This Week in Baseball – Realmuto Trade, Harper Giants, New Rules, Backpacks Ban, Robinson Passes
Let’s Get Real…
After several months of rumors about trading J.T. Realmuto, Miami found a return they liked for the best catcher in the game and traded him to the Phillies. The rebuilding Marlins received major league catcher Jorge Alfaro and two pitching prospects. Realmuto had made it clear this off-season that he wanted to get out of Miami. But there’s no truth to the rumor that he was holed up in the Canadian embassy while Ben Affleck planned his escape.
I Left My Harper in San Francisco…
Bryce Harper met with the Giants this week in Las Vegas with both sides expressed interest in a potential deal. The news got out after a fan posted that he spotted Giants CEO Larry Baer in the Bellagio. So, next time you sneak off to Vegas for a weekend of gambling, drinking and fooling around, just tell anyone that asks that you were meeting with Bryce Harper.
Ch-ch-ch-changes…
MLB and the MLBPA exchanged a number of proposed rules changes for the upcoming season. Among the more significant proposals were: adding the DH to the NL, reducing to one trade deadline and a three-batter minimum for new pitchers. It’s fine that they’re discussing these kinds of things. But when will they take a look at the terrifying infestation of beards throughout the league?
Stealing bags…
The Nationals announced that backpacks will not be permitted inside Nationals Park this season. “The safety of our fans, staff and players at Nationals Park is always a top priority,” said team representative Scott Fear. For those of you who don’t speak B.S., this translates to: “We don’t like people sneaking in food and avoiding paying the astronomical prices at our vendors.”
RIP, Frank Robinson
Frank Robinson, one of Major League Baseball’s all-time great contributors as a player and as the first African-American manager, passed away at 83. Robinson hit 586 home runs and was a 14-time All-Star. He was the only player to win Most Valuable Player Awards in both leagues—for the Reds and Orioles. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 1982.
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