Mariners Moose Tracks, 5/23/17: Bullpen Zeal, Cheap Deals, and Lots of Steals

Good morning and happy Tuesday everyone! It’s back to the old grind as the M’s begin a series today against my girlfriend’s favorite team — the Washington Nationals. Let’s hope the M’s manage to come out on top. Until then, here are some fresh links to keep you occupied.

In Mariners news...

• In case you missed it...

Around the league...

• The Padres are putting a lot of stock into the month of June, giving fans free games if they fail to win five straight at home to start the month.
• Not to be outdone, the Diamondbacks are having a crazy cheap deal for their fans: all of June and July’s home games for just $50.
• Shane Tourtellotte with The Hardball Times looks at some of the worst performances that garnered major awards at the end of the season.
• Jerry Crasnick checks in on the most pressing questions for each team from the preseason.
• Eno Sarris thinks it’s about time a pitcher throws almost exclusively breaking balls for a season.
• Billy Hamilton might be on track for the greatest baserunning season in history, writes Michael Baumann of The Ringer.
• David Ortiz blames the Yankees for his 2003 drug tests being released into the public.
• Alex Avila is turning into a surprisingly powerful hitter for the Tigers this year, writes Dave Cameron.
• The Angels sent a struggling C.J. Cron down to Triple-A.
• The Astros threw a one-hitter against the Tigers on a bullpen day to fill in for the ailing Dallas Keuchel.

Anders’ picks...

• Michael Bennett is going to boycott the Seattle Times after reading an article written about him by Matt Calkins. Calkins later apologized for his piece.
• Rodger Sherman at The Ringer broke down the first episode of The Bachelorette, for those interested.