2015-2016 Offseason Thread

[Vanimal46]

The Ian Desmond saga is over.. In one of the more puzzling moves of the off-season, Desmond signs a 1 year $8 million contract with the Texas Rangers. He's projected to play LF for them this season. Another example of a guy who probably should have taken his QO from his original team and try his luck in FA next season. 

[biggentleben]

 

The Ian Desmond saga is over.. In one of the more puzzling moves of the off-season, Desmond signs a 1 year $8 million contract with the Texas Rangers. He's projected to play LF for them this season. Another example of a guy who probably should have taken his QO from his original team and try his luck in FA next season. 

 

Though going to Texas in that environment and being able to push up his value for a weak class next year may be more valuable than returning to the cesspool that is the Washington Nationals clubhouse.

[cmoss84]

He may get a chance to (potentially-just speculation) play 4 different positions there...OF, SS, 3B and 2B. If he can prove himself playing any number of those positions competently, and hit close to 20 bombs and 15 stolen bases, he'll set himself up nice for his next contract.

[Otto von Ballpark]

Shouldn't the White Sox have picked him up around this price?  Chicago's first round pick is protected, so they would have only given up a second rounder.  Even if Tyler Saladino emerges, there's no guarantee you won't need help at 2B (Lawrie) or in the outfield.  And Jimmy Rollins?  Eek.

[James]

 

Shouldn't the White Sox have picked him up around this price?  Chicago's first round pick is protected, so they would have only given up a second rounder.  Even if Tyler Saladino emerges, there's no guarantee you won't need help at 2B (Lawrie) or in the outfield.  And Jimmy Rollins?  Eek.

I'm ok with the White Sox passing on Desmond.  I like seeing the White Sox roll into the season with some serious question marks on the roster.  

[Vanimal46]

 

Though going to Texas in that environment and being able to push up his value for a weak class next year may be more valuable than returning to the cesspool that is the Washington Nationals clubhouse.

Yeah that is true. He's gambled on himself the last 2 offseasons... It worked out pretty well in 2014, not so much in 2015. If he puts up another .674 OPS this season, his high salary days may be over. You've got to think he's looking back a couple of years ago when he turned down 7/107 and kicks himself for not signing that contract. 

[cmoss84]

 

Shouldn't the White Sox have picked him up around this price?  Chicago's first round pick is protected, so they would have only given up a second rounder.  Even if Tyler Saladino emerges, there's no guarantee you won't need help at 2B (Lawrie) or in the outfield.  And Jimmy Rollins?  Eek.

Yes. Have been waiting for them to-doesn't really make much sense. No complaining here though!

[Otto von Ballpark]

 

I'm ok with the White Sox passing on Desmond.  I like seeing the White Sox roll into the season with some serious question marks on the roster.  

Agreed!

 

Although when people here say the White Sox should be selling their stars and rebuilding, I point to things like this and say, maybe they just aren't being aggressive enough.  (Or they need to be smarter about their aggression, i.e. Samardzija.)

[bluechipper]

Just saw another interesting note on twitter by Jon Heyman about the surprising value of the Desmond contract. Desmond signed for just $1M less than what 37 year old Chase Utley signed for, coming off of a .629 OPS season.

 

That QO really hurts those second tier free agents.

[sane16]

Forty-one pitchers in the Brewers MLB ST camp.

Twenty-six of them have pitched in ST games, but not yet for Zach Jones.

Maybe he'll be back by April.

[Otto von Ballpark]

Just saw another interesting note on twitter by Jon Heyman about the surprising value of the Desmond contract. Desmond signed for just $1M less than what 37 year old Chase Utley signed for, coming off of a .629 OPS season.

 

That QO really hurts those second tier free agents.

I think Utley's deal might be the greater outlier, surprised he got a guaranteed $7 mil.

 

I think those second tier free agents need to think more about taking the qualifying offer. Especially a guy like Desmond coming off a down year.