Morning Update - 2/19/2021
Walker to the Mets, college baseball starts today, & more.
Good morning.
It’s February 19th, 2021 and here’s everything that happened in the world of baseball from 5:00 PM EST yesterday to 9:00 AM EST today.
The Most Important Thing
The Mets had been rumored for a while to be in the mix with Taijuan Walker, and now they have a deal, according to Andy Martino.
In Walker’s 8 seasons in the majors, he has a career 3.84 ERA and 108 ERA+ over 581.2 innings.
When Noah Syndergaard returns, a rotation of DeGrom/Syndergaard/Stroman/Carrasco/Walker will be very formidable. Heck, it’s formidable without Syndergaard.
Everything Else
RHP Trevor Rosenthals’s deal with the Athletics is heavily backloaded, reports Ken Rosenthal. He will be paid $3 million this year, $3 million next year, and $5 million in 2023. Makes more sense now how the A’s could afford this.
The Giants won their arbitration case with 2B Donovan Solano. Solano will earn $3.25 million as opposed to the $3.9 he was seeking.
RHP Dylan Bundy says he and the Angels haven’t begun contract negotiations yet.
RHP Keon Kela’s deal with the Padres is official. To make room, RHP Trey Wingenter was placed on the 60-day IL. Wingenter is recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Notes from Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts: Kenley Jansen is the closer to start 2021; he made sure to include RHP Jimmy Nelson among the group of pitchers competing for a spot in the starting rotation; Mitch White and Joe Kelly are not ready to start throwing bullpen sessions yet; unlikely to use six-man rotation to begin the season; Keibert Ruiz is not in camp yet due to visa issues; Julio Urias is in better physical condition than he’s been in any other year.
College baseball begins today! Here’s the schedule.
Posts With Your Toast
Jayson Stark released his annual spring preview extravaganza.
Rick Hummel with some updates on Cardinals’ pitchers.
AJ Hinch won’t save his closer for the final three outs, writes Chris McCosky. He also says Buck Farmer is the new oracle of the Tigers’ bullpen.
Kevin Gausman said it was an easy decision to return to the Giants.
Liam Hendricks wants to be even better in 2021, says LaMond Pope.
Bryan Hoch on the new high-tech gizmos at Yankees’ camp.
Jon Meoli on what the new minor league schedules mean for the Orioles and their affiliates.
Gerrit Cole is excited for the new Yankees rotation.
JT Realmuto’s thumb injury, though not serious, is a reminder of his indispensability, writes Jim Salisbury.
Steve Cishek hopes to sidearm his way into the Astros’ bullpen.
Mark Sheldon on Amir Garrett’s aim to be the Reds’ closer.
The Rays’ pitching plans are open-minded and creative, says Marc Topkin.
Tyler Glasnow is looking to mix things up with a new pitch.
Random Baseball Rewind
Foul Tips
Paul Sullivan asks: Can spring training still be be fun - and filled with hijinks - with COVID protocols in place?
The Cardinals feel the time is right for the late Darryl Kile’s #57 to be worn again.
God bless and good day!