What is the story about?
Good morning dear friends and happy Saturday!
Things are getting busy in the baseball world with the World Baseball Classic and spring training games all in full swing. Have any WBC results surprised you so far? I was holding my breath in the early innings of that Nicaragua-Dominican Republic game, but I suppose I should have known that the DR was going to pull that one out in the end. That DR game was so much fun to watch, I fear I have no choice but to root for them now.
Let’s get to all of the latest
news from around the league (and world).
In Mariners news…
- In case you missed it, the Mariners announced their roster for the 2026 Spring Breakout game, which will be played on Friday, March 20 against the Padres.
- Ryan Rowland-Smith discussed why he thinks Randy Arozarena will benefit from being moved down the M’s lineup this year.
- Speaking of Randy…
- Aram Leighton provided notes and analysis on the M’s top prospects with quotes from Mariners farm director Justin Toole on what he’s seen from the talented crop so far.
- The Everett AquaSox are offering their Silver Slugger package, available to fans aged 55+ for just $40. The plan includes several perks including tickets to all Wednesday home games.
In the World Baseball Classic…
- Team Mexico easily controlled the action in an 8-2 victory over Team Great Britain.
- Team Puerto Rico silenced the bats of Team Colombia, capturing a big 5-0 win in their first game of pool play.
- Team Venezuela notched a huge 6-2 victory over a loaded Team Netherlands squad.
- In a tight Pool A contest, Team Cuba scored a 3-1 win over Team Panama.
- Chinese Taipei rolled over Czechia in a dominant 14-0 win.
- Team Brazil put up a tougher-than-expected fight against Team USA thanks to a pair of homers from Manny Ramirez’s son Lucas (an Angels farmhand), but the U.S. ultimately prevailed 15-5.
- Never change, Harry.
Around the league…
- Young Brewers right-hander Quinn Priester is likely to start the season on the injured list with a wrist issue.
- Mets ace Freddy Peralta has made it clear he wants to be in New York long term, and he’s not shy about the fact that he’s asking for seven or eight years in a contract extension.
- The Angels have set up their own TV network to carry games moving forward.
- Angels team president John Carpino has decided to retire. The organization has named Molly Jolly to the post in his stead.
- In the wake of the Rangers’ decision to bring back the One Riot, One Ranger statue, Mike Piellucci wonders who the team is trying to please.
- Eric Karabell at ESPN offered his bold predictions for each American League squad.
Anders’ picks…
- You know, I wasn’t planning on picking up the new game Pokémon Pokopia, but the positive reviews have me second-guessing that decision.
