Game Thread: Let The Games Begin.....

[NWinAZ]

Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports that Trevor Bauer will sign with the Dodgers.​

Everything had been pointing toward Bauer picking the Mets, but the Southern California native has ultimately decided to head back home, confirming the news on his Twitter account. MLB.com's Mark Feinsand says it's a three-year, $102 million contract. Bauer will be paid $40 million in 2021 and $45 million in 2022 and can opt out after either season. He will be the highest paid player in baseball history both years. The Dodgers are known for being conservative with their starters' innings during the regular season, but it seems unlikely that they'd scale back Bauer's workload (any more than it would be following a shortened season, anyway). The big losers here seem to be Trevor May and Tony Gonsolin, as they wouldn't appear to have a rotation spot as things stand right now. Julio Urias should have a spot, although an eventual move to the bullpen ahead of the postseason would seem to be a distinct possibility.

 

[SeattleCoug]

Well he went to my favorite team: Not the Angels

 

[NWinAZ]

 

[NWinAZ]

 

[NWinAZ]

 

[wazzu31]

Preface this next sentence it is political so ignore if you want.

I am really shocked anyone is signing right with the reports the MLBPA meeting with the White House. They said it is about science but it is 100% trying to see if the new Secretary of Labor is going to do anything to help them from the past couple of years of salaries going down.

 

[NWinAZ]

 

[NWinAZ]

Athletics acquired SS Elvis Andrus, C Aramis Garcia, and cash considerations for DH Khris Davis, C Jonah Heim and RHP Dane Acker.​

Andrus will take over as the Athletics' everyday shortstop, replacing Marcus Semien, who signed with the Blue Jays last month. The 32-year-old infielder recorded an underwhelming .194/.252/.330 triple-slash line with three homers and three steals across 111 plate appearances last year. He spent the last 12 seasons with the Rangers, who are sending $13.5 million to the Athletics in the deal. He has two years and $28.5 million remaining on the eight-year, $120 million contract he signed back in 2015. He also has a $15 million option for the 2023 campaign, which will convert to a player option if he eclipses 550 plate appearances in 2022 or reaches 1,100 plate appearances between 2021 and 2022 combined.

 

[NWinAZ]

 

[NWinAZ]

Per Ken Rosenthal:
One thing I failed to include in the notes I posted earlier: The Mariners were in on La Stella before he signed with the Giants. Here are the notes, featuring plenty on the Arenado trade as well as items on Jose Ramírez, JBJ, Semien, the Rays and more.

 

[SeattleCoug]

Per Ken Rosenthal:
One thing I failed to include in the notes I posted earlier: The Mariners were in on La Stella before he signed with the Giants. Here are the notes, featuring plenty on the Arenado trade as well as items on Jose Ramírez, JBJ, Semien, the Rays and more.

Oh sweet another participation banner to hang

 

[NWinAZ]

Kiley McDaniel of ESPN reports that the Reds have signed Dee Strange-Gordon to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.​

No word yet on what the deal will pay Strange-Gordon if he makes the team. The infielder/outfielder had a $14 million dollar option declined by the Mariners this offseason, and he struggled to a .200/.268/.213 line in the shortened season over 82 plate appearances. He still possesses quality speed, but the 32-year-old is unlikely to be the type of impact player he was with the Marlins going forward. He's expected to compete for a utility role this spring, with the ability to play multiple positions along with his wheels giving him a good chance of opening on the roster.

 

[NWinAZ]

Oh sweet another participation banner to hang

I want a banner hung that says we almost drafted Trout...twice.

But hey we got Ackley and Josh Fields...

 

[NWinAZ]

MLB to use new baseballs in 2021

 

[NWinAZ]

 

[wazzu31]

I want a banner hung that says we almost drafted Trout...twice.

But hey we got Ackley and Josh Fields...

Yeah, the Mariners have had just as much success in the playoffs as Trout has.....moral victories.

 

[NWinAZ]

 

[NWinAZ]

Yeah, the Mariners have had just as much success in the playoffs as Trout has.....moral victories.

Ya but it should have been us to waste his career not them.

 

[wazzu31]

Ya but it should have been us to waste his career not them.

True. Trout would’ve been the perfect Mariner in terms of him not talking to the media. You still sure Figgins wasn’t the reason they didn’t get him? I swear they lost their 2nd 1st round pick.

 

[SeattleCoug]

Yeah, the Mariners have had just as much success in the playoffs as Trout has.....moral victories.

As much shit as the Mariners get for wasting Felix, what the Angels have done to Trout is 10 times worse.

Its like the Lions wasting Barry Sanders bad