MLB Bullets And The Artful Dodgers

I could spend 20 minutes thinking of something clever to go up here, but I’d rather spend that time with my family. Who am I kidding? I’d rather spend that time reading a book, listening to music on my headphones and drinking an old fashioned.

• The Tepid Stove heated up a little as the Dodgers finally got their second baseman. The Rays traded Logan Forsythe to Los Angeles for pitcher Jose De Leon.
• John Perrotto talks to some rival scouts who think the Dodgers overpaid for Forsythe.
• Dave Cameron agrees that the Dodgers overpaid, but that the Dodgers needed a second baseman and they can afford to overpay.
• Chris Cwik thinks that the move shows that the Dodgers are desperate for a trip to the World Series and know that need to do more to catch up with the Cubs.
• Grant Brisbee thinks the deal was “boring and efficient” for the Dodgers.
• Bradford Doolittle looks at the player the Dodgers passed on, Brian Dozier, and his chances of repeating his career 2016 season in 2017.
• I hate to bring this up because it is unconfirmed, but they were talking about it on the MLB Network yesterday so I think I’d better. According to a report out of the Dominican Republic, Yordano Ventura was still alive when someone or some group found him and instead of calling for help, they looted him and his car. Pedro Martinez Tweeted about this and that brought it into the public discussion.
• Ken Rosenthal reports that the fate of the rest of Ventura’s contract will hinge on his toxicology report. The Royals still owe Ventura $20 million, but would likely not have to pay that if he was found to be intoxicated.
• Jorge L. Ortiz reports that major league teams realize there is little they can do to keep their players safe in the offseason.
• A quick reminder of the time that Ventura stopped at the lemonade stand of two brothers. He bought a glass of lemonade and paid $100 for it. He also gave them an autographed ball and a memory that they’ll never forget.
• Another story that has been making the rounds the past two days is this study from Northwestern University researchers about the effects of jet lag on baseball players. It apparently has a bigger effect that we have previously assumed, which is bad news for California teams. On the other hand, the Giants still managed to win three titles over the past eight seasons.
• That problem with jet lag will slightly be alleviated by a longer schedule with more off days, starting in 2018. That also means that Spring Training will be two days shorter starting in 2018. It’s really about ten days too long, but it’s a start.
• Liz Roscher examines Commissioner Rob Manfred’s efforts to shorten games.
• MLB has also reorganized and expanded their diversity and social responsibility executives. Billy Bean is now a vice-president and special assistant to the commissioner, reporting directly to commissioner Manfred, among other moves.
• The Giants have signed catcher Nick Hundley to a one-year, $2 million deal.
• They also signed Korean third baseman Jae Gyun Hwang to a minor league deal.
• The Blue Jays are near a minor-league deal with free agent Jarrod Saltalamacchia.
• The Marlins acquired pitcher Severino Gonzalez from the Phillies. Philadelphia had designated Gonzalez for assignment.
• It has nothing to do with that last move, but Paul Lebowitz thinks the Marlins are a “dark horse contender” in 2017.
• Adam Rubin writes that the Mets appear to be “stuck” with Jay Bruce. Bruce appears to be the Old Maid in MLB.
• Baseball Prospectus has an interesting feature focusing on the concept of “pitch tunnels.” It’s pretty technical, but it’s not heavy on math. But it explains a concept how pitchers try to disguise their pitches.
• Sam Miller talks about why do some contracts have a “mutual option” when such an option is almost never exercised? Mostly, it’s about appearances.
• MLB.com asked all their beat writers to list the greatest free agent signing in team history. Really, Carrie? Moises Alou? I understand that Andre Dawson wasn’t eligible under the rules, but Jon Lester and Ted Lilly were both better signings than Alou. You could even argue that Kosuke Fukudome was better than Alou.
• Anthony Castrovince has the ten most “surprising” moves of the current offseason.
• Cliff Corcoran has five things he’s looking forward to in 2017. First on the list is the World Baseball Classic! It’s gaining momentum!
• Andrew Simon has six hitters looking to bounce back from injuries in 2017. Yes, Kyle Schwarber is on the list.
• Will Leitch has an interesting piece where he previews pre-season preview books and magazines. It’s your guide to guides!
• Tom Verducci thinks that the Nationals Trea Turner could be the next Tim Raines.
• The Mariners are going to retire Edgar Martinez’s number 11.
• Eric Nusbaum has a profile of Art “Superman” Pennington. Pennington, who died last month in Cedar Rapids, was one of the final stars of the Negro Leagues. He never got a chance at the majors, primarily because of his interracial marriages.
• And finally, Brewers general manager David Stearns got married over the weekend. He had a magnificent groom’s cake that was a reproduction of Miller Park, complete with fondant Bernie Brewer and Hank the Dog.

And tomorrow will be a better day than today, Buster.