Evening Update - 2/1/2021
Pedroia retires, the Angels add a pitcher, there's now a team called the "Sock Puppets," & more.
Good evening.
It’s February 1st, 2021, and here’s everything that happened in baseball from 9 AM EST to 5 PM EST.
What You Missed While Working
Boston Red Sox great Dustin Pedroia officially announced his retirement from baseball today. The four-time all star and 2008 MVP had appeared in only nine games over the last three seasons due to a knee injury.
Everything Else
Dan Connolly and Ken Rosenthal report the Orioles are trading RHP Alex Cobb to the Angels for 2B Jahmai Jones. The Angels are paying a significant part of the $15 million salary, per Jon Heyman. Cobb made ten starts last season, posting a 106 ERA+ in his age 32 season. Jones made his MLB debut last season, appearing in four games. He was the 8th ranked prospect in the Angels organization according to Baseball America.
Steve Phillips says the Cobb trade pretty much guarantees the Angels are out of the Trevor Bauer sweepstakes.
The Mets announced that they have acquired RHP Jordan Yamamoto from the Miami Marlins for infielder Federico Polanco. Yamamoto struggled for Miami last year after a very respectable rookie season in 2019. Polanco has not appeared in a major league game. To make room for Yamamoto, the Mets designated INF/OF Robel Garcia for assignment.
Ken Rosenthal reports the players’ union may not even counter MLB’s proposal to delay the start of the season. The union opposes expanded playoffs and many players feel it is too late to revise the schedule.
Fernando Tatis, Jr. will be on the cover of MLB the Show 21.
Jon Morosi says Jake Odorizzi is drawing broad interest, and his market could crystallize once Trevor Bauer signs. Teams interested: Angels, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Giants, and Twins.
The Braves have hired Chipper Jones for a part-time role on their coaching staff. The team release says Jones will be a “major league hitting consultant.”
Jon Heyman: MLB is hiring Mike Hill and Raul Ibañez as Senior VPs of On-Field Operations, and former players Rajai Davis, Joe Martinez and former manager Bo Porter to other roles in MLB’s Baseball Ops Department.
The Rays are inviting baseball’s #1 prospect, SS Wander Franco, to big league camp. Others: 1B/OF Dalton Kelly, INF Esteban Quiroz, C/OF Brett Sullivan. The Rays also signed RHPs Adrian De Horta and Yacksel Ríos to minor league deals. They will also be at camp.
Mark Feinsand reports the Cardinals/Rockies trade for Nolan Arenado has yet to be formally approved, but expectation is that it will be today. Jon Morosi says the trade is expected be for “four or five players” once completed.
Former Astros executive Kevin Goldstein has returned to FanGraphs.
After losing their MLB affiliation, the Appalachian League teams are rebranding as they transition from a rookie league to a collegiate baseball summer league. Two team names were announced today as the Bristol Pirates became the Bristol State Liners and the Burlington Royals became the Burlington Sock Puppets. Really. Alright, then.
The Rangers have signed OF Delino DeShields to a minor league contract, reports John Blake.
Because of COVID, the SEC will allow roughly 20-30 scouts at their games this season, per RJ Anderson.
Orioles OF/1B Chris Shaw cleared waivers and was outrighted to AAA Norfolk, per Roch Kubatko.
The sale of spring training tickets for the Mets & Marlins have been delayed because of schedule uncertainty. This will be an ongoing issue.
Evening Reading
Today is PECOTA day at Baseball Prospectus!
Terry Francona, Jonathan Papelbon, & other Red Sox react to news of Dustin Pedroia’s retirement. Bob Nightengale says Pedroia produced an unprecedented career out of an undersized frame.
Jay Jaffe previews the next five years of the Hall of Fame ballot.
Giants CEO Larry Baer has a close eye on the team’s strong farm system, writes Alex Pavlovic.
Michael Simione on pitchers to watch in spring training.
Jeff Blair opines the Blue Jays’ well planned signings could lead to a happy ending.
Jake Mailhot writes Cleveland has finally added some outfield talent in Eddie Rosario.
Jeff Fletcher previews the catcher position for the Angels.
Ben Ennis & JD Bunkis on why the players are wary of MLB’s proposition to delay the season.
Vinnie Duber on what Carlos Rodon’s return means for the White Sox pitching staff.
A Podcast For The Drive Home
Eric Karabell & Tristan Cockroft discuss the Arenado trade and other signings from a fantasy perspective.
David Samson discusses MLB’s proposal to delay the season, and a tribute to his dad.
Random Baseball Rewind
God bless and have a good evening!