No Crying In Baseball

In advance of the Winter Meetings, starting pitcher signings are the big news but NCiB boyfriends are also on the move, including a full boyfriend trade between the Brewers and Mariners. Miguel Cabrera announces his upcoming retirement, reminding us that in addition to spectacular batting stats, he’ll leave a legacy of giving back to his communities. The Winter Meetings bring us a new draft lottery, the Rule 5 Draft, and the Take the Field program focusing on women working in baseball. Ideally, they will also shake loose the Free Agent shortstop market and a home for Aaron Judge. The players’ union, the MLBPA, renewed Tony Clark’s contract through 2027  so  that  he will remain Executive Director through the next contract negotiations. Players voted in a new executive committee, heavy on the pitchers and Ian Happ. Ronald Acuña keeps the Hammers streak going by winning the LVPB home run derby and more  familiar faces join the winter baseball scene in both Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. Baseball for All’s Justine Seigal returns to  Mexico to lead clinics for  girls  and  coach some winter ball. Also in the DR, Nelson Cruz and friends lead the annual “Batting Clean Up” beach clean up event. Team USA finally announces the rest of their WBC pitching squad. The Tampa Bay Rays toss their hat in the ring for a chance to develop a new ballpark along with residential, hotel, and commercial space.

We say “there aren’t enough fbombs in the world to get you to move to Florida,” “can’t we call them non-winners?” and “mystery soup.” Get boosted, fight the man, send your game balls to Meredith,  and find us on Twitter @ncibpodcast, on Facebook @nocryinginbball, Instagram @nocryinginbball and on the Interweb at nocryinginbball.com. Please take a moment to subscribe to the show, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to NCiB. Become a supporter at Patreon to help us keep doing what we do. Say goodnight, Pottymouth.