury tax, they could of course sign anyone. The Sox on the other hand could front load (a hypothetical) 8 year $300 mil deal, with $60 mil in year 1, and never come close to the tax. A hypothetical Yankee deal would see the value increased in 2021 when the cap increases.
I was wrong the Nightengale article, the Phillies have $0 committed.
Quote from: MUDish on December 07, 2016, 11:05:30 PM
I think Harper will be a Yankee, but the Yankees (after Chapman just signed) will be at $73 mil committed heading into 2018. If they don't give an eff about the luxury tax, they could of course sign anyone. The Sox on the other hand could front load (a hypothetical) 8 year $300 mil deal, with $60 mil in year 1, and never come close to the tax. A hypothetical Yankee deal would see the value increased in 2021 when the cap increases.
I was wrong the Nightengale article, the Phillies have $0 committed.
Fair enough. The question is will the Sox be close enough to winning where a Machado takes the leap of faith instead of going to another high revenue team that may have a better team at the time.
Obviously, a lot of it depends on the development of these prospects. I think the Cubs are an anomaly based on the high percentage of their young guys that have been productive and productive quickly.
All I can say about the WSox is "don't stop now, boys." Happiest I have been as a Sox fan since game 2 of the 2005 WS.
Abreu, Frazier, Robertson and Melky all have some value and should be gone. High draft choices or prospects.
Anderson and Quintana are available, but if they stay I'm OK with that. Looking to 3/4 years down the road.
And sign a Crash Davis to bring these young Nick LaLoosh's along.
Quote from: LloydsLegs on December 08, 2016, 12:29:21 PM
Abreu, Frazier, Robertson and Melky all have some value and should be gone. High draft choices or prospects.
Anderson and Quintana are available, but if they stay I'm OK with that. Looking to 3/4 years down the road.
And sign a Crash Davis to bring these young Nick LaLoosh's along.
1. Don't think you can trade draft choices in baseball
2. Anderson may be the only guy who's not on the block.
Quote from: Lennys Tap on December 08, 2016, 02:44:50 PM
2. Anderson may be the only guy who's not on the block.
And Rodon. And Nate Jones, especially if they move Robertson.
Quote from: Pakuni on December 08, 2016, 04:08:34 PM
And Rodon. And Nate Jones, especially if they move Robertson.
I actually think Jones could get you back more than anyone left (sans Quintana).
I forgot that Seth Beer is eligible for the 2018 draft, I'm 100% in on Tank for Beer, guy has all the makings of Mike Trout.
Quote from: brandx on December 07, 2016, 05:19:14 PM
Orioles' Dan Duquette: Don't want Bautista because fans don't like him
I heard this, too. It's so stupid it's like it was in the Onion or something.
I mean, didn't Bulls fans HATE Rodman? Didn't White Sox fans (and most everybody else) hate Pierzynski? Didn't Cubs fans hate Edmonds? Didn't Yankees fans hate Johnny Damon? Etc, etc, etc. for years and decades.
If you really are making decisions like this, you deserve to never win a World Series.
Quote from: MUDish on December 08, 2016, 04:52:15 PM
I actually think Jones could get you back more than anyone left (sans Quintana).
I'd wait and trade him during the season. It seems that relievers prices get inflated at the deadline. I guess that risks injury or a bad year though...
Quote from: MU82 on December 08, 2016, 09:53:28 PM
I heard this, too. It's so stupid it's like it was in the Onion or something.
I mean, didn't Bulls fans HATE Rodman? Didn't White Sox fans (and most everybody else) hate Pierzynski? Didn't Cubs fans hate Edmonds? Didn't Yankees fans hate Johnny Damon? Etc, etc, etc. for years and decades.
If you really are making decisions like this, you deserve to never win a World Series.
Since Douquette is letting the fans decide, I wonder what he'll do when the fans decide they don't want him any more.
Quote from: MU82 on December 08, 2016, 09:53:28 PM
I heard this, too. It's so stupid it's like it was in the Onion or something.
I mean, didn't Bulls fans HATE Rodman? Didn't White Sox fans (and most everybody else) hate Pierzynski? Didn't Cubs fans hate Edmonds? Didn't Yankees fans hate Johnny Damon? Etc, etc, etc. for years and decades.
If you really are making decisions like this, you deserve to never win a World Series.
I don't think he is really making decisions based on the fans, though I think the statement was made to curry favor with O's fans. I don't know what Bautista wants, but he is 36, a liability in the field and he is coming off a so-so season. I think basically the Orioles weren't interested in anything close to his asking price.
It looks like the Cubs signed Koji Uehara. I'll miss him in Boston. He is like a master psychologist on the mound. When the hitter thinks he is going to get a fastball, Koji serves up his change. When the batter knows he is getting the change, Koji slips his mid-low 80s fastball past him. I imagine he pitches like a guy from the 50s or something, when everybody didn't throw 95+.
He was terrible early last year, but was basically back to his old self when he came off the DL. I'll always be thankful for 2013, when he was awesome in championship run.
Quote from: MU82 on December 08, 2016, 09:53:28 PM
I heard this, too. It's so stupid it's like it was in the Onion or something.
I mean, didn't Bulls fans HATE Rodman? Didn't White Sox fans (and most everybody else) hate Pierzynski? Didn't Cubs fans hate Edmonds? Didn't Yankees fans hate Johnny Damon? Etc, etc, etc. for years and decades.
If you really are making decisions like this, you deserve to never win a World Series.
As the saying goes, a coach who listens to the fans ends up sitting with them. Presumably the same applies to GMs.
Quote from: CTWarrior on December 09, 2016, 08:13:18 AM
It looks like the Cubs signed Koji Uehara. I'll miss him in Boston. He is like a master psychologist on the mound. When the hitter thinks he is going to get a fastball, Koji serves up his change. When the batter knows he is getting the change, Koji slips his mid-low 80s fastball past him. I imagine he pitches like a guy from the 50s or something, when everybody didn't throw 95+.
He was terrible early last year, but was basically back to his old self when he came off the DL. I'll always be thankful for 2013, when he was awesome in championship run.
Didn't allow a run in his last 15 outings (though he missed about 6 weeks in the middle of that time frame).
Fowler likely headed to StL.
Quote from: MerrittsMustache on December 09, 2016, 09:36:00 AM
Fowler likely headed to StL.
Incredibly likable guy. Get paid, Dex! Hope he puts up MVP numbers on a last-place team for the next 5 years.
Quote from: MUDish on December 07, 2016, 05:46:33 PM
Meant to say earlier, I loved the Cubs trade for Davis. I was lukewarm on Soler, he's probably a better fit in the AL, and to get Davis, even for a year, is very solid.
I like it too. Soler wasn't going to play and Davis is going to fit in well, especially for the way Maddon manages.
For future reference, next year's free agent class for the Cubs will be Lackey, Arrieta, Jay, Montero, and Davis. The core is locked up for so long... what a beautiful thing.
Quote from: drewm88 on December 09, 2016, 11:02:36 AM
Hope he puts up MVP numbers on a last-place team for the next 5 years.
Not going to happen. You heard it here first.
As Harry once said, "The Cardinals are coming, tra la tra la!"
Quote from: dgies9156 on December 11, 2016, 03:34:02 PM
Not going to happen. You heard it here first.
As Harry once said, "The Cardinals are coming, tra la tra la!"
For the wildcard perhaps. That's about it.
Good article on ESPN Insider today about how the new CBA makes it unlikely a team like the Yankees could sign both Harper/Machado in 2018. Points out no matter their resources, the tax of draft picks/cash/international signings for the life of those contracts is crippling over the life of those deals.
Jansen, back to the Dodgers. 5/80
Quote from: MU B2002 on December 12, 2016, 01:18:43 PM
Jansen, back to the Dodgers. 5/80
Dodgers are all in shelling out the cash to Turner and Hill too. Definitely the right move. Keep pushing while Kershaw is still Kershaw..... plus it's MLB so why would you worry about the money when you have it. Luxury tax is nothing to them.
As a Dodger fan, I liked the Turner resigning. TBD on Hill.
Will be curious to see what they do at 2B.
Quote from: RushmoreAcademy on December 15, 2016, 08:29:52 AM
Dodgers are all in shelling out the cash to Turner and Hill too. Definitely the right move. Keep pushing while Kershaw is still Kershaw..... plus it's MLB so why would you worry about the money when you have it. Luxury tax is nothing to them.
Except they are under mandate to cut payroll...this is their last push apparently.
Quote from: CTWarrior on December 09, 2016, 08:13:18 AM
It looks like the Cubs signed Koji Uehara. I'll miss him in Boston. He is like a master psychologist on the mound. When the hitter thinks he is going to get a fastball, Koji serves up his change. When the batter knows he is getting the change, Koji slips his mid-low 80s fastball past him. I imagine he pitches like a guy from the 50s or something, when everybody didn't throw 95+.
He was terrible early last year, but was basically back to his old self when he came off the DL. I'll always be thankful for 2013, when he was awesome in championship run.
I was happy with that signing. I really like the moves so far, getting Davis and Koji, as well as John Jay. I'm almost getting used to the team being run by smart people. It's scary.
Quote from: PTM on December 15, 2016, 11:31:32 AM
Except they are under mandate to cut payroll...this is their last push apparently.
I think with the new CBA there are also additional "punishments" aside from luxury tax payment.
Get ready for another gigantic three way trade coming any hour now, another Hahn-Bomb before Christmas.
Quote from: MUDish on December 23, 2016, 10:40:42 AM
Get ready for another gigantic three way trade coming any hour now, another Hahn-Bomb before Christmas.
Quintana to Pittsburgh?
Quintana to PIT, McCutchen/Robertson to NYY, Glasnow and four other top prospects to Sox.