In Mariners news…
Marc W at USS Mariner gave thoughts on acquiring Castillo. Dan Szymborski at Fangraphs also analyzed the Castillo trade for both teams. Jerry Dipoto had a very classic non-committal comment about what the team will do next. I’m willing to bet they’re still in the market for player rentals. I remain pretty surprised they didn’t get Brandon Drury in that deal with Cincinnati. would be a great way to get Abraham Toro some much needed time in Tacoma.
Dipoto said they would be open to other moves, but didn’t seem overly optimistic about adding a position player, noting Haniger is back soon — Ryan Divish (@RyanDivish) July 30, 2022
A reminder to people concerned about the state of the Mariners farm system…this team has a few years to rebuild that system now and has already proven that they can identify and pitch quite effectively.
The #Mariners are in the only position to possibly be awarded a “second” first round draft pick at the end of the first round if Julio Rodriguez wins ROY, per the new CBA. Also in the lottery for a Comp B pick. Additionally, SS Felnin Celesten signs in January. Their farm is fine. — Joe Doyle (@JoeDoyleMiLB) July 30, 2022
For example, here’s a guy to watch for the next wave of M prospects.
Seattle might have a steal in the 6th round in 2021. RHP Bryan Woo (Cal Poly) hit 99 this year, striking out 38 in 25 IP with 6 BB. Woo moves nicely on the mound. Great athlete. Command needs improvement and breaking ball needs polishing. He will debut in Everett next week. — Joe Doyle (@JoeDoyleMiLB) July 29, 2022
Around the league…
Well, that explains why we haven’t seen a ton of movement at this point yet. Although the barrier was somewhat broken with the Mariners deal.
Interesting take from an executive with a competing team in the trade market: “Teams still seem to hold out hope for one-sided deals. …Something will eventually give.” The executive wasn’t just talking about Soto, either. Sellers across the league are scrambling to capitalize. — Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 29, 2022
The Padres are reportedly nearing a five-year, $100 million extension with starting pitcher Joe Musgrove. Ben Clemens at Fangraphs rounded out his trade value rankings, putting Julio at #4 and saying he could challenge for the #1 spot. There’s no time like the time of speculation! Given the number of very public indications we’ve had that Willson Contreras would be traded, I’m shocked it hasn’t happened yet.
Willson Contreras has removed everything to do with the Chicago Cubs from his Instagram. — Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) July 29, 2022
Between Elly De La Cruz, Noelvi Marte, Edwin Arroyo and Matt McLain, the Reds are poised to have enough infield in a few years.
With the MLB Draft just a few weeks before the trade deadline, team executives are exhausted and hoping for a change. Zach Buchanan at The Athletic has the story. ($) Joey Gallo had a nightmare of a season under the league’s brightest lights. Gallo is frustrated with his performance and seems to indicate that he thinks he will be leaving the Yankees soon in this piece by Lindsay Adler in The Athletic. ($) Steam is building towards a minor league baseball player’s association.
An American League minor league GM: “I think they should have a union to negotiate better wages. It would also get rid of the red tape that goes into enforcing things like the substandard housing policy that doesn’t apply equally well to every person.” — Joon Lee (@joonlee) July 29, 2022
Anders’ choices…
Congratulations to the Issaquah team!
