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| Dallas Keuchel |
This signing surprised many of us, because Keuchel is a Scott Boras client, and the Sox don't have a history of doing business with Boras clients. Hopefully, this move is a sign that times are changing, and naturally, Keuchel was asked why he chose to come to the South Side.
You can listen to his full remarks on that topic here.
Keuchel cited the opportunity to win in the AL Central over the next three to five years and the leadership that already exists in the Sox's clubhouse. But most notably, Keuchel mentioned that the catching situation on the South Side is "rock solid," adding that "you win or lose with catchers."
He said the previous free agent signing of Yasmani Grandal was critical in his decision to join the Sox, and it's also true that Keuchel played college baseball with James McCann at Arkansas.
The pundits in Chicago tend to define the Sox in terms of the Cubs, which is irritating but a fact of life around here. And some talking heads have asked, "Is Dallas Keuchel the Sox's version of Jon Lester?" When Lester signed with the Cubs before the start of the 2015 season, that signaled that the Cubs were done rebuilding and ready to contend.
While it is true that Lester and Keuchel are both accomplished veteran lefties, I actually think the Grandal signing is the one that signaled the end of the Sox's rebuild. Based on Keuchel's comments Monday, it's my belief that he isn't here without the earlier addition of Grandal.
Some have said the Sox should trade McCann because they don't need him anymore. I disagree. I like the combination of Grandal and McCann behind the plate.
Why?
Well, Keuchel said it in the linked audio clip: "You win or lose with catchers." Isn't it about time the Sox had depth and strength behind the plate? It's been a long time since we've been able to say that was the case.
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