This Week in Baseball – Machado Rumors, Nationals Losing, Gomez Cooler, Boras Gibberish, Future Game
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.
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