Morning Update - 2/2/2021
Morning Update - 2/2/2021
Mickey Callaway accused of lewd behavior toward female reporters, MLBPA officially rejects MLB's proposal to delay the season, & more.
Good morning.
It’s February 2nd, 2021 and here’s everything that happened in the world of baseball from 5PM EST yesterday to 9AM EST today.
The Most Important Thing
Oof. Baseball has a problem. The Athletic released an investigation yesterday evening accusing former Mets manager Mickey Callaway of lewd behavior and unwanted advances to toward multiple female media members during his time with the Indians, Mets, and Angels.
Calloway currently works as the pitching coach in the Angels organization. I’ll be surprised if that is still the case by today’s evening newsletter.
Everything Else
The Cardinals/Rockies deal for Nolan Arenado is finally official. The final haul for the Rockies: LHP Austin Gomber, INF Elehuris Montero, RHP Tony Locey, INF Mateo Gil, and RHP Jake Sommers. Keith Law says the Rockies didn’t get anywhere near enough in return.
MLBPA in a statement officially rejected MLB’s proposal that would have delayed the start of the season, expanding the playoffs, and instituted the universal DH. Rob Manfred and MLB released a statement of their own.
Teams will have 26-man rosters in 2021. That number will increase to 27 on doubleheader days.
Jon Morosi reports free agent Edwin Encarnacion intends to play two more years in hopes of reaching 500 home runs for his career. Encarnacion is at 424 for his career and hit 10 in 44 games last year with the White Sox.
To clear the way for LHP Carlos Rodon, the White Sox designated RHP Emilio Vargas for assignment.
Posts With Your Toast
More on the MLBPA rejecting MLB’s deal from Jeff Passan.
Jayson Stark on the strangest but truest free-agent winter ever. As always with Stark, this is a really good one.
Matt Martell says the Cardinals took advantage of the clueless Rockies and capitalized on a lifeless NL Central.
Jeff Passan on the remarkable story of Giants outfielder Drew Robertson’s second act.
Mike Petriello declares the NL Central is still a four team race.
Justin Mason ranks the top 50 catchers for 2021.
Corey Seidman writes on how JT Realmuto can help the Phillies bullpen.
Random Baseball Rewind
I enjoyed this SABR article by Andy McCue on the 1947 Dodgers & ownership issues in Brooklyn.
And to go along with that:
Foul Tips
Joe McDonald on Dustin Pedroia’s minor league career.
God bless and good day!