Mariners Moose Tracks, 1/26/21: Shed Long, Adam Ottavino, and Masahiro Tanaka

In Mariners News...

• Shed Long elegantly expresses his gratitude for Hank Aaron and the impact Aaron had on his career and early years of his life.

Around The League...

• After remarks yesterday afternoon from the Cactus League about their desire to delay spring training due to the rising COVID-19 numbers, the MLBPA has addressed their concerns but still plans to operate on a normal schedule.

• Love this segment on Rachel Balkovec, a Yankees hitting coach who’s currently working with the Sydney Blue Socks in Australia. She talks about her job experiences, the importance of finding your why, and more:

• In the first trade between the Red Sox and Yankees since 2014, Boston has acquired reliever Adam Ottavino and RHP prospect Frank German in exchange for a PTBNL or cash.
• MLB and USA Baseball have teamed up for a unique MLB Draft Combine event that will feature showcases, workouts, and more in preparation for the upcoming season. They have also announced the return of the Prospect Development Pipeline in 2022, which had shut down last year due to the pandemic.
• The Pirates have signed former Mariner Joe Hudson to a minor league deal that includes an invite to spring training.
• Eno Saris at The Athletic explains which potential MLB expansion targets could be the best fit for a new team. ($)
• Masahiro Tanaka is rumored to be departing from MLB and in negotiations with the Rakuten Eagles of the Nippon Professional Baseball League

Becca’s Picks...

He’s here to stay: Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer has signed a multi-year contract extension with the club. Here’s to more moments like this in 2021!