White Sox going into this offseason with a diffrent mindset

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During MLB’s last offseason player movement proceeded at the pace of a glacier.  This offseason is moving along at a little more brisk clip.  Even the White Sox are involved in trades and free agent rumors.

White Sox taking Nova for a drive

The Sox picked up starter Ivan Nova from the Pirates for young pitching prospect, Yordi Rosario, and $500 K of international spending capacity.  Nova is a decent back of the rotation addition.  He would seem to be a slight upgrade over James Shields.  The addition does seem a little odd in that the Sox had indicated they were going to go big or go home.  Nova seems like a marginal improvement, the kind the Sox said they weren’t interested in.  Personally, I like the acquisition.  I think the Sox could contend in a very weak AL Central.  It’s a matter if they want to try or not.

As for the big names...

The Sox have reportedly been linked has being interested in the big dogs of free agency, Manny Machado and Bryce Harper.  Honestly, while both guys are real talents, I don’t really like the risk/reward factor on either one of them.  Jose Abreu has been mentioned in trade rumors involving the Rockies, Astros and Red Sox.  I actually hope the Sox hang on to Abreu.  I don’t think they could get enough in return for the value he brings to the White Sox.  

In a bit of a surprise...

The Sox are also reportedly kicking the tires on Dodgers catcher,  Yasmani Grandal.  The Sox have Zack Collins waiting in the wings, but I would still like to see the Sox pick up Grandel.  Frankly, I wonder  if the Sox have some reservations about Collins.  

I'd like more of this...

In addition, the Sox have reportedly checked in on Michael Brantley.  That’s the guy I’d really like to see the Sox get.  Of course, the Astros are also reportedly kicking the tires on Brantley.  I think it’s a better idea to overpay for Brantley than Machado or Harper.  An overpay for Brantley wouldn’t have the repercussions of overpaying for this year’s dynamic duo of Machado and Harper.

Why the White Sox may have more of a sense of urgency

The Sox have also been lined to starting pitchers, J A Happ and Lance Lynn.  If they snag either one of those two, the Sox can become competitive in a hurry.  The Sox seem to be taking on the idea of being competitive in 2019 a little more seriously.  Maybe Jerry Reinsdorf doesn’t want to endure another season like last year at the age of 83.  Maybe he will become a little more like the late Tigers owner, Mike Ilitch.  Ilitch desperately wanted a championship before he died and overspent in an attempt to gain one.  While I wouldn’t expect to Reinsdorf to go to the extremes, I expect him to open up his wallet more this year.

Also, the Indians are the only team clearly better than the White Sox in the AL Central.  The Indians will probably be without Corey Kluber or Trevor Bauer and Michael Brantley.  That means even the Indians will be coming back to the pack.

Elsewhere...

In other MLB roster moves of note, the Blue Jays cut Troy Tulowitzki loose and will eat $38 million of salary in the process.  Tulo can be picked up by any team for the MLB minimum now.  He’s a cheap flyer for some team.

A signing I do like is the Royals signing of Billy Hamilton.  He’s relatively cheap at $4.25 million for one year with a $1 million buyout.  Not a bad price for great defense and speed on the bases.  A signing I’m not crazy about is the Phillies signing of Andrew McCutchen for three tears at $50 million.