Hello and T.G.I.F.! Here are some Friday links for ya.
In Mariners news...
- Buster Olney pegs Mike Zunino as one of the game’s top 10 catchers (ESPN insiders only). For those without insider, here’s a screen grab of what he said about the Mariners’ backstop.
#Mariners catcher Mike Zunino was listed as the #8 catcher in the Major Leagues in ESPN’s catcher rankings. Congrats Mike! Here is what they said about Mike (https://t.co/Yt9zHY1Fbi): pic.twitter.com/NNZDpwORm6
— Kelly Munro (@kmunro1) January 4, 2018
- M’s prospect Joe Rizzo is utilizing some fancy technology to perfect his swing.
- Ariel Miranda might be pitching with a new ‘do next year.
Around the league...
- This has to be the most underwhelming three-team trade I’ve ever seen.
TRADE IS OFFICIAL: #WhiteSox acquire Luis Avilán, Joakim Soria and cash from #Dodgers for minor league INF Jake Peter; #Dodgers had acquired Soria and LHP Scott Alexander from #Royals for INF Erick Mejia and RHP Trevor Oaks. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 5, 2018
- Perhaps the Mets will make a big splash after all.
#Mets, #Pirates have discussed McCutchen, just as they did last off-season, sources tell The Athletic. No deal close; NYM weighing variety of moves, and FAs appear more realistic than trades given lack of depth in system. McCutchen set to earn $14.75M in final year of deal.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 5, 2018
- Given that Christian Yelich and J.T. Realmuto can still be a part of the next competitive Marlins team, it makes sense that they aren’t necessarily desperate to trade them away.
#Marlins NOT seeking to attach Prado, Castro or any other high-salaried player to Yelich and/or Realmuto in trade talks, sources tell The Athletic. Financial pressure no longer as severe; payroll currently projects to $96.8M, per Cot’s Baseball Contracts. MIA seeking best talent.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 5, 2018
- In a really interesting piece, James Wagner at The New York Times takes a look at how general managers communicate with one another and how the smartphone age has impacted their communication techniques. Jerry Dipoto is mentioned several times.
- Bradford Doolittle sorts all of the MLB teams by how active they’ve been this offseason.
- Fish Stripes profiles Nick Neidert and what he can bring to the Marlins organization.
- Daniel Bard has decided to retire.
- Carlos Correa made a charity shot at a Houston Rockets game. The dude sure is talented!
Anders’ picks...
- Video game lovers: what’s your list?
What are your favorite games for platforms you've owned?
— Ryan Benno (@BryanRenno) December 30, 2017
Here's mine:
NES: Little Samson
SNES: Earthbound
N64: Majora's Mask
PS1: Final Fantasy 9
PS2: Shadow of the Colossus
GBA: Mother 3
PS3: Uncharted 2
3DS: Animal Crossing New Leaf
X360: Bioshock
XO: Inside
PS4: Bloodborne