MLB Bullets Appreciates The Little Things

Happy Friday. I hope the winter weather isn’t getting to you.

• I’m going to start with this piece by Nathaniel Grow, since it’s caused the most chatter over the interwebs, including in the comments section of the previous MLB Bullets. It’s about how an obscure California law could make Mike Trout a free agent tomorrow. Of course, it’s not going to happen, but it is a good piece anyway.
• David Schoenfield looks at the free agency “bargain bin,” consisting of free agents who teams should be looking to pick up cheap. Unfortunately, he forgot to mention “ability to play left field” while praising the versatility of Travis Wood.
• The Indians officially announced the Edwin Encarnacion signing, saying that Encarnacion was a “perfect fit” for Cleveland.
• Anthony Castrovince outlines what the Tribe are expecting out of Encarnacion.
• Ken Rosenthal argues that the Blue Jays “misread” the market for Encarnacion and other sluggers. Also some other notes from Rosenthal, including how the Mets made a mistake picking up the option on Jay Bruce.
• The city of Cleveland is welcoming Encarnacion with open arms.
• They also bid a fond farewell to Rajai Davis. He still scares me.
• The Athletics have made contact with free agent hitter Mark Trumbo. (He really doesn’t play a position, although sometimes he gets listed in one.)
• Craig Edwards thinks it’s no surprise that Trumbo is unsigned so far.
• There are reports that the Twins will trade Brian Dozier some time in the next week—unless they don’t. I could have reported that.
• Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips invoked his 10-5 rights to block a trade to the Braves. He was worried he’d never make it to the new stadium with all the traffic.
• Jon Heyman lists the “winners” and “non-winners” of the winter.
• Richard Justice has five teams likely to improve in 2017.
• Ryan Davis writes that the Cardinals offense will struggle to repeat their 2016 performance in 2017.
• Paul Lebowitz argues that the Nationals will still be competitive if Bryce Harper leaves after 2018.
• Alex Rodriguez will not play baseball in 2017, so I assume his career is over. I certainly hope he does more broadcasting because he’s terrific at that.
• Pitcher Gavin Floyd signed a minor league deal with the Blue Jays. Last season he played for . . .(looking up Floyd on baseball-reference) What do you know? Toronto!
• Catcher Geovany Soto signed a minor league deal with the White Sox. I did know he played for the Angels last year. He played for the White Sox in 2015.
• Steven Goldman thinks that small moves can still be interesting.
• Anthony Castrovince does his best Barbara Walters impersonation by listing the 17 most compelling MLB people for 2017.
• Manny Randhawa looks at Trevor Story and Gary Sanchez as they try to avoid the sophomore slump.
• Travis Sawchik outlines how the Pirates value pitching velocity.
• David Schoenfield tries to project who the next Hall of Famer will be for each team.
• No more “back-back-back-back-back-back” at the Home Run Derby as Chris Berman is cutting back on his duties at ESPN.
• It’s official: Jung Ho Kang has been cut from Team Korea in the 2017 World Baseball Classic.
• Rockies reliever Chad Bettis announced that he’s cancer-free after undergoing surgery for testicular cancer last month. I know it sounds funny but seriously, do regular self-exams.
• New Giants pitcher Mark Melancon introduces himself to the San Francisco faithful with a funny story about nearly killing Hunter Pence with “hot yoga” when they were both on the Astros. (h/t Fox Sports)
• Ever wonder why games are nine innings long? And other obscure facts from baseball’s ancient history.
• Prospect Clint Frazier said that he would soon equal Bryce Harper’s mane and facial hair, but Harper pointed out that he plays for the Yankees now.
• And finally, the Reds and Rockies Twitter accounts got into a virtual snowball fight this week.

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