There hasn’t been much public buzz about Alex Colome’s market this winter, but the former All-Star has been attracting some attention in free agency. Darren Wolfson of SKOR North (via Twitter) reports that the Twins “recently inquired” about Colome’s services, while FanSided’s Robert Murray (Twitter links) adds that the Nationals, Red Sox, Astros, and White Sox have also shown interest.
For the last five seasons, Colome has been a solid and occasionally dominant ninth-inning option, racking up 138 saves for the Rays, Mariners, and White Sox since the start of the 2016 season. With Chicago in 2020, Colome posted just an 0.81 ERA over 22 1/3 innings, while posting a largely impressive slate of Statcast metrics (in particular finishing in the 95th percentile in barrel percentage). ERA predictors, however, weren’t nearly as impressed with his work, as Colome’s 2.97 FIP, 4.26 xFIP, and 4.44 SIERA all reflected his ordinary 6.4 K/9, as well as some good fortune in the form of a .200 BABIP and 86.4% strand rate. He also didn’t allow a single home run last year, which isn’t likely to be duplicated over a full season.
Colome largely relies on a two-pitch arsenal of a cutter (which he has thrown over 70% of the time in each of the last two seasons) and a four-seam fastball that clocks around the 94.4mph range. It’s hard to argue with results, of course, though teams could be wary of committing big money to the 32-year-old Colome going forward if they feel his advanced metrics will start catching up to his on-field numbers.
That said, the lack of Colome updates to this point could also be par for the course during an offseason that hasn’t seen much high-priced movement in the relief market. Trevor May’s two-year, $15.5MM deal with the Mets represents the only significant contract given to a relief pitcher this winter, and such names as Liam Hendriks, Brad Hand, Blake Treinen, and Trevor Rosenthal continue to wait for their next teams (not to mention many other prominent relievers who could be available in trades).
As we inch closer to the projected start of Spring Training, it isn’t surprising that we’ll hear more news about interest in Colome and other relievers as teams start to get aggressive about filling holes in the bullpen. All five of the teams linked to Colome have needs at the back of their respective pen, even if a provisional closer is already in place to handle the bulk of save opportunities. For the White Sox in particular, there has been speculation that the team could elevate Aaron Bummer or Evan Marshall to closer if Colome went elsewhere, though it would make sense that Chicago would welcome back a familiar closer (at the right price, of course) if the Sox want some ninth-inning experience for what they hope will be a deeper run into the postseason.
Those teams would be better off choosing from column b
I have no idea who you are or what your username means, but I like your posts, your style, and your overall demeanor.
I would enjoy being your pal.
Let’s go get sushi … and not pay!
post of the day material right there – well done
Jesus Christ you quoted Repo Man
Can you please be my friend now
One of the greatest movies of all time
A friendship is born!
Do you wanna go do Karate in the garage?
I have nothing to add to this blossoming bromance, so I’ll just sit back and enjoy this twisted tea.
Did we just become best friends? Yup!
No!! Monty is my friend, not yours @pinkerton
Lol
This is what Jeff Todd has been up to since he quit working for this site.
Jeff Todd left?
He posted a story 3 days ago .. hmmm
I want to have his baby.
They need to start a new thread revolving around this bromance
We’re the three best friends that anyone could have!
Winner winner chicken drumstick?
Whitesox shoukd bring him back. He has been arguably the most consistently good RP over the last 5 years.
They did just sign Bummer to a big extension. Felt like they were planning for the future at the time. Agree he’s worth it on that team, but they probably don’t feel the same
I believe the White Sox view Aaron Bummer as their Andrew Miller. I think they will bring in a more traditional closer this offseason via free agency or a trade, most likely one who throws heat and is right-handed. Free agent Liam Hendricks would be at the top of their list but it’s debatable that they will meet his reported demands of a 4-year contract.
The White Sox have a number right-handed power pitchers on their 40-man roster and more in the pipeline. Some are being groomed strictly as relievers while a couple others may emerge from their group of high octane starters. Dylan Cease and Michael Kopech will be given every opportunity to remain as rotation candidates but at some point in time they may wind up in the back of their bullpen. Reynaldo Lopez may already be at that point in his White Sox career.
With all these potential relief candidates the White Sox may be reluctant to dish out an expensive multi-year deal to a soon to be 32-year old Hendriks. If that’s the case, they might prefer re-signing Alex Colome who figures to be far cheaper in terms of years and dollars.
Colome has also been a successful setup man in the past and could easily return to that role if Bummer or lefty phenom Garrett Crochet impress new manager Tony La Russa in spring camp. The White Sox view Crochet as an ace quality SP but will likely have him on the Chris Sale path to their rotation with an innings limit on him this season. With the White Sox serious contenders in 2021, Crochet figures to be a late inning force this season before transitioning to their rotation in 2022.
Lopez has shown flashes of dominance…. at this point in his career and considering the starting pitching depth of the white Sox, I think it makes sense to try him out of the bullpen
@dixie, Jeff Todd had been that good?
I’m sure Bloom was JUST inquiring, so not holding my breath! Not that Redsox need pitching, or anything like that!
If you’re a FA, you can look and you will find me
Chaim after Chaim
If you fall, I will sign you, I will be waiting
Chaim after Chaim
Thank you Cindy.
A Lauper, you know, a caddy, a Lauper, a jock. So, I tell them I’m a pro jock, and who do you think they give me?
Lol well done sir
That’s funny as Hell, I’d like to have a beer with you!
Careful shopping for bargain Colome. Sometimes it’s expired and isn’t good for long and stinks.
It’s all right. Alex Colome contains no ambergris.
@rundmc underrated comment, I spit pineapple juice on my phone screen while reading this!
Colome would look really weird as a Red Sox lol
I think either the Astros, Twins, or White Sox get him.
The Astros need to add one of the high leverage relievers like Colome, Hand, Hendricks, and Rosenthal, and then a mid tier one too.
I’d take him back on a one-year deal. People have ripped him for his metrics in his 2 years in Chicago, yet the results were positive overall. I’m not saying sign him to a huge multi-year deal, but I could think of a lot worse relievers out there to sign to a one-year deal. And if he’s awful in ’21, just wash your hands clean of him. It’s not like he’s asking $20MM/yr.
Definitely something to be said for guys who maybe don’t have the strongest peripherals but still produce results. Colome’s been solid for 5 straight years now. His K/9 in 2020 is what concerns me; it was his lowest since 2014 (when he only threw a handful of games).
But like you said, he’s unlikely to be asking for much.
If they don’t resign Colome or either Yates, Hand or Hendriks, do you think Crochet starts the year out as the closer if he’s healthy?
I think it’s probably Bummer, but Crochet’s name would definitely be in the mix
Whoa there, Bucco! The Pale Hoes (!) will be a very competitive team. Crochet is gifted, but has only two weeks of pro experience. They should have a high-pressure guy.
It would be a mistake to develop Crochet into a closer out of Spring Training. They need him starting every 5th day, even if that means he spends most of his 2021 season in the minors. If Crochet continues to develop and the ChiSox are having BP issues in late August then it might make sense to bring him up as a bullpen piece then (ala Chris Sale), but they need his arm stretched out and need to get him into a starter’s mentality / workout regimen as that’s where his long term value lies.
What they did last year with Crochet was the equivalent of bringing up Chris Sale in August his first year. In Sale’s second year, he pitched 71 innings, all in the majors and ALL out of the bullpen. He didn’t go back to starting until year 3, and it worked out phenomenally. So putting Crochet in the bullpen this year would be damn near exactly what they did with Sale. There’s obviously no guarantee it works the same this time around, but there’s no reason to believe it can’t.
Absolutely. It’s also best to keep in mind that Chris Sale had been a full time starter in college before the White Sox selected him with their #1 pick in the 2010 MLB June Amateur Draft. Sale signed right away and pitched out of the bullpen in the minors before gaining a promotion to the White Sox pen in August when they had some injuries on a team very much in contention. Sale was so impressive he actually split closing duties with fellow southpaw Matt Thornton in September when Bobby Jenks was lost for the season.
Unlike Sale, Crochet’s 2020 college innings were virtually nil with COVID-19 striking early on before he was drafted. With no minor league season, Crochet was immediately sent to the White Sox alternate summer camp where he impressed before making his MLB debut on September 18th. Crochet was lights-out down the stretch and made the postseason roster where he fanned the only two hitters he faced before leaving the White Sox final playoff game with a minor arm ailment.
If the White Sox were still rebuilding Crochet would be working as a starter in the minors with an innings limit. The team’s championship window is wide open now so Crochet will be utilized in their pen where his innings will be naturally limited. I would expect him to be in contention for a rotation spot in 2022 but even that could be delayed pending the success of their 2021 starters, particularly Dylan Cease and eventually Michael Kopech.
Yea they also told sale he’s going back to the bullpen in the 3rd year and he called Kenny Williams said meet me at Gate C parking lot
He was starting few nights later
Ik this has nothing to do with the post but I have to post it.
So I thought I was delusional. Why does MLB have the Mets 8th in their power rankings??? I thought I was the only one that thought the Mets had talent??? I’m not saying their list is perfect. I’m just trying to point out I’m the only one that sees the talent the Mets have.
Glad to see 2021 is starting with you seeing your delusions. That’s the first step. Or it could just be everyone else. I bet that’s it.
Generous ranking by MLB, probably higher than they’ll be ranked at the end of the season.
Why do you care about power rankings at all? Especially enough to complain about one site’s ranking on a different site? It’s all subjective. Time to log off!
The Mets are consistently a sexy pick for pre-season power rankings. I don’t pay attention to these things, but I think the difference is, MLB has them 8th. You’ve made claims that has them in the top 3. With that Cohen money, I think they’ll be in the top 10 for sure.
I say they are top 3 because I think before the season starts they will be. Doesn’t mean I think the are top 3 rn. They need pitching and they will fix that. Also Mets are very likely to get springer. But if don’t get him they use the money elsewhere. I’m not worried at all. They will be a top 5 team at the very least.
Okay. If you say so.
Metsfan, I agree with you completely. The Mets will be a top 5 team…in their division.
I think he’s going to get paid. As a Sox fan, I never felt comfortable with him closing. I know his numbers were good….but….ugh. I’d rather have him than not sign any reliever, but I’d rather pay for an upgrade.
Paying for a reliever is a crapshoot, and the team still has needs in the rotation and at DH. They are better off bringing back Colome or elevating a young player to closer. Paying fir closers is always a bad idea.
The team doesn’t have needs in the rotation and at DH. Assuming Kopech is ready to pitch, the rotation is set. Giolito/Lynn/Keuchel is about as good as it gets at the top, and Kopech/Cease has to be the most talented (albeit unproven) 4/5 combo in baseball. They could certainly use another depth piece, but they don’t “need” another guy for the actual rotation.
As for DH, unless they are signing Cruz or Brantley, they have in-house options. If they aren’t comfortable with Vaughn starting the year in the big leagues, I am 100% on board with Yermin getting his shot. The guy rakes wherever he goes. Not to mention Collins is going to need to be given a legitimate shot at some point, whether that be here or on another team. Obviously they’d rather have somebody that is proven at the big league level, but unproven =/= bad. If for some reason none of the 3 look competent, it’s not all that hard to find a cheap veteran that can hit OK but sucks in the field.
And no, paying for a closer isn’t “always a bad idea.” David Robertson was an excellent signing.
I agree with most of this. A closer should be priority #1 for the White Sox as we post. That said, I do expect Rick Hahn to bring in a veteran starter who is amenable to a short term contract, preferably a southpaw like Jose Quintana or James Paxton. The only lefty in the White Sox rotation and on their depth chart is Dallas Keuchel so another southpaw would provide better balance.
We both know that any team will rarely get through a full season with just 5 starters. We also know that Michael Kopech will likely start the year at AAA Charlotte and also be on a strict innings limit all season after opting out of 2020 and not pitching in an official game since September 5th of 2018 due to TJ surgery and a lengthy rehab. The only other legit rotation candidate aside from Cease and Kopech is Reynaldo Lopez who will be out of options this spring and may be better suited for a role in the bullpen anyway.
The White Sox championship window is wide open right now so the addition of a legit veteran starter is imperative in my world. That guy should either be an inning eater like ‘Q’ or one with postseason success like Paxton, not just another Gio Gonzalez. There are a number of older veteran pitchers who could fit this criteria for the White Sox this offseason, lefty’s and right-handers both, many wanting one more shot at a World Series ring before they retire. For the first time in what seems like forever, the White Sox won’t have to beg a pitcher to come to the southside of Chicago, or overpay for one either.
The rotation is not set for next year. Kopech will certainly need time getting ready, and both Cease and Lopez are shaky at best right now. Getting another proven arm should be a priority.
As far as closer, it’s an overrated “position” that can be solved in season with a trade, if necessary. Why spend 14 mil on a closer when you can enhance your DH, or protect yourself in the rotation? This is the same team that had a waiver claim close its last WS win, and has routinely found closing options of of its own system or through minor trades. Give me Brantley and a fourth starter over a high – priced closer.
Again, I said “assuming Kopech is ready to pitch,” the rotation is set. If he’s not ready to go, they’ll need a stopgap solution until he is ready. As for Cease, whether you like it or not, he is 100% in the starting rotation unless he gets injured. Getting a “proven fourth starter” does nothing for them in the playoffs. If you can get someone like Charlie Morton, sure, go for it. But if it’s your typical #4 starter like Q, they might as well save the money and just get a 6th starter to hold Kopech’s place until he’s ready.
You can call closers/saves overrated all you want, but I’d say getting outs with the game on the line is pretty damn important. Computers don’t play baseball, players do; pressure is a real thing. I’ll happily take somebody that I know has experience getting the job done under pressure. The Sox had a very good bullpen last year, but in game 3, we saw just how quickly a young, inexperienced bullpen can implode.
And yah, as I said, I”ll happily take Cruz or Brantley at DH. Assuming they won’t pay up for either one, which I think is a safe assumption, I’m more than happy with what they have compared to the next best options.
“Give me Brantley and a fourth starter over a high – priced closer.”
That’s not really a fair comparison since Brantley will make as much as Hendriks per year (and more than someone like Colome/Hand/Rosenthal). But if we’re just coming up with a wishlist, give me Bauer. Or Springer. Or give me DJL and trade Madrigal for some pitching.
“Never felt comfortable” he was fine & your team is good. Enjoy the ride.
there are 30 closing spots in pro baseball. you dont think he’s even in the top 30 guys qualified to do that job, because id argue he’s backend top 10 at worst in today’s game. about as consistent as closers get.
I would prefer re-signing Colome on the cheap than giving Hendricks a longer term expensive deal. Hendricks has 40 career saves, has only been closing since 2019 and has a career ERA over 4. Colome is not an elite closer but best not to overspend on a closer, an unproven one at that.
The Sox should not commit money to a closer for longer term, since so far this offseason they have not spent a single dollar on 2022 or beyond. I think their window of opportunity might wind up being quite short, if they are looking for starting pitchers and right fielders every offseason. Nothing they have done this offseason sets them up for a real multi year window like the Padres are doing. There is no confusing them with the Padres in terms of which ownership really wants to win, and the results will surely prove that out.
@jhomeslice
I think the Sox didn’t have to set themselves up with long-term deals this Winter. In fact, with the uncertainty with some of their prized prospects (especially the SP prospects), it’s a good thing not to invest in average starters to long-term deals, blocking the SP prospects if any do pan out (which could if Katz can take them to the next level–I know, big if).
This is how the team is set up for the future:
C Grandal next 3 seasons
1B Vaughn next 7 seasons *
2B Madrigal next 6 seasons *
3B Yoan next 4 seasons (potentially 5)
SS TA next 2 (potentially 4)
LF Eloy next 4 (potentially 6)
CF Robert next 5 (potentially 7)
RF ??? (not bothering with Eaton)
DH Abreu next 2 (though will be as long as he’s productive)
* denotes number could change if arb requirements change in next CBA
(potentially …) is options being exercised
I flip-flopped Vaughn and Abreu, basing this for the long-term future
I’m fully aware, Vaughn has never taken a MLB at bat and Madrigal has only a few games under his belt.
RF if Cespedes pans out potentially ’22-’28 * (huge if, that’s why I didn’t list him above)
Rotation:
Giolito next 3 seasons (as of right now–hopefully that changes this Winter)
Keuchel next 2 seasons (potentially 3)
Lynn this season only
Cease next 5 seasons *
Kopech next 5 seasons *
Crochet next 6 seasons *
I’m not going to bother with bench or bullpen besides:
Bummer next 4 seasons (potentially 6)
Personally I would only add to the bullpen and see how the last 2 spots of the rotation play out before adding to it (we should see unfold by July). The exception obviously would be if they got a TOR in a trade (they won’t get Bauer and he’s the only TOR in F/A).
*Vaughn is 7 seasons due to the time manipulation by Hahn to squeeze that extra season out of him (more appropriately, it would be between 6 1/2 to 6 3/4, depending on when they bring him up).
Great time to be a southsider indeed –
I too agree, nows a time to use baby gloves not go all crazy – People often forget this year will have a great buying opp at the deadline. You can probably get more bang for your buck then and have the knowledge of what you need /dont need better –
If I was a Sox fan id be happy how quite its been recently. These things get outta control far faster than they get contained (See Philly post the day they extended Osdrubel)
Id go after some intriguing short term Rp deals and maybe take 1 shot on a short contract with one of Joc, Kyle S, or Eddie R and call it a day- 15-20 mill more should easily do the trick for 21 and not add any long term risk
If you’re going to mention Cespedes as a potential starting RF, you should also note Norge Vera as a potential SP ’22-’28 (or maybe ’23-’29).
@Oddvark
I only mentioned Cespedes because he’s their best in-house choice for RF. And I did mention he’s a huge if. But unless he does horrible in the minors, they’ll give him a legit shot in RF probably in ’22.
Technically Vera’s a possibility as a potential SP, but P’s in the int’l market are harder to gauge. It’s funny that the Sox signed both the best hitting int’l prospect and the best pitching int’l prospect this period (I don’t really consider Colas a pitching prospect with all of 3 IP under his belt–that’s like considering Matt Davidson a P).
In fact, if you ignore Colas as a P (as I do), Vera is the only P in the Top 30 MLB.com Int’l Prospect list. And if Colas does wait another year, the Sox could snag him also. But I’m not getting my hopes up on that right now–way too early for that.
Now that the calendar has turned, we’re back to the frigid stove, aren’t we.
Anyone speculating Marshall could be elevated to closer in that last paragraph does not follow the WSox well. Even Bummer is a slight stretch, as his flexibility against tough lefty hitters/parts of lineup in 7th or 8th fit like a glove. Colome return would be nice, but it sure sounds like they’ll first see if they can land Hendricks if the deal doesn’t need to go beyond 3yrs in the competitive bidding.
Colome is cheaper and if the last 5 years of his consistency means anything, he will likely save just as many game for the Whitesox as Hendricks would.
Why pay for Hendricks when you can get Brantley for same price most likely? The team has had a black hole at DH for almost a decade. Crochet, Bummer, Heuer, and even Kopech could potentially step in at closer.
I’m not on the sign Hendricks side either like the masses. Good with Colome for much less $ and years. Crochet and Kopech can be lethal BP arms in ’21. Also see value in Mercedes/Schwarber DH platoon. Splurge on a better level of veteran SP for 1yr to slot Cease down to #5.
Lets hold Rick Hahn accountable to his own words earlier this offseason. He stated that the White Sox would be better off spreading their offseason dollars around rather than splurging on an elite free agent, implying George Springer or Trevor Bauer. These words were spoken shortly after he traded for TOR Lance Lynn and signed free agent RF Adam Eaton.
In my mind , that still leaves Hahn with a whole lot of money to use this offseason. Ideally, he would sign FA Liam Hendriks to close, Michael Brantley to DH and add another veteran SP to slot into the #4 rotation spot. The SP will likely be one on a short term deal but Hendriks and Brantley will each be looking at 3+ year contracts with an AAV in the $10-$15MM range. My guess is that Jerry Reinsdorf would sign off on one of those two FA’s leaving Hahn scrambling to fill the other role with a cheaper FA or through a trade. In other words, if they sign Hendriks then maybe they settle for a DH/LF like Kyle Schwarber. If they ink Brantley, then perhaps they reunite with Alex Colome to close games out for a year or two.
Trades are also possible for a closer, DH or SP but it’s doubtful the White Sox will sacrifice any more of their top-100 prospect talent after already using Dane Dunning in the Lynn trade. If Hahn can construct a trade similar to the one that AJ Preller managed in snagging Yu Darvish away from the Cubs that would be preferable over having to swap another elite MLB ready talent like Andrew Vaughn or Nick Madrigal.
Of course, Hahn doesn’t have to spend all of his offseason budget on FA’s this winter. He could elect to use some of those funds for a more expensive summer trade acquisition down the stretch and into the postseason. Hahn might also use up his budget securing long term contract extensions for Lucas Giolito, Vaughn and/or Madrigal.
@Aaron Sapoznik
I would be happier with the extensions than with any other additions at this point. Granted I would like adding to the pen, but the extensions are my personal #1 priority. I’d rather they stay in-house with the DH, give Collins and Mercedes their legit shot until Vaughn is deemed ready (which I have a feeling is sooner than later). We’ll know Vaughn is about ready if they don’t get any more offense this Winter.
As for SP, unless it’s a TOR, I’d rather stick with Cease and Kopech as #4 and #5. If Kopech isn’t ready OD, stick Lopez at #5 until Kopech is ready by late April/May. It will only be a few starts. If they sign a non-TOR, it’s imperative it’s a one-year deal. No sense blocking Kopech and/or Crochet in ’22 (and beyond) with what could easily be an inferior pitcher.
I don’t necessarily care how they bolster the pen, just improve the pen is my only concern. If it’s Hendriks, Colome, Hand, or any other closer or table-setter, as long as it’s an improvement over what they now have. I’m really hoping whatever addition means Cordero doesn’t start the season in Chicago.
I know this RF named Heyward that would look good somewhere else
Oh, you mean Jasu Heyward? Yeah, I know that guy! He hasn’t lived up to standards on his beer league softball team, but I’m sure a change of scenery will assist his production immensely! Thanks for reminding me!
Honestly, I wouldn’t be all that opposed to the idea. They have more than enough fire power on offense to cover up for his bat when it disappears, and I’d have to imagine he’d basically be free to acquire. They could do much worse (and they have since Eaton left).
Red Sox will be looking to strengthen the team over last year’s personnel. In doing so, the focus will be on flipping said upgrades for prospects at the trade deadline. As long as the farm is improving their mission will be accomplished. Long term competitiveness, not re-tooling is the watch word here. With the uncertainty of the upcoming season and a last place finish, that may be the best strategy going forward. Only time will tell.
I agree. And I must admit I was pleased with the deals they made last year to begin replenishing the bereft wares. The Moreland and Workman deals in particular.
The best deal they made last year might end up being the Pillar trade. They got a young, fireball BP pitcher who went to UConn and grew up in MA and he’s super excited to be coming home to Boston. The kid has closer stuff and should move through the minors quickly. He should make the MLB roster in 2022 and could possibly get called up in 2021 so long as there is a minor league season and he continues to develop. I liked the Philly deal a lot too. Not sure Pivetta will ever break through but Seabold shows a lot of promise for sure.
There are going to a lot of “Bridge Years” ahead with this team, a lot! They are going to become the Dan Duquette years with Rudy Pembertons, Dwayne Hoseys, Vaugh Eshelmans, Pedro Marinez Brother, a lot of dry years ahead turning Boston into a small market team with a lower payroll. The problem with this is that you cannot charge to prices they charge in Fenway putting a team like this on the field.
Do you people even enjoy baseball?
AL34 just loves complaining. He hated 2018, because there was not enough to complain about. Lol
I’m not a kool aide drinker. I’ve been a Red Sox fan since 1967 so I know my players and team. This management is going low cost for the future but don’t charge those exuberant prices you charge fir an inferior product. I did not like the Mookie Betts trade at all. The dumped an MVP Ballplayer fir an established player and two prospects
I’ve been a Red Sox fan since 1950 and I was around for some really dreadful teams. (I saw Dick (DR Strangeglove) Stuart hit an inside the park home run at Fenway) That’s where I made my bones. Not during the “Impossible Dream” team when all of a sudden people said they were Red Sox fans but had never even been inside Fenway. And, frankly, you don’t know what you are talking about. The Sox made a strategic move for economic reasons, and will continue to spend when it makes sense. The fact that you didn’t like the Mookie Betts trade, a trade moving someone who had absolutely no intention of signing with the Red Sox, and getting substantial value for him shows you really don’t know what you are talking about. I’ll bet you own a pink Sox cap.
You really are an ignorant imbecile. Betts would have stayed if they gave him the money. He was very involved in Boston Community with feeding the homeless and other endeavors. He was owed the money and he is far better than Verdugo and two prospects he received in return. I have seen the Red Sox do some boneheaded moves like with Fred Lynn, Rick Burleson, and Carlton Fisk and forgetting to mail in contracts back in 1981. They always seem to let their stars go for pesos on the dollar. They played games with Johnny Damon and lost him to the Yankees then tried to sell us Coco Crisp as his replacement.
Refreshing to see some Red Sox fans who get it and just dont think they can spend there way outta this one
This hole is a lot deeper than the previous ones they dug out of w money as well – Have to give them their props for capitalizing as well as they did, when they did, and maybe even more realizing its not a viable model moving forward-(tho most RS fans dont believe that)
Id like to see them get creative the next couple years with the money if possible – Trade Sale or Eovaldi to LAA for a bad contract in Justin Upton (2 yrs left) thus doubling the prospect pool – Money can be used positively in a rebuild just as well as it can putting the finishing touches on things. I know most Sox fans will resent the sign of a re-build but I think theres more harm in just hedging the next couple years thru Free agents and trades than just admitting the time isnt now and making the proper sacrifices
During the season last year the Red Sox needed starting pitching, relief help, a closer, and a second baseman. It’s now January 2, 2021 and the Red Sox need starting pitching, relief help, a closer, and a second baseman! In other words no headway at all.
We’ll come close on Colome and we wont get him. I am not enthusiastic about the upcoming season or Bloom as the GM/ Operations Guy! He’ll pick up more throwaway players and released players hoping to catch lightning ⚡️ in a bottle.
No one out there, in a regular market, is putting the Sox over the threshold to championship calibre. Locking up a middle reliever for years in order to maybe win 80 games instead of 79 isn’t wise. Factor in the unprecedented market anomalies and this is an ideal off-season to continue to bolster the prospect list.
Not charging the prices they charge for this.
I can live with a steady and calculated rebuild that takes time but brings long term success. When one looks at the prospects the Padres accumulated these last half dozen years, and the acquisitions they have just traded for, that has strengthened that team…all the while not giving away their best young players, then I’m all in with what Bloom is trying to do.
It’s Jan 2 2021 and NO teams (outside of San Diego) have made headway.
Be on the lookout for Boston signing Sugano early next week. Then they will add one of the remaining top bullpen arms (hopefully Rosenthal, but they could opt for a cheaper deal with Yates if he’s healthy). After that, they should add a 2nd solid, cheaper starter like Kluber or Rich Hill. The rest of their BP needs can be pieced together with low cost deals or existing arms in the system.
That just leaves 2B and CF. They can fill 2B with a 1 year cheap deal as Downs will be ready by 2022. The most difficult spot for them to fill will be CF. Would love to see JBJ back but not sure that happens. Maybe they go cheap here too and hope that Duran comes out of Winter Ball ready to win a job with the big club. They should be able to do all of this for about $30M, which would put them over the CBT but not by much. The Red Sox will never be a $140M – $150M ball club. While they may choose to stay below the $210M CBT threshold, they will always stay within $20M of that number and always be a Top 10 spending club in MLB. They hired Chaim to build their farm system out, keep churning out prospects and keep the budget under control, but they did not hire him to build Tampa North, not even close.
Blue Jays interested? Talked? LOL
This hasn’t gotten old at all
Heck no. Pass me another mallet and I’ll help beat the joke to death some more.
Hey give them a chance. It takes time to talk to every single player. I’m sure he’s on the list somewhere soon. If the Blue Jays aren’t interested in you this offseason, you’re retired.
Blue Jay’s FO staff-“This guy is dead.”
Blue Jay’s GM-“Cross him off then.”
Love the reference. Just saw that movie over Christmas vacation.
Orioles need a reliever. They are probably not willing to pay the money but he definitely would help their bullpen
I have this feeling that as soon as one of the better relievers signs with someone, that there will then be a flurry of reliever signings right afterwards. It will be a game of “closer musical chairs”.
he should be Philly’s #1 target
He really should be.
Has the man ever worn his cap straight?
Fernando Rodney likes his style
Just checked in to see if Jays were interested again. Nope. Shocked
they’re on line one right now
Soft tossers never get their due from “advanced metrics.”
It must be very frustrating…..
Not sure I’d call him a “soft tosser.” He averages ~95mph on his 4 seamer; he just chooses to use his cutter more often than not.
Isn’t the premise about a cutter pitcher to be more about non-solid contact than swing and miss stuff? That would seem to fall right in line with Colome’s good barrel rate, low avg of balls in play and lower k/9 rate.
These metrics seem to be the same for him year after year and yet everyone seems to point them out as concerns, meanwhile he has been successful.
I wonder what Rivera’s metrics were like with the Yankees? Not that Colome is on the same level as Rivera, but I wonder if there are similarities in those same metrics.
Take a flier on one of Corey Kluber or James Paxton, whichever scouts are most comfortable with or whichever will take a 1 yr. incentive based deal. That puts both Kopech and Crochet in the bullpen with Bummer and Marshall, which could help limit their innings. The fifth spot is for Cease to lose. Sign Brantley for DH and this team is ready to go.
This report can’t be right the Blue Jays aren’t one of the teams
No mention of the Blue Jays? Something is wrong here
I’m shocked how good Colome’s career numbers are. He’s definitely one of those guys who has flown under the radar unless he pitched for your home team. I know he’s not much of a strike out pitcher but he sure seems more valuable than someone like Trevor May (who’s getting close to $8M/yr). I wonder how much he will end up signing for? He’s about as reliable of a relief pitcher as you can hope for year in and year out.
On a side note, Trevor Rosenthal is pretty solid too if you take out his one disastrous season post Tommy John surgery. He has pitched a total of 364 relief innings and has only let up 19 HRs in his major league career. That’s good for 0.5 HRs per 9 innings which is unheard of! I know Hendriks is considered to be the best reliever available but I would take Rosenthal over him, and maybe even Colome. Prior to mid-2018, Hendriks was a below average relief pitcher. I could see some regression out of him. Both Colome and Rosenthal have a much better track record over their total careers. Someone is going to get a great deal by signing one of these two for sure.
He gets the job done, but there are far too many adventures out there for my tastes. I’d rather the White Sox got Hendriks or Hand, though I admit that bringing back Colome is far preferable to handing the job over to someone in-house who is untested in that position.
Red Sox need a Closer badly. Colome is miles better than anything they’ve thrown out there the past two seasons
On the list of needs for the Sox, a “closer” should be quite low. Perhaps after they polish the turnstiles and finish building Henry’s helipad in centerfield.
Let’s see what Darwinzon can do with the high leverage late innings.. The fact people still think the concept of a closer exists anywhere other than fantasy leagues and agent/team negotiations continues to befuddle me.
“Let’s see what Darwinzon can do with the high leverage late innings”
Red Sox need a 9th inning guy if Darwinzon is your grand idea. Please stick to ruining movie references monty. Clearly you’re out of your element with baseball takes. Darwinzon….wow.
On the list of needs for the Sox a “closer” should be very high. The backend of the Sox bullpen has been terrible since Kimbrel left. The past 2 seasons they have blown 44 save opportunities, that number would probably be much higher if they played the other 102 games that were taken away last season. A pitching staff gets a huge boost if they know they have someone who can actually close out games.
Exactly what Rsox said. Watched enough Bosox games as a Jays fan to know they need bullpen help.
I’m still hoping he ends up back in Seattle