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Good morning afternoon evening the next morning, Athletics Nation! At this point I think most of us have lost track of what day and time it is.
For the second time this winter, Oakland A’s assistant general manager Billy Owens is involved in the offseason rumor mill. He had previously been a candidate for the Los Angeles Angels GM job, until it was filled by Perry Minasian. Now his name has cropped up again in regard to the New York Mets GM job.
Owens is among four candidates who have interviewed with New York, though it’s possible others could join the mix as time goes on, reports Mets insider Anthony DiComo. The Mets were sold to a new team owner this winter, Steve Cohen, and he’s building an entirely new front office.
That rebuild began at the top, with Sandy Alderson as the new team president. Alderson has especially strong ties to the A’s, as their former GM and more recently a front office adviser. He’s worked with Owens before in Oakland, so it’s not a surprise to see Owens in the running to join him in New York.
The Angels and Mets aren’t the only teams revamping their front offices this winter, as the Philadelphia Phillies hired Dave Dombrowski this week as their new President of Baseball Ops. MLB Trade Rumors rounded up some takeaways from Dombrowski’s introductory press conference.
Meanwhile, Oakland’s own front office situation remains more of a question than anytime in this century. The offseason began with a rumor that longtime front man and current VP Billy Beane would be leaving the A’s and the sport entirely, but there have been no updates on the topic since then.
A’s Coverage
- AN: Rule 5 scouting report: Blaze Ka’ai Tom has the tools to replace Robbie Grossman in A’s outfield
- AN: Rule 5 scouting report: Dany Jimenez brings heat to A’s bullpen
MLB News & Interest
- Schulman: It’s time for this Giants beat writer to step away
- DRaysBay: Nate Lowe Trade Analysis: Everybody wins this trade
- Today in Baseball History
Best of Twitter
Will 2021 be the Summer of Jerry?
According to sources, I have signed back with the Mets. It is true! My family and I are looking forward to being back with our Mets family. I'll be doing an interview on @SNYtv at some point to talk more about it. But I can't exaggerate about how grateful I am to be a Met again.
— Jerry Blevins (@jerryblevins) December 12, 2020
This pairing makes a lot of sense for both sides
Free agent outfielder David Dahl and the Texas Rangers are in agreement on a one-year deal for around $3 million, sources familiar with the agreement tell ESPN. The 26-year-old Dahl was nontendered by Colorado but should find plenty of playing time with the Rangers.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 11, 2020
Will the Dodgers have a Good Morrow in 2021?
Reliever Brandon Morrow and the Los Angeles Dodgers are in agreement on a minor league deal, sources tell ESPN. Morrow returns to where he starred in 2017 before injuries hampered his two years with the Cubs. Now 36, he’s a flyer for a team with a good rep for rehabbing pitchers.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 11, 2020
Interesting take on the top name in this year’s Hall of Fame class
It's hardly the point of the piece, but since I do what I do, I'll note here that after checking his box for each of the last 8 years, Joe Posnanski won't be voting for Schilling this year. https://t.co/RNUyLxEY8T pic.twitter.com/kD5K6SUOKt
— Ryan Thibodaux (@NotMrTibbs) December 11, 2020
Great lesson for everyone, not just players
Last week, after I gave a subtle technique adjustment to a MLB player with 7yrs service time, he thanked me and went out of his way to remind me, “Don’t ever be afraid to coach me.” The best aren’t just coachable; they also seek coaching out.
— Eric Cressey (@EricCressey) December 10, 2020
Being within five inches of Young’s height, I can 94% relate to this
intentional or not, the crop on this video is extremely on brand for Chris Young pic.twitter.com/FHUroex4iU
— Céspedes Family BBQ (@CespedesBBQ) December 11, 2020
Scouts rave about the makeup of several young prospects on the Child Clowns
We're thrilled to announce our minor league affiliates for 2021: The Yucapia Horse Lords, Asbury Park Child Clowns, Clackamas Toilet Wolves, and the Coatesville Yogurt.
— Productive Outs (@ProductiveOuts) December 10, 2020
Modern art
Knuckleballs. pic.twitter.com/WBBkbdQKye
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) December 11, 2020