Hey everyone! I hope you’re having a pleasant week so far. Let’s dig into the stories from around the league that you need to know today.
In Mariners news...
- Add Tuffy to the long list of players who are participating in Braden Bishop’s #4MOM Alzheimer’s benefit this spring.
During spring training I will personally be donating money to Alzheimer’s for every hit I get and runner I throw out Runner caught=$10
— Tuffy Gosewisch (@santiagosewisch) February 26, 2018
Single=$10
Double=$20
Triple=$30
Home Run=$40#Knocks4MOM #Hits2EndALZ
- Matt Calkins at The Seattle Times thinks that the M’s will need Mike Leake to have a big season in order to make a playoff push.
- After a scary moment yesterday with King Felix, it looks like everything should be fine.
A precautionary X-ray of Félix Hernández’s right forearm was negative. He is day-to-day. Hernández will be re-evaluated tomorrow. #Mariners
— MarinersPR (@MarinersPR) February 26, 2018
Around the league...
- That’s a ton of opt-outs for J.D. Martinez considering it’s just a five-year contract.
Boras said Martinez’s deal has three opt outs; following second, third and fourth year.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) February 26, 2018
- Scott Lauber at ESPN tells the story of Martinez’s deal with the Red Sox and why it took so long for the two to come together on an deal.
- Here’s some good news for a former Mariner.
One thing from Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire's spring training lineups you can read into: Leonys Martin is his leadoff hitter.
— anthony fenech (@anthonyfenech) February 26, 2018
- Orioles starter Kevin Gausman left the game yesterday after a collision at home plate.
- Russ has got some pop!
.@DangeRussWilson goes yard.
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) February 26, 2018
“Yeah, he’s been taking BP,” hitting coach Marcus Thames said. @yankees @seahawks pic.twitter.com/Eyqu7166cg
- The Brewers are still keeping close watch on the free agent market. Milwaukee is very thin on the starting pitching front.
- Likewise, the Orioles are maintaining dialogue with the top starters in the free agent pool.
- Former top M’s pitching prospect Danny Hultzen has signed a minor league deal with the Cubs in an attempt to make a comeback to the sport.
- Noah Syndergaard had an impressive first outing of the spring, hitting 100 mph on the radar gun multiple times.
- Andrew Bailey, the 2009 American League Rookie of the Year, has decided to retire.
- Aaron Judge won’t be completely recovered from offseason shoulder surgery until Opening Day comes around.
Anders’ picks...
- Those of you who follow college hoops may have heard that a star player for the University of Texas was diagnosed with leukemia earlier this season. It sounds like he’s on the road to recovery.
Great news: Texas basketball player Andrew Jones, who was diagnosed with leukemia, has been released from the hospital. He’s now receiving treatments on an outpatient basis.
— Gary Parrish (@GaryParrishCBS) February 26, 2018
- Philadelphia is starting to make its move in an attempt to lure LeBron James this summer.
A Philadelphia-based company put up three billboards on highway to downtown Cleveland this morning saying that city wanted LeBron. Here they are in order. pic.twitter.com/vntsa8h3mE
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) February 26, 2018