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The MLB Daily Dish is a daily feature we're running here at MLBDD and rounds up roster-impacting news, rumors, and analysis. Have feedback or have something that should be shared? Hit us at @mlbdailydish on Twitter.
Good morning baseball fans!
There was a signing yesterday, as the Dodgers added Joe Blanton on a one-year, $4 million deal.
The latest edition of The Rosterbatorical was released yesterday, and the guys had plenty to talk about. The signings of Justin Upton, Chris Davis, Ian Kennedy and the rumors surrounding Yoenis Cespedes took up most of the show. The player below has the episode, or you can get the episode page with key time-stamps here.
Speaking of Cespedes, the number of teams that could be interested in the slugging outfielder is has increased. You can find all the rumors and sources here, but here is one time that could be interesting: the Marlins.
Sources: #Marlins among teams that have discussed pursuing Cespedes on short-term deal. Likely would require accompanying trade of Ozuna.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 19, 2016
#Marlins offered Cespedes $36M/6 yrs. when he left Cuba, #Athletics signed him for $36M/4. Unlikely MIA would be at front of market now.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 19, 2016
The Diamondbacks have had quite the offseason, and our own Justin Millar analyzed their path to potential contention.
The Diamondbacks also have the misfortune of playing in the same division as the Dodgers and Giants; two perennial contenders with smart, successful front offices. The added wild card spot clearly makes life a little easier, but outside of their division, Arizona must compete with the trio of powerhouses in the NL Central, as well as the likely-to-be-good Mets and Nationals in the East.
Circulating back to the original point, the Diamondbacks are well-positioned with their current core, but are probably still a couple pieces away from being taken truly seriously. The easiest upgrades would certainly come at either second base, shortstop, or right field; however, its arduous to foresee Arizona not giving Tomas every chance to prove he was worth his enormous contract.
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Today in Baseball History: In 1984, the White Sox stun New York fans by drafting Tom Seaver as compensation for losing free agent Dennis Lamp to the Blue Jays. The Mets decided to leave Seaver off their protected list, assuming that no team would want to take the aging star.
Question of the Day: Are the Diamondbacks for real in 2016?