What is going blog! I hope you guys are doing super well. I hope your families are safe and healthy, and you told them you loved them today! I am ecstatic you are here with me to go over some news from around the MLB today.
Let's jump right into it today:
-It was the last week sometime, and I don't think that I covered it, but FA P Marcus Stroman said he is the best FA pitcher on the market and the next tier after Gerrit Cole. He directed this message towards the NY Yankees. After being in NY with the Mets, it looks like he is trying to set his market and show teams that they will need to pay Gerrit Cole and Yankee's money. This will be hard for many organizations because he was coming off an injury and didn't pitch in 2020.
-I thought this was surprising: Mookie Betts, now superstar OF for the Dodgers said in a video with David Ortiz that he thought he would be a RedSox for life. The trade was a surprise to Betts when it happened, but he and the Dodgers are World Champs now! Boston, that could have been you.
-The Redsox have been busy in their Managerial search as they have interviewed"James Rowson(Marlins Bench coach), Skip Schumaker(Padres associate manager), Luis Urueta(D-backs bench coach), and asked the Twins for permission to interview bench coach Mike Bell.
-While we are talking Managerial openings, the Tigers interviewed Sal Fasano, Mark Kotsay, and Phil Nevin.
-Meanwhile, the Cardinals are retaining and keeping the same staff for 2021. The Seattle Mariners have their 2021 coaching staff in place, which is pretty much except for a change with the bullpen coach.
-The Phillies fired bullpen coach Jim Gott; now the Phillies have this spot and their Pitching Coach spots open. Can I apply for one of those?
-D-Backs released Artie Lewicki and claimed P Taylor Guilbeau from Seattle, and the M's outrighted Gerson Bautista.
-Orioles re-signed Stevie Wilkerson to a Minors deal with an invite to spring training. This is a good move for the team as Wilkerson is excellent on defense and can play almost.
-A's RP Liam Hendriks and Brewers RP Devin Williams took home Reliever of the year awards for 2020.0
Some rumblings on the Rumor Mill: The LA Angels have an early interest in SS Didi Gregorios. I like this fit here for LA to move Fletcher to 2B and use Didi to set Trout and Rendon's table. This move would also allow for Barreto to be groomed a little more. The Yankees are also interested here, but the fit in LAA makes more sense.
The Miami Marlins are expected to play for their man RP Brandon Kintzler after coming off an excellent 2020.
-Free Agent DH Nelson Cruz is reportedly seeking a two-year deal. I can see this becoming a 1+1 player option kind of deal.
-The A's have a tough decision to make this offseason with their Qualifying offers to Marcus Semien and Liam Hendricks. Will they and should they for either is a huge question. For me, it's simple Hendricks yes, Semien no.
-The Cardinals also are having "continuous discussions" with both Yadier Molina and Adam Wainwright. Both have murky futures, and I will keep you guys updated as more comes out. Both want to stay in St. Louis, and both sides are interested; it's just a matter of how much and how long they want to give the long time cornerstones in terms of contracts.
-Astros FA OF Geroge Springer reportedly wants out of Houston, and this move is HUGE. If Springer leaves, then the whole team changes. With JV returning from injury, I really feel Springer will go to a contender with a lot of youth and high upside. Where he can be a leader and spotlight him, I can see the Marlins, Padres, Blue Jays, Indians all being some of the most Logical landing places.
I appreciate your time today, reading and keeping up with the latest from around the MLB. I enjoy these pieces because I get to analyze and speculate and have a bit more fun talking about many teams in one place. I am forever grateful for your support.