2016 Trade and Roster Move Speculation thread

[moonslav59]

Maybe suggesting trades with Swihart AND Holt would not be as advantageous as I originally thought, in terms of depth and roster flexibility.

 

I wonder how many positions Moncada will eventually be taught.

[Dojji]

So far he's strictly a 2B. That's worth noting because Holt was originally a SS so whatever happens Moncada won't have Holt's level of versatility.

[moonslav59]

So far he's strictly a 2B. That's worth noting because Holt was originally a SS so whatever happens Moncada won't have Holt's level of versatility.

 

Yes, I didn't mean to imply he'll become a supersub, but if they teach him to play LF not 3B, it changes the depth chart when considering trading Holt before next year.

 

To me, 3B is our thinnest position next year. I have no faith in Pablo and am more skeptical of Shaw as many here seem to be.

 

While having just Young and Beni as our 3/4 OF'ers looks thin, finding LF help is about as easy as it gets in terms of midseason pick-ups (see DMac & de Aza).

 

[Eddy Ballgame]

Maybe suggesting trades with Swihart AND Holt would not be as advantageous as I originally thought, in terms of depth and roster flexibility.

 

I wonder how many positions Moncada will eventually be taught.

 

A lot will obviously change between now & then. Mike Hazen said in an interview earlier this week that they will eventually get Moncada work in at 3rd and left. He also said that these young players have to put a ton of work in with hitting and defense at one position as it is, so they don't want them to have to put twice as much work on D learning multiple positions at that level. He also said that he's so athletic that he could probably play anywhere. I would not be surprised if he is the starting 3rd baseman at some point next season, unless they trade Benintendi.

Edited July 22, 2016 by Eddy Ballgame

[Hugh2]

Yes, I didn't mean to imply he'll become a supersub, but if they teach him to play LF not 3B, it changes the depth chart when considering trading Holt before next year.

 

To me, 3B is our thinnest position next year. I have no faith in Pablo and am more skeptical of Shaw as many here seem to be.

 

While having just Young and Beni as our 3/4 OF'ers looks thin, finding LF help is about as easy as it gets in terms of midseason pick-ups (see DMac & de Aza).

 

 

I was never 100% sold on Shaw as well, but I think he will be fine. I think he's done enough long enough to prove he's going to be a better MLB player than his prospect status ever warranted, but always thought he just got hot at the right time last year and early this year.

 

Still, I think given how disastrous the Pablo signing has been, he's been a big breath of fresh air and if the organization does plan on moving Moncada to 3B then I'm more than fine with him as a place holder.

 

Moncadas only weakness seems to be batting against LHP. Right now he's at .260/.394/.351 on the year with those numbers slightly worse at the AA level. Besides that, he looks very close to MLB ready.

 

My guess is, assuming the plan is to play Moncada at 3B at some point next year is he starts getting reps there in the Arizona fall league, possibly end of the season or beginning next year.

 

Someone on the last soxprospects podcast said interestingly that they wouldn't be completely surprised if the Sox brought Moncada up for a playoff push as a runner off the bench. He's got that speed/power combo that makes his game so special across the board

[Dojji]

A lot will obviously change between now & then. Mike Hazen said in an interview earlier this week that they will eventually get Moncada work in at 3rd and left. He also said that these young players have to put a ton of work in with hitting and defense at one position as it is, so they don't want them to have to put twice as much work on D learning multiple positions at that level. He also said that he's so athletic that he could probably play anywhere. I would not be surprised if he is the starting 3rd baseman at some point next season, unless they trade Benintendi.

 

Would I be surprised if Moncada was our 3B? No, but I'd be disappointed, because it would mean that a guy I really like, Travis Shaw, is no longer effective.

 

Right now Shaw is a plus on both offense and defense and is plenty young himself. 3b is his IMHO until he proves why it shouldn't be. Our open spot on this roster is at first, not third. before this year I would have felt otherwise as Shaw is a fine 1B, but I think it's time to consider him established at third and not keep trying to pencil in all these replacements for him.

 

If he's this passable at 3B despite having only a few dozen games experience there over the last few years, I imagine he'll look much better with a few seasons under his belt. I think it may be awhile before we're properly rid of Shaw.

[Jack Flap]

Circling back to the Sale/Quintana discussion....

 

The White are being inundated with calls of interest in ace Chris Sale, who may be the best pitcher in the American League, and All-Star left-hander Jose Quintana on the day after it became public that they are contemplating a serious sale.

 

The Red Sox, who already have made four trades, are said by some insiders to be greatly interested in the star pitchers, especially Sale, but the list of interested suitors is expected to be extremely long.

 

The Red Sox have indeed checked in with Chicago. Closer David Robertson could fit Boston as well, considering three of their best relievers are on the disabled list at the moment.

 

http://www.todaysknuckleball.com/knuckleball-news/white-sox-taking-calls-on-sale-quintana-with-red-sox-among-suitors/

[Eddy Ballgame]

Maybe suggesting trades with Swihart AND Holt would not be as advantageous as I originally thought, in terms of depth and roster flexibility.

 

I wonder how many positions Moncada will eventually be taught.

 

Would I be surprised if Moncada was our 3B? No, but I'd be disappointed, because it would mean that a guy I really like, Travis Shaw, is no longer effective.

 

Right now Shaw is a plus on both offense and defense and is plenty young himself. 3b is his IMHO until he proves why it shouldn't be. Our open spot on this roster is at first, not third. before this year I would have felt otherwise as Shaw is a fine 1B, but I think it's time to consider him established at third and not keep trying to pencil in all these replacements for him.

 

If he's this passable at 3B despite having only a few dozen games experience there over the last few years, I imagine he'll look much better with a few seasons under his belt. I think it may be awhile before we're properly rid of Shaw.

 

Don't be so sure. I actually like Shaw, but I could see him as that guy who rotates between 1st/3rd/DH and sits against tough lefties. I'd rather have Moncada at 3rd or in left, if they move Benintendi, but I'm not down on Shaw. The kid is supposedly the anti-Middlebrooks when it comes to working on his game.

[Bellhorn04]

You'd have to put an asterisk on the 60s and 70s as well. Actually farther back than that. There were bowls of amphetamines (greenies) in every club house.

 

Just look up Tom House. House pitched in the 1970's and later admitted to using steroids. He said a lot of players in the 70's were experimenting with steroids.

 

House was on the 1973 Braves, the only team in history to have 3 players hit 40 home runs. The name of one of those 3 is pretty obvious.

[a700hitter]

You'd have to put an asterisk on the 60s and 70s as well. Actually farther back than that. There were bowls of amphetamines (greenies) in every club house.

I don't put amphetamines in the same class as steroids. Heck, if they need something to keep them awake, let them have it. It's good to be alert when a 90+ mph fastball is coming at you. It didn't make them any stronger or faster.

[a700hitter]

Just look up Tom House. House pitched in the 1970's and later admitted to using steroids. He said a lot of players in the 70's were experimenting with steroids.

 

House was on the 1973 Braves, the only team in history to have 3 players hit 40 home runs. The name of one of those 3 is pretty obvious.

Those were horse steroids back then. Anyone that took that stuff was out of their minds. I doubt that it was prevalent at all. Players in the 70s didn't even believe in weight training. They were told to avoid it and they did.

[Eddy Ballgame]

Maybe suggesting trades with Swihart AND Holt would not be as advantageous as I originally thought, in terms of depth and roster flexibility.

 

I wonder how many positions Moncada will eventually be taught.

 

Would I be surprised if Moncada was our 3B? No, but I'd be disappointed, because it would mean that a guy I really like, Travis Shaw, is no longer effective.

 

Right now Shaw is a plus on both offense and defense and is plenty young himself. 3b is his IMHO until he proves why it shouldn't be. Our open spot on this roster is at first, not third. before this year I would have felt otherwise as Shaw is a fine 1B, but I think it's time to consider him established at third and not keep trying to pencil in all these replacements for him.

 

If he's this passable at 3B despite having only a few dozen games experience there over the last few years, I imagine he'll look much better with a few seasons under his belt. I think it may be awhile before we're properly rid of Shaw.

 

It's obviously debatable, but they were definitely "performance enhancing," even if it was temporary. Mickey Mantle would've averaged about 23 games a season without them.

[a700hitter]

It's obviously debatable, but they were definitely "performance enhancing," even if it was temporary. Mickey Mantle would've averaged about 23 games a season without them.

Or he would have had to drink a lot more black coffee.

[bowman]

Totally agree. Moncada should play where he is most comfortable because his bat will be dynamic. If that means trading Pede, so be it.

[Kimmi]

Circling back to the Sale/Quintana discussion....

 

The White are being inundated with calls of interest in ace Chris Sale, who may be the best pitcher in the American League, and All-Star left-hander Jose Quintana on the day after it became public that they are contemplating a serious sale.

 

The Red Sox, who already have made four trades, are said by some insiders to be greatly interested in the star pitchers, especially Sale, but the list of interested suitors is expected to be extremely long.

 

The Red Sox have indeed checked in with Chicago. Closer David Robertson could fit Boston as well, considering three of their best relievers are on the disabled list at the moment.

 

http://www.todaysknuckleball.com/knuckleball-news/white-sox-taking-calls-on-sale-quintana-with-red-sox-among-suitors/

 

There have been rumors that Dombrowski is trying for a Sale/Robertson package. How nice would that be? I know it's wishful thinking and the price would be astronomical, but a gal can dream.

[bowman]

Read the same thing, that the White Sox are starting to think about moving him. To get him it will take Moncada and more.

[SoxnCycles]

There have been rumors that Dombrowski is trying for a Sale/Robertson package. How nice would that be? I know it's wishful thinking and the price would be astronomical, but a gal can dream.

 

I'm surprised to see you say that.

 

It'll gut the farm.

[a700hitter]

I got an alert that the Rangers are close to a deal for Sale.

[moonslav59]

A lot will obviously change between now & then. Mike Hazen said in an interview earlier this week that they will eventually get Moncada work in at 3rd and left. He also said that these young players have to put a ton of work in with hitting and defense at one position as it is, so they don't want them to have to put twice as much work on D learning multiple positions at that level. He also said that he's so athletic that he could probably play anywhere. I would not be surprised if he is the starting 3rd baseman at some point next season, unless they trade Benintendi.

 

Agreed, and if his bat is way ahead of his glove at 3B (or LF), then- despite his athleticism- he may start at DH next year.

 

Yes, there's a long way to go. The Pablo factor is a bit of a wild card.

[moonslav59]

I was never 100% sold on Shaw as well, but I think he will be fine. I think he's done enough long enough to prove he's going to be a better MLB player than his prospect status ever warranted, but always thought he just got hot at the right time last year and early this year.

 

I'm still at the point where I think he may be more likely to become a platoon player than our FT 3Bman (or 1Bman eventually).

 

Still, I think given how disastrous the Pablo signing has been, he's been a big breath of fresh air and if the organization does plan on moving Moncada to 3B then I'm more than fine with him as a place holder.

 

Agreed.

 

Moncadas only weakness seems to be batting against LHP. Right now he's at .260/.394/.351 on the year with those numbers slightly worse at the AA level. Besides that, he looks very close to MLB ready.

 

Agreed, and I think it is very near the time to give him some reps at 3B (and/or maybe LF)

 

My guess is, assuming the plan is to play Moncada at 3B at some point next year is he starts getting reps there in the Arizona fall league, possibly end of the season or beginning next year.

 

Someone on the last soxprospects podcast said interestingly that they wouldn't be completely surprised if the Sox brought Moncada up for a playoff push as a runner off the bench. He's got that speed/power combo that makes his game so special across the board.

 

He could also PH.

[moonslav59]

Would I be surprised if Moncada was our 3B? No, but I'd be disappointed, because it would mean that a guy I really like, Travis Shaw, is no longer effective.

 

Right now Shaw is a plus on both offense and defense and is plenty young himself. 3b is his IMHO until he proves why it shouldn't be. Our open spot on this roster is at first, not third. before this year I would have felt otherwise as Shaw is a fine 1B, but I think it's time to consider him established at third and not keep trying to pencil in all these replacements for him.

 

If he's this passable at 3B despite having only a few dozen games experience there over the last few years, I imagine he'll look much better with a few seasons under his belt. I think it may be awhile before we're properly rid of Shaw.

 

We could see Moncada at 3B, Shaw at 1B and HanRam at DH next year.

 

If Shaw stays around .800, he'll always have a place to play.

[moonslav59]

Circling back to the Sale/Quintana discussion....

 

The White are being inundated with calls of interest in ace Chris Sale, who may be the best pitcher in the American League, and All-Star left-hander Jose Quintana on the day after it became public that they are contemplating a serious sale.

 

The Red Sox, who already have made four trades, are said by some insiders to be greatly interested in the star pitchers, especially Sale, but the list of interested suitors is expected to be extremely long.

 

The Red Sox have indeed checked in with Chicago. Closer David Robertson could fit Boston as well, considering three of their best relievers are on the disabled list at the moment.

 

http://www.todaysknuckleball.com/knuckleball-news/white-sox-taking-calls-on-sale-quintana-with-red-sox-among-suitors/

 

Even with Espi, Margot, Guerra and others already traded, we may still have the best possible prospect package to offer.

[moonslav59]

There have been rumors that Dombrowski is trying for a Sale/Robertson package. How nice would that be? I know it's wishful thinking and the price would be astronomical, but a gal can dream.

 

Pinch me.

[S5Dewey]

You'd have to put an asterisk on the 60s and 70s as well. Actually farther back than that. There were bowls of amphetamines (greenies) in every club house.

 

Yes, and the fact that there were bowls of greenies in every clubhouse is why I wouldn't count those years. It's my understanding that everyone had access to them and essentially everyone used greenies at one time or another.

 

IMO that's different from what we now refer to as PED's - the anabolic steroids and HGH - in that only a relatively few players have used today's PED's. Back then the playing field was (relatively) equal between players. Now it's not.

[SoxHop]

You know....... every DD sign has kind of sucked this year.... now that I think about it.

 

Name one that has been stellar........ counting injuries...

 

I'd almost say Young was the best pickup so far..... Maybe Price after that........

Edited July 23, 2016 by SoxHop

[moonslav59]

You know....... every DD sign has kind of sucked this year.... now that I think about it.

 

Name one that has been stellar........ counting injuries...

 

I'd almost say Young was the best pickup so far..... Maybe Price after that........

 

Maybe it's a good thing we only signed 2 free agents last winter.

[SoxHop]

Maybe it's a good thing we only signed 2 free agents last winter.

 

Trades too.......... DD had to do something.......... but damn................swing and miss.. obviously injuries have been the main issue.....

[moonslav59]

Trades too.......... DD had to do something.......... but damn................swing and miss.. obviously injuries have been the main issue.....

 

If Ben had a record like this...

 

[SoxHop]

If Ben had a record like this...

 

 

It's not an easy job..........

 

Ben brought in some cartoon characters recently.......

 

DD brought in some bad ass flame throwing Dragon slaying dudes.......... who all got hurt.... Where's magic eight ball when you need it??

Edited July 23, 2016 by SoxHop

[Jack Flap]

I got an alert that the Rangers are close to a deal for Sale.

I haven't seen anything saying they were close, just that the two were talking. Chicago supposedly wanted Gallo and Profar plus more.

 

Even with Espi, Margot, Guerra and others already traded, we may still have the best possible prospect package to offer.

I don't doubt this...it's just a matter of how far we want to go.

 

Would something like Moncada, Rodriguez, Swihart, Owens, and another prospect (not top 5) possibly be enough for Sale? That's one of the best prospects in the game, a major league ready SP and position player with years of cheap control, another potential back end starter, and a lottery ticket. I might even substitute Kopech for Owens. If we could pull this off while holding on to the Bogaerts/Betts/JBJ trinity and at least one of Moncada and Benintendi, I'd be very sorely tempted.

Edited July 23, 2016 by Jack Flap