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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 8, 2021 11:51:07 GMT -5
Ken Rosenthal @ken_Rosenthal · 43m MLB in process of finalizing revised Grapefruit League schedule, placing teams in separate “pods” on east and west coasts of Florida, sources tell me and @mattgelb . West-coast teams in FL will play 28 games and east-coast teams 24, making up rest with intrasquad-type matchups.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 8, 2021 14:12:51 GMT -5
Chris Cotillo @chriscotillo · 4m On the Truck Day broadcast, Matt Barnes says he’s one of a few Red Sox pitchers already in Fort Myers. Pivetta, Eovaldi, Darwinzon, Perez and Sale among the others there already.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 8, 2021 15:40:48 GMT -5
League Notes: Baseball Design, Spring Training
By Mark Polishuk and TC Zencka | February 8, 2021 at 2:05pm CDT
Some changes are coming to Major League Baseball in the form of an altered Spring Training schedule and a slightly different baseball. The latter may have the bigger impact on the season as a whole, as The Athletic’s Eno Sarris and Ken Rosenthal (subscription required) report that the league has sent a memo to teams outlining some changes made to the Rawlings baseballs that will be in use during the 2021 campaign.
The new ball will be reduced in weight by under one-tenth of an ounce, and will also be slightly less bouncy (as determined by the coefficient of restitution, or COR). While the end result of these changes won’t be entirely known until we see the baseball in action during the season, the changes seem to have been made in order to “increase consistency in the ball” and also deaden it to some extent. An independent lab cited in the league memo detailed a reduction by one or two feet of distance on fly balls hit beyond 375 feet, and an analyst who spoke with Sarris and Rosenthal believes “it’ll be like adding five feet of outfield walls to every wall in the big leagues.” The analyst believes an overall five percent reduction in home runs is possible, though it isn’t yet known how the newer ball will be affected by drag.
Home run totals have soared over the last few seasons, which has led to criticism in both fan and league circles that the sport is becoming too homer-heavy and strikeout-heavy at the expense of more traditional and action-oriented station-to-station baseball. If the new ball is indeed successful at reducing home runs, Sarris and Rosenthal write that there is some risk “that it will leave the game with all those swings and misses and fewer big flies,” but it should also be noted that pitchers will surely also have to make some adjustments to how they grip and throw a slightly lighter ball.
In a more clearer attempt to deaden the ball, five more teams will join the Diamondbacks, Mariners, Rockies, Red Sox, and Mets in storing baseballs in a humidor prior to the game. The addition of a humidor at Chase Field prior to the 2018 season led to a noteworthy dropoff in the Diamondbacks’ homer totals, and it is still too early to really gauge the impact for the Mets, Sox, and Mariners since their humidors were only in place for the anomalous 2020 season.
The changes to Spring Training will be more immediately visible, given how camps are set to open in a little over a week. The 15 teams in the Grapefruit League will be split into pods in western or eastern Florida, according to Rosenthal and The Athletic’s Matt Gelb (via Twitter). The plan is for the “East” teams to play 24 games against each other and then four intra-squad games, while teams on the “West” side of the equation would play a 28-game schedule against each other. This would seem to imply that the 15 teams will be split into three pods of five teams, which also makes geographical sense since only five Grapefruit League teams (the Marlins, Mets, Cardinals, Astros, and Nationals) are based in Eastern Florida.
It isn’t yet known if a similar strategy will be planned for the Cactus League. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale (Twitter links) reports that split-squad games are being eliminated, so the schedule will be reduced to some extent. The league and the players’ union are aiming to have health and safety protocols for Spring Training arranged by tomorrow, and more specifics could be revealed at that point. Since some tickets for previously-scheduled Grapefruit League games had already been sold, Rosenthal tweets that teams will individually handle those situations.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 8, 2021 15:51:27 GMT -5
John Tomase @jtomase 30m I'm old enough to remember when Truck Day signified the start of a 10-month obsession. This year the Red Sox asked everyone to stay home, but I suspect it wasn't necessary.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 9, 2021 4:27:01 GMT -5
MLB, MLBPA Reach Deal On Health And Safety Protocols
By Connor Byrne | February 8, 2021 at 9:31pm CDT
9:31pm: It looks as if we will see a 10-team playoff in 2021, Sherman writes. A 26-man roster that expands to 28 in September may also be in the offing, per Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com.
8:19pm: Major League Baseball and the MLBPA have reached an agreement on health and safety protocols for spring training and the regular season, Joel Sherman of the New York Post tweets. Hannah Keyser of Yahoo Sports previously reported a deal could be in place as early as tonight.
According to Keyser, the league will keep seven-inning doubleheaders and the runner on second base in extra innings around during the upcoming campaign. However, there will not be a universal designated hitter in 2021, meaning pitchers will go back to hitting for at least another season as the league and the union negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement before ’22 (Sherman confirms Keyser’s report). Questions about the universal DH have loomed large this offseason and affected such high-profile free agents as Nelson Cruz (Twins) and Marcell Ozuna (Braves), though those two sluggers have agreed to new contracts in recent days.
The league and the union haven’t been able to agree on much lately, including MLB’s 154-game regular-season proposal for 2021. But there’s at least more clarity on how the upcoming season will look, thanks in part to Monday’s news. Barring any COVID-related changes, spring training will commence Feb. 17 and a 162-game season will start April 1. However, between now and next winter, MLB and the players still have a lot of ground to make up in order to avoid a work stoppage.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 9, 2021 4:32:10 GMT -5
Andy Martino @martinonyc Universal DH for 2021 not impacted one way or another by health and safety agreement. Issue for a separate negotiation. 10:59 PM · Feb 8, 2021
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 9, 2021 11:55:10 GMT -5
Tim Healey @timbhealey · 15m A favorite bit from the MLB/MLBPA health-and-safety protocols: Players/staff need to do a five-day at-home quarantine *before* reporting to spring training.
But the protocols came out last night ... less than five days before some players/staff head to spring training.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 9, 2021 14:52:14 GMT -5
2021 MLB rules: 7-inning doubleheaders, runner on second base in extras, shortened spring games agreed upon by league, players Updated 2:34 PM; Today 2:34 PM
By Chris Cotillo | ccotillo@MassLive.com
Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association officially agreed to terms on the league’s health and safety protocols for 2021 on Tuesday morning, finalizing the rules before spring training begins next week. In a press release, the league outlined hundreds of rules and suggestions meant to combat the spread of COVID-19 similar to how the league did so to complete its shortened 60-game season in 2020.
“We were able to complete a successful and memorable 2020 season due to the efforts and sacrifices made by our players, Club staff and MLB employees to protect one another. The 2021 season will require a redoubling of those efforts as we play a full schedule with increased travel under a non-regionalized format,” MLB said. “We have built on last year’s productive collaboration between MLB and the Players Association by developing an enhanced safety plan with the consultation of medical experts, infectious disease specialists, and experts from other leagues. We all know the commitment it will take from each of us to keep everyone safe as we get back to playing baseball, and these enhanced protocols will help us do it together.”
A shortened version of the league’s list of health and safety protocols can be found here. The league and its players also came to terms on a series of on-field and roster rules for 2021, though as of now, the universal designated hitter and expanded postseason format won’t return after debuting in 2020. Those issues would be subject to a different negotiation before Opening Day.
Here’s a list of notable rules and regulations for the 2021 season affecting on-field play, spring training and rosters.
ON-FIELD RULES:
* Doubleheaders will consist of two seven-inning games.
* The modified extra-innings rule employed during the 2020 season (i.e., each extra half-inning will begin with a runner on second base) will also be in effect for the upcoming season.
* Any player may appear as a pitcher at any point during the game (i.e., no extra inning requirements or six-run rule). Previously, the sides had agreed that position players couldn’t be used as pitchers unless certain requirements were met.
* Games suspended before the completion of five innings will be picked up from where they left off. If any game starts as a nine-inning game, it will be resumed as a nine-inning game, even if it’s part of a doubleheader.
ROSTER RULES:
* Active rosters will consist of 26 players and expand to 28 in September, with no limit on the number of active pitchers or position players. In 2020, teams carried 28 players for the entire 60-game season.
* Teams must submit a list of up to 75 players they plan to have in spring training by 4 p.m. on Feb. 12. Players can add players throughout the duration of camp but can’t ever exceed 75 players in camp at one time.
* On Opening Day, teams must submit a 26-man active roster and a 28-man AAA/alternate site list. Only players on the 28-man list are eligible to be called up to the active roster at any time. MLB will decide if AAA teams (or equivalent) will begin their 2021 season at the same time as MLB teams no later than 15 days prior to Opening Day. There has been no decision on minor-league schedules to this point.
* Teams may add a 29th player to their roster for doubleheaders in September but it does not appear they can add a 27th player for doubleheaders before then.
* Any clubs that experience a COVID-19 outbreak among their players to add to the active list temporarily, without the need for those players to be placed on waivers, outrighted, or optioned in order to be removed from the 40-man roster when players return from the COVID-19 Related Injured List.
* Teams are permitted to carry up to five additional taxi squad players on all road trips with the big-league team team. If the Club elects to carry five additional players, at least one must be a player whose designated position prior to the season is catcher.
* Both pitchers and position players will be subject to a 10-day injured list (not 15 days) and a 60-day injured list for longer stays. The COVID-19 related injured list returns with no minimum or maximum stay required.
SPRING TRAINING RULES:
* For games played between Feb. 27 and March 13, managers can end any inning before his team gets three outs, as long as 20 pitches have been thrown and the final plate appearance is completed.
* Games played between Feb. 27 and March 13 can be shortened from nine innings to five or seven games, as long as it’s mutually agreed upon by both managers. Games on or after March 14 can be shortened to seven innings if the managers agree to that.
* Substitution rules will be relaxed, meaning pitchers can re-enter even if they’re removed.
* Beginning on March 14, the three-batter minimum rule will go into place.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 9, 2021 15:09:33 GMT -5
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 9, 2021 15:10:36 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 9m Update from the #RedSox in terms of ST dates:
* Pitchers + catchers officially report and get physicals Feb. 17.
* First workout for pitchers + catches Feb. 18.
* First full-squad workout Feb. 22.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 9, 2021 17:42:48 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 1m MLB has not released the revised Grapefruit League schedule.
But can tell you the Red Sox and Northeastern have canceled their annual exhibition game for this year.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 10, 2021 4:08:40 GMT -5
Start of Spring Training dates announced February 9th, 2021 David Adler
The first sign of baseball season is finally here: pitchers and catchers.
MLB announced the start dates of workouts for 2021 Spring Training presented by Camping World on Tuesday, with the first pitchers and catchers workouts and first full-squad workouts for every team.
Teams will report to Spring Training next week, with pitchers and catchers workouts beginning on Wednesday, Feb. 17 and full-squad workouts starting the following week on Monday, Feb. 22. Here are the first workout dates (subject to change) for all 30 clubs.
(Pitchers and catchers; Full squad)
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Orioles -- Wed., Feb. 17; Mon., Feb. 22
Red Sox -- Thurs., Feb. 18; Feb. 22
White Sox -- Feb. 17; Feb. 22
Indians -- Feb. 18; Feb. 22
Tigers -- Feb. 17; Feb. 22
Astros -- Feb. 18; Feb. 22
Royals -- Feb. 17; Feb. 22
Angels -- Feb. 17; Feb. 22
Twins -- Fri., Feb. 19; Tues., Feb. 23
Yankees -- Feb. 17; Feb. 22
Athletics -- Feb. 17; Feb. 22
Mariners -- Feb. 18; Feb. 23
Rays -- Feb. 18; Feb. 23
Rangers -- Feb. 17; Feb. 22
Blue Jays -- Feb. 18; Feb. 22
NATIONAL LEAGUE
D-backs -- Wed., Feb. 17; Mon., Feb. 22
Braves -- Thurs., Feb. 18; Tues., Feb. 23
Cubs -- Feb. 17; Feb. 22
Reds -- Feb. 18; Feb. 22
Rockies -- Feb. 18; Feb. 23
Dodgers -- Feb. 18; Feb. 23
Marlins -- Feb. 18; Feb. 23
Brewers -- Feb. 18; Feb. 23
Mets -- Fri., Feb. 19; Feb. 22
Phillies -- Feb. 17; Feb. 22
Pirates -- Feb. 17; Feb. 22
Cardinals -- Feb. 17; Feb. 22
Padres -- Feb. 17; Feb. 22
Giants -- Feb. 17; Feb. 22
Nationals -- Feb. 18; Feb. 23
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 10, 2021 4:35:05 GMT -5
Chris Cotillo @chriscotillo · 10h Expanding on this from last month: MLB is not allowing any teams to play exhibition games against non-MLB teams (colleges) this spring
Red Sox can invite up to 75 players to spring training, which begins next week. They have a full 40-man roster plus 12 announced non-roster invitees. So 52 spots filled.
With no minor-league camp (yet), expect some prospects to fill those final 23. Sox had 67 in camp in 2020.
I guess they theoretically don't have to bring all 40 from the 40-man to spring training but there's no obvious candidates who will be left off the list. Some clear depth guys who were outrighted will likely be there, too.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 10, 2021 4:36:51 GMT -5
Chris Cotillo @chriscotillo · 7h Red Sox have invited top prospects Triston Casas, Jeter Downs and Jarren Duran to their 75-man spring training, per sources. Lefty Kyle Hart also a non-roster invitee. No surprises in this group.
Sox previously announced 12 non-roster invitees. More moves to come (announcing Perez, Sawamura) but for now, we know of 58 guys invited assuming everyone on the 40-man was.
Really in the weeds here but if Payamps clears waivers, he'll probably be invited. Two guys probably DFA'd for Perez and Sawamura, too. So that's a rough 61/75 with some other really obvious names still unconfirmed.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Feb 10, 2021 8:08:46 GMT -5
Boston Red Sox invite top prospects Triston Casas, Jarren Duran, Jeter Downs to major-league spring training; full list due Friday Updated 6:00 AM; Today 6:00 AM
By Chris Cotillo | ccotillo@MassLive.com
When spring training starts for the Red Sox next week, three of the club’s most promising young stars will be in camp.
Boston has invited top prospects Triston Casas, Jarren Duran and Jeter Downs to be part of its 75-man player pool for spring training, according to major-league sources. Left-hander Kyle Hart, who made his major-league debut last season, will also be in camp as a non-roster invitee.
Casas, who was ranked by Baseball America as the organization’s top prospect in November, has never before been invited to major-league camp but impressed at the alternate site in Pawtucket last summer. Downs (No. 2) and Duran (No. 5) were in big-league camp last year and are seen as candidates to make their major-league debuts in 2021. The other two prospects ranked in the top five, Bryan Mata and Bobby Dalbec, are on the 40-man roster and will be in major-league camp as well.
On Tuesday, Major League Baseball announced that by Friday afternoon, teams must submit a list of “no more than 75 total players” who are invited to major-league spring training. In an effort to combat the spread of COVID-19, teams will not host minor-league spring training until after major-league camp concludes at the end of March. Boston’s first full-squad workout is scheduled for Feb. 22.
Boston’s 75-man player pool is expected to include most (if not all) members of the club’s 40-man roster and a list of non-roster invitees made up of players who signed minor-league deals, upper-level depth options and top prospects. Previously, the Red Sox announced 12 non-roster invitees, so there are still more than up to 15 open slots to be filled. Teams are not required to add 75 players to their spring pools by Friday but must never exceed 75 players at any time during camp.
The Red Sox still need to make some roster moves before camp, as pitchers Martin Perez (who agreed to re-sign) and Hirokazu Sawamura (who is close to signing) still need to be added to the 40-man roster. Additional potential non-roster invitees include pitchers Ryan Weber, Matt Hall, Joel Payamps (if he clears waivers), Thad Ward, Frank German, Jacob Wallace, Durbin Feltman and Andrew Politi and position players Chad De La Guerra, Yairo Munoz and Gilberto Jimenez, among others.
Here’s a preliminary look at the players who the Red Sox are expected to have in spring training. Note that non-roster invitees are in italics, pending deals are denoted with an asterisk (*) and that the list is subject to change.
PITCHERS (34): Matt Andriese, Matt Barnes, Eduard Bazardo, Seth Blair, Ryan Brasier, Colten Brewer, Austin Brice, Matt Carasiti, Nathan Eovaldi, Raynel Espinal, Stephen Gonsalves, Daniel Gossett, Jay Groome, Zac Grotz, Kyle Hart, Darwinzon Hernandez, Tanner Houck, Bryan Mata, Chris Mazza, Kevin McCarthy, Adam Ottavino, Martin Perez*, Nick Pivetta, Garrett Richards, Eduardo Rodriguez, Chris Sale, Hirokazu Sawamura (*), Connor Seabold, Caleb Simpson, Jeffrey Springs, Josh Taylor, Phillips Valdez, Marcus Walden, Garrett Whitlock
CATCHERS (5): Roldani Baldwin, Jhonny Pereda, Kevin Plawecki, Christian Vázquez, Connor Wong
INFIELDERS (11): Jonathan Araúz, Christian Arroyo, Xander Bogaerts, Triston Casas, Michael Chavis, Bobby Dalbec, Rafael Devers, Jeter Downs, Kiké Hernández, Josh Ockimey, Hudson Potts
OUTFIELDERS (8): Andrew Benintendi, Jarren Duran, J.D. Martinez, Cesar Puello, Hunter Renfroe, Jeisson Rosario, Alex Verdugo, Marcus Wilson
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