So it looks like MLB is going to extend the old posting system to allow Otani to come to the states next season.

They really fucked this up during he last collective bargaining agreement. They have to figure out the international rules for free agents and the international draft because changing the rules on an individual basis makes them look like a bunch of buffoons.

Please talk to your White Sock connections!

I loved her on Saturday Night Live, especially in the cheerleader skits with Will Ferrell.

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An unjust law is no law at all--St. Augustine of Hippo

Cause tried and true
I see the light in you
Oh, can you dig in my soul?
Could you smell my whole...
life?--Gener and Deaner

Ha. I wouldn’t hold your breath on that one. One way or another this dude is going to get paid and the Sox aren’t going to shell out big money for a pitcher. That’s why they got so much young pitching in those trades. I think he ends up in Seattle. Texas and of course the Dodgers are also possibilities.

Overrated. As a pitcher, he's not as good as Darvish or Dice-K(based on numbers in Japan), offensively he's worse than Fukodome.

Well he only pitched in five games this year because of an ankle Injury and saying he’s not as good as Darvish isn’t exactly a knock. Before TJ that guy was really fucking good. I agree with the hitting part.

How about Schwarber?

Yes, please do. Then the Sox will know exactly what not to do this offseason.

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Do you really think there is a downside, in signing this guy? The Sox payroll is low, and I do not believe for a second that Jerry is allowing Hahn to bank this to use in a couple years. If they guy can be a solid pitcher and doesn't cost an arm and a leg, I do not see the harm in signing him.

Two arms and a leg.

I don't think this is the season where the Sox should be signing any high price free ajents.

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The players union balked at the posting fee as well they should. The Ham Fighters get $20M while Otani is maxed at around $3.5M. These idiots fucked this up good while they were too busy fighting about how to split up billions of dollars during the last collective bargaining agreement. The pooch is howling out back.

He won't be high priced. $3.5M to sign, then league minimum. If he's somewhat good, the best extension he could get is like 6/$60M.

So it looks like the wonks finally came to an agreement. I tried to read it but I'll be god damned if I understand it but rest assured everyone will get their money. Otani will be posted on Dec 1.

It looks like he'll be posted on Friday. His agents want all 30 teams to submit a written letter answering the following questions. I included answers to the questions:

1.“An evaluation of Shohei’s talent as a pitcher and/or a hitter (we can give you the most money)
2.“Player development, medical, training and player performance philosophies and capabilities (we can give you the most money)
3.“Major League, Minor League, and Spring Training facilities (we can give you the most money)
4.“Resources for Shohei’s cultural assimilation (we can give you the most money)
5.“A detailed plan for integrating Shohei into the organization (we can give you the most money)
6.“Why the city and franchise are a desirable place to play (we can give you the most money)
7.“Relevant marketplace characteristics." (we can give you the most money)

Do you think a " handshake deal" is understood to tear up his deal after a year and a big fat extension is guaranteed?

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Has to be. I know he thinks he’s some transient player but no one is that egotistical to leave $100M+ on the table.

Unless they are coming to play for the Cubs! /dolphin

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He’s offically been posted. Let the feeding frenzy begin.

I haven't heard them rumored as heavy hitters in this contest but I think the Angels end up with him.

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That's my purse! I don't know you!

The White Sox made a presentation for him and are going to make an effort. That's cool I guess, maybe he really likes half-Polish-half-Mexican girls?

Since he can pretty much get the same thing from every team, I’m sure one of the worst teams with little Asian support in the city will be at the top of his list.

Put up some rising sun flags and anime billboards up in Chinatown I'm sure it'll look just like back home.

They aren't getting him but I am glad they made the effort. There are other front offices that did not bother, for the Sox that would be inexplicable.

Everyone gets a chance to make a first impression, why pass it up? Otani is a free agent in six years, he could be available on the trade market as soon as three years from now (really it could even be sooner). Who knows where the Sox will be then?

It was cute that the Sox tried to court Otani.

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Yeah, I just hope Theo uses his genius to lure him to the North Side considering he doesn't know how to draft a pitcher.

The most any team can offer is 3.5 mill.. So this isn't about money.. He doesn't like the heat, Id say the Cubs have a 25% chance..

NY-25%
Seattle 25%
Boston 25%


I agree, Epstein is awful at drafting pitching.

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His pitching walks are alarmingly high this year.

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"All crowds boycotting football games shouldn't care who sings or takes a knee because they aren't watching." - Nas

Tampa - St. Pete?

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You know me like that.