They could. The AL Central is a weak division. But the top 2 teams in the AL are still the Yankees and Astros.

I think so too unless. Have to watch out for the Rays too.

White Sox signed Dallas Keuchel today.

White sox are another team that is trying to take that next step.

Yeah and they've spent over $200 million dollars in the offseason. I don't hear anyone complaining about that but they're trying to compete now. The Central can be had. Looks like Cleveland missed their shot in 2016 and Minnesota isn't a big threat.

Betts got a big deal to avoid arbitration. Does anyone think the Red Sox will still trade him?

If not before the season, by the July deadline. I think he's gone because he's gonna test the open market and I'm not sure Boston wants to let him go for a qualifying offer or less (also depends on where Boston's at in the standings at that time) but my gut tells me he's gone at some point before July.

Houston confirmed to have cheated in 2017. Luhnow and Hinch suspended for the year, plus a $5 million fine and lose of 2020 and 2021 first and second round picks. Beltran was a player at the time so he won't be suspended. Alex Cora will be but his fate has yet to be decided. SInce then Hinch and Luhnow have been fired. Not surprised with the penalties, but the firings did surprise me!

Houston cheated

Houston got what was coming. Never expected both the GM and manager to get fired though. That was a surprise.

I was surprised as well, but I still think MLB should have taken the title from them. I knew they wouldn't, but THAT'S what they deserve!

Agree.

And now the Red Sox fired their manager Alex Cora for his role in all of this when he was in Houston.


I agree. I know it will stay in the record books but I wish MLB would make them give the trophy back and take down any banners or signage alluding to the 2017 championship like they’ve done with college programs.

Agreed. That I would be satisfied with. Don't know why he didn't do it. I understand why he didn't punish any players (who really should have been the one's who got it), but they still get off scot free.

Also, glad Cora is gone. A (soon to be) proven 2 time cheater with Houston and Boston. His punishment will be more than Hinch and Luhnow's. Although, something tells me unfortunately, these guys will be back in MLB within 5 years at their old positions.

Will Carlos Beltran be fired too? The Astros are getting what they deserve. If anything, they are getting off easy.

I agree, they're definitely getting off easy. As for Beltran, I don't know. He's not going to face any disciplinary action from MLB so it'll have to come from the Mets. I don't think he'll be fired, that's just my gut.

Just a saw an article where they mutually agreed to part ways. Guy never even managed 1 game.

I guess that is a nice way of saying you’re fired.

Yup, him and Cora step away. So now the Astros, Red Sox, and Mets all need new managers and Spring Training is less than a month away.

There are a lot of accusations being thrown around. I hope my yanks don’t get implicated in anything.

Everyone's throwing around the Apple Watch with the Yankees from 2017 but I think they're clean. Astros now are being accused of wearing electronic devices under their uniforms so when it buzzed, they knew what pitch was coming (would have been for the 2019 season). Video going around showing Altuve doesn't want his jersey ripped off after Game 6 of the ALCS against the Yankees. What could he be hiding?

I just can’t wait for baseball to start. Are there any moves that the yanks are looking to make?

Me too. Can’t wait for baseball. Best time of the year.

I can't wait either. As for the Yankees, I think they might be done. I don't see them pulling of a trade for Hader and with Gardner back in the fold, I'm not sure they're going to attempt to get another left-handed bat.

On paper the Yankees have to be the favorites. If they stay healthy I don’t see anyone getting past them to the WS.

Vegas has them as the favorites but I don't put any stock in to that. It's a long season and if last year proved anything, injuries happen. I agree, on paper, the Yankees seem to be the most complete and balanced team. However, games aren't won on paper and I don't think anyone expected the Nationals to win the World Series last year. It really comes down to which team is the hottest heading in to October. Those are the teams that usually do well in the postseason. Hoping the Yankees can get home field advantage for the playoffs (I think that would definitely be a big advantage for them).

Where will Andujar play?

Think I heard they're going to try him out in the outfield since third belongs to Urshela now and they've got first covered with Voit/Ford. I hope they hang on to him and Frazier. I don't want to give up on either. Unfortunately, it seems they both don't have a roster spot but if last year proved anything, you can't have too much depth (and Andujar's bat is why you keep him).

Dodgers made a big splash by acquiring Mookie Betts.

Glad to see him out of the AL. Big time talent.

Hate to see James Paxton is going to be out 3 to 4 months now. Guy can’t seem to stay healthy for a full season

I REALLY wish the Dodgers would stop bailing out the Red Sox with their payroll problems (a la David Price).

Can't believe that about Paxton. Gone 3-4 months, plus German. Open spots already. Hope we get them back soon and healthy!

Mookie Betts trade may not happen after all.