MLBits: Minimum Wage for Minor Leaguers, Loving the Reds Activity, Very Old Baseball Cards, More

Jan 24, 2019

At the Cubs’ Social Media Night late last season, I won a giant cardboard cutout, emoji fat-head of Ian Happ. Needless to say, I’m happy he’s still with the team and figures to be through the 2019 season. Tiny victories.

Here’s some news from around the league.

The Brewers have promoted GM David Stearns to “President of Baseball Operations and General Manager” David Stearns, awarding him with a contract extension in the process (the details of which have not been announced). And it seems, at least by his title, that they will not be bringing on a new GM to work underneath him right away, a la Jed Hoyer. Of course, this set-up preserves that flexibility in the future.

Major League Baseball is lobbying to ensure that teams do not have to pay Minor League players minimum wage in Arizona, where a number of teams have Spring Training. This is the kind of fight MLB has already launched at the national level, and it was ugly then, too. This is a very bad look for MLB and will only further weaken the already tenuous relationship between players and the league.

I've still never seen a satisfactory "why" minor leaguers are not compensated for Spring Training work. It does drive revenue, it is required for realistic progression through the org, and it is necessary for sustaining multi-billion franchises throughout the sport. https://t.co/gTQ17y1RnN
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) January 24, 2019

Speaking of that relationship, look at what the MLBPA just put on its Instagram:

View this post on Instagram

“Signing Paul Goldschmidt beyond 2019 could be more complicated than it sounds for Cardinals” | @theathletichq ($) | Link in bio

A post shared by MLBPA (@mlb_players) on Jan 23, 2019 at 9:52am PST

I’m not trying to glorify other sports, but it feels like MLB takes short-term considerations over long-term payoffs 9 times out of 10.

Tim Brown has thoughts on the issues between the league and the players, and what can be done before this reaches labor-fight stage.

At Forbes, Jared Wyllys has a post I like called “Why the Reds Should Be Everyone’s Favorite Baseball Team Right Now,” and you should really give it a read. In short, their activity on the trade and free agent markets and efforts to “go for it” this year should be lauded, because it’s the way teams should act. However, I always run into the same problem: despite all this activity and excitement, the Reds may have sacrificed peak effectiveness 2020 and beyond to go for it in a year when the division is arguably at its toughest. Even if it’s good for the sport, is that really wise? It’s a tough balance.

Mariano Rivera recently became the first unanimous selection into MLB’s Hall-of-Fame. So naturally, stories from the glory days are beginning to trickle out. Craig Calcaterra took two of the best ones – highlighting Rivera’s skills as a player and a human being – and you’re sure to find them interesting. Rivera has always seemed like a swell dude, so I’m happy for him.

I’ve never been much of a baseball card dude, but I really get the appeal. And whether you were a collector or not, FanGraphs’ look at some of the very first cards will probably pique your interest:

Hardball Times: Game Faces: A Look Back on the Earliest Baseball Cards https://t.co/1pryBcwnJB

— FanGraphs Baseball (@fangraphs) January 24, 2019

The Cubs aren’t alone!

For the first time in 30 years, a preseason Top 100 list features no Red Sox OR Yankees players. https://t.co/KjxE5ehyxu

— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) January 24, 2019

Also how absolutely wild is it that the Yankees, Cubs, and Red Sox do not have a single top-100 prospect according to Baseball America? On the one hand, it makes sense. They’re all competitive big market teams and don’t have as many opportunities to add young players. They also each have a cache of excellent young players on their big league rosters. But on the other hand, each of these teams is (or was very recently) just as well-known for their prospects as anything they were doing on the big league level. It’s crazy how quickly that can shift – just a couple seasons!

written by

Michael Cerami

Michael Cerami began covering the Chicago Cubs for Bleacher Nation as a part-time contributor in 2015. One year later, he joined Bleacher Nation full-time, covering the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball. Today, Michael runs Bleacher Nation, contributing as a writer (Cubs, MLB) and an editor for all sections of the site, including the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks, as well as MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL. In 2019, Michael was the co-host of NBC Sports Chicago's Cubs Post-Game Show Outside the Ivy. You can find him on Twitter/X @Michael_Cerami

more cubs news

Chicago Cubs

Pre-Gamin’: Cubs at Braves (6:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

CUBS LINEUP — The Atlanta Braves are one of, if not the toughest opponent the Cubs will face this season. But Seiya Suzuki is back, Cody Bellinger is back, and Shota Imanaga is on the mound. This Cubs team is...

Michael Cerami

May 13, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Roster Move: Alzolay to the IL, Cuas Returns (UPDATE)

It felt like this situation with Adbert Alzolay could not go on much longer, and it has now resolved itself with an Injured List move. Today, the Cubs placed Alzolay on the 15-day IL with a right forearm strain. Jose...

Brett Taylor

May 13, 2024

Chicago Cubs

MLB Has a New Streaming Home For Its ‘Sunday Leadoff’ Games

Fans can now watch MLB games via Roku. Do with that what you will. The "MLB Sunday Leadoff" games will begin this weekend. The first game, featuring the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals, starts at 12:05 p.m. CT,...

Patrick K. Flowers

May 13, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Let’s See How They Measure Up in Atlanta: Cubs vs Braves Series Preview

Cubs vs Braves — Six of the Cubs next ten games come against the Atlanta Braves, and the first three are on the road starting tonight. And while the Cubs did recently get Seiya Suzuki, Cody Bellinger, and Justin Steele...

Michael Cerami

May 13, 2024

Chicago Cubs

MLB Pipeline Added Two MORE Cubs to Their Top-100

Over the weekend, MLB Pipeline updated their top-100 MLB Prospect Rankings, with eight new players making the list after graduations and other considerations. And TWO of those players, Moises Ballesteros and Jefferson Rojas, are Chicago Cubs prospects. All together, that...

Michael Cerami

May 13, 2024

Chicago Cubs

For the Second Time in a Few Days, Birthday Boy Nico Hoerner Saved the Game

A happy 27th birthday to Chicago Cubs second baseman, and fill-in shortstop, Nico Hoerner. He is currently hitting a career-best .275/.364/.399/122 wRC+, and walking more often (9.7%) than he's striking out (9.1%). He has been absolutely scorching over the past...

Brett Taylor

May 13, 2024

Chicago Cubs

MLBits: Padres Best the Dodgers, Skenes Debut Reactions, Guardians New Threads, More

The Dodgers have a comfortable lead in the NL West, but the Padres are proving to themselves that they can make this a two-horse race. Plus, reactions from Paul Skenes' major league debut and more in today's MLB Notes. Padres...

Patrick K. Flowers

May 13, 2024

Chicago Cubs

David Peralta Has Opted Out of His Minor League Deal with the Cubs

The Chicago Cubs have had veteran outfielder David Peralta around as emergency depth going back to Spring Training, when he was working his way back from offseason arm surgery. But he might now be heading off to join another organization....

Brett Taylor

May 13, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Farm Report | May 13, 2024: Homers by Davis, Mervis Not Enough in Iowa on Sunday

Brennen Davis and Matt Mervis hit home runs on Sunday for the Iowa Cubs, but it wasn't enough to earn the team a victory against the Columbus Clippers. That and more are in today's Cubs Farm Report. Cubs Farm Report...

Patrick K. Flowers

May 13, 2024

Chicago Cubs

How I Feel About Kyle Hendricks and the Cubs Rotation Plans After Yesterday’s Start

Yesterday, the Chicago Cubs won a game started by Kyle Hendricks and closed by Adbert Alzolay. Factually, that is what happened. I know. That's wild. Of course, that's what would've been the expected outcome last season for two of the...

Michael Cerami

May 13, 2024

MLB

How to Watch Twins Games: Full 2024 Schedule, Live Stream and More

Target Field is buzzing with anticipation as the Minnesota Twins heat up for the remainder of their 2024 MLB Schedule. We’re here to make sure you don’t miss any of the action. Let’s take a look at the Minnesota Twins'...

Brian Twining

May 13, 2024

MLB

How to Watch Brewers Games: Full 2024 Schedule, Live Stream and More

Summer in Milwaukee sizzles with baseball fever, and American Family Field is roaring with the energy of the Brewers faithful! Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the Brew Crew or just enjoy catching some local baseball, we’re here with the...

Brian Twining

May 13, 2024

Chicago Bears

Jared Goff Becomes the Highest-Paid Lion Ever!

The Detroit Lions have been busy in recent weeks securing their core after a run to the NFC title game last season. Jared Goff became the latest player to get a new deal in Detroit, and he became the highest-paid...

Patrick K. Flowers

May 13, 2024

Chicago Cubs

MLB Has a New Streaming Home For Its ‘Sunday Leadoff’ Games

Patrick K. Flowers

May 13, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Roster Move: Alzolay to the IL, Cuas Returns (UPDATE)

Brett Taylor

May 13, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Pre-Gamin’: Cubs at Braves (6:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

Michael Cerami

May 13, 2024

News

Where is the 2024 PGA Championship? Valhalla Golf Club Course Details

The PGA Championship, which is the second major of the 2024 calendar, will hold its 106th edition at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, from May 16-19. The course was designed by the all-time major champion, Jack Nicklaus, and is ranked as the top course...

Ryan Noonan

May 13, 2024

MLB

How to Watch Marlins Games: Full 2024 Schedule, Live Stream and More

The South Florida sun is shining, and there’s plenty of baseball still to be played at loanDepot Park. Whether you're cheering the Marlins on from the stands or following the action remotely, they have a loaded remaining 2024 MLB schedule....

Brian Twining

May 13, 2024

News

All-Time PGA Championship Winners

The PGA Championship is one of four major championships on the men's professional golf calendar, alongside the Masters, U.S. Open, and Open Championship. Since its inception in 1916, the PGA Championship has been held every year, with the exception of...

Ryan Noonan

May 13, 2024

Chicago Bears

Antoine Winfield Jr Signs Record-Breaking Extension

The Buccaneers have made Antoine Winfield Jr the highest-paid defensive back in the history of the NFL. On Monday afternoon, Winfield Jr and Tampa Bay agreed to a four-year, $84.1 million deal. It also guarantees the Bucs' star $45 million....

Matt Rooney

May 13, 2024

MLBits: Minimum Wage for Minor Leaguers, Loving the Reds Activity, Very Old Baseball Cards, More

Read More

more cubs news

Latest News

more cubs news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular