Mariners Moose Tracks, 12/12/18: Carlos Santana rumors, signings abound, and Voyager 2

The Mariners could still sign Nelson Cruz... or so I keep telling myself

By Zach Gottschalk@zgotty Dec 12, 2018, 7:00am PST

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In Mariners news..

Scott Servais has addressed the comments made earlier this offseason by Dr. Lorena Martin.
Ryan Divish gives his thoughts from the winter meetings.
Evan White headlines the list of Mariners’ organizational All-Stars.
There have been more than a few suitors for Carlos Santana, if the rumors are to be believed.

#Rays continue to explore multiple opportunities. Among them, per sources: Free-agent RHP Charlie Morton, DH Nelson Cruz, even a trade for #Mariners’ Carlos Santana (though finances would make it difficult). Active club.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 11, 2018

#Marlins are actively exploring additions as well as a trade of Realmuto. Per sources, looking at mid-tier free-agent hitters and relievers, and discussed Carlos Santana with #Mariners last week.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 11, 2018

Some unsurprising but helpful insight on where Mariners prospects will begin 2019.

The expectation for the Mariners is that talented teenage prospects Julio Rodriguez and Jarred Kelenic will start the season with the @wv_power

Evan White, Kyle Lewis, Justin Dunn, Jake Fraley, Dom Thompson-Williams will be with the @ARTravs to start the season
— Ryan Divish (@RyanDivish) December 12, 2018

Around the league...

The Phillies have signed Andrew McCutchen.

Sources: Phillies are in agreement with Andrew McCutchen, pending a physical.
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) December 11, 2018

The Blue Jays have cut Troy Tulowitzki.
Chris Herrmann has signed with the Athletics.
Speaking of Athletics... yikes.
The Orioles have hired a new manager.

Cubs bench coach Brandon Hyde indeed is the #Orioles manager as 1st reported by @Joelsherman1 and @Ken_Rosenthal. He was offered the #Mets bench coach last year until the Cubs promoted him
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 12, 2018

A myriad of teams have spoken with Nelson Cruz, but it’s down to the Twins and the Rays, apparently. Or is it?

Nelson Cruz’s agent, Bryce Dixon, tells me he’s talking with additional teams beyond the Twins and Rays. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 11, 2018

The White Sox traded for Iván Nova from the Pirates

#WhiteSox reportedly acquiring Ivan Nova from the #Pirates. Here's what the @WhiteSox have to offer in terms of prospects: https://t.co/WZTfDOi21k pic.twitter.com/dM9dBp8gAS
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) December 11, 2018

The Rays’ stadium plans have apparently burned out.
Former Mariner alert at the winter meetings!

Well, this is awesome. In 2005, the Giants traded Jerome Williams and David Aardsma to the Cubs for LaTroy Hawkins. They’d never been at the same place at the same time. Until last night, when they realized they were all at the same bar on the Mandalay Bay casino floor. pic.twitter.com/rpwf3GqZu4
— Andrew Baggarly (@extrabaggs) December 11, 2018

Zach’s picks...

There’s a good argument to be made that Simone Biles is the most dominant athlete of all time, but certainly for 2018.
If you didn’t see, the Voyager 2 probe has finally left the Solar System, becoming the second human-made object to do so.