November 17, 2021
1. Noah Syndergaard says goodbye to New York
One of the most iconic, but unfulfilled careers in Mets history came to an end officially yesterday — and on Twitter today he posted his goodbye:
And oh, how things can change, from just a few weeks ago.
Now, blue turns to red, east turns to west, and Thor and his golden locks migrate on out to California for a new start and a one-year deal.
2. The managers of the year were announced yesterday
Kevin Cash wins for the second year in a row, in the American League.
And in the National League, the man whom the Phillies discarded two years ago is now receiving a trophy, at the helm of the 107–win Giants.
3. The error of the day: This DJ LeMahieu clip making its way into an official Cardinals highlight video
How exactly does that happen? (At about the nine-second mark)
4. The actual baseball highlight of the day
Slim pickings, slow news day, but here we are with a walk-off bunt-error extravaganza in the Dominican Winter League:
5. Ryan Zimmerman might be returning for 2022
A big surprise, after that standing ovation at Nats Park to end the year really did feel like the end, for Mr. National.
Here was the moment, in early October this year — and maybe goodbye won’t be goodbye just yet.
6. Howie Kendrick is hired by the Phillies front office
It can’t be a good last few months for Nationals fans: losing Max Scherzer, losing Trea Turner, watching Ryan Zimmerman retire (seemingly, at the time) — and now, Mr. Foul Pole, Mr. 2019 World Series champ, heads up to Philly to help make the divisional rivals better.
But a good gig, and nice to see him back in baseball:
7. Joe Torre chimes in on the state of MLB labor negotiations
8. The Braves are honored by Wall Street in Times Square
What’s the stock price on pearl necklaces now?
9. The vintage baseball photos of the day
Just a bit of nostalgia, to keep your cold November no-baseball blues at bay.
10. An update on the league-wide pursuit of Justin Verlander
As of today, he now has multiple offers already in hand — and a decision could possibly come soon, with the Yankees, White Sox, Blue Jays and Braves among the team that appear to be in on him.
11. The Indians officially become the Guardians on Friday
Whether you’re sad, excited, bothered, relieved, a name change of a team you’ve known for so long sure does feel odd. As if the name of a city or state were to change, one ordinary weekday in November — and then from that point forward, that place no longer is that place, but somehow still is that very same place.
12. And lastly, the Mariners announce Ichiro’s team Hall of Fame weekend with a great career highlight video
