Notebook: SP Trades and Spring Training on the Horizon?

Could the Twins second utility position be filled by Astudillo? Doesn't play shortstop, but can play second, third, the corner outfield and catch. Isn't great at any of them, but also not the worst in the league. Assuming there is a 26 man roster again, is there?, might be the best choice for that 13th slot on the bench.

I thought the MLB proposal was reasonable. Disappointed that it got rejected outright. Unless they can get vaccinations for all teams/personnel by early March, there will be cancelled games. And heck, will Arizona even allow the teams to enter their spring training sites next week? Hopefully, they will get back together this week.

The most exciting thing for me in the MLB proposal was going back to 154 games.   I see some big issues this season with the Brazilian, South African, and British varients making their way through the country.

None of the moves or players moved would have excited me.  It sounds like normal baseball routine moves.  Do we really need a second Utility player?  Can't Blankenhorn be that guy?

What is left for us it the decision - Cruz or rookie shuffle at DH and who fills out the BP. 

If this rejected proposal is any indication of our odds to have a normal season or any season next year it does not look good. Players sited injury concerns. Last year the wanted the opposite. As many games jammed in as possible and playing into much colder weather. Of course, cold weather would promote injury and increase Covid danger. 

What is the players cut of the expanded playoffs? The net is that they turned down additional compensation (playoff cut), right? Their give was apparently adjusting their schedules. Does not bode well for baseball next year.

This has nothing to do with this article. Just an observation about the Eddie signing. The fact he could only get a one year 8 million deal points out the Twins Brass were correct on his true value ...

Good riddance to Pedroia (whom I always called "The Twerp") and his endless stream of Twins-killing hits!  

Astudillo could definitely fit what they are looking for. Since they have Simmons and Polanco, they don't need a guy who can play SS. Rocco might view having 3 catchers on the roster advantageous anyways for late game substitutions. I also would keep an eye on Blakenhorn. He could be a guy to fill that role.

Could the Twins second utility position be filled by Astudillo? Doesn't play shortstop, but can play second, third, the corner outfield and catch. Isn't great at any of them, but also not the worst in the league. Assuming there is a 26 man roster again, is there?, might be the best choice for that 13th slot on the bench.

 

I thought the MLB proposal was reasonable. Disappointed that it got rejected outright. Unless they can get vaccinations for all teams/personnel by early March, there will be cancelled games. And heck, will Arizona even allow the teams to enter their spring training sites next week? Hopefully, they will get back together this week.

It seems there was a lot at play here with how the Player's viewed the MLB's offer. This article breaks it down pretty well. The Passan article I cited earlier in the Notebook piece does too. I think it would be a different conversation if this was December and not two weeks before Spring Training begins, not to mention all the players that are already at their teams facilities. 

If this rejected proposal is any indication of our odds to have a normal season or any season next year it does not look good. Players sited injury concerns. Last year the wanted the opposite. As many games jammed in as possible and playing into much colder weather. Of course, cold weather would promote injury and increase Covid danger. 

 

What is the players cut of the expanded playoffs? The net is that they turned down additional compensation (playoff cut), right? Their give was apparently adjusting their schedules. Does not bode well for baseball next year.

Why should they accept the offer?

A good number of these guys get one shot to make money that could change the trajectory of their descendants for generations, and it’s already been on hold for a year. They’ve been working for this their entire life.

We’re not talking about going back empty handed to your Chanhassen cul-de-sac and watching Netflix with Wal-Mart delivering your groceries. We’re also not talking about Mike Trout and Nelson Cruz types, who already have millions in the bank.

How many questioning their decision have family living in abject poverty in Venezuela, for example? And how many are still collecting their salary from their home office in Chanhassen? Wild guess, but I’m leaning towards the latter.

Could the Twins second utility position be filled by Astudillo? Doesn't play shortstop, but can play second, third, the corner outfield and catch. Isn't great at any of them, but also not the worst in the league. Assuming there is a 26 man roster again, is there?, might be the best choice for that 13th slot on the bench.

 

I thought the MLB proposal was reasonable. Disappointed that it got rejected outright. Unless they can get vaccinations for all teams/personnel by early March, there will be cancelled games. And heck, will Arizona even allow the teams to enter their spring training sites next week? Hopefully, they will get back together this week.

Could the Twins second utility position be filled by Astudillo? Doesn't play shortstop, but can play second, third, the corner outfield and catch. Isn't great at any of them, but also not the worst in the league. Assuming there is a 26 man roster again, is there?, might be the best choice for that 13th slot on the bench.

 

I thought the MLB proposal was reasonable. Disappointed that it got rejected outright. Unless they can get vaccinations for all teams/personnel by early March, there will be cancelled games. And heck, will Arizona even allow the teams to enter their spring training sites next week? Hopefully, they will get back together this week.

Sure.  If the goal is to NOT be competitive.

Why should they accept the offer?

A good number of these guys get one shot to make money that could change the trajectory of their descendants for generations, and it’s already been on hold for a year. They’ve been working for this their entire life.

We’re not talking about going back empty handed to your Chanhassen cul-de-sac and watching Netflix with Wal-Mart delivering your groceries. We’re also not talking about Mike Trout and Nelson Cruz types, who already have millions in the bank.

 

What SPECIFICALLY comprised the players financially. They were to receive 100% compensation for 154 games. They actually left money on the table. I am not sure what their cut of expanded playoffs was to be but they certainly could have countered and easily gotten an incremental $100M for players on playoff teams.

They were asked to adjust their schedule in the midst of a global pandemic but they could not be inconvenienced. 

And no we we are not talking Cul-de-sac money. The average player makes more in one season than those folks living in Chanhassen make in 50 years of working for a living. MLB players are about as fortunate as they come. 

BTW ... Had the income of those "average" folks increased at the same pace as MLB players over the last 50 years, those average folks would be making $3.17M year or roughly 45 times that or the average household. I would say MLB players have been extremely fortunate.