closer. We’ve made it to February, and now it’s just a matter of days before players start showing up in Arizona for the start of the upcoming season. Before that, the Brewers have to get all of their equipment down to Arizona. That day came today, as it is officially Truck Day in Milwaukee.The truck's packed and ready to go! Pitchers and catchers report next week. @ODFL_Inc | #TruckDay pic.twitter.com/dRr1wxOSeR— Milwaukee Brewers February 9, 2021A sign of spring: It's Truck Day in Milwaukee. 20,500 baseballs, 1,000 bats, 200 batting helmets, 2,000 shirts, 250 batting gloves, 400 BP jerseys, 200 game jerseys, 300 pants, 500 pairs of socks AND Bob Uecker’s radio booth chair and mic are headed to Phoenix. pic.twitter.com/Jo9l1iu02m— Adam McCalvy February 9, 2021Every year, the Brewers load up all of their equipment into trucks and send them on the road to head down to the Brewers spring training complex in Maryvale https://www.fanmb.com/devin-williams-jersey. Between all of the camps, over 100 players will be in camp at some point, though it will be a bit divided this season. Major League players and Triple-A players will report to camp right away, while the remaining camps (Double-A, Class A Advanced, Class A) will be delayed until those camps are done. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic still ongoing, MLB has decided to stay on schedule for the upcoming Spring Training season https://www.fanmb.com/omar-narvaez-jersey. For the Brewers, pitchers and catchers will have their first workout on February 18, with the remainder of the team set to begin workouts on February 23. The first games of Spring Training are set for February 27 https://www.fanmb.com/patrick-weigel-jersey. It will be a split squad day, with one squad hosting the Athetics at home and the other traveling to the White Sox.For those counting, here are the current countdowns:9 days until pitchers and catchers first workout14 days until full squad first workout18 days until the first Spring Training games51 days until Opening Day at American Family Field (April 1)

poundsSchool: Eastern IllinoisTrey Sweeney is an infielder from Louisville, Kentucky but traveled north to play for the Eastern Illinois Panthers. Sweeney is one of the highest risers in the 2021 MLB Draft and could be on the Marlins radar with the 16th overall pick. During his high school recruitment, Sweeney only had one Division 1 offer which came from Eastern Illinois. Sweeney has made the EIU coaching staff look brilliant as he’s become one of the top collegiate bats in the 2021 MLB draft class. During his collegiate career, Sweeney is a career .328 hitter but has been unreal this season and has added a ton of power to his game. During his junior season, Sweeney went off for the EIU Panthers—he slashed .382/.522/.712 with 65 hits, ten doubles, fourteen home runs, 58 RBIs, 46 walks and a 1.234 OPS in 48 games. On MLB Pipeline, Trey Sweeney is the 53rd-ranked draft prospect but has recently gotten some first round buzz due to his monster 2021 season. Sweeney was also projected 25th overall to the Oakland A’s in MLB Pipeline’s latest mock draft Yimi Garcia Jersey. StrengthsPlus hit toolAdvanced approach at the plateOutstanding hand-eye coordination Power numbers skyrocketed in 2021.378 BABIP in 2021Impressive 20.4 BB%Defensive versatility Has room to fill in large frame WeaknessesBelow average speedHasn’t played a lot of elite competition Has hitch in his swingPro Comparison: Ryan McMahonProjection: First round draft pick Related 2021 MLB Draft Profile: Joshua Baez 2021 MLB Draft Profile: Benny Montgomery 2021 MLB Draft Profile: Matt McLain 2021 MLB Draft Profile: Adrian Del Castillo 2021 MLB Draft Profile: Jordan Wicks 2021 MLB Draft Profile: Andrew Painter 2021 MLB Draft Profile: James Wood 2021 MLB Draft Profile: Joe Mack Bottom LineThe Miami Marlins have gone the college route with their first couple of picks in the previous two drafts https://www.mmfanstore.com/jesus-aguilar-jersey. I expect the Marlins to continue that trend and use their first selection on a collegiate bat. The 2021 MLB Draft is a very pitcher-heavy draft class especially in the collegiate level. There aren’t a ton of top hitting prospects in the draft class but Sweeney has made himself a ton of money with an outstanding 2021 season. If the Marlins do decide on drafting Sweeney, he’ll be one of the top contact hitters in their farm system but could also sign for under slot value. If Sweeney is signed for under slot value, the Fish could use that extra money on a top high school prospect that other organizations can’t afford Pablo Lopez Jersey. It’s tough to find elite prospect with the 16th overall pick but Sweeney has potential of being a solid MLB hitter.

in Arizona with a depleted bullpen and a resting Pete Alonso, the Mets crawled back but couldn’t quite catch up with the Padres, who took the series opener 4-3 Thursday night in San Diego.Choose your recap: Amazin’ Avenue short, Daily News, MLB.com, Newsday, PostFernando Tatís Jr. returned from injury and retook the major league home run lead with his two-run shot in the third inning. The ball bounced out of center fielder Mason Williams’s glove and over the wall to open the scoring.Tatís also scored what would be the game-winning run advancing home on a Taijuan Walker wild pitch that included a violent collision at the plate. Billy McKinney came within inches of tying the game in the top of the eighth inning with an RBI triple to right field. A hustle play by Manny Machado likely prevented McKinney from recording a game-tying inside-the-park home run.Padres closer Mark Melancon let the first two runners on in the top of the ninth, and then forced consecutive ground balls to record the final three outs of the game. This loss begins what is so far the toughest stretch of the Mets’ schedule. Joey Lucchesi will be starting tonight against his former team, and he vocalized a wish to strike out every single batter Mike Piazza Jersey. Jacob deGrom is scheduled to start on Saturday and Marcus Stroman on Sunday. Jonathan Villar’s hamstring injury does not appear to be serious as the Mets chose not to place him on the injured list. Both Cameron Maybin and Wilfredo Tovar cleared waivers before reporting to Syracuse. Luis Guillorme would have begun his rehab assignment in Syracuse yesterday had rain not postponed the game. Deesha Thosar praised the surprisingly stellar Mets bullpen. SNY’s John Harper spoke with Kevin Pillar’s former teammates at Chaminade High School and Cal State Dominguez Hills in Southern California. Mets tickets for a more widely-opened Citi Field go on sale this Saturday at 10 AM. Around the National League EastA four-run sixth inning propelled the Braves to a 5-1 win over the Nationals in Cobb County Luis Guillorme Jersey. The Marlins blew another lead as the Pirates beat them 5-3 in Pittsburgh. The Phillies, who have lost 10 of 13 games yet remain in second place in the division, had the day off. The Good Phight argued in favor of not panicking. Around Major League BaseballThe Brewers beat the Diamondbacks 7-4 in Milwaukee. Christian Yelich hit his first home run in front of home fans since 2019. Notably absent from the Diamondbacks broadcast was former manager and color commentator Bob Brenly, who will be stepping away from the booth for the duration of the team’s road trip after making a racist comment on the air about Marcus Stroman on Tuesday. Former major leaguer Aramis Ramirez voiced antipathy for Brenly because of what he believes to be racist comments directed towards Ramirez during their time in Chicago.Jesse Winker hit his 14th home run of the season as the Reds beat the Cardinals 4-2. The Rays continued their surge with a 9-2 win over the Yankees in The Bronx. The Red Sox kept pace with the first-place Rays with a 5-1 win over the Astros in Houston. MLB released its All-Star ballot, marketing the current winnowing down of candidates as “Phase 1,” with a “Phase 2” selection of starters to take place between June 28th and July 1st. The New York Times investigated the dramatic rise in soft-tissue injuries so far this season. MLB will look to punish pitchers who use illegal substances after being presented with evidence of rampant use during an owner's meeting https://www.nymgear.com/francisco-lindor-jersey.The crackdown has already begun with four minor-league pitchers suspended with sticky fingers. Travis Sawchick experimented with sticky stuff in his latest report for The Score. Yesterday at Amazin’ AvenueBrian resumed his very serious weekly analysis on two key players in the Mets organization. Vas previewed the ongoing series against the Padres. This Date in Mets HistoryDave Kingman supplied a team’s worth of run support by hitting three home runs for eight RBI against the Dodgers on this date 45 years ago. It was plenty for Tom Seaver, who didn’t give up a run as the Mets won 11-0.

Chatters.Three weeks from today, the Orioles will be finished with their Grapefruit League schedule, breaking camp in Sarasota and heading to Boston for their first series of the 2021 season. Between now and then, the O’s still have 20 more spring training games to play, which hopefully will give them enough time to tighten up the so-far dreadful pitching and defense we’ve seen in early exhibition play. After an off day yesterday, the O’s pick back up this afternoon at 1 p.m. against the Twins in Fort Myers. The game will be televised on MLB Network, giving O’s fans the rare opportunity to watch their team this spring.We can only guess what the Orioles’ season-opening roster will look like come April 1. MLB.com’s Joe Trezza did just that, offering his prediction for the Opening Day 26-man squad. For the most part, it looks like a pretty accurate projection to me, based on the players currently in camp. I would differ with just two or three of the selections; I think the O’s will find a way to start Chris Davis on the injured list due to the back strain that has kept him sidelined for a week so far. That would give them room to keep DJ Stewart, who isn’t included in Trezza’s projected roster. I’m also not sold on both Felix Hernandez and Matt Harvey making the rotation — I think the former is more likely than the latter. I could see Harvey’s spot instead going to Wade LeBlanc or Bruce Zimmermann https://www.baltimoregearshop.com/ryan-mountcastle-jersey.What say you, Camden Chatters? What’s your best guess at the Orioles’ Opening Day 26-man roster right now?LinksPreviewing the 2021 American League East: Baltimore Orioles - Over the MonsterMatt Collins of SB Nation’s Red Sox blog, Over the Monster, offers a solid preview of the Orioles from a division rival’s perspective. If last year’s standings are any indication, the Red Sox might be the Birds’ most evenly matched opponent in the AL East, so...let’s get hyped for that battle for fourth place!Zac Lowther: Orioles prospect Q&A - Orioles Ryan Mountcastle Jersey.comThe Orioles’ No. 11 prospect answers some rapid-fire questions. He has two favorite musical artists, neither of whom I have ever heard of. Am I just old?O’s new third base coach looks to find right level of agressiveness - Steve MelewskiIn general, when a fan base becomes intimately familiar with a third base coach’s name, it’s almost never for a good reason. So here’s hoping we won't have need to discuss Tony Mansolino very much this year.Because You Asked - The Next Generation - School of RochIn his latest round of O’s questions and answers, Roch Kubatko reveals his least favorite ballpark song is Pharrell’s “Happy.” Ah, but has he heard the Weird Al parody, “Tacky”? Forty-three bumper stickers and a YOLO license plate / I bring along my coupon book whenever I’m on a date...Orioles birthdays and historyIs today your birthday? Happy birthday! You have just one O’s birthday buddy, 2011 lefty specialist Clay Rapada (40), who pitched in 32 games but worked just 16.1 innings. The three-batter-minimum rule would not be kind to him if he were still active. On this day in 2012, the Orioles’ perpetually snakebitten outfielder Nolan Reimold was hit in the face by a pitch in a spring training game, forcing him to be taken to the hospital. (The Rays pitcher who threw that pitch? Alex Cobb Cesar Valdez Jersey.) The good news is that Reimold didn’t break any bones and was back in action by Opening Day, though he played just 16 regular season games before missing the rest of the year with an unrelated injury.

R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 7 K - In a game where it seemed like Castillo was working around a lot of trouble he had a really good start https://www.crfanshop.com/jonathan-india-jersey. I’m not sure how many in a row that is, it’s at least two, but he’s starting to string together good starts. It really sucks to watch the Reds get swept in this series. I’ll make a small caveat, the Reds played well overall. Every game was close and they battled. However, battling doesn’t always get the job done and the Reds can still be better team. This sweep isn’t the most discouraging thing I’ve ever seen, though. The Reds are still .500 and a traveling up to the Land of 10,000 Lakes to play a team that has not performed well this year. Honorable mention to Heath Hembree who struck out the side in the bottom of the 8th and has been really good lately. Jonathan India walked twice, and Kyle Farmer was two for three. Key PlaysCastillo kind of danced around trouble and was doing so again in the bottom of the third. Machado and Eric Hosmer got on base and Castillo worked Wil Myers to a 1-2 count. Myers slashed a pitch into the right field corner and the ball was sent to Votto on the cut. Votto did a dumb and tried to get Hosmer at third, Machado had already scored, and the ball got past third allowing Hosmer to score and Myers to come all the way around to home. Votto was charged with an error. Profar flied out to deep center field to end the threat. Padres lead, 3-0. Castillo worked his way through six innings to keep the game where it was which was nice. The Reds threatened with in the top of 7th. Catellanos pinch hit for Castillo with two runners on and one out and singled to center field. However, it was hit hard and Aikyama had to hold at third. Jonathan India came to the plate in a big situation to do some damage. Alas, he hit a ball hard to short for an easy double play. Padres lead, 3-0. To lead off the top of the 8th, the Reds got into some early business. Winker singled to lead off the inning, and Tyler Stephenson doubled to bring runners to second and third. Votto came into the plate looking to cash in and crushed the ball but the second baseman made a good play to get Votto but Winker scored. Aquino took a clutch walk and then he stole second. Suarez then ripped a ball to third and Machado made a great play to get Suarez at first but Stephenson scored. Aikyama then flew out to right. Padres still lead but now it’s 3-2. India walked with two outs bringing Winker to the plate against Melancon. Winker hit a blooper that looked like it could fall but Ha-Seong Kim made a great play to snag it. That’s it. Reds lose, 3-2. Poopsocks. Tony GraphaninoSource: FanGraphsSource: FanGraphsOther NotesI think these things are all you really need to see. I have an update on the sad Abigail situation! It took a couple of innings, but she eventually cheered up with some popcorn! And Joey Votto is SO KIND- he signed this amazing ball for her!! Thank you so much Mr. Votto & the wonderful @Reds ❤️⚾️ pic.twitter.com/aIsHx3r42N— Kristin June 20, 2021Joey got to meet his biggest fan, Abigail. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/S6GySOo6BK— Cincinnati Reds June 20, 2021Please enjoy this incredibly wholesome Joey Votto #FathersDay content. pic.twitter.com/7eluTC9pmL— Cincinnati Reds June 20, 2021Also, never forget that swing Lucas Sims Jersey. June 20, 2004: Ken Griffey Jr Tucker Barnhart Jersey. makes #FathersDay extra special by hitting his 500th career home run with Senior in the stands. #RedsVault pic.twitter.com/kscgLGZdD3— Cincinnati Reds June 20, 2021

to watch the instant reactions pour in for a widely panned deal. The Royals traded one of their best prospects in decades. Of course there was going to be a backlash.But Jeff Passan doesn't have to play devil's advocate to present the case for the Royals. And he notes one of the more important points of the deal:Perhaps the most important point is why the Rays and A's wouldn't deal two years of Shields or three years of Anderson for Myers' entire pre-free agency career: He's a right fielder Hal Mcrae Jersey, and corner outfielders, while not a dime a dozen – see: Reggie Sanders, Jose Guillen, Jeff Francoeur and the misery they've unleashed upon Kansas City – are not exactly bank-breaking sorts, either. Whether it's Josh Willingham, Jason Kubel or Ryan Ludwick, it's easy to find someone cheap who can hit in a corner-outfield spot. Unless Myers develops into a Gold Glove-caliber fielder – no scouts expect that – he needs to hit like Ryan Braun to develop into a star .And there are but five players in baseball with Braun's bat.Maybe it's not quite right that he needs to hit like Braun to become a star -- players from Hunter Pence to Brett Gardner have had five-win seasons in a corner over the last few years -- but the larger point stands Ervin Santana Jersey. Myers is a corner outfielder Ryan O'Hearn Jersey. That means if he's going to be worth the gnashing of teeth and rending of garments, he's going to have to develop into an amazing hitter.Would I have made the trade? Hahaha, no. But I don't think it's right to call it an automatic disaster. Myers still has to turn into something special, and that's not the given that people are making it out to be. We all know prospects are slippery things, but that's even more true for corner outfielders.

run lead into the bottom of the seventh, but true to form, Aroldis Chapman blew another save to gift the Mets the victory in the first game of the split doubleheader. Should the Yankees get swept today Luis Cessa Jersey, they will fall below .500 for the first time since May 1. That would be a good thing to avoid. Nestor Cortes Jr. makes his first start of the season and has been something of a revelation since rejoining the Yankees. In seven appearances since May 30, Cortes has the highest strikeout rate and lowest FIP of any Yankee reliever with at least five innings pitched. He owns a 1.02 ERA, 1.68 FIP, and 25 strikeouts in 17.2 innings. Corey Oswalt is also making his first start of the season in the majors. He has bounced between MLB and Triple-A and has mostly worked in a relief role. He throws a fastball around 92 in addition to a slider and changeup. All three get hit hard so it’s a good opportunity for the Yankees to salvage a result today. In two relief appearances, he has a 1.42 ERA, 1.73 FIP, and six strikeouts in 6.1 innings.The five runs the Yankees offense put up in the first game was nothing to shake a stick at, but they were never going to be able to cover their imploding pitching staff. Gary Sánchez returns to the lineup to replace Cole’s personal catcher Kyle Higashioka New York Store. Miguel Andújar replaces Tim Locastro in left while Rougned Odor takes over at second, moving DJ LeMahieu to third, Gio Urshela to short and Gleyber Torres to the bench https://www.nyygear.com/nick-nelson-jersey.The Mets offense has by no means been a juggernaut this season, but that didn’t stop them from putting up four runs in 3.1 innings against the Yankees ace and a ten-spot in total in game one. They could very well put on another fireworks display in the Bronx tonight.How to watchLocation: Yankee Stadium — Bronx, NYFirst pitch: 7:08 p.m. ETTV broadcast: ESPN Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280Online stream: MLB.tvFor updates, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.Game 2. #SquadUp pic.twitter.com/tlgilRH5rJ— New York Yankees July 4, 2021#Mets lineup for Game 2 of the double header with the #Yankees as they go for the Subway Series sweep #LGM pic.twitter.com/jPc74P8PUV— Pat Ragazzo July 4, 2021