David Price would not consider an extension with the Mariners if he’s traded there

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By Craig CalcaterraDec 11, 2013, 11:30 AM EDT

A David Price-to-the-Mariners trade just got a lot harder:

 

Rosenthal adds that this doesn’t necessarily end the trade speculation inasmuch as, even with no extension, Seattle would get two years worth of Price. Which, of course, would coincide with what are likely to be Robinson Cano’s two best years in Seattle. Really, the M’s need to go for it now, and they can go for it with Price, Cano and maybe another couple of pieces.

But it certainly means that the Mariners trading away top prospects for Price is off the table, as you shouldn’t rent a pitcher for two seasons at the cost of a potential ace you have under cheap team control for six.

The bigger story: no one of stature except Robinson Cano apparently wants to play in Seattle.

Adrian Beltre cleared for extended spring training

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By Craig CalcaterraMay 24, 2017, 3:00 PM EDT

Adrian Beltre has been on the disabled list all year because of nagging right calf strain, but he’s about to take a big step toward getting back to action.

Beltre has been cleared to begin playing in extended spring training games. He’ll commence them tomorrow at the Rangers facility in Surprise, Arizona. After three games the team’s doctors will reevaluate him. If things go well, he’ll likely be sent off for a full minor league rehab assignment.

Joey Gallo has filled in for Beltre all season, bringing a lot of power but not much else to the table. While Beltre is 38, his all-around game would be welcomed back on the field and his leadership would be welcomed back in the Rangers clubhouse. On a personal note, Beltre is only 58 hits shy of 3,000 for his career.

Barring a setback, he’ll be back with the big club in early June and will hit the milestone eventually.

Michael Bourn opts out of his minor league deal with the Orioles

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By Craig CalcaterraMay 24, 2017, 1:11 PM EDT

Outfielder Michael Bourn was traded by the Diamondbacks to the Orioles late last season and hit a solid .283/.358/.435 in 55 plate appearances with them through the end of the season. While that’s not enough to outweigh the miserable season he had in Arizona, it was enough to get the O’s to give him a look in spring training with a minor league deal. They signed him to one in late February.

Then, a couple of days later, Bourn broke his finger while playing catch with a football. Unable to play, the O’s cut him. In early April, once Bourn healed, the O’s signed him again. He played 11 games for their Triple-A affiliate and went 9-for-41 with ten walks in 51 plate appearances. While that makes for a decent OBP, his lack of any sort of pop or good contact suggests that if someone throws him strikes, he can’t do much with the ball.

As such, the O’s had not called him up to Baltimore. And as a result of that, Bourn exercised his opt-out rights and became a free agent.

Someone may take a look at him given that his batting eye seems to be intact and given that, in an admittedly small sample size, he still performed last season. But if he does get a look, it’ll likely be back at the minor league level.