:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58271593/111309069.jpg.0.jpg)
MLB.com | Joe Posnanski: Hall of Fame season is upon us. Well it’s been upon us for a while, but it’s upon us still. Former Yankee Mike Mussina is once again on the ballot and it finally looks like he’s gaining some traction. It’s taken a while because Mussina didn’t reach 300 wins, but it seems like Mussina could get elected within the next few years. After all, he does compare well with other pitchers that are currently in the Hall. #Moose4Hall
Yahoo Sports | Mike Oz: In yesterday’s news, we talked about the sad loss of former Trenton Thunder bat dog Home Run Derby passing away after a battle with cancer. While most offered condolences, Ryan Dumpster—oops I mean Ryan Dempster...no I mean Dumpster—decided to use the opportunity to make an awful joke about pace of play. This guy shouldn’t be given any attention, but I’ll always take time to make sure people are aware of Dempster’s awfulness.
Just for that, here’s A-Rod taking him deep after Dempster plunked A-Rod because Dempster is a baby.
New York Post | Kevin Kernan: We’ve been talking about it for a while now, but the Yankees have a hole at second and third base. Sure they can go with rookies Gleyber Torres and Miguel Andujar but putting all their eggs in that basket with no backup plan seems risky. One option is a reunion with Todd Frazier for third base. Frazier confirms he’s talked with the team and that he loved his time here and that though he prefers a multi-year deal, he hasn’t closed the door on anything yet.
MLB.com | Bryan Hoch: It’s no secret that the Yankees are still in the market for a starting pitcher, but right now it doesn’t seem like they need one. If they don’t add a starter, the Yankees rotation seems to be set with Luis Severino, Masahiro Tanaka, Sonny Gray, CC Sabathia, and Jordan Montgomery. This piece previews the projected rotation as it stands today, its strength, weakness, and what could change. If you’re curious about any other teams, you can see those projections here.
San Francisco Chronicle | Henry Schulman: SLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADE. The Athletics have invited former Yankee Slade Heathcott to spring training this year. Heathcott was the Yankees’ first-round pick in 2009 but injuries have plagued his career. He’s since spent time in the White Sox and Giants organization. At least we’ll always have this:
Cito Culver’s Instagram | Cito Culver: Former first-round pick Cito Culver has announced via his Instagram that he’ll be joining the Miami Marlins organization. Or as Matt Ferenchick put it, “he’s taking his talents to *frantically googles where the Marlins’ AAA team is* New Orleans.” Culver will most likely join the New Orleans Baby Cakes. Yes, me including this in today’s news was 100% about me having the opportunity to mention that the Marlins’ Triple-A affiliate is the New Orleans Baby Cakes.