8th? BBTF Central Park Softball Game: SEPT 18, 2021

Let’s start planning for this year’s game. First questions:

1. Who is submitting the permit request? (Answer: Hysterical & Useless)

2. What dates should we aim for? (Answer: July 25 October 3 Saturday, September 18, 2021)

3. Where is the post-game destination?

Team USA baseball defeats Dominican Republic, moves a win away from gold medal game

Team USA defeated the Dominican Republic by a 3-1 score as part of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics baseball tournament on Tuesday night. As a result, the Americans will now advance to play South Korea on Thursday with a spot in the gold medal game vs. Japan on the line.

Team USA jumped ahead early, staking out a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning thanks to a two-run home run by Boston Red Sox first base prospect Triston Casas. Neither team scored again until the bottom of the fifth, when the Americans’ advantage swelled to 3-0 thanks to a solo home run by Tyler Austin. (Austin had also scored as part of Casas’ homer.)

On the pitching side of things, Team USA was paced by veteran southpaw Scott Kazmir. He delivered five shutout innings ...

‘21 draftees blazing trail for Orthodox Jews

When Jacob Steinmetz was drafted in the third round by the Arizona D-backs and Elie Kligman was selected by the Nationals in Round 20, they became the first Orthodox Jews to ever get drafted, dating back to 1965.

To understand why this is so exciting, some historical context is necessary.

The history of Jews in the United States has been intertwined with baseball for decades. When my ancestors came through Ellis Island and saw the Statue of Liberty’s message, penned by Emma Lazarus—“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”—one of the quickest ways these newest Americans were able to breathe free and feel, well, American, was through the game of baseball. That’s why, for our people, it always ...

Dodgers, Cole Hamels reportedly close to deal as L.A. adds rotation depth

The Los Angeles Dodgers are closing in on deal with veteran free agent left-hander Cole Hamels, MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reports. Hamels, now 37, made only one start last season with the Braves because of triceps tendinitis followed by shoulder fatigue. After his one-year contract with Atlanta expired, he went unsigned this past winter.

In 2019 with the Cubs, Hamels pitched to a 3.81 ERA and 2.55 K/BB ratio in 141 2/3 innings. For his career, Hamels has 163 wins and an ERA+ of 123 across parts of 15 MLB seasons.

Because of his age and recent injury concerns, Hamels went unsigned this past offseason. He then held a showcase for interested teams in the middle of July, and the Dodgers have reportedly emerged from that fray as the landing ...

The best player at every age, from 20 to 41

20: Wander Franco, SS, Rays
OK, so the MLB.com No. 1 overall prospect hasn’t taken the league entirely by storm since being called up, but this is clearly a superstar-in-waiting. It might be as early as this October…..

41: Albert Pujols, 1B, Dodgers
OK, Rich Hill is probably having a better year in aggregate. But Pujols’ OPS since joining the Dodgers is the highest it has been since 2016, and his career value puts him over the top. Runner-up: Rich Hill, LHP, Mets

Bill James:  The Teams of the Decade

2000s

Catcher—Jorge Posada (214); Pudge Rodriguez is second in both the

1990s and 2000s

First Base—Albert Pujols (315)

Second Base—Jeff Kent (206)

Third Base—Alex Rodriguez (311)

Shortstop—Derek Jeter (248)

Left Field—Barry Bonds (267)

Center Field—Carlos Beltran (225)

Right Field—Bobby Abreu (254)

Designated Hitter—David Ortiz, 174

Starting Pitchers—

Roy Halladay (157)

      Johan Santana (155)

      Randy Johnson (152)

      Mark Buehrle (149)

Reliever—Mariano Rivera (161)

      Others over 200:  first basemen Lance Berkman (259), Todd Helton (246), Carlos Delgado (225), Jason Giambi (218) and Jim Thome (211), third baseman Chipper Jones (239), shortstop Miguel Tejada (233), left ...

The Giants could lead the majors in home runs and not have a 30-homer hitter

The San Francisco Giants haven’t had a hitter hit 30 or more home runs in a season since Barry Bonds in 2004. Every time I hear that fact, I think, “That can’t possibly be right,” and I Google “Who was the last Giant to hit 30 home runs in a season?” The first result is an article written by me reaffirming the fact and still, I think, “No way. I’m telling me that Barry Bonds didn’t do it in 2005, 2006, or 2007? That Buster Posey won Rookie of the Year and an MVP without doing it? That Hunter Pence didn’t do it in 2013? That the juiced ball didn’t let Brandon Belt do it?”

But it’s true. Even in an era where the likes of Paul DeJong, Rougned Odor, and Randall Grichuk can have a 30-homer season, no Giant has even ...

Primer Dugout (and link of the day) 8-4-2021

Toledo News-Bee, August 4, 1921:

The report that John Evers, manager of the Chicago National League team, has resigned and that Bill Killefer, veteran catcher, is to take his place, is current in baseball circles [in Chicago]. The report followed a meeting of the club directors.

Evers was not in uniform when the Cubs started a doubleheader with Boston yesterday, and Killefer was in charge of the team.

The report was neither confirmed nor denied by the club officials. President Veeck declared that Evers was ill.

Obviously too many fudge orgies and nicotine sprees. Anyway, Evers had indeed managed his final game with the Cubs at this point. It’s not every day you see a secret, unannounced managerial change that is neither confirmed nor ...

It’s not a lie if you write it in OMNICHATTER!, for August 4, 2021

Smile, dummies, it’s OMNICHATTER!, for August 3, 2021

Primer Dugout (and link of the day) 8-3-2021

Ottawa [Illinois] Free Trader-Journal, August 3, 1921:

The seven former White Sox players and two alleged gamblers brought to trial in the base ball scandal today stood leally cleared of any connection with the alleged conspiracy to throw the 1919 world series.

The verdict, freeing Buck Weaver, Happy Felsch, Joe Jackson, Claude Williams, Charles Chick Gandil and Eddie Cicotte—the former players—and Carl Zork of St. Louis and David Zeiser of Des Moines, was returned shortly before midnight amidst a scene of wild cheering, whistling and yelling from 500 spectators…

Commissioner Landis responds:

“Regardless of the verdict of juries, no player that throws a ball game, no player that entertains proposals or promises to throw a game…and dares not ...

Rays, Cubs Discussed Potential Trade Involving Tyler Glasnow And Kris Bryant/Craig Kimbrel

The Rays were known to be in discussions with the Cubs last Friday about swinging a deal to land Kris Bryant and/or Craig Kimbrel. Ken Rosenthal and Dennis Lin of the Athletic shed some light on the talks, noting that the teams kicked around various potential frameworks — including ones worked around Tyler Glasnow or Kevin Kiermaier.

Moving Glasnow would’ve been part of a larger package deal that sent Bryant and Kimbrel to Tampa Bay, Rosenthal writes. It’d have been a fascinating development, since Glasnow’s one of the best pitchers in the league when healthy but facing a prolonged absence. The 27-year-old tossed 88 innings of 2.66 ERA/2.89 SIERA ball before suffering a UCL tear in mid-June. He’s spent the past six weeks ...

Chicago Cubs’ Jed Hoyer says inability to sign stars to long-term deals ‘greatest source of frustration’

Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer says his ‘greatest source of frustration’ was the team’s inability to sign any of their stars to long term contracts before trading them last Friday.

Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant and Javier Baez were the talk of the baseball world last week as all three were moved within a span of 24 hours before MLB’s trade deadline. After years of conversations with the trio—attempting to sign them to long term contracts—Hoyer finally gave up and moved on.

“That will probably be my greatest source of frustration from this era,” Hoyer said on ESPN 1000 radio in Chicago Monday morning. “I put my head on the pillow every night knowing we put our best foot forward. The extensions we offered these guys will hold ...

It’s hard to think with all this OMNICHATTER!, August 2, 2021

New York Mets don’t sign first-round draft pick Kumar Rocker before deadline

The New York Mets did not sign right-hander Kumar Rocker, the 10th overall pick in the amateur draft, before Sunday’s 5 p.m. ET signing deadline.

“This is clearly not the outcome we had hoped for and wish Kumar nothing but success moving forward,” acting Mets general manager Zack Scott said in a statement. “We’re excited about the players we have signed and look forward to watching them develop and contribute to the organization in the years to come.”

Rocker, 21, whose dominance at Vanderbilt made him the most well-known college player in perhaps a decade, had an agreement in place to sign for $6 million after he slipped down draft boards earlier this month. But the deal fell apart following his physical examination as the Mets expressed ...

Weekend OMNICHATTER for July 31 - August 1, 2021

Trevor Story ‘confused’ after Rockies keep star shortstop at MLB trade deadline

Major League Baseball’s trade deadline passed at 4 p.m. ET on Friday, July 30 without the Colorado Rockies trading shortstop Trevor Story or right-handed starter Jon Gray, both impending free agents.  According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the Rockies will instead extend Story the qualifying offer at year’s end and collect draft-pick compensation assuming he signs with another club. Meanwhile, rumors have Gray wanting to work toward an extension to remain in Colorado.

It’s unclear what the Rockies were offered for Story and Gray by other teams, but clearly they didn’t find any of the proposals to their liking. That comes as a surprise, seeing as how most clubs in Colorado’s position—e.g. bad and rebuilding—would’ve gladly taken the best ...

Milwaukee Brewers acquire John Curtiss, Daniel Norris in trades with Miami Marlins, Detroit Tigers

The NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers made two more moves Friday to boost their roster for a playoff push, acquiring relievers John Curtiss from the Miami Marlins and Daniel Norris from the Detroit Tigers.

Milwaukee sent minor league catcher Payton Henry to Miami and minor league pitcher Reese Olson to Detroit. Both moves were completed Friday, two days after the Brewers added All-Star third baseman Eduardo Escobar in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Curtiss, 28, is 3-1 with a 2.48 ERA in 35 games for Miami. The right-hander has made three starts and 35 relief appearances. He has struck out 40 and walked nine in 40 innings.

The 28-year-old Norris is 1-3 with a 5.89 ERA in 38 relief appearances this season, but he’s pitched much ...

Philadelphia Phillies acquire Kyle Gibson, Ian Kennedy from Texas Rangers

The Philadelphia Phillies acquired pitchers Kyle Gibson and Ian Kennedy, bolstering their staff in a deadline trade Friday in which they got the Texas Rangers’ top starter and closer in exchange for rookie right-hander Spencer Howard and two other pitching prospects.

Texas also sent pitching prospect Hans Crouse, a second-round draft pick four years ago, and cash to the Phillies. Howard (0-2, 5.72 ERA), who was Philadelphia’s second-round pick in 2017, is going to Texas with right-handers Kevin Gowdy and Josh Gessne.

Gibson (6-3, 2.87 ERA) was a first-time All-Star this season, but the 33-year-old right-hander lost his last three starts for Texas. Kennedy had 16 saves in 17 opportunities for the last-place Rangers, and the 36-year-old ...

San Francisco Giants acquire Kris Bryant from Chicago Cubs for two prospects

Kris Bryant was the face of the Chicago Cubs for a long time.

His new bosses in San Francisco were thrilled that joining the Giants meant so much to him, despite the emotions of leaving the only major league team he’s ever known.

Bryant grew up in Las Vegas and loved to watch Giants slugger Barry Bonds—and now the versatile star will get a chance to play not only in the home run king’s former spot in left field, but all over the diamond.

The first-place Giants made a big splash just before the trade deadline Friday by acquiring Bryant from the Cubs for two minor leaguers….

Chicago received right-hander Caleb Kilian and outfielder Alexander Canario in the deal, with the Giants picking up the rest of Bryant’s hefty contract that is ...

New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom out until September with right forearm inflammation

he New York Mets said Friday that Jacob deGrom will be out until September due to additional inflammation in his right forearm.

According to acting New York general manager Zack Scott, deGrom threw a bullpen session Thursday and then was diagnosed with the inflammation.

DeGrom reached the high 90s near the end of his session, per Mets manager Luis Rojas, but then didn’t throw Friday, a deviation from his routine. He will be shut down from throwing for two weeks, pushing back the timetable of his return to September.

The ace right-hander is 7-2 in 15 starts with a 1.08 ERA, but last pitched July 7 when he struck out 10 in seven innings against the Milwaukee Brewers.

DeGrom has suffered five injuries this season—shoulder soreness, right ...

St. Louis Cardinals acquire left-handers Jon Lester, J.A. Happ prior to deadline

The Washington Nationals completed their final trade of a dizzying sell-off, sending veteran left-hander Jon Lester to the St. Louis Cardinals at Friday’s deadline.

Lester becomes the second experienced lefty to join St. Louis, which also acquired J.A Happ from the Minnesota Twins on Friday.

Cardinals president John Mozeliak said the club accomplished its goal of stabilizing its pitching without giving away any top prospects.

“That was something that was critical in our decision-making,” Mozeliak said. “Needless to say, obviously today we felt like we took a couple steps forward without having to sacrifice those futures.”

New York Yankees acquire LHP Andrew Heaney from Los Angeles Angels for minor leaguers

he New York Yankees acquired Los Angeles Angels starter Andrew Heaney on Friday, adding a pitcher after making two big trades for sluggers.

The Yankees got the 30-year-old lefty and cash for minor league right-handers Janson Junk and Elvis Peguero.

New York began the day at 53-48, fourth in the AL wild-card race for two spots. As Friday’s trade deadline approached, the Yankees got All-Star outfielder Joey Gallo from Texas and star first baseman Anthony Rizzo from the Chicago Cubs.

Heaney was 6-7 with a 5.27 ERA in 18 starts for the Angels this year. He is 30-36 with a 4.57 ERA in eight seasons with Miami and Los Angeles. He posted his first big league win against the Yankees in 2015.

Braves revamp outfield with deals for Jorge Soler, Eddie Rosario, Adam Duvall

The Atlanta Braves entered Friday with a 51-52 record on the season, putting them four games back in the National League East and eight back in the wild-card hunt. Despite already acquiring Joc Pederson this month as a means of trying to fill the Ronald Acuña Jr. void, Atlanta swung a trio of deals ahead of the trade deadline to improve their outfield depth chart: first adding the injured Eddie Rosario in a swap with Cleveland that will send reserve Pablo Sandoval to the Midwest, then reacquiring Adam Duvall from the Miami Marlins in for catcher Alex Jackson. The Braves later beat the buzzer to add Jorge Soler from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for righty Kasey Kalich, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

The Braves also acquired right-handed ...

Chicago White Sox acquire closer Craig Kimbrel from Chicago Cubs, give up Nick Madrigal

The Chicago White Sox acquired closer Craig Kimbrel from the crosstown Cubs on Friday, a move that should give the AL Central leaders a fearsome bullpen for their playoff push.

The White Sox already had one of baseball’s best closers in All-Star Liam Hendriks. Now the South Siders add Kimbrel, who has a 0.49 ERA and 23 saves in 25 opportunities for the Cubs this season and leads NL relievers in strikeout rate and opponents’ batting average. Kimbrel ranks ninth with 371 career saves during his 12 years in the majors.

White Sox manager Tony La Russa said he had a plan for how to use both closers, but was not ready to divulge specifics.

“On any given day, one may be available, the other one may not be,” general manager Rick Hahn said. “It ...

New York Mets acquire star SS Javier Baez from Chicago Cubs for OF prospect

Javier Baez got his wish: He’s headed to New York to play with longtime pal Francisco Lindor.

But first, the Mets are counting on their big-name newcomer to hold down the fort at shortstop for a while.

With the trade deadline fast approaching Friday, the Mets acquired Baez and pitcher Trevor Williams from the Chicago Cubs for outfield prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong.

Baez, a two-time All-Star and 2020 Gold Glove winner, gives New York an immediate fill-in for Lindor. The star shortstop, obtained from Cleveland in a blockbuster deal last winter, is sidelined with a strained oblique and not expected back until at least mid-to-late August.

“I’m super excited. I couldn’t be happier,” Lindor said. “I can’t wait for him to come out here and put ...

TRADE DEADLINE DECOMPRESSION OMNICHATTER, for July 30, 2021

Blue Jays land Berríos for 2 top prospects

Ahead of their first game back in Toronto on Friday night, the Blue Jays officially acquired right-handed starter José Berríos from the Twins, sending shortstop/outfielder Austin Martin, who is Toronto’s No. 2-ranked prospect per MLB Pipeline, and right-hander Simeon Woods-Richardson, ranked No. 4, to the Twins in exchange.

Berríos, 27, is under team control through 2022 as an arbitration-eligible player.

Washington Nationals’ Starlin Castro suspended 30 games for violating Major League Baseball’s domestic violence policy

Washington Nationals infielder Starlin Castro has been suspended for 30 games without pay and fined an undisclosed amount for violating Major League Baseball’s policy on domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse.

Shortly after MLB announced the penalty Friday, the Nationals said they would release Castro when the ban concludes.

Castro will be ineligible for the postseason under the terms of the suspension and will be required to undergo evaluation and treatment, MLB said.

“Having reviewed all the available evidence, I have concluded that Mr. Castro violated our policy and that discipline is appropriate,” baseball commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.

Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said earlier this month, while ...

Padres Acquire Daniel Hudson From Nationals

The Padres have acquired one of the top relievers on the trade market. San Diego announced a deal with the Nationals to add Daniel Hudson to the late-inning mix. Two prospects — pitcher Mason Thompson and infielder Jordy Barley — are expected to head to Washington in return.

Hudson becomes the latest player out the door as part of the Nationals broader sell-off. Washington is finalizing a deal to send Trea Turner and Max Scherzer to the Dodgers and has already announced agreements to move Brad Hand and Kyle Schwarber. Once GM Mike Rizzo and his staff embarked on the teardown, a Hudson deal became increasingly likely given his impending free agency.

The right-hander has long been a productive reliever, but he’s taken his game to a ...