2019 – Major League Baseball announces that it has reached an agreement with the independent Atlantic League to have the circuit test out some potential rule changes this year, including larger bases, moving back the pitcher’s mound by two feet, limiting defensive shifts and imposing a minimum numbers of batters faced a by a relief pitcher brought into the game. All balls and strikes will also be called by an automated system, and not the home plate umpire, except for a few specific exceptions.

ByTom

2019 – Major League Baseball announces that it has reached an agreement with the independent Atlantic League to have the circuit test out some potential rule changes this year, including larger bases, moving back the pitcher’s mound by two feet, limiting defensive shifts and imposing a minimum numbers of batters faced a by a relief pitcher brought into the game. All balls and strikes will also be called by an automated system, and not the home plate umpire, except for a few specific exceptions.

2018 – 3B Mike Moustakas, one of the most prominent free agents still unsigned at this late date, agrees to one-year deal with his former team, the Royals that involves a massive pay cut. Coming off a year in which he set a new franchise record for homers in a season, he signs for $6.5 million after having turned down a qualifying offer of $17.4 million earlier this off-season.

ByTom

2018 – 3B Mike Moustakas, one of the most prominent free agents still unsigned at this late date, agrees to one-year deal with his former team, the Royals that involves a massive pay cut. Coming off a year in which he set a new franchise record for homers in a season, he signs for $6.5 million after having turned down a qualifying offer of $17.4 million earlier this off-season.

October 7 each year in honor of Moses Fleetwood Walker

October 7 each year in honor of Moses Fleetwood Walker

ByTom

“When Moses Fleetwood Walker walked onto a field in Toledo, he did more than play a game. He was more than just an athlete. He did more than throw, catch, or hit. That day and every day he played he started a conversation.” – CRAIG BROWN, an adjunct professor at Kent State University. By a vote of 93-1, the Ohio House passes Bill 59, setting aside October 7 each year in honor of Moses Fleetwood Walker, the first-openly African American to play under contract in the major leagues. In 1884, the bare-handed backstop caught for the American Association’s Toledo Blue Stockings, until a rib injury and the team’s excessive payroll led to his release late in the season.

2016 – The Orioles reportedly sign free agent 1B/3B Pedro Alvarez for one year at $5.75 million. The 2013 National League home run champ had trouble finding a team after being let go by the Pirates last Fall because of concerns regarding his defensive play. He won’t have to worry about that as the Birds’ primary designated hitter this year.

ByTom

2016 – The Orioles reportedly sign free agent 1B/3B Pedro Alvarez for one year at $5.75 million. The 2013 National League home run champ had trouble finding a team after being let go by the Pirates last Fall because of concerns regarding his defensive play. He won’t have to worry about that as the Birds’ primary designated hitter this year.

A meeting today (3/08) at 3:08 p.m at Clemens Field, named after Samuel Clemens which has .308 gate and a 308 right-field foul pole, a .309 suite, and a monument depicting a .309 batting average, will help solve a mystery surrounding a not so well-known resident, Jake Beckley. The purpose of the gathering is to determine which number should be used to commemorate the Hall of Fame outfielder’s batting average, .308 as listed by Baseball-Reference.com and many other resources or the .309, engraved on his plaque at Cooperstown.

ByTom

A meeting today (3/08) at 3:08 p.m at Clemens Field, named after Samuel Clemens which has .308 gate and a 308 right-field foul pole, a .309 suite, and a monument depicting a .309 batting average, will help solve a mystery surrounding a not so well-known resident, Jake Beckley. The purpose of the gathering is to determine which number should be used to commemorate the Hall of Fame outfielder’s batting average, .308 as listed by Baseball-Reference.com and many other resources or the .309, engraved on his plaque at Cooperstown.

2015 – In a spring training game, nine Braves pitchers combine on a no-hitter against the Astros, but the game ends in a 2 – 2 tie after 10 innings. Houston manages to scratch together a pair of runs without the benefit of a hit in the 7th, taking advantage of some wildness, as the Braves’ hurlers walk 9 and hit a batter even though they don’t give up a safety.

ByThis Day in Baseball

2015 – In a spring training game, nine Braves pitchers combine on a no-hitter against the Astros, but the game ends in a 2 – 2 tie after 10 innings. Houston manages to scratch together a pair of runs without the benefit of a hit in the 7th, taking advantage of some wildness, as the Braves’ hurlers walk 9 and hit a batter even though they don’t give up a safety.

2012 – At this stage of spring training, injuries are the big story. News from the infirmary today includes Cardinals P Chris Carpenter, out with a stiff neck, Nationals OF prospect Bryce Harper, who has a tight calf muscle, and Yankees P David Robertson, who sprained his foot falling down some stairs while moving boxes at home.

ByTom

2012 – At this stage of spring training, injuries are the big story. News from the infirmary today includes Cardinals P Chris Carpenter, out with a stiff neck, Nationals OF prospect Bryce Harper, who has a tight calf muscle, and Yankees P David Robertson, who sprained his foot falling down some stairs while moving boxes at home.

Major League Baseball names Dodgers Assistant General Manager Kim Ng, the highest-ranking woman in the major leagues, as senior Vice-President of baseball operations. She will report to former Dodgers manager Joe Torre, who was named Executive Vice-President last month.

ByTom

Major League Baseball names Dodgers Assistant General Manager Kim Ng, the highest-ranking woman in the major leagues, as senior Vice-President of baseball operations. She will report to former Dodgers manager Joe Torre, who was named Executive Vice-President last month.

The Milwaukee Brewers announce that their prize off-season acquisition, P Zack Greinke, will likely miss the beginning of the year with a broken rib suffered in a pick-up basketball game this winter. Initial x-rays were negative, but another test this week revealed a hairline fracture.

ByTom

The Milwaukee Brewers announce that their prize off-season acquisition, P Zack Greinke, will likely miss the beginning of the year with a broken rib suffered in a pick-up basketball game this winter. Initial x-rays were negative, but another test this week revealed a hairline fracture.

Twins 1B Justin Morneau returns to action for the first time in 8 months, having been sidelined by a concussion since July 7th of last year. He goes 1 for 2 with a three-run double in a spring training contest against the Pirates.

ByTom

Twins 1B Justin Morneau returns to action for the first time in 8 months, having been sidelined by a concussion since July 7th of last year. He goes 1 for 2 with a three-run double in a spring training contest against the Pirates.