Mariners Moose Tracks, 11/20/19: Kristopher Negrón, Houston Astros, and Baseball in Orlando

It’s not transaction news, but there’s still some interesting stuff going on.

By Anders Jorstad@AndersJorstad Nov 20, 2019, 7:00am PST

If you buy something from an SB Nation link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

MLB: Texas Rangers at Seattle Mariners

Hello folks! It was a surprisingly news-worthy day for a random Tuesday in November. Let’s hop to it.

In Mariners news...

Corey Brock at The Athletic previews the Rule 5 Draft from the Mariners perspective, looking into players they might choose to protect. ($)
This is a really neat development.

Seattle Mariners Director of Player Development Andy McKay announced today that the team has hired Kristopher Negrón as the club’s new Assistant to Director of Player Development.
— Maury Brown (@BizballMaury) November 19, 2019

Around the league...

Mike Axisa wonders what it might take for the Phillies to lock up J.T. Realmuto on a long-term pact.
Rustin Dodd at The Athletic re-tells the story of the Rabbit Ball Year in baseball in 1930 and how the league took steps to counteract it. ($)
Rob Manfred provided some comments on the Astros sign-stealing scandal.

As the owners' meetings begin, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred addressed the sign-stealing scandal. A few highlights.

As to whether other teams are involved as well, he said: "I have no reason to believe it extends beyond the Astros at this point in time.”
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 19, 2019

Manfred on the gravity of the allegations against the Astros: “Any allegations that relate to a rule violation that could affect the outcome of a game or games is the most serious matter. ... We have ... what is going to be a really, really thorough investigation ongoing."
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 19, 2019

Manfred on potential discipline: "The general warning I issued to the clubs I stand by. It certainly could be all of those things, but my authority under the major league constitution would be broader than those things as well.”

Translation: He has the authority to hammer teams.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 19, 2019

No politics and all but this is certainly news-worthy.

In a response to MLB's MiLB proposal, 105 US Representatives sent a letter today to Commissioner Rob Manfred and all 30 MLB teams. pic.twitter.com/GSStK8NTwg
— JJ Cooper (@jjcoop36) November 19, 2019

Huh?

BREAKING: @OrlandoMagic co-founder @OrlandoMagicPat planning a "Major Announcement" tomorrow.@WFTV has learned it will be a push to bring @MLB to Orlando. #MLBExpansion
— Joe Kepner (@JKepnerWFTV) November 19, 2019

The Braves have agreed to a two-year deal with right-hander Chris Martin.

Anders’ picks...

Sounds like this is coming soon...

Seattle NHL expansion team 'getting close' to announcing nickname https://t.co/fn1F7Hec5f via @NHLdotcom
— Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) November 19, 2019