Morning Update - 2/9/2021
Seven-inning doubleheaders, no universal DH (for now,) no expanded playoffs (for now,) & more.
Good morning.
It’s February 9th, 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
MLB and the players’ union have agreed to health and safety protocols for the upcoming season. Hannah Keyser first reported that the deal would include 7-inning doubleheaders and no universal DH.
Joel Sherman expanded on that news, noting in his column that the two sides could still negotiate a last-second deal on the universal DH, but for now there will be no DH in the National League and the playoff teams will be back to the 2019 number of 10.
Everything Else
As expected, C Yadier Molina will be returning to the Cardinals on a one year deal, per Derrick Goold. The 17-year veteran and 9-time All-Star has spent his entire career in St. Louis.
RHP Taylor Guerrieri agreed to a minor league deal with a spring training invite with the Mariners, the team announced.
RHP Lucas Sims clarified a comment by Reds GM Nick Krall that he was “delayed.” Sims noted on Twitter that he will be ready for opening day.
RHP Hunter Strickland agreed to a minor league deal with the Rays.
RHP Aaron Slegers has been traded from the Rays to the Angels, reports Marc Topkin. Presumably, the Rays will receive a PTBNL or cash. To make room for Slegers, the Angels designated LHP Dillon Peters for assignment.
The Maryland Stadium Authority has agreed to a two-year extension on the Orioles' lease on Oriole Park at Camden Yards, per Roch Kubatko.
The Giants minor league staff has been set.
Posts With Your Toast
PECOTA standings have been released. The Baseball Prospectus projection has the Yankees, Twins, Astros, Mets, Brewers, and Dodgers as division winners.
Matt Kelly with the pitching aces with the deepest arsenal.
Frank Neville with rookie prospects to consider for your fantasy baseball team.
Paul Hoynes on Cleveland’s preparation for quarantine and a reshuffling of the spring training schedule.
Steve Gilbert on what’s next for the Diamondbacks after the Joakim Soria signing.
Tom Caron says the rebuilding Red Sox should be better in 2021.
Rob Bradford on why Nick Pivetta could be the Red Sox secret weapon.
Random Baseball Rewind
Foul Tips
FanGraphs has a job posting for a video scout.
Joon Lee writes that 2020’s lost MLB giveaways could be a jackpot for fans.
Matt Monagan on when Muggsy Bogues played baseball.
From January: Peter Abraham on Rio Gomez, son of the late Pedro Gomez, as an unlikely Red Sox prospect.
God bless and good day!