2021 Misc. MLB News

[Warning Track Power]

Ian Desmond opted out again. At this point with an effective vaccine which should be available to pretty much everyone by opening day, if you're still not comfortable playing your best bet is probably just to retire. It ain't just going away probably ever.

 

Cain next? Anyone that opted out last summer with a 60 game schedule would be a possibility with a 162 game schedule. Mistrust of the vaccine seems to be a real issue in the African American community. I've gotten the vaccine as a senior. It was about the same as a flu shot. It's a great feeling knowing I've got a high level of protection against this thing. I'll continue to wear a mask in public, but I just don't get the reluctance. Getting the vaccine is liberating. There was a disturbing report that up to 70% of African American athletes will refuse to get vaccinated. That just exacerbates the problem.

Cain is in camp based on the Brewers official Instagram page. Their last story post showed Cain in the cage.

[SeaBass]

Sounds like Albert Pujols is calling it quits after this year. Via his wife’s Instagram. 100 War payer. He is in last year of contract at $30 mil.

That got walked back a bit by Albert's wife shortly after. It seems likely since his contract will be done but I guess they're not ready to make a formal announcement yet.

 

[jerichoholicninja]

Some team would want to pay him to play baseball for them next year first. I don't see that being very likely.

[Oxy]

He's 197 RBIs away from Hank Aaron's record. Not impossible in 2 years with Trout and Rendon hitting in front of you, even if you are not very good.

[Hopper]

He is pretty close in a lot of landmark offensive categories.

I can easily see him playing at least another year after his current contract ends.

Maybe with a low level scrubby team, but if he has even a decent year in 2021, he might be able to hook up with someone.

[tmwiese55]

I'd guess done after this year as well. But, if DH comes to NL next year it opens up 15 more jobs for him. He'd pretty much have to play for peanuts (relative to what he's used to) but someone might be willing.

[AKCheesehead]

Needs 34 to get past A Rod. Probably not going to happen but it would be kind of nice I guess.

[SeaBass]

If he's coming back for cheap in '22 to chase some milestones I could definitely see the Cardinals bringing him back if the Angels are ready to move on.

[adambr2]

I don't think you'll see him back in '22. He's in his 40s and he's just totally washed up. Even if he somehow pulled off a .700 OPS season, is anyone really going to give a guy in his 40s with no defensive value and a weak bat anything more than a minor league contract?

 

The only reason he's still around is because the Angels have to choose between that and eating the contract and they're close to the finish line now.

[MadThinker88]

I know there are people that feel Royce Lewis was over hyped/ under performing but this news means he is done for 2021.

 

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/02/twins-royce-lewis-surgery-torn-acl.html

 

 

Right now the Twins are thankful for signing A Simmons & not dealing Alex K.

They are also praying that Buxton can stay healthy for a season (Lewis was part of the depth behind Buxton)..

[Lathund]

Red Sox acquire Bryant from Cubs

 

 

Details in the tweet.

[adambr2]

Red Sox acquire Bryant from Cubs

 

 

Details in the tweet.

 

Bit of a misleading post.

[wntrtxn21]

Red Sox acquire Bryant from Cubs

 

 

Details in the tweet.

 

ZACH Bryant, not Kris

[pitchleague]

That's pretty funny. Gotta wonder how many Cub fans had aneurysms when they saw this today. Just for a split second.

[nate82]

Expanded playoffs and DH for 2021 are dead issues.

 

https://theathletic.com/2426106/2021/03/03/universal-dh-expanded-postseason-mlb-dead-2021

[nate82]

Expanded playoffs and DH for 2021 are dead issues.

 

https://theathletic.com/2426106/2021/03/03/universal-dh-expanded-postseason-mlb-dead-2021

[pacopete4]

And with that, congrats on the retirement Braun. Bummer.

[pacopete4]

And with that, congrats on the retirement Braun. Bummer.

[jerichoholicninja]

Tim Dillard announced his retirement this morning. He had resigned with Texas earlier this offseason. I know his antics aren't everyone's cup of tea and his MLB career is barely even worth mentioning, other than getting tossed for lobbing a ball behind a batter against the Twins about 10 years ago which I didn't even know happened until I stumbled on a clip on YouTube last week, but no one looked like they enjoyed being a baseball player more than he did.

 

I got to meet him a few years ago before a SkySox game and he was a great guy to talk to. I sat right behind all the guys in the bullpen during that game and could hear everything they said. It was right before September callups and some of the guys were complaining about not getting called up. One pitcher came to the bullpen about the third inning and said he just got off the phone with his agent telling him to get him to a different organization and loudly ripping the Brewers organization and management. I just looked the guy up and he hasn't played in pro ball since that season. Eventually Tim spoke up and calmed the situation. He hadn't been on the active roster for weeks despite being healthy and was acting as a bullpen coach and catcher. He spent the rest of the game telling stories and the young guys really seemed drawn to him. Maybe he was taking the spot of a more deserving player but I'm sure his presence and influence was worth keeping him around.

[SeaBass]

I think Dillard has a shot at becoming an announcer for TV or radio, at least if there is interest in him for that type of thing and he wants to pursue that career. He sat in the booth I think last year, memory is fuzzy on the situation, but he was entertaining to listen to and he seemed like a natural for that type of work. That's my hope for what's next for him.

[jerichoholicninja]

I love Tim but listening to him for 3 hours every game would get old pretty fast. He'd be best replacing Augie for the pre and post game shows and doing some bit pieces with players here and there.

[homer]

I love Tim but listening to him for 3 hours every game would get old pretty fast. He'd be best replacing Augie for the pre and post game shows and doing some bit pieces with players here and there.

 

I think he's just trying too hard to be funny. He may get better as he gets more comfortable.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

I love Tim but listening to him for 3 hours every game would get old pretty fast. He'd be best replacing Augie for the pre and post game shows and doing some bit pieces with players here and there.

 

I think he's just trying too hard to be funny. He may get better as he gets more comfortable.

 

I sometimes wonder how bad Uecker was in his first couple years in the radio booth. I'm sure it took him awhile to find his polish. I could see Dillard going that same route someday.

[jerichoholicninja]

I love Tim but listening to him for 3 hours every game would get old pretty fast. He'd be best replacing Augie for the pre and post game shows and doing some bit pieces with players here and there.

 

I think he's just trying too hard to be funny. He may get better as he gets more comfortable.

 

I definitely agree with that. When he just talked baseball he was fine but you could tell he was trying to force jokes because that's what was expected. I still don't think his best use it to be on air during a whole broadcast. Let him roam the stadium during the game and have the booth check in on him every now and then and see who he runs and have him do little skits with players like he's been doing. Tim would probably enjoy that more too than just sitting around and talking the whole game.

[MrTPlush]

Yah...please don't do this Brewers.

 

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/mlb-mets-practice-world-series-game-7-celebration-spring-training-203407227.html