Outside The Confines: The week baseball returns

It has felt like a very long winter indeed, and a long time since we’ve been able to count on a regular baseball season. But as of now, it appears that MLB is ready to launch a full 162-game season this week, and one with fans in the stands.

It’s a place many of us dreamed we’d see again, but a lot of uncertainty stood in the way, getting us to this point. Now we’re poised to see baseball, to hear fans, and to hopefully have as close to a “normal” season as possible.

Until then, let’s visit the news of the weekend and prepare ourselves for what’s to come.

• The weekend got off to an incredibly sad start with the Friday news of Mike Bell’s passing. The Twins bench coach was only 46 when he lost his battle with cancer. The Twins honored him in their Friday game, shared Wilton Jackson.
• Not every manager has a secure future, and R.J. Anderson assesses five managers who are in the hot seat this year.
• Even the obvious winners may experience some struggles. Buster Olney previews some potential areas of real concern for certain clubs.
• As if it’s possible to forget, Jay Jaffe wants to ensure you don’t overlook the incredible young career of Ronald Acuña Jr.
• Speaking of young phenom players, Jeff Passan spotlights Juan Soto for ESPN.
• Which players are the most exciting according to their own team’s GM? Hannah Keyser helps you find your new favorite player.
• Still haven’t gotten sick of these boat memes.

• Tony Wolfe rightly points out that former Cy Young winner should have a job by now.
• Jose Altuve shared with Stephanie Apstein that the 2020 season was one of the hardest of his career, but he’s ready for a comeback year.
• Katherina Acquavella looks at some impressive milestones that could be reached this season.
• If there’s one thing the Rays excel at, it’s exceeding expectations, and according to Joe Posnanski, 2021 will the no different. (The Athletic subscription required.)
• Michael Baumann thinks the rivalry to watch this season won’t have anything to do with the Dodgers or Yankees, but rather with the Twins and White Sox.
• MLB.com has a look at which player from each team impressed the most during spring training.
• Anthony DiComo shares that Francisco Lindor had dinner with the Mets owner, but wasn’t terribly impressed with the ravioli.
• Now that’s a custom jersey choice.

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