As MLB’s offseason continues, here are three things to keep an eye on around the baseball world headed into the weekend:
1. Robertson to undergo physical:
After agreeing to a one-year deal with the Rangers last night, veteran right-hander David Robertson is set to undergo a physical before the deal becomes official. According to Jeff Wilson of Rangers Today, said physical is planned for today. When the deal becomes official, the Rangers will need to make a corresponding move to create room for Robertson on their 40-man roster, which is currently at capacity. That could come in the form of simply designating someone for assignment, or perhaps the club will try to work out a trade to recoup some value from the back of their roster.
Robertson, 39 in April, has enjoyed a career resurgence while pitching for the Cubs, Phillies, Mets, and Marlins over the past two years. During that time, he’s managed to post a 2.72 ERA and 3.56 FIP while striking out 29.8% of batters faced in 129 innings of work. He’ll provide a big boost for the Texas bullpen if/when the deal is finalized, particularly after losing left-hander Aroldis Chapman to the Pirates via free agency earlier this week.
2. Giles throwing for teams:
Veteran right-hander Ken Giles has managed just 39 2/3 combined innings of work since the end of the 2019 season as he’s battled injuries, but that isn’t stopping the 33-year-old righty from attempting a comeback. As reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post earlier this week, Giles is throwing a bullpen session in Phoenix later today for interested teams. It’s easy to see why teams would have interest in Giles’s services if he’s finally healthy enough to take the mound. The veteran righty sports a career 2.71 ERA across 362 relief appearances with a 2.46 FIP, 115 saves, and an impressive 33.3% strikeout rate. Giles would be an impactful addition to just about any bullpen in the league if he were able to recapture even some of that ability from his 20s, though after his lengthy layoff it’s unclear just how much he has left in the tank.
3. Marlins FanFest is today:
The Marlins are running their annual FanFest this weekend, which will be held this evening at loanDepot park. The free fan event is scheduled to run from 4pm to 10pm local time. Tonight’s festivities could involve the unveiling of a new look for the players on the field in Miami; the club has seemingly hinted at uniform updates for the upcoming 2024 campaign.
Among the other items on the agenda are live interviews with president of baseball operations Peter Bendix and manager Skip Schumaker, which are schedule for 5pm local time. Its been a quiet winter in Miami since Bendix replaced Kim Ng atop the club’s baseball operations department, and Bendix and Schumaker will likely face questions on that front. The Marlins have reportedly been listening to trade offers regarding their starting rotation and keeping an eye on the free agent market for infield help, with a shortstop topping the wishlist. While top outgoing free agent Jorge Soler also remains on the market, recent rumors seem to indicate a reunion between the sides is unlikely.
It’s amazing how 1 signing can change so much (David Robertson)!
Nice of the Marlins to offer that event to the 10 fans of the team. Should be fun.
There’s so few, the Marlins could actually hold it at each person’s house.
They could also just host it at a local TGI Fridays, maybe grab a little grub whilst bemoaning the lack of action with the roster.
Lol
The most obvious place to host it is the local fishing hole.
It’s Florida so the absolute most logical place is in the lobby at a mobile home park
Never do stand up
You think the Marlins would go back to the original uniforms which the vast majority of fans prefer? Not a chance
@Silas
Those were much better uniforms and during a period where they have success and won a few championships.
“Losing Aroldis Chapman to the Pirates” needs to be repeated, for belief and effect.
“Losing xxx to the pirates” is a phase i thought i would never hear almost like the cowboys winning a playoff game…. too soon?
no one lost Chapman, he signed willingly
I swear people lack common sense when they make ridiculous statements
i assume you are trolling but in case not …
the lost is that there were money spending teams that were going after him and they (not chapman) lost out on signing him to the pirates which for us lacking common sense never happens as the pirates do not spend big money. Its like if the A’s were to go out and sign cody bellinger for what he is actually asking for.
This is perhaps where a comma or dash or another sentence break could come in helpful b/c they did lose Chapman and he did go to the Pirates. But it is a quote, so please be careful with that aim so you don’t shoot the messenger. That’s why it was a point of emphasis as how many times do you ever see that written?
Where’s Jed’s dumpster?
Yup
Crybaby Robertson should be happy, now he will play in the same division as the Astros who he is still crying over 2017. Cry baby cry
AL West is a dumpster fire division. You got the A’s who aren’t planning to compete anytime. Angels don’t seem to care about winning and Seattle appears to be in the window of contention but ownership doubled down on not taking full advantage of that and is relying on hopes and prayers.
Astros and Rangers will essentially be playing each other for 1st/2nd place. But, as we’ve seen, ultimately, it won’t matter if either one actually wins the division, as MLB doesn’t celebrate division wins. They only like the playoffs that have become so random.
Old York you’re starting to become a broken record. Playing the same old tune. Got anything new in your LP collection??
I think we’ve identified a crybaby here.
@LordD99
Despite the saying that there is no crying in baseball, there are a significant number of players and fans that cry about all sorts of useless nonsense.
Oh, no! I was called out on strikes. I better have a hissy fit. It’s sad seeing adults acting like they’re 5 year olds not able to get that toy they really wanted.
I agree there is much crying in baseball, even if sometimes they’re crocodile tears.
Giles stinks!!!
However, why doesn’t someone give Roberto Osuna another chance?
He has stayed out of Mr. Rogers neighborhood and did his time as has Trevor Bauer
All, these other tomato cans and Boxcar Willies are getting other chances
This lack of forgiveness that permeates Professional Sports (All)
I find most disturbing, to quote Darth Vader!!!
‘Cause wasn’t Osuna guilty and Bauer isn’t? I’ve lost track. Everyone should be in on Bauer, you could get a #2 probably for dirt cheap.
Farthands gonna give Giles 2/25 with an opt out to be a starter. Definitely don’t want to pay the dude who just won the Cy Young.
Come on Marlins, go back to the original Teal pinstripes!
I’m not envisioning a Houston reunion with Giles. On the flip side, it doesn’t seem like those prospects the Phillies got for Giles ever panned.
Maybe my twins will give Giles a minor league deal with a spring training invite. We’re still desperate for more pitching. Literally haven’t done anything of note this offseason other than losing some significant parts of last years winning team:(
Giles to the A’s
IT seems all teams are up against the 40 man roster like the Rangers and especially the Yankees. Yankees lost a decent OFer in Bubba Thompson. I think MLB should increase rosters to 45 guys.
A Marlins fan fest to last 6 hours? The amount of fans they get at games they should be able cover that in a sit down dinner to be completed within an hour to 2 hours. LOL
And speaking of fans at Marlins park. This article is pretty much an all out Phillies article…Robertson pitched for the Phillies, Giles pitched for the Phillies and the Marlins get the most fans in their stadium when the Phillies play them in Miami. Though 90% of the fans in attendance are Phillies fans.