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When the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Tampa Bays Rays on 3-1 on Tuesday the MLB offseason official began. Immediately, shenanigans began. Cardinals fans likely already know about the Cardinals choice to decline Kolten Wong’s option — a choice that frustrated many. Soon after though, many other teams announced they too had declined options for their players. Over and over again this headline appears on MLBTradeRumors.com.
I am not sure what to expect this offseason. With team revenues down due the the pandemic, it appears many are looking to shed payroll. The Cardinals have reportedly let go of special assistants Chris Carpenter, Jason Isringhausen, and Jim Edmonds.
Some of the #STLCards layoffs last month were to the team’s special assistants, former players such as Chris Carpenter, Jason Isringhausen and Jim Edmonds. (Doesn’t affect Edmonds’ deal with Fox Sports Midwest). Spring training will look different in ‘21.
— Mark Saxon (@markasaxon) October 27, 2020
Other cost-cutting measure look to be coming, too.
#STLCards executive John Mozeliak said the team's payroll will come down in 2021. The Kolten Wong move was the first domino of that. "Obviously, the success of the Cardinals the last 20 years has been our gate revenue. I do think we might be more negatively affected than others."
— Mark Saxon (@markasaxon) October 28, 2020
With other teams likely following suit, the free agent market could be different than what we have seen in the past. Offers are poised to be lower, the minor leagues are in limbo, and COVID-19 still strains daily life. Also the White Sox have named Tony La Russa their manager? What in the world?
This offseason is going to get really weird. Hold on, folks.
what else is going on in baseball...
The Dodgers Are World Series Champions | FanGraphs Baseball
The Dodgers Have Chased the Ghosts Away | FanGraphs Baseball
A Defense of Kevin Cash Pulling Blake Snell in the World Series | FanGraphs Baseball
Randy Arozarena Couldn’t Do It By Himself | FanGraphs Baseball
In Appreciation of Blake Snell | FanGraphs Baseball
Detroit Tigers News: A.J. Hinch hired as new manager | Bless You Boys
Tony La Russa’s hiring is an inexcusable mistake for the White Sox | SBNation.com
MLB teams that can define the offseason | MLB.com
what the cardinals are up to...
Mozeliak On Cardinals' Payroll Outlook | MLB Trade Rumors
Paul Goldschmidt Undergoes Elbow Surgery | MLB Trade Rumors
John Mozeliak discusses Cardinals offseason plans | St. Louis Cardinals
Contract Crowdsourcing 2020-21: The Kolten Wong Ballot | FanGraphs Baseball
KNOW THINE ENEMY...
the nl central
Milwaukee Brewers decline contract option on Jedd Gyorko, per report | Brew Crew Ball
Milwaukee Brewers decline Ryan Braun’s option, slugger heads to free agency | Brew Crew Ball
viva el stuff...
Kolten Wong is gone and that sucks | Viva El Birdos
other things...
Soccer match ruined when AI-controlled camera mistakes ref’s bald head for ball | SBNation.com