Boston’s new curse, Javy’s new mission and Machado close to a new home?
By Andy Martinez
JD MartÍnez – Drake curse?
If the Boston Red Sox don’t collect matching World Series rings in 2019, it may be due to JD Martínez. Martínez unwisely snapped a picture with rapper Drake over the weekend potentially incurring the dreaded “Drake Curse.”
Just what is this Drake Curse, you ask? Just consider this track record: Drake rooted for Alabama in the College Football Playoff – they lost in the championship game. Drake supported Conor McGregor – he lost. The Toronto Raptors in the NBA playoffs – you guessed it. Serena Williams at the 2015 U.S. Open? Same. But, the BoSox clapped back with a “nothing to see here, folks” post of their own…
Leonys Martín happy to be alive
Cleveland outfielder Leonys Martín spoke to the media Friday for the first time since he suffered a life-threatening bacterial infection this past summer. Martín said he had no memory of the Aug. 7 night he went to the hospital ICU. He was cleared to resume baseball activities in November and is expected to be at Spring Training next month. We can’t wait to see Martín back on the field!
Machado’s new offer
The Manny Machado sweepstakes are muy caliente! Per ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Machado has an eight-year offer, believed to be in the region of $250 million from the White Sox. With the Yankees’ signing Troy Tulowitzki and DJ LeMahieu, it seems the Machado sweepstakes is down to two teams: the Chicago White Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies. The Sox have already pledged their fidelity by acquiring Machado amigo Jon Jay and brother-in-law Yonder Alonso. Could this offer represent 250 million more reasons for them to get their man?
Báez’s project in Puerto Rico
Boricua Javy Báez is living up to the spirit of another Puerto Rican – Roberto Clemente. Not just on the field, but off of it. Báez is building a facility for the next generation of Boricua peloteros to train, which will also serve as a shelter for stray dogs. Baez and Cleveland pitcher Trevor Bauer were in the video, showing off this worthwhile cause. ¡Wepa!
Arenado, Rockies don’t reach deal
Nolan Arenado and the Colorado Rockies failed to reach an agreement on Friday, but the two sides are still expected to avoid an arbitration hearing, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Arenado is seeking $30 million for the 2019 season, while the Rockies offered $24 million. Regardless which number it is, the payday will break the single-season arbitration record, when Josh Donaldson received $23 million last year. We know who’s buying the next round of café con leche!
Pro Post of the Day
Luis Urías might not be a household name yet, but the Padres’ prospect is showing us he’ll be a fan favorite in no time. Urías shared pictures of him giving a bag of food to a homeless family in San Diego with a message reminding everyone that “you can change anyone’s day with a simple smile, food, a blanket, whatever it is you can contribute do it, share your blessings and recognize them ???.” We couldn’t agree more, Luis!
Fan Post of the Day
It’s no secret that baseball is growing in Brazil. Popular in São Paolo, the game is expanding across the country. Check out this post of young brasilieros playing beisebol on the banks of the Rio Tibagi in the southern state of Paraná. Seems like a perfect spot for a game!
Happy Birthday!
Sandy Valdespino (b. 1939), seven-year big leaguer.
OTD
1963 – The Baltimore Orioles acquire Luis Aparicio and Al Smith from the White Sox for Hoyt Wilhelm, Dave Nicholson, Pete Ward and Ron Hansen. Aparicio will lead the American League with 40 stolen bases the following season.
1986 – The last January draft is held; Pittsburgh selects Moises Alou with the second pick.
Featured Image: JD Martinez Instagram