I took all of the OPP submissions (96 total) from 10/28 through 11/12 and tried to compile the data in what I hope, is an interesting way for all to review. I'll try and not editorialize too much. Not all 96 entries listed full rosters so some of the totals do not add up to 96.
Sadly, of the 96 total submissions, 18 received ZERO comments and 27 entries received only ONE comment. So, nearly 50% (actually 45/96) of the submissions received little feedback. There were so many good and thoughtful submissions with much analysis behind the thoughts. I believe participants really want their plans looked over, good or bad and receive feedback. That's what makes this exercise fun!
ARBITRATION
- Giolito, Cease, Lopez and Kopech were ALL unanimous choices to TENDER (96 for 96)
- Mendick was overwhelmingly wanted back by TENDering (79 of 96)
- Ruiz (36/96), Crick (4/96) and Engel (2/96) are being recommended to NON-TENDER
CLUB OPTION
- TA results was near unanimous (95/96) to have his contract picked up by the Sox
- Harrison only had 3 entries that wanted the Sox to pick up the option
PLAYER OPTION
- Pollock before his announcement (82 total entries at the time) had 7 entries stating he would take the buyout (7 of 82). Kudos to those 7. In total there were 21 of 96 stating he would take the buyout.
SOX FREE AGENTS
More submitters wanted Cueto (19/96) back more than Abreu (17/96). Andrus tallied 12/96 wanting him back and somehow Velasquez received 3/96 wanting to re-sign him.
FREE AGENTS
79 different names were submitted to sign as free agents from the 96 entries. Leading the pack in free agent votes were;
- Jose Quintana -18
- Michael Conforto - 15
- Kolten Wong - 14
- Carlos Rodon - 14
- Brandon Nimmo, Sean Manea and Andrew Benintendi each had 12 suggestions to be signed
- There was a total of 10 different ex-Sox players submitted to sign as a free agent
TRADES
- A total of 237 different players were recommended to be traded for. A total of 60 different current White Sox players were also offered for trade. Remember, some players could have been picked up by a club option or opted out to become a free agent, so a few names were on both the Trade for and sign as a free agent lists.
- Top players that were being requested to receive back in a trade were (number of times listed)Ryan Pepoit (17), Gavin Lux (13), Anthony Santander (9), Cody Bellinger and Brandon Lowe (8), Jesus Luzardo, Michael Busch, James Outman (7) and Brian Reynolds (6). Can somebody say we need to trade with the Dodgers?
- As for current Sox players, most identified to be part of a trade were;Liam Hendriks (59/96), Lucas Giolito (36), Jake Burger (27), Kendal Graveman and Andrew Vaughn (23), Tim Anderson and Yasmani Grandal (21), Joe Kelly (20), Gavin Sheets (19), Jake Diekman (18)
Most votes submitted by position were as follows (getting to a 26 man roster);
- C: Yasmani Grandal (65/96), Seve Zavala (6)
- 1B: Andrew Vaughn (67), Joes Abreu (12)
- 2B: Kelton Wong (17), Gavin Lux (11)
- 3B: Yoan Moncada (87), 4 tied with one vote
- SS: Tim Anderson (67), Trea Turner (6)
- LF: AJ Pollock (26) led, but since he is no longer here; Andrew Benintendi (10), Joc Pedersen (6)
- CF: Luis Robert (83), Brandon Nimmo (4)
- RF: Oscar Colas (25), Cody Bellinger (9)
- DH: Eloy Jimenez (81), Jose Abreu (3)
- SP: Dylan Cease (89), Michael Kopech (88), Lance Lynn (85), Lucas Giolito (57), Quintana (18)
- CL: Reynaldo Lopez (44), Liam Hendrix (30)
- RP: Aaron Bummer (84), Kendall Graveman (68), Joe Kelly (67), Jake Diekman (61), Garrett Crochet (52), Jose Ruiz (28), Davis Martin (25)
- Bench: Seby Zavala (61/96), Leury García (55), Danny Mendick (48), Gavin Sheets (40)
I believe a question was asked by one of the entries on how many plans had both Vaughn and Abreu on the roster! The answer is 4 !
I'm just imagining Hahn reviewing these OPP's and thinking ... proof that all the pieces are currently in place. According to these results ... nothing extreme is needed. To win, ALL we have to do is stay healthy and the players that had bad years just need to rebound. I'm sure the odds are astronomically against that entire scenario to actually happen and brings a championship. I truly hope there is a major shakeup to make all players continually fight for their jobs (play hard and smart). Personally, I don't want the same team back!
Once the season starts, I can look back at all the plans and see who came the closest to what the Three Amigos actually do! There should be a rotating trophy for the participant who comes closest. However, the winner shouldn't brag too much, because it's highly likely the Three Amigos plan was absolutely horrible!
Thanks for reading!
