Mariners Moose Tracks, 3/27/20: Expanded playoffs, MLB guts the draft, and Asterix

These are the links we have on Friday.

In Mariners news...

• The Pawtucket Times had a feature on Mariners prospect Nick Zammarelli III.
• Jon Bois, Alex Rubenstein, and SB Nation started their much-anticipated History of the Seattle Mariners video series.
• On the 20 year anniversary of the Kingdome’s demolition, Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times reminisced on the bizarre, iconic edifice.
• Some nice video of Mariners OF prospect Trent Tingelstad, via Mariners minor league hitting coach Rob Benjamin.

• Baseball America named Brandon Williamson as one of their dynasty breakthrough fantasy baseball prospects.
• Corey Brock of The Athletic recounts his favorite Opening Day.
• Our condolences to the family and loved ones of former Clinton LumberKings president Paul Davis, who passed away. The LumberKings were the Mariners low-A affiliate from 2009-2018.
• We’re bummed too, Marco.

Around the league...

• In case you missed it, MLB and the MLBPA agreed on a deal to sort out the shortening or possible cancellation of the 2020 season. The major impacts are recapped here, with a few new details the morning recounted in the next few bullets.

• Playoff expansion could be imminent, though possibly temporary, as MLB seeks to recoup extra money from the shortened 2020 season.

• The 2020 MLB season, if it occurs, will likely begin with rosters of 29 players.
• Scott Boras, like many agents and non-executives or current MLB players, is livid about the new deal between MLB and the MLBPA.

• Cardinals RHP Adam Wainwright and his wife Jenny Wainwright have donated $250k to sustain pay for Cardinals minor leaguers during the current crisis.
• The Red Sox sign-stealing investigation has been concluded, per Rob Manfred. The league intends to make their report public before games are under way, though its publication has been delayed during the current crisis.
• We’re already dead and buried, but Baseball Prospectus has more dirt just in case we get any ideas.

• Baseball Reference will be simulating the 2020 season one day at a time, and sharing the results.
• The Padres sent INF Esteban Quiroz to the Rays to complete their trade for Tommy Pham.
• Fanatics is converting their jersey factory into a mask and gown creation center.

• Justin Verlander... is doing him.

• Noah Syndergaard successfully underwent Tommy John Surgery on Thursday.

John’s picks...

• As someone raised on Tintin and Asterix, this is a sad day. Albert Uderzo, co-creator of Asterix the Gaul, has passed away at 92.