Quote of the Week
“ My Theory: He's a Terminator... Sent from the future... to kill us all... with kindness. ”
– Noah Syndergaard, about Mets teammate Brandon Nimmo
This Week in Baseball
Eight Is Enough...
Rumor has it that the Orioles are chatting with eight teams that are interested in All-Star shortstop Manny Machado. He will be a free agent after this season and will have an asking price for his services somewhere in the $350 million range. The smart move is to trade him now instead of losing him in the offseason. But since it's the smart move, it's unclear whether the Orioles will do it.
National Decline...
After completing a three game sweep over the 4th of July holiday, the Red Sox sent the Washington Nationals to below .500 for the first time this season. In response the Nationals held a players-only meeting to discuss their fifth straight loss and the 17th loss in 22 games. Fans have been disappointed, of course, but they're in Washington, D.C., so they're used to seeing millions spent with very little return.
To Kill a Water Cooler...
Carlos Gomez destroyed a water cooler in a display of frustration after striking out in Tampa Bay's loss to the Marlins on Wednesday, which provided some Fourth of July fireworks in the Rays' dugout.
Left Overs...
Agent Scott Boras says defensive shifts are unfairly targeting left handed hitters, especially lefty power hitters, and MLB should consider instituting rules to level the playing field. Boras said the extreme shifts being used are “discriminatory” because they hurt left handed hitters much more than right handed hitters. Come on, Scott, you're going to trick someone into signing Bryce Harper no matter what the shift does to his numbers. Next, he'll be saying that shifts violate the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Back to the Future...
It was "Turn Ahead the Clock" night at Safeco Field, including back-to-the future sleeveless uniforms with shirt tails out and some shiny silver shoes and helmets. And you know it was an accurate future because the Royals were still rebuilding and the Mariners still hadn't won a World Series.
On the Air
“ Hey, let's talk about baseball... instead of more Scandinavian films. ”
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Episode 69: No Plus-Ones; MLB Trade Suggestions; Roberto Osuna Suspended; Cards get 10K; Pads Double-Decker Ride; Hot Dog Cannons; Magic Johnson; Meghan Markle’s Dad
First and foremost, Around the Horn is back and focuses on MLB trade suggestions—either to or from—for every team. It’s Episode 69 of Foul Territory: A Baseball Podcast, and hosts Jed Rigney and Jon Sumple have fun with the ol’ …
Going Deep
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What Teams Need Manny Machado?
We’re coming up to Major League Baseball’s trade deadline and while there is sure to be a flurry of activity, the one player that’s drawing the most attention is the Baltimore Orioles’ Manny Machado. He’s in line to make a …
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Jesus Aguilar’s Long and Winding Road
Sometimes, all we really need is a change of scenery. Jesus Aguilar was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in late 2007 at the age of 18. For the next nine seasons, he rode buses and played in front of paying …
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How to Predict Your Fantasy Baseball Standings
As we meander roughly halfway through the baseball season, no matter where your fantasy team is at in the standings, there is always more work to be done. Keeping with the theme of overcoming life’s malaise, sometimes you just need to sit …
Off Base
