Quote from MrPadre19 on January 17, 2025, 10:56 am

Toronto so he can be the "next" Japanese Superstar instead of in the shadow Of Darvish and Ohtani

 

Quote from fenn68 on January 17, 2025, 1:25 pm

Quote from MrPadre19 on January 17, 2025, 10:56 am

Toronto so he can be the "next" Japanese Superstar instead of in the shadow Of Darvish and Ohtani

 

No indication in the Toronto media that they are near adding Sasaki ... more along the lines that the acquisition of pool money was an effort to put them in a better position to compete. Maybe the thought that they don't have the other factors that Sasaki wants but the money may change his mind.

Keep in mind that TOR has money ... and in reality they are only assuming a net of about $11MM (spread over 3 years) in taking Straw's contract so not a big pay to put themselves with the biggest pool to offer Sasaki. Is this just a gamble on their part?

Considering we have heard nothing ... plus no announced moves by SD or LAD to add pool money ... a real possibility that no decision has yet to be made. Plus not out of the realm of possibility that both SD and LA have trades for pool money in place IF they are declared the winner and need the extra.

If we believe the reporting that money in not the #1 factor ... no way to tell what separates the three teams in his mind and what more money does to alter the priority. Could we just be seeing TOR as desperate and made an aggressive public move? If nothing else, good PR for them in Toronto.

 

Quote from fenn68 on January 17, 2025, 1:51 pm

We are nearing the early morning in Japan ... a good time to make the announcement on Sasaki to maximize the media coverage in Japan (where he is most popular and gets the most media attention) while at the same time still make the evening news in the US (early evening on the West Coast).

Possible a strategic timing consideration delaying any announcement?

Quote from Alex Tamayo on January 17, 2025, 1:52 pm

Also fenn, even though our Pads already signed two young guys, It was reported that one signed for 1 million less, so there Is a remote possibility that they are still in It.

Quote from fenn68 on January 17, 2025, 2:14 pm

Quote from Alex Tamayo on January 17, 2025, 1:52 pm

Also fenn, even though our Pads already signed two young guys, It was reported that one signed for 1 million less, so there Is a remote possibility that they are still in It.

I heard the two combined will end up around $3MM. Yet, don't think that alone eliminates the Padres if you accept the reporting on Sasaki's criteria beyond money. Indeed he could be OK with $3MM if the other factors are compelling for the Padres or, if he chooses the Padres, the Padres could have in place a deal for whatever extra is needed.

At this point the three teams have to know what needs to be tied down before Sasaki commits ... just waiting for that commitment.

I suppose if I were Sasaki ... before the money I would select the organization I feel most comfortable with and who I think will get me to the next level after 6 years. Then IF there is no clear cut winner ... start to factor in the money but at this point in his career +/- $1MM (or even +/- $2MM) should not override his view of the best organization for him. He (and his agent) know the big money come when he is a FA in 6 years and it is their best interest to ensure he is developed for that moment.

 

Quote from fenn68 on January 17, 2025, 3:13 pm

SASAKI = LAD

Quote from Alex Tamayo on January 17, 2025, 3:39 pm

Quote from fenn68 on January 17, 2025, 3:13 pm

SASAKI = LAD

Even though like someone said, Preller has been working on two fronts, still, It feels like it was a waste of time, at the end he signed with the team everybody expected months ago, funny thing Is that the bums don't even need him, they probably were more interested in keeping him away from other teams. I guess Preller will be very active in the up coming days/weeks (at least I hope so).

Quote from fenn68 on January 17, 2025, 4:47 pm

Quote from Alex Tamayo on January 17, 2025, 3:39 pm

Quote from fenn68 on January 17, 2025, 3:13 pm

SASAKI = LAD

Even though like someone said, Preller has been working on two fronts, still, It feels like it was a waste of time, at the end he signed with the team everybody expected months ago, funny thing Is that the bums don't even need him, they probably were more interested in keeping him away from other teams. I guess Preller will be very active in the up coming days/weeks (at least I hope so).

I do think they wanted him given low cost and elite arm. If they seek dominance for the next 6 years+ ... SP is critical and they have had some injury issues recently. Adding Sasaki gives them deep SP:

Snell, Yamamoto, Ohtani, and Sasaki for the next 5-6 years. Plus in the short run that four arm mix has added Glasnow, Gonsolin, May for the next few years. That is a great 7 man deep group for a 6 man rotation (which should benefit them all).

That also works for a soft entry for Sasaki sitting maybe as the #4-5 SP for the first few years and move up the pecking order as others except Ohtani and Yamamoto drop off to allow him to be poised as a top FA after 6 years. That is when he makes the big bucks .... and he knows the LAD have the money to make that happen even before FA.

Side: I speculate that Sasaki (23) wanted a easy transition on a team with Ohtani (30) and Yamamoto (26) present him with two countrymen at a close age bracket ... people he may be able to better relate to. Darvish is 38 and another generation.

Quote from ultratvfan on January 17, 2025, 4:50 pm

Quote from Alex Tamayo on January 17, 2025, 3:39 pm

Quote from fenn68 on January 17, 2025, 3:13 pm

SASAKI = LAD

funny thing Is that the bums don't even need him, they probably were more interested in keeping him away from other teams.

I agree. They have ton of quality starters: Snell, Yamamoto, Ohtani, Stone, May, Glasnow, Wrobleski, Grove, Knack, and Ryan. Roki makes 11.  There will be 13 if free agents Kershaw and Flaherty re-sign. I miss anyone.

They signed him so no one else could have him. That is not right.