As Tim did with yesterday’s links, I’ll try to keep things on an “is this vital” level vis-a-vis COVID-19 info in today’s links. Obviously, that’s a bit tougher today, but I’ll try.

In Mariners News...

• David Laurila of FanGraphs sat down with Logan Gilbert and talked to the Mariners prospect about his approach to pitching, featuring a photo of his gigantic hands.
• Congratulations to Marco Gonzales - never in doubt, but now confirmed.

• Another roster move came earlier in the day, though it’s unclear how this will manifest over the next few months.

• Both the Mariners games yesterday were rained out.
• Per Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times, even with injuries and some ineffectiveness, Carlos Gonzalez is doubtful to make the Mariners roster when they break camp. The veteran OF has had a much-appreciated leadership role, but is not viewed as a likely fit beyond the spring.
• Seattle made a series of low-profile international amateur signings, signing pitchers Julio Dilone and Anyelo Ovando, as well as OF Andy Sosa.

Around the League

• Best wishes to Orioles outfielder Trey Mancini, who successfully underwent surgery to remove a malignant colon tumor.

• Per Jeff Passan, league sources from the ownership and executive level down through players expect May as the earliest likely time for games to get going again.
• The MLBPA and MLB will be meeting to discuss plans for the interim. One issue is the concern of MiLB pay.
• The FAA has revoked the fight license of Paradigm Air Operators Inc., a Dallas-based company that had illegally chartered flights on behalf of multiple major sports teams, including MLB.
• Eric Nusbaum wrote a lovely piece on the absence of sports, and how for him, it is the community that grows around sports that makes sports so important, and that community endures whether games are being played or not.
• Phillies starter Jake Arrieta left his game yesterday with shoulder stiffness.
• Former Mets star Matt Harvey had a tryout for the Blue Jays this spring.
• Here’s a not-very-topical story on one of the two players pictured in this article’s header photo: former Mariners 3rd round pick Chris Widger, who is now managing the Wilmington Blue Rocks of the Carolina League.

John’s Pick

• We will probably be looking into doing something like this, perhaps with OOTP and/or Super Mega Baseball, if there’s interest in following such a thing here?

• And this, which did make me chuckle.