This Week in Baseball – Harper/Machado, Players Strike, Sabathia Retirement, Ohtani Return, Murray Decision
Unsigned of the Times…
Baseball’s pitchers and catchers have reported to camp, but the two best free agents in the last decade still haven’t signed deals. The latest rumors have Bryce Harper going to the Giants or Phillies and Manny Machado going to the Padres. The White Sox must be thinking, “What are we chopped liver?” It turns out that the White Sox may indeed be chopped liver.
Players Strike Back…
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright became the latest player to voice his concern over the slow free agent market and even forecast a players strike. “Unless something changes, there’s going to be a strike, 100 percent,” Wainwright said. Strangely he had no comment on the nearly $200 million still owed to Albert Pujols and Chris Davis.
CC You Later…
Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia announced he plans to retire after the 2019 season, which would be his 19th year in the league. At times during his career he was one of the most dominant pitchers in the game and of late had become more of an innings-eater and out of respect for him we will not make any “eater” jokes.
Shohei Time…
Angels manager Brad Ausmus didn’t have an exact date for the return of star Shohei Ohtani, but he said that Ohtani probably will be ready to play in a game sometime in May. If you’re not familiar with “manager speak,” this means Ohtani might be ready in June and July is a possibility, but don’t rule out August.
Hail Mary…
Oklahoma quarterback and Athletics draftee Kyler Murray announced that he will fully commit to an NFL career and at least put on hold his interest in baseball. Maybe he wants the immediate superstardom that football provides. Maybe he just loves football more than baseball. Or maybe this decision is just a concussion symptom.
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