Rival Roundup, Vol. 15: Rounding Down

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Chicago White Sox

• Elite milestones are no obstacle to rookie Nick Madrigal.

• In the wake of the Eddie Rosario news (reported before and reported below, I can’t help thinking that he might have been a better fit for — dare I say it — the White Sox. Quite early into the offseason, the Sox reunited with outfielder Adam Eaton on a deal that could get up to 2/$15.5MM.
• Eddie is younger, cheaper, a smaller commitment, and wound up proving more affordable than Eaton’s deal. Then again, Eaton has familiarity with the organization, a World Series ring, and Drake LaRoche’s back. So I guess it evens out.
• Earlier this offseason, the team had similar designs on Joc Pederson:

• But in terms of actual designs, this weekend’s big Sox news is their reunion with Carlos Rodon, the former top prospect who’s had just a rip-roaring, topsy-turvy inconsistent first six seasons. This will be his age-28 season, so there’s still plenty of time for him to figure something out. Later bloomers have...blum.

Cleveland Alumni

• Old friend alert! If Eddie’s time on the team is done, at least we get the next best thing — playing against him a bunch this year.

• If I were smart, I would have put in a formal prediction that this is where Eddie would end up; Cleveland seems to have a nice place for him on the roster, and Rosario gets the luxury of competing against pretty much the same pitching pool he would have had the Twins held onto him.
• The team also brought back Cesar Hernandez, who took home a Gold Glove at second base for them in 2020.
• They may also be looking to flip Amed Rosario, one of their major-league pickups from the Francisco Lindor trade —

Detroit Tigers

• Now, you may not remember this guy. After all, why would we spend 11 years on this website bemoaning the questionable trade of this former backup catcher? Anyway — it’s Wilson Ramos. Ring any bells? The former Twin/Ray/Phillie/National/Met is on his way back into the American League — more specifically, the Central.

• Ramos’ time in Minnesota was, of course, short-lived — but he made a heck of an impression in May of 2010, becoming the only catcher to collect four hits in his major-league debut, and going 7-for-9 with 3 doubles, two runs, and an RBI over his first two days on a major-league roster.
• Lots of former Twins - no matter how briefly - seem to be making their way to the Tigers lately. It will be interesting to see what Ramos does under new manager A.J. Hinch.

Kansas City Royals

• Royals Review is still doing film essays - this week it’s Hardball (2001) with Keanu Reeves. Does it hold up? What might Brian Kenny have to say about this?

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