Congress out to keep more affiliates intact
Nearly one-quarter of the members of the U.S. House of Representatives asked Major League Baseball to reconsider its proposal for a restructuring of the minor leagues after 2020 that would lead to 42 teams being dropped from their current circuits.
MLB’S initial proposal would drop four Double-a teams and 28 teams from four Class A Short Season and Rookie Advanced leagues that do not play at spring training complexes.
Major league teams supply players, coaches and equipment to the minors and say they spend nearly $500 million annually in salary while receiving back only $18 million.
Orioles: UNLV product Dean Kremer’s contract was purchased from Triple-a Norfolk, protecting the 23-year-old right-hander from being selected in the Rule 5 draft. Kremer, one of five players acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers for shortstop Manny Machado in July 2018, had a 3.72 ERA and 122 strikeouts over 113 2/3 innings in 21 starts across three minor league levels in 2019. Nationals: Outfielder
Gerardo Parra, a backup and fan favorite on this year’s World Series champions, agreed to a one-year, $2 million deal with the Central League champion Yomiuri Giants that also includes $500,000 in incentives and a $3 million 2021 option that could become guaranteed. The 32-yearold batted .276 and won two Gold Gloves in 11 major league seasons.
Japan: Right-hander Shun Yamaguchi, 32, who led the Central League in wins (15), strikeouts (188) and winning percentage (.789) with Yomiuri this year, said he wants to move to MLB through the posting system.
Expansion: Pat Williams, an Orlando Magic executive, said Orlando is more deserving than a half-dozen other cities, including Las Vegas, that have been mentioned as homes to potential MLB expansion teams.
Braves: Right-hander Chris Martin, acquired July 31 from Texas, agreed to a two-year, $14 million deal. The 33-year-old had a 4.08 ERA with 22 strikeouts and one walk in 17 2/3 innings with Atlanta.
Yankees: Oft-injured former All-star outfielder Jacoby
Ellsbury, 36, who has not played since 2017, was released with more than $26 million left on his seven-year, $153 million contract. an opponent.
Near the end of a brawl Monday with Anaheim, the 27-year-old responded to a rabbit punch from Erik Gudbranson by spitting on the Ducks defenseman.
Hathaway said he regretted spitting on Gudbranson and called it an “emotional moment.” He will forfeit $24,194 in salary.
Senators: Right wing Bobby Ryan will be away from the team indefinitely while taking part in the Nhl/players association assistance program. The 32-yearold former No. 2 overall draft pick, in the fifth year of a seven-year, $50.75 million deal, has one goal and three assists in 16 games this season.