:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68797855/1270545232.0.jpg)
Hello and good morning to all! Let’s get you the latest as the long offseason winds down.
In Mariners news...
- Corey Brock at The Athletic tries to find a few last-minute free agent fits for the Mariners. ($)
- The M’s did add another arm to the pile.
We have agreed to terms on a minor league contract with RHP JT Chargois and invited him to Major League Spring Training. pic.twitter.com/7SvXCD6jxI
— Mariners Player Development (@MsPlayerDev) February 9, 2021
Around the league...
- Ken Rosenthal at The Athletic broke down the agreed-upon health and safety protocols for the 2021 season, which are mostly the same as 2020. ($)
- Suffice to say, not all of these rules make total logistical sense.
A favorite bit from the MLB/MLBPA health-and-safety protocols: Players/staff need to do a five-day at-home quarantine *before* reporting to spring training.
— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) February 9, 2021
But the protocols came out last night ... less than five days before some players/staff head to spring training.
- We’re looking at some major changes to spring training, too.
If you're thinking about heading to spring training: the new health protocols say exhibition games can be shortened to as few as 5 innings through March 13 and as few as 7 innings thereafter.
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) February 9, 2021
Also: pitchers can re-enter spring games, and managers can call off an inning after 20 pitches, even if three outs have not been recorded.
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) February 9, 2021
- The Mets agreed to a one-year deal with infielder Jonathan Villar.
- Stephanie Apstein at Sports Illustrated reported on an exclusive study done on 2020 Major League baseballs to determine whether or not they were juiced during the season.
- The new college summer ball league is ready to go.
The MLB Draft League's schedule was released today.
— Sam Dykstra (@SamDykstraMiLB) February 9, 2021
68 games. Opening Day is May 24. Scheduled break for the Draft itself from July 9-14. Championship comes Aug. 15.
Teams are: Frederick, Mahoning Valley, State College, Trenton, West Virginia, Williamsport.
- There goes one potential left field solution for Seattle.
Adam Duvall has an MLB deal with Marlins. One year. Believed to be for about $4.5M.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 9, 2021
- And one of the better relievers remaining lands with a rebuilding club.
Jake McGee has deal for $7M for 2 years with #SFGiants @ByRobertMurray 1st
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 9, 2021
- Lindsey Adler of The Athletic reports that Major League Baseball has made adjustments to its harassment and discrimination policies in light of recent investigations. ($)
Anders’ picks...
- Here’s a death risk I never considered.
My favourite new tiktok series pic.twitter.com/bUvu1PFikK
— Maryze (@maryzemusic) February 9, 2021
- Washington wildlife officials are asking all state residents to temporarily take down their bird feeders due to a recent outbreak of salmonellosis.