2021 Ideas to Improve the Sox, Part III

[Nellie Fox]

Carry on.

[ChiTownTrojan]

I finally got to listen to the latest FutureSox podcast recently, that starts with a discussion of the plan for Crochet in 2021:

https://www.futuresox.com/2020/12/18...ochet-in-2021/

Fox thinks that the Sox will use Crochet out of the bullpen in 2021, and he thinks that would be a mistake - that he should be starting in the minors. Earlier this offseason I've argued for the "Chris Sale" treatment with Crochet - have him start off in the pen, and then transition him to starting in a year or two. Well I guess I haven't really argued for that plan, but I can understand the logic in it, since we are in a prime contention window and Crochet is undoubtedly one of the best RP options in the system. However, James Fox (and others) made a really good point on the difference between Sale and Crochet that I really didn't think about - Sale had 2 years of starting in college leading up to getting drafted, but Crochet didn't. He was being used in relief in 2018-19, and was all set to become the ace starter this year before the season was cancelled after one start. So if he were to spend the next couple years coming out of the Sox bullpen, it would be pretty hard to transition him to being a starter when he really hasn't been a starter for a long time (since high school).

They floated a plan that I think would be a pretty good balance - have him start the season in the minors as a starter (A+?), give him most of the season there, and then around August you can call him up to the majors for the stretch run/playoffs. Bonus is that you also keep his service time down this way. This seems like a good plan for 2021-2, and then maybe by 2023 he'll be ready to earn a rotation spot.

[Mohoney]

I finally got to listen to the latest FutureSox podcast recently, that starts with a discussion of the plan for Crochet in 2021:

https://www.futuresox.com/2020/12/18...ochet-in-2021/

Fox thinks that the Sox will use Crochet out of the bullpen in 2021, and he thinks that would be a mistake - that he should be starting in the minors. Earlier this offseason I've argued for the "Chris Sale" treatment with Crochet - have him start off in the pen, and then transition him to starting in a year or two. Well I guess I haven't really argued for that plan, but I can understand the logic in it, since we are in a prime contention window and Crochet is undoubtedly one of the best RP options in the system. However, James Fox (and others) made a really good point on the difference between Sale and Crochet that I really didn't think about - Sale had 2 years of starting in college leading up to getting drafted, but Crochet didn't. He was being used in relief in 2018-19, and was all set to become the ace starter this year before the season was cancelled after one start. So if he were to spend the next couple years coming out of the Sox bullpen, it would be pretty hard to transition him to being a starter when he really hasn't been a starter for a long time (since high school).

They floated a plan that I think would be a pretty good balance - have him start the season in the minors as a starter (A+?), give him most of the season there, and then around August you can call him up to the majors for the stretch run/playoffs. Bonus is that you also keep his service time down this way. This seems like a good plan for 2021-2, and then maybe by 2023 he'll be ready to earn a rotation spot.

Bummer and Fry will return, but rolling with only 2 LHP in the bullpen is not something I see La Russa doing.

[ChiTownTrojan]

Bummer and Fry will return, but rolling with only 2 LHP in the bullpen is not something I see La Russa doing.

I would imagine that most of the bullpens on TLR-managed teams only had 2 LHP. Bullpens used to be smaller than they are now, wasn't two lefties the norm not that long ago? Especially in the NL they typically had more bench bats for double-switches and pinch hitting (referring to his days with the Cardinals of course). Also with the 3-batter minimum it lessens the need to have a lefty specialist.

But yeah, a third lefty would be ideal. That could be an outside addition, perhaps a left long reliever, or maybe a depth piece at Charlotte to protect against injury to Bummer/Fry. Even without that though I think La Russa could get by through July with only 2 LH relievers.

[spanishsox]

Now that all the fireworks have settled down from yesterday, does anyone think we should try to pry Hendricks away from the Cubs? They got 4 lottery tickets yesterday. I would try with maybe Stiever, Thompson, & Pilkington since they are in apparent firesale mode.

[ChiSoxNationPres]

Now that all the fireworks have settled down from yesterday, does anyone think we should try to pry Hendricks away from the Cubs? They got 4 lottery tickets yesterday. I would try with maybe Stiever, Thompson, & Pilkington since they are in apparent firesale mode.

They got some pretty highly rated lottery tickets, not bottom top 30 guys. Hendricks would cost a lot more than Darvish as he is a lot cheaper, an extra year of control, more consistent results, and no injury history.

[spanishsox]

They got some pretty highly rated lottery tickets, not bottom top 30 guys. Hendricks would cost a lot more than Darvish as he is a lot cheaper, an extra year of control, more consistent results, and no injury history.

I hear you but there is literally no reason for the Flubs to keep him now. Ricketts has been crying poor for quite a while now and I think mandated massive salary cuts, hence Theo left. I would even consider offering Kopech as the centerpiece. Our rotation would be in the top 3 league wide, possibly all MLB.

[vegandork]

I hear you but there is literally no reason for the Flubs to keep him now. Ricketts has been crying poor for quite a while now and I think mandated massive salary cuts, hence Theo left. I would even consider offering Kopech as the centerpiece. Our rotation would be in the top 3 league wide, possibly all MLB.

That would be a good deal for us.

[spanishsox]

That would be a good deal for us.

I agree, RH should at least kick the tires on a deal.

[Paulwny]

I hear you but there is literally no reason for the Flubs to keep him now. Ricketts has been crying poor for quite a while now and I think mandated massive salary cuts, hence Theo left. I would even consider offering Kopech as the centerpiece. Our rotation would be in the top 3 league wide, possibly all MLB.

Hendricks' salary is ~$14 mil/yr, cheap by mlb standards, plus he's not a FA until 2024.His salary is low compared to other cub players. It'll take a lot more than Kopech and a few toss in players.

[spanishsox]

Hendricks' salary is ~$14 mil/yr, cheap by mlb standards, plus he's not a FA until 2024.His salary is low compared to other cub players. It'll take a lot more than Kopech and a few toss in players.

Would you up the deal & offer Kopech, Kelly, & Thompson?

[Paulwny]

Would you up the deal & offer Kopech, Kelly, & Thompson?

I'd do it but, would the cubs?

[Tragg]

Would you up the deal & offer Kopech, Kelly, & Thompson?

Goodness no. That's 2 of the Sox top 5 prospects.

[JazzyCyclist]

Would you up the deal & offer Kopech, Kelly, & Thompson?

I wouldn’t. I think Kopech is going to be special.

[voodoochile]

I wouldn’t. I think Kopech is going to be special.

Me too. my first thought is give them back Cease before Kopech. Throw in Lopez if they are interested. I would prefer not to make trades with front line prospects. They already traded Dunning though I think they sold high there, so I'm okay with it.