Reports are that both the Giants and Blue Jays offered more money but the lower taxes in Arizona made it more lucrative.
Josh Bell back to the Nats.
He’s only 32?! Why does it seem like he’s been in the league since I was in diapers?
More importantly, it appears they have re-signed Trevor Williams. I think they went 10-3 in games he started last year.
The Dodgers re-signed Teoscar Hernandez, one of everyone’s favourite players, but have not re-signed Kike Hernandez (no relation), one of the great playoff players of all time.
Former player Lenny Randle has died at 75.
Randle was on the bench for the Senators’ last game in 1971 when fans invaded the field; bunted to the right side to collide with Cleveland pitcher Milt Wilcox in 1974 and spark a brawl in retaliation for a pitch being thrown behind him; was at second base during the Ten Cent Beer Night riot at Cleveland later that season; was in the batter’s box to face the Cubs’ Ray Burris when power went out at Shea Stadium during the blackout on July 13, 1977; was the Yankees’ roster replacement for Thurman Munson following the catcher’s death in August 1979; and famously got on his hands and knees to blow Amos Otis’ slow roller foul on May 27, 1981, which plate umpire Larry McCoy decided was against the rules and ruled a hit.
RIP to the answer of several trivia questions.
That clip of Randle bunting so he could attack the pitcher cracks me up every time.
Everyone loved Lenny. Well, Milt Wilcox probably didn’t. Also Frank Lucchesi, who Lenny punched up so badly he was arrested and later had to settle a civil suit.
Today I learned that one of the Brewers’ top prospects, a 17-year-old Dominican infielder, has the amazing name of Jesus Made. (Yes, it’s “hey-SOOS mah-DAY”).
The Kansas City Royals have signed Cavan Biggio to a minor league deal.
Gavin Lux to the Reds. Lux definitely needs a fresh start. I assume the Reds aren’t done dealing as they’ve got a pretty packed infield as of now.
Good. Lux has never been a good fit with the Dodgers. I don’t see why they were so enamored of him.
Sacramento is apparently signing Brent Rooker for a five year extension. The first report is that it’s for just $12 million a season, a shocking bargain for a hitter of his quality. Granted, Rooker was wayyy better last year than ever before, but even if he declines a bit he’ll be a solid bat.
The contract has “escalators” that could bring the total to $92 million over five years. He also has an opt-out clause after the 2026 season. Still, it’s a team friendly contract if he has a few more seasons like last year.
Justin Verlander to the Giants, 1 year, $15 million.
No one in Sacramento’s gonna mind paying him a little more if he has top ten finished in MVP voting. It’s a great deal. The A’s might be decent in 2025.
Former pitcher Brian Matusz died a couple of days ago at the age of 37. He spent most of his career with Baltimore and had one very memorable appearance for the 2016 Cubs:
He was called up from the minors for a start in late July. He gave up 6 runs with 3 home runs in only 3 innings and left the game with the Cubs trailing 6-0 to Seattle. The Cubs rallied and won 7-6 in extra innings when pinch hitter Jon Lester (normally a starting pitcher not known for his hitting) drove in the winning run on a squeeze play. Matusz was sent back down to the minors the very next day and never played another MLB game. This victory was the first in a 13-game winning streak.
Matusz received a World Series ring for his contributions to the 2016 squad.
A number of teams avoided salary arbitration with players, most notably the Blue Jays, which reached an agreement on a one-year, $28.5 million contract with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
One of the biggest names that is still going to arbitration is Brewers all-star catcher William Contreras.
For God’ sake, give him an extension.
(They won’t. Too cheap.)
Finding a player willing to take an extension rather than test the free agency waters is very rare. Certainly amoung stars.
Depends what you offer.