One of these days the Hall of Fame announcement will be exciting for D.C.-based fans again, but until one of the Washington Nationals is up for election, we’ll (with ‘we’ll’ in this case meaning the Montreal-turned-Washington fans among us) have to settle for former Montreal Expos making it in. So, everyone excited about Vladimir Guerrero getting into the Hall?
[crickets, crickets]
Whatever, go read your links...
NATS BEAT:
Why the Nationals’ minor league coaching shake-up isn’t quite as stark as it might seem
"With Tejera in place, the rest of the pitching promotions followed. Sam Narron moved up to Class A Potomac. Tim Redding moved to Class A Hagerstown. Franklin Bravo moved to short-season Auburn."
Can the Nats improve on a 50 road-win season?
"It is pretty amazing to look back at how dominant a team the Nationals were on the road in 2017."
Nationals Better Start Trade Deadline Shopping Now
"General manager Mike Rizzo has shown no fear in scooping up luxury free agents on the eve of Spring Training. This year, that practice could be a necessity."
SOMETHING NATS BEHIND A PAY WALL:
Latest notes: The problem with trading for Yelich; #Yankees’ approach at 2B and 3B; #SFGiants’ approach to CF; #Indians’ off-season; why Donaldson earned more than Harper in arbitration; thoughts on FA market. https://t.co/6ibxXMw8Wf $
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 24, 2018
NATIONAL(S) BEAT - HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS:
Newest electees savor emotion of the moment
"This year’s BBWAA ballot featured 33 players. Of the 422 ballots cast, 317 votes were needed for the 75 percent threshold necessary for election."
Expos' Vladimir Guerrero elected to HOF
"In his second year on the ballot, Guerrero received 92.9 percent of the vote from the Baseball Writers' Association of America and joins a class of four players who will be enshrined in July..."
Wish I could’ve watched him more, but it was the days before MLBtv. Was there in Montreal for Vladimir Guerrero’s last home at bat with the #Expos though. Congrats on making it into the @baseballhall @VladGuerrero27 #HOF2018 pic.twitter.com/ZqoWduiAhn
— federalbaseball (@federalbaseball) January 24, 2018
My 2018 Hall of Fame ballot
"No other Hall of Fame in any other sport can match baseball’s Hall in terms of history, passion or significance. That’s what makes it so special."
NL EAST UPDATES:
Chipper Jones Elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame
"The Atlanta Braves congratulate third baseman Chipper Jones on his election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame tonight. Jones received 97.2% of the vote, the 11th highest in plurality all-time."
Miami Marlins Top 20 prospects for 2018
"The Marlins have some intriguing pitching but need more impact bats."
Miami Marlins Top 20 prospects for 2018 https://t.co/ragS9mFvsh pic.twitter.com/WjtPKt2Vtr
— johnsickels (@MinorLeagueBall) January 24, 2018
What Mets are investing in, hoping fans forget about payroll
"Quietly sitting in the corner of the conference room at Citi Field on Tuesday as Jeff Wilpon and Sandy Alderson defended their payroll and business plan was Omar Minaya..."
Hall of Fame results: Jim Thome, last of the old fashioned mashers, elected to Cooperstown
"Jim Thome joined the most elite club in baseball on Wednesday. With 89.8% of the vote on his first-ever appearance on the ballot, he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame."