Mariners Moose Tracks, 12/29/16: Free Agency, Cameron for HoF, and a Straight Steal of Home

Good morning and happy Thursday! Yesterday, Craig Edwards at Fangraphs looked ahead to the next offseason. He previewed the class of hitters, which don’t look much stronger than this year’s free agent group.

The dearth of talent in position players going forward might help to explain Jerry Dipoto’s approach to dealing someone like Taijuan Walker for Jean Segura and Mitch Haniger despite the M’s already being in need of a starter. The M’s don’t want to head into next year desperately looking for a position player in a shallow market.

Meanwhile, it’s possible — although not especially likely — that the starting market will be ripe with players like Jake Arrieta, Madison Bumgarner, Yu Darvish, Gio Gonzalez, and a number of mid-to-high tier options.

Many of us are looking forward to the 2017 season, but it’s certainly not too early for a GM to plan for 2018 and beyond. We’ll have to see how this all sorts out.

Now let’s see what else happened in the world yesterday.

In Mariners news...

• Greg Johns reviewed the year that was in Mariners baseball.
• It’s definitely far-fetched considering he’s not even in the Mariners Hall of Fame, but Cut 4 makes the case for Mike Cameron to be inducted in the National Hall of Fame (also a reminder that Mike’s son Daz Cameron is currently in the Astros system).

In baseball...

• Speaking of Arrieta as a potential free agent for next year, MLB Trade Rumors breaks down Arrieta as a possible extension candidate with the Cubs.
• Ryan Fagan explained his Hall of Fame ballot selections, which includes our good friend Edgar.
• Let’s Go Tribe wonders what it would take for the Indians to keep Francisco Lindor in Cleveland.
• ESPN takes a look at what stories will define the 2017 season.
• Grant Brisbee tries to find a landing spot for Jose Bautista, if he really is searching for a one-year deal.
• Former Astros infielder and current Brewer Jonathan Villar executed a successful straight steal of home in a winter league game.

Anders’ picks...

• Feeling tired or bored at work? A new study by the New York Times suggests getting up from your desk every so often and taking a short walk.
• I generally don’t share music here because I feel like you’ll all hate my uncool Millennial taste in tunes, but I absolutely love this song so what the heck.

• And I guess I have to stay on-brand and give you an a cappella video every now and again. So, enjoy, the one person reading this who probably likes a cappella music. This is the Vassar College Devils’ winning set from Boston Sings last year. The theme of the set is about how war affects soldiers after they’re done serving. It’s a gorgeous set and a good reminder that veterans deserve our respect and admiration.

Have a great day everyone!