The Former Nationals Watch (2023)

[Natsinpwc]

"Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said he has never renegotiated a Major League contract with multiple years remaining on the deal. He declined Wednesday to discuss the possibility of an extension for Harper, or if it would be a priority."

I think you're right. These are Dombrowski's words. I think in effect it would be a renegotiation that's called an extension. In other words I don't think Boras is going to the Phillies and saying Bryce will be 38 when his present contract ends so here's what we think he'll be worth then. It sounds like Dombrowski knows they're going to try to make up for Bryce being the 24th highest player in MLB today.

Full article:

https://www.mlb.com/news/phillies-2023-winter-meetings-summary

Can’t start too early. Only 8 years left!

[Senatorswin]

Can’t start too early. Only 8 years left!

Lol. Yep, I always wondered if Harper looked at what Machado did with the Padres and wished he had done the same thing. Machado had the opt-out and the Padres upped his contract. Harper could of stayed with the Phillies but got paid more in line with today's salaries.

[nobleisthyname]

I figured the discussions were happening for luxury tax manipulation purposes. Something like a 3/$60M extension onto the current deal to lower the AAV. I don't know if it actually would work that way though admittedly.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/12/astros-wander-suero-agree-to-minor-league-deal.html

[English Natsie]

Redde for Fedde in Chicago...

https://www.mlb.com/news/erick-fedde-kbo-dominance-leads-to-white-sox-deal

[imref]

Daniel Hudson to the Dodgers on a minor league deal.

[Natsinpwc]

Andrew Stevenson to the NPB. Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters.  I saw the Ham Fighters play at the Tokyo Giants stadium in 1985 when they were based there. They did not draw many fans and we had good seats on a cold May evening.  Or maybe it was April.

[welch]

What did Candelario sign for when he signed with the Reds on Sunday?

[Natsinpwc]

What did Candelario sign for when he signed with the Reds on Sunday?

Three years. $45 million. 

[Dave in Fairfax]

Andrew Stevenson to the NPB. Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters.  I saw the Ham Fighters play at the Tokyo Giants stadium in 1985 when they were based there. They did not draw many fans and we had good seats on a cold May evening.  Or maybe it was April.

The team is the Fighters, though I call them the Ham Fighters all the time too. They are owned by Nippon Ham Ltd.  Wikipedia tells me that the company was earlier known as Nippon Meat Packers, which might be an even worse name for a sports team.

[English Natsie]

Andrew Stevenson to the NPB. Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters.  I saw the Ham Fighters play at the Tokyo Giants stadium in 1985 when they were based there. They did not draw many fans and we had good seats on a cold May evening.  Or maybe it was April.

So he's taking home the bacon in Japan...(although, if the salaries are lower, then he'll be lean-cut).   

[Elvir Ovcina]

The team is the Fighters, though I call them the Ham Fighters all the time too. They are owned by Nippon Ham Ltd.  Wikipedia tells me that the company was earlier known as Nippon Meat Packers, which might be an even worse name for a sports team.

The Oklahoma City Dodgers are changing their name and it's presently TBD.  I would do unspeakable things to have them become the Oklahoma City Ham Fighters.

[Natsinpwc]

The Oklahoma City Dodgers are changing their name and it's presently TBD.  I would do unspeakable things to have them become the Oklahoma City Ham Fighters.

You guys are making me hungry.  For a pork roll sandwich.  Can’t get pork roll here so will have to use spam.  Must be a little pig in that.

[imref]

Arlington Dim Sum would be great.

[Senatorswin]

Mets supposedly talking to Michael A. Taylor.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Arlington Dim Sum would be great.

didn't that used to be DC dim sum before they got a deal to move?

[Five Banners]

didn't that used to be DC dim sum before they got a deal to move?

Tried to park there, but you can only take metro

[imref]

Tried to park there, but you can only take metro

and all stadium food is brought around on carts.

[aspenbubba]

Scherzer out until mid season due to back surgery for a herniated disc.

[Five Banners]

Scherzer out until mid season due to back surgery for a herniated disc.

Not the worst thing to gear up slowly in a dome and basically prep for the anticipated postseason

[Senatorswin]

The Rangers haven't gotten much out of acquiring deGrom and Scherzer.

[imref]

Wow. Hopefully he's able to come back from that.

[machpost]

I’ve always heard that recovery from back surgery can be such a wildcard. Hope he recovers and can once again pitch effectively.

[Natsinpwc]

Yankees claim Jeter Downs.  They thought it was another Jeter.

[imref]

Yankees claim Jeter Downs.  They thought it was another Jeter.

Jeter "The Ensign" Downs?