Manny’s tour continues, a huge brawl in Venezuela and an autograph for a president
By Andy Martinez
Machado meets with Yankees, Phillies
The Manny Machado WHEEL. OF. FORTUNE. tour continued Wednesday and Thursday. Wednesday, Machado met with the New York Yankees for 90 minutes, then had dinner with Yankees GM Brian Cashman (no word if there was Tres Golpes or Mondongo served). On Thursday, he was greeted in Philadelphia in the most Philly way possible. An electrician, Tom Cudeyro, got a picture with Manny Machado, and then told Machado to “Get the money!” As if there was any doubt!
Stroman with insider info?
Speaking of Machado, Toronto Blue Jays ace Marcus Stroman is convinced he knows where the en fuego free agent is going, tweeting that Machado would end up in the Bronx. Hardly an impartial observer, Stroman talked up the American League East and its prowess. Regardless of where Machado lands, we’re looking forward to some excellent baseball in 2019.
Machado is going to the Yankees. Yankees go out and get everyone. Red Sox are lethal. Rays are dangerous. Can never sleep on the Orioles. I’m going to the gym. Gonna be in my zone all year. Excited to compete in the best division in baseball! #ALEast
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) December 20, 2018
Brawl breaks out in Venezuelan League
Things turned ugly in the Venezuelan Winter League on Wednesday. La Guaria pitcher Jorgan Cavanerio threw two pitches behind former MLB catcher Héctor Sánchez of Caracas; after the second one, Sánchez charged the mound, and a dugout-clearing brawl ensued. Cavanerio and Caracas right fielder Félix Pérez were two of four players ejected.
Urías signs for El Presidente
Mexican pitcher Julio Urías had a perfect way of honoring new Mexican president Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The young Dodgers pitcher sent López Obrador a signed baseball with the message: “For Mr. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador from your friend, Julio Urías.” López Obrador is a known pelotero, and has promised to improve baseball facilities in the country.
Ramírez and his kids?
Cleveland’s José Ramírez tweeted a video of some goats crossing the street with the caption “Kids…” While there’s no denying that Ramírez is a heckuva pelotero, is he calling them kids, because he considers himself the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time)?
Pro Post of the Day
Álex Cora’s big heart never fails to impress the team at La Vida Baseball. Thursday, Cora spent part of his day at San Jorge Children’s hospital in Santurce, Puerto Rico. Cora’s love for his homeland only makes him a greater champion in our eyes.
Fan Post of the Day
How do you show love for your favorite equipo? This crochet store in the Dominican Republic crocheted Águilas Cibaeñas dolls to pay homage to the Dominican Winter League team. These are some awesome collectibles!
Happy birthday!
Julio Becquer (b. 1931)
José DeLeón (b. 1960)
OTD
1989 – The Dodgers acquire Juan Samuel from the Mets for Mike Marshall and Alejandro Peña.
1990 – Cleveland acquires Omar Vizquel from Seattle for Reggie Jefferson and Félix Fermín.
2005 – The Diamondbacks receive Orlando Hernández, Luis Vizcaíno and outfielder Chris Young from the White Sox for Javier Vázquez.
2017 – Milwaukee signs Jhoulys Chacín to a two-year deal.