PREAMBLE
My OPP has the Sox spending in some places and trading in others. 2020 was weird, I would like to forget it... but the fact is we have a probable MVP on the roster and a bunch of high potential guys who need to step up. I’m hoping with a full spring training, new staff, and some new blood these guys take that step into true contention.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE PLAYERS
Write “tender,” “non-tender” or “rework/extend” after each player and their projected 2020 salaries, arranged by the three calculation methods described by MLB Trade Rumors. Feel free to offer explanation afterward if necessary.
- Nomar Mazara: $5.6M | $5.9M | $5.7M non-tender. Do I really need to say why??
- Carlos Rodón: $4.5M | $4.5M | $4.5M non-tender, I’d be willing to bring back on a minor league deal. But I have a feeling he will get MLB offers from someone.
- Lucas Giolito: $2.5M | $5.3M | $2.5M Tender...duh...extend...duh..
- Reynaldo López: $1.7M | $2.2M | $1.7M Tender, I have an idea here
- Evan Marshall: $1.3M | $1.9M | $1.4M tender, again do I really need to say why?
- Adam Engel: $1M | $1.4M | $1M Tender...see above
- Jace Fry: $800K | $1M | $800K Tender..see above above
- Yolmer Sánchez: Uncertain non tender, he probably wants to start and he wont for me...sorry man. You’re fun but time to officially move on.
CLUB OPTIONS
Write “pick up” or “decline” or “rework” after the option.
- Edwin Encarnación: $12M..NOPE!!!
- Gio González: $7M ($500K buyout). Did you pitching for the Sox bring the hell-scape that was 2020? We may never know, either way time to move on.
- Leury García: $3.5M ($250K buyout) buyout and resign at a lower rate. Say $2 mm
OTHER IMPENDING FREE AGENTS
Try to retain, or let go?
- Alex Colomé (Made $10,532,500 in 2020)let go, its bummer and Heuer time
- James McCann (Made $5.4M in 2020) You will likely want starter money, and even though you have yet to put together a good FULL season, someone will pay you, it’s been fun!
- Jarrod Dyson (Made $2M in 2020) latter dude!!
COACHING STAFF
Here’s a first: Pick your manager and pitching coach, with any elaboration.
- Manager: Hinch, I’m just guessing a deal in already in place which is cool cuz dude wins..but if not him the Bochy
- Pitching coach: some one else said it, Danny Farquhar. All of the feels!!
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: Marcus Stroman. 4yrs 76 million with a 5th yr option for 20mill. He is a very good pitcher, not an ace, but a dude who has been consistent his entire career, he slots right into the #3 role. He is a gamer, he is young and it just makes sense. He has attitude and youth that fit right into this team. Plus another ground baller would be awesome.
No. 2 George Springer 4yrs $80m, 5thyr option for $20. He is a great hitter, great fielder, can run, throw, yada yada.. do I really need to explain. I’m guessing the years and money are right where they should be because he will be 31 to start the 2021 season. If you need to wiggle it a bit then fine.
No. 3 Jose Quintana 1yr $12m. A poplar name here on the OPP’s. Bringing him in as the deaf to 5th starter is good because along with Stroman it means we have 4 locked in guys, and reduces the pressure on cease, dunning, kopech, Lopez yada yada yada.Plus its Q he was great for the Sox, ok for the cubs and should be happy coming “home” in a no pressure situation, he wont be counted on to be “the guy” like he might have been after the trade.
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: Lopez, Dunning, Adolfo, Mercedes to the Mets for Michael Conforto. The Mets get an enigma in Lopez, maybe they unlock him, He has all the stuff but can’t put it together, in the hopes they can figure him out, a legit rotational piece in Dunning, a potential replacement for Conforto in Adolfo, and a backup/replacement(age)for Ramos in Mercedes. Maybe add Stiever too. The Sox get a rental, fingers crossed they extend, who can play any OF and play it great and hit like crazy a perfect match, considering the logjam they have and new ownership.
SUMMARY
My Sox spent some money and moved some dudes but otherwise kept the core together. I don’t think the moves, spending or trade wise, are too crazy and could fit into a compete not and in the future mind set. I’m banking on Kopech being what we all hoped he would be, after a year off to get his body and mind right. I’m just not ready to give up on him yet.
LINEUP
SS- Tim Anderson(r)
RF- George Springer(r)
CF- Louis Robert(r)
1st- Jose Abreu(r)
LF- Michael Conforto(L)
DH- Eloy Jimenez(R)
3RD-Yoan Moncada(S)
C-Yasmani Grandal(s)
2ND-Nick Madrigal(R)
BENCH
Leury Garcia(OF/IF)
Adam Engal(OF)
Danny Mendick(IF)
Zack Collins (C)
ROTATION
Giolito(R)
Keuchel(L)
Stroman(R)
Kopech(R)
Quintana(L)
Cease(R) either in AAA, the bullpen or traded after spring training.
BULLPEN
Bummer(L) closer
Heuer(r)
Crochet(L)
Marshal(r)
Foster(r)
Fry(L)
Cordero(R) or Rodon(L)
thanks y’all
