MLB Hot Stove 2019-20

[Pakuni]

I'd assume they'll play Ozuna in RF.

Unless they're planning on signing Castellanos, Ozuna, and Grandal.  At that point, I'd worry about Jerry's health.

I think that's a safe assumption, but I'm tossing out a viable alternative to having two subpar corner outfielders while addressing the team's long-running need for a legit DH. And as a bonus, it likely allows Eloy to avoid some of the nagging injuries he suffered in the field last year.

I don't think this is the plan, unfortunately, but it would make a lot of sense if it were. Then they could look for a discount right fielder on a 1-2 year deal like Dickerson (nice call, Lenny) or maybe even take a flyer on Shogo Akiyama.

[ZiggysFryBoy]

 Crew signed Keon to a minor league deal with an invite to camp.

[buckchuckler]

Frankly, I would love it if they went out and got a relatively cheap left handed bat to play RF. Corey Dickerson would fit the bill. with Eloy at DH and Robert in CF the outfield defense would be pretty good.

I can't see them moving Eloy to DH just yet.  Especially with Abreu now signed for the next few years, and with Collins, Grandal and McCann, and Vaughn on the way. 

Ozuna wouldn't be my first choice, but is obviously a huge upgrade (anything would be) over what they've had.  Personally I think Calhoun makes a lot of sense.  Good, not great player, probably shorter term deal to see if Adolfo/Rutherford/Gonzalez/Walker can develop.  LH hitter, good defender.  Not the impact bat of Ozuna, but would fit nicely I think. 

I'm on board with Dickerson too.

[Cheeks]

Yankees over Cole $245M over 7 years

[Lennys Tap]

Yankees over Cole $245M over 7 years

Yankees may get him but I doubt at that number.

[shoothoops]

Ted Simmons and Marvin Miller elected to MLB Hall of Fame.

Jay Jaffe had a good piece recently on why Simmons was deserving.

https://blogs.fangraphs.com/ted-simmons-election-to-the-hall-of-fame-is-overdue/

https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/cardinal-beat/after-years-cardinals-catcher-simmons-makes-the-leap-to-hall/article_0ebd8def-9d0b-515f-a2c9-e32bee0b0f5e.html

[Cheeks]

Yankees may get him but I doubt at that number.

Angels might be at $300M already...ugh...I hate how we blow money in free agency...often way overpaying

[Pakuni]

Washington keeps Strasburg. 7 years/$245 million.

Also, for the Brewers fans:
Ken Rosenthal @Ken_Rosenthal
Free-agent left-hander Álex Claudio’s deal with the #Brewers is one year, $1.75M, source tells The Athletic. Also includes incentives.

[WI inferiority Complexes]

Free-agent left-hander Álex Claudio’s deal with the #Brewers is one year, $1.75M, source tells The Athletic. Also includes incentives.

Good luck facing a 3-batter minimum, Alex.  The stupidest unnatural carnal knowledgeing rule ever will affect Claudio disproportionately.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Good luck facing a 3-batter minimum, Alex.  The stupidest unnatural carnal knowledgeing rule ever will affect Claudio disproportionately.

<shrug>  I like the rule.

[jficke13]

<Claudio comes in, faces lefty, gets out, waves to dugout>

"What's the matter?" Trainer asks.

"Side grabbed on the last pitch," Claudio says.

<Trainer oversees a warmup toss>

"Not taking any chances with an oblique," Couns says. "You're done."

<Claudio returns to the clubhouse for "treatment">

[Pakuni]

Sox say they aren't signing Ozuna.
Bruce Levine says Sox and Cubs are pursuing Castellanos and Keuchel.

https://www.southsidesox.com/2019/12/9/21003654/white-sox-rumors-marcell-ozuna-jerry-to-rick-huh

[WI inferiority Complexes]

<Claudio comes in, faces lefty, gets out, waves to dugout>

"What's the matter?" Trainer asks.

"Side grabbed on the last pitch," Claudio says.

<Trainer oversees a warmup toss>

"Not taking any chances with an oblique," Couns says. "You're done."

<Claudio returns to the clubhouse for "treatment">

That's another reason the rule is stupid.  This scenario sure doesn't sound like it's improving the "pace of play."

[Jockey]

<Claudio comes in, faces lefty, gets out, waves to dugout>

"What's the matter?" Trainer asks.

"Side grabbed on the last pitch," Claudio says.

<Trainer oversees a warmup toss>

"Not taking any chances with an oblique," Couns says. "You're done."

<Claudio returns to the clubhouse for "treatment">

That's pretty silly. There would be rules in place to prevent this.

[tower912]

Brewers signed a utility infielder away from the Tigers today.   Ronny Rodriguez is a streaky hitter and a streaky fielder.    Can play all 4 infield positions, none spectacularly well.   He is a free swinger and fun to watch when he is hot.   He doesn't seem to have a plan B when he is not hot. 

[Uncle Rico]

Brewers signed a utility infielder away from the Tigers today.   Ronny Rodriguez is a streaky hitter and a streaky fielder.    Can play all 4 infield positions, none spectacularly well.   He is a free swinger and fun to watch when he is hot.   He doesn't seem to have a plan B when he is not hot.

So, he’s new Hernan Perez

[tower912]

Another former Tiger.

[WI inferiority Complexes]

He is a free swinger and fun to watch when he is hot.

You must be describing August 17-23, 2018.  Literally.  There is no other time in his career Ronny Rodriguez can be categorized as "hot."

[tower912]

I didn't say they were long hot streaks.    If they were, he wouldn't be a utility infielder and the Brewers would not have been able to get him so cheap. 

[jsglow]

So, he’s new Hernan Perez

well played

[CTWarrior]

That's pretty silly. There would be rules in place to prevent this.

I agree.  I don't know what that rule will be, though.  It should be that the pitcher removed from the game for injury has to go on the IL.

[mikekinsellaMVP]

I agree.  I don't know what that rule will be, though.  It should be that the pitcher removed from the game for injury has to go on the IL.

Nah, just use the MU-Mizzou FT rule and let the opposing dugout pick the next reliever.

[Jockey]

Nah, just use the MU-Mizzou FT rule and let the opposing dugout pick the next reliever.

I think you are trying to be funny ..., but that might be the best way to stop a team from faking an injury.

[MUBurrow]

Can you guys believe that there's a mystery team involved in the bidding for a big money Scott Boras client!?!?

[Pakuni]

Can you guys believe that there's a mystery team involved in the bidding for a big money Scott Boras client!?!?

They're from Canada. You wouldn't know them.