Baseball 2026: RIP Mr Laser Beam

[1001001]

Given the recent news, and the fact that tomorrow is New Year’s Day, it seemed only right to dedicate this year’s baseball thread to Mr. Laser Beam.

Rest in Peace.

 

[BillJ]

We can all have a virtual toast on Opening Day in his honor.

 

[Turtletrekker]

Given the recent news, and the fact that tomorrow is New Year’s Day, it seemed only right to dedicate this year’s baseball thread to Mr. Laser Beam.

Rest in Peace.

It should be so for every year moving forward.

 

[Aragorn]

Tatsuya Imai to the Astros for three years and a $54 million guarantee that could eventually earn him all the way up to $63 million.

 

[Aragorn]

Based on public ballots, Carlos Beltran and Andruw Jones appear to be locks for the 2026 hall of fame class. Right below them but not at 75% include Chase Utley (66.4%), Felix Hernandez, Andy Pettitte, Alex Rodriguez and Manny Ramirez.

 

[BillJ]

Edward Cabrera trade grades: Cubs ace deal for starter, Marlins return a little light

Three prospects, including Owen Caissie, are headed back to Miami

www.cbssports.com

 

[cardinal biggles]

In an example of blithering stupidity, the US Patent & Trademark Office has denied the A's request to trademark the names "Las Vegas Athletics" and "Vegas Athletics" because it's too generic, nevermind that "Athletics" has been the damn team's name since 1901 and wasn't too generic in '55 when they moved to KC, or '68 when they moved to Oakland.

In response, the ghost of the Montreal Expos trolled them on social media:

 

[The Nth Doctor]

Given the recent news, and the fact that tomorrow is New Year’s Day, it seemed only right to dedicate this year’s baseball thread to Mr. Laser Beam.

Rest in Peace.

Damn, I hadn't heard about his passing until I saw it mentioned in a different thread just a few minutes ago.

 

[Thestral]

Given the recent news, and the fact that tomorrow is New Year’s Day, it seemed only right to dedicate this year’s baseball thread to Mr. Laser Beam.

Rest in Peace.

I've been away for a couple months and hadn't heard about this until just now. How sad, Rest in Peace.

 

[The Nth Doctor]

Free agent Max Kepler has been suspended for 80 games for violating MLB's drug program.

 

[Aragorn]

Free agent Max Kepler has been suspended for 80 games for violating MLB's drug program.

The joke going around is that Kepler took performance decreasing drugs and should ask for a refund.

 

[Captain Marsh]

Also, Cardinals fans have been grumbling about the fact that the team is rebuilding.

People tend to forget that this is what happens when you've been in the playoff for long periods of time. You draft lower in the draft order and don't get the talent.

The last time the Cards had a complete rebuilding period was back in the 1990's

 

[Aragorn]

Scuttlebutt is the Yankees are moving on from (Scott Boras client) Cody Bellinger because he wants more than what they're offering (which is at least $30 million per year for five years and in the same range of contracts that Alonso and Schwarber have gotten).

 

[Aragorn]

Alex Bregman to the Cubs, 5 years, $175 million.

 

[BillJ]

Alex Bregman to the Cubs, 5 years, $175 million.

Seems like an overpay.

 

[Ar-Pharazon]

Seems like an overpay.

It really does, and the Cubs are good at overpaying for declining stars. I hope it turns out better than I think it will.

Now they may trade Nico Hoerner or Matt Shaw, which would be a huge mistake (Esp. Nico).