MLB News & Notes (other than Cubs or Sox)

[Kid]

From what I saw last night, Bruce was not the issue.

[rok]

What a crazy organization.

https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/70...5020698624

[Runnys]

What a crazy organization.

https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/70...5020698624

 

The shitty thing is this screws with Fowler.  I'd love to see the Cubs swoop in and offer him 2/20 and then worry about playing time after the fact.

[funkster]

Not happening now.  O's sign Fowler.

[1060Ivy]

Buster Olney reporting 3 year $35 MM for Fowler to O's.

[rok]

Good. Nice to get the 2nd round draft slot $ back now.

[Runnys]

Good for Fowler. I'm happy for him, he shouldn't have been out there this long. He got screwed by the system as did some other players. I'll be amazed if service time issues and qualifying offers aren't the top 2 things the MLBPA tries to change in the next CBA.

[jeffy]

I always liked Dexter. Good for him.

[Kid]

Piniella wouldn't have even gotten to the mound under this rule.

 

http://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/702900429903024129

[jstraw]

We're gonna need someone with a better hip than Bosio.

[Kid]

We can get one of these.

 

[jstraw]

B for Bosio

[Kid]

Also today MLB announced changes to the takeout slide rules and made it so the neighborhood play is reviewable.

 

 

 

Under the new Rule 6.01(j), a runner will have to make a "bona fide slide," which is defined as making contact with the ground before reaching the base, being able to and attempting to reach the base with a hand or foot, being able to and attempting to remain on the base at the completion of the slide (except at home plate) and not changing his path for the purpose of initiating contact with a fielder.
 

A runner may still make contact in the course of a permissible slide, but are specifically prohibited from using a roll block or intentionally initiating (or attempting to initiate) contact with the fielder by elevating and kicking his leg above the fielder's knee, throwing arm or upper body.

 

Violators will be called out for interference, and the batter-runner will also be called out. Interference will not be called, however, if the contact is caused by the fielder positioning himself or moving into the runner's legal path to the base.

 

...

 

Potential violations will be subject to instant-replay review, as will "neighborhood plays," in which a middle infielder straddles the base or glides past it on a double-play pivot. That play was previously not eligible for replay review, and this change will mean an end to the tactic, meaning middle infielders will need to touch the base while in possession of the ball.

 

Link

[Kid]

https://twitter.com/Haudricourt/status/7...2426994688

[rok]

Suuuuuure.

Scott Merkin reports that White Sox pitcher Chris Sale won't make his Cactus League debut until March 19. There is nothing wrong with him - Sale is perfectly healthy - but the White Sox are wanting to keep from working him too hard. He'll throw simulated games and bullpen sessions over the next couple weeks