PREAMBLE
The White Sox need to add from the outside to kick the rebuild in the butt. I feel the team’s biggest issue is defense and adding the best pitching to help with team ERA is the assistance the team needs. Strong pitching and believing in the minor league bats are this season’s biggest priorities. Grow the on field talent, get stronger 5-7 innings from starters and add some post season experience to the team.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE PLAYERS
Write “tender” or “non-tender” after each player. Feel free to offer explanation afterward if necessary.
- Jose Abreu, $16M Tender
- Avisail Garcia, $8M Non-Tender Too many names in the minors need a shot to grow
- Yolmer Sanchez, $4.7M Tender
- Carlos Rodon, $3.7M Tender
- Matt Davidson, $2.4M Non-Tender We have Palka- I think both Davidson and the Sox need a change
- Leury Garcia, $1.9M Tender
- Danny Farquhar, $1.4M Non-Tender Treat like Santiago and maybe get minor league deal
CLUB OPTIONS
Write “pick up” or “decline” after the option.
- Nate Jones, $4.65 million/$1.25M buyout Pick-up
- James Shields, $16 million/$2M buyout Decline However, maybe see if he is willing to get 1 year deal
OTHER IMPENDING FREE AGENTS
Try to retain, or let go?
- Miguel Gonzalez (made $4.75 million in 2018) Let go
- Hector Santiago (made $2 million in 2018 — added) Retain
FREE AGENTS
List three free-agent targets you’d pursue during the offseason, with a reasonable contract. A good example of a bad idea:
No. 1: Adrian Beltre (2 yr -10 million; 3rd year option for 6 million). I think this does 2 things for the clubhouse: brings another veteran player into the house with postseason experience and he can defensively play 3rd or float to DH. This move leaves room to groom Moncada for 3rd or allow team trade for future third baseman
No. 2: Patrick Corbin (5 yr- 55 million) I believe you can never have enough starting pitching.
No. 3: Nathan Eovaldi (5yr- 55 million) I believe you can never have enough starting pitching.
TRADES
Propose trades that you think sound reasonable for both sides, and the rationale behind them. A good example of a bad idea:
No. 1: Trade Burdi and Blake Rutherford for Nolan Arenado- resign for 6 yr- 120 million Trade and get the franchise 3rd baseman. The Rockies need a hard throwing closer and Rutherford gives them a power bat for the outfield.
SUMMARY
Starting lineup:
1 Tim Anderson (SS)
2 Yoan Moncada(2b)
3 Jose Abreau(1b)
4 Adrian Beltre(DH)
5 Nolan Arenado(3rd)
6 Eloy Jimenz(RF)
7 Wellington Castillo(C)
8 Adam Engel (CF)
9 Daniel Palka (LF)
Rotation:
Rodon (L)
Eovaldi (R)
Corbin(L)
Lopez(R)
Giolito(R)
Projected Payroll: (60 mil + FA(27 mil) + Trade(20))= 107 million for 2019
I think this line up and rotation allows for growth and brings in veteran presence. The 5th pitcher could be replaces with Cease mid-season if struggles continue. Kopech returns to solidify the starting rotation. Beltre could be there for wisdom and to help protect the middle. He would provide off days for Arenado and/or could show Moncada the ropes.
The idea is bigger picture as well: 2021 sees Beltre retiring, Abreau becomes full time DH, Arenado moves to first, Moncada to 3rd, Madrigal to 2b, Robert in CF, Adolfo in LF. Kopech and Cease before the 4th and 5th starters. Giolito and Lopez are bullpen guys.
Contracts and returns feel very light, but I’d be thrilled if this happened.
You and me both. I am excited for the next few months!
Not paying nearly enough for any of these contracts, that trade probably doesn’t do it either
I think you are correct, but personally I wouldn’t want to do more than 15mil for each
I don’t think you would be able to sign Corbin or Eovaldi for only 11 a year. I have no idea why anyone would want to sign Beltre, who will turn 40 a few days after opening day. Do you really think he’s playing at 41 or 42? I can guarantee that the Rockies are not that stupid.
Beltre just retired.
Whoops!
Thanks for the heads up. I will be torching my offseason plans now as he was the pin that held it all….
So I visited Sportec for contracts in the area. I think Hahn has shown that he can point out that this is a healthy bump that would put them into next tier of pitching. I don’t think they are 15,16,17+ million pitchers. Truthfully, I really like Arenado more that Bryce or Machado. I think defensively he is better than both. I know his numbers away from Colorado are not the best, but I think the Rate can over a middle ground and provide the talent. So I would make the trade to get the talent. Looking at CBS sports and MLB, they listed bullpen pitching as a must for the Rockies and with Turner getting older, I would want a young bat to build around without giving up Adolfo, Basabe, Robert or Eloy.