Quote of the Week
“ I'm sure they just signed a 14-year-old they're sure is going to be the next Bryce Harper, but is gonna turn out to be just another asthmatic with a bat. ”
– Jon Stewart, disgruntled Mets fan
This Week in Baseball
Trade Winds Blowing...
The baseball hot stove is the only thing keeping us going through these cold fall and winter months. The Astros are asking about catcher J.T. Realmuto—who shares their interest in getting him off the Marlins. The Padres are interested in Noah Syndergaard—but then aren't we all. The Giants are shopping Madison Bumgarner—before everyone figures out he isn't very good anymore. The Reds have talked to the the Yankees about acquiring Sonny Gray—which shows Cincinnati is still in "tanking mode."
Rumor Has It...
The top free agents in baseball remain unsigned but the big three of Manny Machado, Bryce Harper and Patrick Corbin are generating a lot of interest. Particularly with the Phillies who might try to sign all three. Owner John Middleton said he is ready to spend big in free agency "and maybe even be a little bit stupid about it"—a longtime Phillies tradition.
Awards Season...
With the World Series over, it's time for individual player recognition. Mookie Betts and Christian Yelich won the MVP Awards, while Jacob deGrom and Blake Snell won the Cy Young Awards. Meanwhile, Charlie Blackmon and Dallas Keuchel won the MVB Awards (Most Voluptuous Beard).
Arizona State of Mind...
The Peoria Javelinas and Salt River Rafters met Saturday afternoon in the Arizona Fall League Championship Game. The AFL featured of the sports best minor leaguers, including the top prospect in baseball, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. He was there getting prepared to play for the Blue Jays next year by being on a team that came in last place.
I Heart Los Angeles...
Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen announced that he’ll undergo heart surgery next week. The procedure comes with a two- to eight-week recovery, so Jansen should be fine by spring training. The surgery has a very high success rate, so we can only hope the doctor doesn't give up a solo home run to blow the lead.
On the Air
“ Yankees could sign Harper. Just trade Stanton off for a bag of baseballs. ”
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Episode 85: Hot Stove Season is Here!; Free-Agent Rumors; Japan-U.S. Series; The Grinch; The Election; Alec Baldwin
First and foremost, are you as stoked as we are for hot stove season? It’s time! Episode 85 of Foul Territory: A Baseball Podcast—the Luis Cessa edition—kicks off hot stove season with a look at all the rumors hitting the …
Going Deep
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Hot Stove Thoughts about Player Movements in Baseball
From Harry Frazee to New York, with Love There’s something to be said for the originality and creativity of player movement in baseball which incubates philosophical investigation. No other sport can match the impassioned player movements each hot stove season. …
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Bryce Harper vs. Manny Machado: Tale of the Tape
Last week the two best free agent hitters baseball has seen in almost two decades hit the open market looking for new places to call home. Manny Machado and Bryce Harper. Each is a superstar and each can sign wherever …
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Can’t Buy Me Love: Baseball Free Agency Begins
The Feeding Frenzy Has Begun … The annual baseball meat market has begun to the Beatles’ tune: “Can’t Buy Me Love.” Player prices already seem to be higher. The ask is in the stratosphere, based on the back of the …
Off Base
