Mike Leake, Arizona pitcher, is first player to opt out of the season. Wouldn’t be surprised if this opens the floodgates and we see more announcing today. According to most reports there are no Braves they are anticipating opting out. But you never know.
One of the earlier reports was that the "official" taxi squad would consist of 3 players. Assuming that's the case, 33 players will be rostered for the first two weeks, then that will be cut down to 31 for the next two weeks, then finally down to 29 - the 26 Man Roster plus the three players that will be with the team in case of an emergency.
Once it gets down to 26, I'd think that will likely mean they carry the 3rd Catcher (Jackson), a utility type (Culberson or Solarte maybe?), and a multi-inning RP type (Tomlin) as the taxi squad - that way they'd have Culberson/Solarte in the event they needed to use Camargo or Riley in the OF if there was an injury (or someone contracted the virus) and Tomlin could step in for a day or two if they're on the road and it takes time to get Wright/Wilson/Touki to wherever they are.
Everybody that's not part of the active roster and taxi squad will be together (in Gwinnett?) playing intrasquad games, throwing pens and side sessions, etc. the way it sounded.
It’s a dumbass rule that completely cheapens the game. But, it makes sense for a shortened season when there are no off-days.
This season, which was already a joke for playing 60 games (assuming no COVID flare up), is now slowly losing any credibility. Sure nobody of significance is sitting out yet, but as soon as a good big name sits out the floodgates will open.
Yes, I’ll watch this season and be glad about it bc we don’t have any other sports, but damn is this going to feel like a cheapened, meaningless season.
This season, which was already a joke for playing 60 games (assuming no COVID flare up), is now slowly losing any credibility. Sure nobody of significance is sitting out yet, but as soon as a good big name sits out the floodgates will open.
Yes, I’ll watch this season and be glad about it bc we don’t have any other sports, but damn is this going to feel like a cheapened, meaningless season.
It's only meaningless if the Braves don't win.
Ian Desmond sitting out as well, for COVID, racism, sexism, labor war, homophobia, and cheating. Pretty sure he only needed to say COVID...
I’m also sure the Rockies aren’t too sad about not having to pay him his prorated $15M for his negative WAR
Kemp, who was cut loose by Fish, signed a MiLB deal with Rockies. Probably to fill Desmond's roster spot and be DH.
Probably an upgrade over Desmond
Has anyone seen the payscale for the guys on the 60-man who are on minor league contracts? Is there a salary bump for them because they are somewhat active or are they pro-rated on their minor league salary amounts?
Another question that should probably go in a separate thread, but is the international signing date the same as usual?
October 15th I think.
Haven't seen anything about the dollars the prospects might pull yet.