This Week in Baseball – Colome Trade, Ramirez DFA’d, Giuliani Booed, Syndergaard DL’d, RoboUmps

How Do You Spell Relief…

The Seattle Mariners and Tampa Bay Rays pulled off the first big trade of the season. Closer Alex Colome and outfielder Denard Span should help bolster the surprisingly contending Mariners team that has succeeded despite a slew of injuries. Seattle GM Jerry DiPoto has established quite a reputation for making trades with over 60 since he took the helm. He says, “It’s not an addiction. I can quit whenever I want. I just need one more.”

Finger-Licking Bad…

May continues to be tough on the New York Mets. Their ace starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard was put on the disabled list with an injured finger and Steven Matz also suffered an injury to a finger that made him have to leave his last start early. With the way this Mets season has turned south, don’t be surprised if the fans resort to using the middle finger.

Designating the Designated Hitter…

In a somewhat surprise move, the Boston Red Sox have designated Hanley Ramirez for assignment to make room for Dustin Pedroia’s return from injury. Ramirez’s recent cold streak and complicated financial situation seem to be the explanation for the move. His contract contains a $22MM mutual option that would vest if he accumulated even 497 plate appearances this season. That is a very expensive vest.

Start Spreading the Boos…

Former New York Mayor and current attorney for President Donald Trump, Rudy Giuliani, was at a game between the New York Yankees and the Houston Astros on Memorial Day when the PA announcer noted his presence at the stadium and wished him a happy birthday. The ensuing boos were deafening. Which was a surprising move by Yankees fans because he’s not a current member of the team.

Short Circuited…

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred says a technology-based strike zone is progressing and could soon be used to call balls and strikes rather than umpires. Normally it’s kind of terrifying to think of robots taking over, but it would be nice to see umpires who were actually self-aware.

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