Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley discuss the secrecy surrounding Shohei Ohtani's free agency. They also talk about the speculation surrounding players joining teams, maximizing value in contract negotiations, transparency of team executives, Mariners' trade challenges, trading pitchers between Yankees and Red Sox, Mookie Betts as a second baseman, effects of getting under the luxury tax threshold, and correcting the historical record.
The Seattle Mariners' recent trade has raised questions about their long-term plans and commitment to improving the team.
The Mariners' lack of payroll flexibility has become a major obstacle in their efforts to improve the team and compete with other teams in the American League.
The recent trade made by the Seattle Mariners has left the team's future outlook uncertain and raised concerns about their commitment to investing in the roster and ability to attract top-tier talent.
Deep dives
Mariners make salary dump trade with the Braves
The Seattle Mariners made a trade with the Atlanta Braves, sending Jared Kelenic, Marco Gonzales, and Evan White in exchange for Jackson Coar and Cole Phillips. The trade was seen as a salary dump for the Mariners, as they were looking to shed payroll. This move has raised concerns about the Mariners' willingness to invest in the team and improve their roster. It also highlights the financial uncertainty surrounding the team due to changes in their RSN revenue and the need for ownership to reevaluate their priorities.
Mariners' trade raises questions about team's long-term plans
The Mariners' recent trade has raised questions about their long-term plans and commitment to improving the team. The move, which was seen as a salary dump, has left fans and observers wondering if the team is willing to spend money to make the necessary upgrades to compete in the American League. The trade also highlights the financial challenges the team is facing, including uncertainties around their RSN revenue and overall financial stability. This has led to concerns about the team's ability to attract and retain top-tier talent in the future.
Mariners' lack of payroll flexibility limits their ability to improve
The Mariners' lack of payroll flexibility has become a major obstacle in their efforts to improve the team. The recent trade, which was aimed at shedding salary, has highlighted the team's financial constraints and limited resources. This raises questions about the team's ability to make significant roster upgrades and compete with other teams in the American League. With a young and talented core, the Mariners need to find ways to bolster their roster and address their offensive deficiencies, but their current financial situation remains a significant roadblock.
Mariners' future outlook uncertain following recent trade
The recent trade made by the Seattle Mariners has left the team's future outlook uncertain. The move, which was seen as a salary dump, has raised concerns about the team's commitment to investing in the roster and its ability to compete in the American League. Additionally, the team's financial situation, including uncertainties around their RSN revenue, has raised questions about their long-term stability and ability to attract top-tier talent. With limited payroll flexibility, the team faces significant challenges in improving and remaining competitive in the league.
Analysis of the Yankees acquiring Verdugo
The Yankees acquired outfielder Alex Verdugo from the Red Sox in exchange for three pitchers. Verdugo, once a highly regarded prospect, has produced average numbers with the Red Sox, but has not lived up to expectations. His left-handed bat and defensive skills make him a decent addition to the Yankees' outfield, but he is not a power hitter and may struggle to take advantage of Yankee Stadium's short porch. There are also concerns about his makeup and effort level. If Verdugo is the Yankees' only outfield acquisition, it may disappoint fans who were hoping for a bigger signing.
Craig Kimbrel signs with the Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles made a notable signing by adding reliever Craig Kimbrel to their bullpen. While Kimbrel had a solid regular season, he struggled in the playoffs for the Phillies. This move is seen as a high-risk, high-reward decision by the Orioles, as Kimbrel's performances can vary. The team still has other needs, particularly in the starting pitching department. The signing of Kimbrel marks an important offseason for the Orioles, as they have the payroll room and prospect assets to make substantial improvements and compete in their division.
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley (at the Winter Meetings in Nashville) banter about how the secrecy surrounding Shohei Ohtani’s free agency is breaking baseball media members’ brains, what makes free agency fun for fans, the advisability of a winter transaction deadline and whether it’s OK for baseball to just be boring sometimes, and the latest […]
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