Yesterday, there were two big stories in the news cycle. The first was highly coveted pitcher and outfielder Shohei Otani tenatively set to make the jump to the majors next season. The latter was the official ruling on the Braves investigation.
Latest MLB News
Atlanta lost 12 prospects, their 2018 third round pick, the rights to sign Robert Puason. Former general manager John Coppolella was also banned for life. This is a serious offense and clearly Major League Baseball decided not to fool around. Atlanta will also be capped at $10,000 per player in the 2019-20 offseason.
This is a big loss for a rebuilding Braves team but it also a sign for other clubs to not do what Atlanta did. These prospects from the Braves will be able to sign with new teams in the coming weeks. Due to the unusual circumstances, teams can dip into their 2018-2019 funds for these players.
More on Ohtani and the posting system: Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported that a tentative agreement was reached and added Ohtani can be posted as early as next Friday. Teams can bid up to $20 million and will then be able to negotiate with him and his agency.
Joe Morgan wrote a letter to baseball writers asking them to not let steroid users into the Hall-of-Fame.
Latest Mets News
Kristie Ackert of the Daily News writes about Dave Eiland and has quotes from LaTroy Hawkins who supports the hiring.
John Harper writes about how Mickey Callaway plans on fixing Matt Harvey in 2018.
Our old friend, Jenrry Mejia has some company on the elite list of people banned by Major League Baseball. It is now him, Coppolella, Chris Correa (hacking scandal) and Pete Rose.
Latest NL East News
Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post reports Jayson Werth is not expected back with the team in 2018.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com says the Marlins and Giants have had deeper discussions surrounding Giancarlo Stanton.
Talking Chop did a full review of the prospects lost from the Atlanta farm system.
Todd Zolecki of MLB.com wrote about the decision to cut ties with Mark Appel. ESPN added to the story.
Latest on MMO
John Jackson posts about the previous day on the MLB hot stove.
John Sheridan looks at who could be selected in the Rule 5 draft from the Mets.
This Day in MLB History
2016: President Obama awards legendary broadcaster, Vin Scully, the Presidential Medal of Honor.
Birthdays: Ricky Ledee turns 44, Jay Payton turns 45, Gene Walter turns 57, Lee Guetterman turns 59, Rich Chiles turns 68.
