Around the League: News, Notes and More
What’s going on Top Rivalry followers! I hope so far you have enjoyed reading my articles, thoughts and opinions about going’s on around Major League Baseball. And if you haven’t yet checked out Unraveling the Red Sox, Bill and I’s weekly podcast, I hope you catch the next installment.
What I’d like to do with my forum now though is a little insight, from a fan perspective about notable things that happened in baseball for the week.
MLB’s 1st Suspension of 2024
Late last week the news of Cincinnati Reds Noelvi Marte’s 80 game suspension for performance enhancing drugs broke. Marte was a highly touted prospect in the Mariners organization, signing as an international prospect in 2018 before being traded to Cincinnati in the Luis Castillo deal. Marie was poised to be an impact player for the Reds this season at third. While a disappointing blow to the plan for the Reds this season, what the suspension provides is more clarity for the everyday lineup. Without Marte the Reds have room for all their young talent to play everyday, clearing what was looking like a logjam in the field. We will see what happens when Marte is ready to return sometime in late June/early July or if he becomes a dispensable piece for them to move if we see the Reds in contention in the NL Central.
Reigning MVP Set to Play on Opening Day
The National Leagues reigning MVP, Ronald Acuna is said to be ready to go for the Atlanta Braves on Opening Day. Acuna hasn’t been on the field or in the lineup for the Braves since the tail end of Feb, but Manager Brian Snitker says Acuna is doing everything he’s being asked without setback. This is a great sign for the Braves who hope to build on the teams success in recent years and challenge the heavily favorited Los Angeles Dodgers super team in the National League. Acuna is an electric player and completely changes the dynamic of the Braves by being in the lineup. We just hope that this won’t become an issue throughout the season and he can stay healthy.
AL East Ace Undergoes MRI After Recovery Issue
New York Yankees #1 pitcher, Gerrit Cole, underwent an MRI on his throwing elbow on Monday according to Manager Aaron Boone. Cole has reportedly had a more difficult time recovering after pitching then what would be considered his normal timeline. Cole has compared what he is experiencing to what his recovery would be when in mid season form throwing 100 pitches or more, and not from throwing only around 50 pitches. The results of the MRI are yet to be released, but it looks as if the chances Cole is ready for Opening Day could be in jeopardy. He is slated to have a consultation with a California specialist this week.
Impact Free Agent Pitcher Could Benefit from Injury
A potential long term injury to Cole doesn’t only impact the Yankees, but could be exactly what Superagent Scott Boras has been waiting for. Boras free agent pitchers Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery are both still available on the Free Agent market and there is history with both players and the Yankees. Montgomery made his ML Debut with the Yankees in 2017 before being traded to St. Louis in 2022. Snell and the Yankees have also already been in reported negotiations even before the Cole Injury, so lines of communication could open back up. Trading one Cy Young award winner for another, probably wouldn’t be the worst thing for the Yankees.
The Most Versatile Player in the Game
Mookie Betts is up to it again. He was drafted by the Red Sox as a 2nd Baseman, but was Big League ready quickly and Dustin Pedroia was at 2nd, so he transitioned to the outfield, flawlessly I may add. After years in the outfield and a trade to the Dodgers, LA needed Mookie to move to 2nd Base and didn’t seem to miss a beat. Now, Mookie has been taking reps at Shortstop this spring. What does this all mean? Mookie Betts is probably the most versatile player of All Time. And while players move to different positions all the time, a player of Mookie’s caliber is not usually the target of these moves. And if he ends up making this a regular thing and the Dodgers play well, I think we have an early MVP favorite in the National League.
By Mike Carreiro