:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48859899/usa-today-8856390.0.jpg)
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!
The Orioles are confident that they will land both Yovani Gallardo and Dexter Fowler.
Mike Bates wonders why so many free agents are unsigned.
So why are these guys still out there? As you would expect this deep in the offseason, it's because we're looking at the dregs of the free agent class. Oh sure, there are a lot of recognizable names, but most of them project to be worth no more than a win or a win and a half. And sometimes worse. And some have injury issues that prevent teams from counting on them (Morneau, Lohse, Simon).
There are still players who can help a contending club, such as Fowler, Gallardo, or Desmond, but they come with that pesky qualifying offer that continues to stymie their attempts to sign anywhere. The overwhelming majority of those left are worth no more than one year deals in the $5 million range, if not just a minor league contract with a Spring Training invitation. With a ton of passable Major Leaguers left out there who don't appreciably move the needle for any clubs still in the market for help, no wonder nobody seems to be in a huge hurry to sign them.
Colorado is interested in free agent shortstop Ian Desmond.
Speaking of the Rockies, they agreed to a two-year, $7.8 million deal, avoiding arbitration according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
Lemahieu will receive salaries of 3M and 4.8M #rockies
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 17, 2016
The Diamondbacks brought in a bunch of new faces, and they hope they are enough to make the DBacks a contender.
Tampa signed right-hander Ryan Webb, which Marc Topkin said was close.
Hearing a #Rays deal with Ryan Webb is close. Would think soon if it happens. If a big-league deal, they have to make room on 40-man roster
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) February 17, 2016
Jeff Sullivan's State of Parity talks about parity in baseball and what it means going forward.
The Nationals announced that they signed reliever Matt Belisle to a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training.
Beyond the Box Score had a site discussion about who will be the best shortstop in 2020.
Important Links:
Subscribe to The Rosterbatorical on iTunes. While you are there, drop us a rating and a review!
Today in Baseball History: In 1943, William D. Cox buys the PhIllies from the National League, which had paid $46.850 for control of the team.