As the Yankees and White Sox continue to explore trade arrangements involving highly valued southpaw Jose Quintana, the organizations have now also “expanded” their discussions to include Chicago closer David Robertson, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today (via Twitter). The Sox would keep part of the remaining $25MM left on Robertson’s contract in any agreement.

We’ve heard varying suggestions recently as to just how serious New York’s interest in Quintana really is. Certainly, there’s a need on paper for the Yanks, who might at least be somewhat more willing to part with some of their newly acquired farm depth to add a youthful, affordable, controllable starter such as Quintana.

The insertion of Robertson into the mix adds some intrigue, though it still isn’t apparent how likely the sides are to line up on a deal. It’s possible to imagine the 31-year-old righty making a return to New York, where he spent seven strong years, to form another three-headed bullpen monster with Aroldis Chapman and Dellin Betances. But wrapping Robertson into a deal could also set up a variety of other alternatives for the Yanks, who could conceivably go on to flip Robertson or even move Betances to offset the presumably lofty cost it would take to pry Quintana loose.

From the White Sox’ perspective, there’s still no urgent need to deal their best remaining rotation piece, or even to part ways with Robertson except to help facilitate an appealing return of talent. But after already sending out ace Chris Sale, along with quality outfielder Adam Eaton, there’s certainly an argument to be made that the organization ought to make every effort to cash in Quintana this winter rather than rolling the dice on his continued health and effectiveness.

If there’s something of a game of chicken ongoing between the South Siders and the Bronx Bombers, there are also plenty of other forces at play. The Pirates have reportedly pushed hard to land Quintana, and a pair of AL West rivals are still competitive, too. We heard recently that the Rangers have interest, and the Astros have already kicked around some potential packages for the 27-year-old lefty.

I have MANY years of experience in trying to appreciate steaming piles of dogshit.

Laurence Holmes is a fucking weirdo, a nerd in denial, and a wannabe. Not a very good radio host either.

Braves may be getting involved in this mess.

Really want to see the Cubs move on Quintana, I don't want Robertson or any other slugs, just Q for Zastryzny, Caratini and De LA Cruz.

Why?

No.

Baez, Contreras, and Jimenez.

Not a chance. Contreras is slated to be the everyday (or at least the regular) Catcher and Baez may well be an All-Star in 2017, whether it be as the regular 2nd baseman or a Super utility guy, as he was in 2016. The Cubs don't need to make such a move. They won it all in 2016 with the main guys all returning for 2017, there is no need to go weakening the everyday lineup, just to get a pitcher that would have been their #4 at best.

The Cubs don't need to make such a move. They won it all in 2016 with the main guys all returning for 2017, there is no need to go weakening the everyday lineup, just to get a pitcher that would have been their #4 at best.

[Fields will] be the starting QB on an NFL roster at the start of next season. Book It!

There will never be an effective vaccine. I'll never get one anyway.

IMO, the Sox are not going to make any more big trades. I think their goal was to mask the anti-management guys being traded as a "rebuild".

Biden is doing a GOOD job.

IMO, the Sox are not going to make any more big trades. I think their goal was to mask the anti-management guys being traded as a "rebuild".

What do you care? Winning it all wasn't even a big deal to you, so what does it matter if the Cubs are better or worse in 2017?

You are a terrible fan. You are even worse than the floppy hat wearing bros that pack the bleachers.

I go to many more games than you or most fans. I cheer very enthusiastically. I know the players on not only the Cubs team, but on the other teams, as well as the team history. So I consider myself a good and knowledgeable fan. Whether or not you think I am a bad fan because I do not place the utmost importance upon my team winning a championship each year is unimportant. if you do, you must be miserable and will be remaining so for the next few years at the very least.

This is a bigger lie than you doing Spartan races.

Neither is a lie at all. I probably go to more Cubs road games in a season than you go to games, anywhere.

IMO, the Sox are not going to make any more big trades. I think their goal was to mask the anti-management guys being traded as a "rebuild".

This is a bigger lie than you doing Spartan races.

[Fields will] be the starting QB on an NFL roster at the start of next season. Book It!

There will never be an effective vaccine. I'll never get one anyway.

The anti-management guys were probably deemed a bigger priority to deal before spring training. I doubt they are done. Frazier, Quintana and Robertson will all be dealt. Probably Melky and perhaps Abreau as well. But guys like Quintana might bring more during the season, when a contender has an injury to a starter and deals from a position of weakness.

No.

Baez, Contreras, and Jimenez.

Laurence Holmes is a fucking weirdo, a nerd in denial, and a wannabe. Not a very good radio host either.

I'm not sure I could give that up for Sale, no chance for Q.

[Fields will] be the starting QB on an NFL roster at the start of next season. Book It!

There will never be an effective vaccine. I'll never get one anyway.

Levine came out today saying that teams were raising their bids for Quintana. Comes on the heels of last weeks Braves rumors. Only a week until Soxfest, I think this will be wrapped up by then.

All we know for sure is the rejected Astros package of Tucker/Martes/Musgrove, and that was from Gammons. The rumor around Atlanta is that it starts with Albies + Newcomb and that the Mallex Smith trade was a precursor to Quintana.

My opinion is that Frazier may be involved an his arbitration settlement was holding things up with the Braves.

given the buyers market for power hitters, I have adjusted my opinion on selling each part individually and would be OK with including Frazier in a move if it gets them a difference making prospect

Are these Atlanta guys any good? It sounded like the Pirate prospects were a best case scenario but Pittsburgh management is afraid of success.

Can you break down these prospects with an A-F rating?

Even baseball executive IMU laughs at that.

Laurence Holmes is a fucking weirdo, a nerd in denial, and a wannabe. Not a very good radio host either.