The Rundown: Sosa and Ricketts Make Nice, Cubs Still Seeking Pitchers, Rickey Henderson Passes Away

I was off last week and planned to provide more content than usual, but I fell sick, so I intend to fulfill that obligation this week and next. Life happens, though I’m 14 pounds leaner this morning than last week, so I’ll take the trade.

Speaking of trades, a lot happened while I was out. Sammy Sosa traded his pride for a chance to mend fences with Tom Ricketts. While I’m glad that Sosa will rejoin the Cubs family, I still think baseball owes a debt of gratitude to Sosa, Mark McGwire, Rafael Palmeiro, Roger Clemens, et al. for saving the game after its most damaging labor dispute. I’m glad that PEDs are out of the game, but the league took full advantage of that era before turning its back on those players. None should be considered pariahs because MLB didn’t nip steroid use at its obvious onset, and none were cheaters until baseball made them so.

It’ll never cease to amaze me that Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire and Barry Bonds were allowed to cheat to save the game of baseball… then they were thrown under the bus for cheating… and the commissioner who allowed it all to happen… is in the Hall of Fame

— Fuzzy (@fuzzyfromyt) December 19, 2024

When baseball came back after a yearlong lockout in 1995, attendance had dropped 12% per game throughout the league and revenue was $1.4 billion. By the end of 2001, MLB’s revenue was $3.7 billion, an annual growth rate of 16.3%. That’s also when baseball finally decided to start testing for steroid use. Sosa and McGwire were considered heroes for revitalizing the sport and shamed as cheaters when Congress and public opinion decided baseball needed to clean up its act. Androstenedione, the supplement preferred by McGwire, wasn’t on baseball’s banned substance list until 2004, and Big Mac allegedly stopped dosing in 1999.

Though there is a lot more to it, all that matters is Sammy is back. He and Kerry Wood were my favorite players from that era, and though a reconciliation on that front seems improbable, it can no longer be considered impossible.

Cubs News & Notes

• The Phillies completed a deal to acquire Jesús Luzardo from the Marlins, so the Cubs will seek a starter elsewhere.
• Perhaps Jed Hoyer will turn his attention to Pablo López now that the pitching market is thinning.
• Who knew the additions of Kyle Tucker, Matthew Boyd, Rob Zastryzny, Carson Kelly, Cody Poteet, Gage Workman, and Eli Morgan would make the Cubs the betting favorites to win the NL Central? I’d give Chicago a great shot at winning 90 games if the front office can add Rōki Sasaki and one stud reliever.
• The Cubs believe Kelly will be a difference-maker in what is expected to be a very tight divisional race.
• Matt Shaw, who is garnering 20/20 predictions as a semi-regular, will be another difference-maker.
• Pete Crow-Armstrong was the most valuable speed-and-defense player in the majors in 2024.
• If you’re looking for a trusted source to confirm any Sasaki-to-Cubs rumors, one would think Motorcycle Sports Online is at or near the top of the list.
• Though the Cubs are serious contenders for the Japanese phenom, they’re not considered one of the favorites. Sasaki will likely choose between the Dodgers and the Padres. I give the Cubs more favorable odds than most, in case you care.
• The two sides reportedly met in Los Angeles on Friday, so the Cubs are still in contention for the 23-year-old hurler.
• The Phillies have apparently been eliminated as a potential suitor for Sasaki.
• A lot of writers/bloggers are still connecting top starter Corbin Burnes to the Cubs, but I don’t see it. Then again, none of us ever imagined Jon Lester would join the Cubs, either. (Ed. note: I fully believed the Cubs would land Lester)
• The Cubs bullpen is far from a finished product.
• Cub fans are ranked No. 7 among the 10 teams with the most frustrated fanbases.

Odds & Sods

Johnny Cueto is aging like fine wine.

Johnny Cueto pitching in No. 100!!

baseball is the best pic.twitter.com/AToTs0X5SR

— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) December 21, 2024

Central Intelligence

• Milwaukee: The Brewers might be a fit for free agent Max Scherzer on a one-year deal.
• St. Louis: The Cardinals and Blue Jays have reportedly discussed a deal that would send closer Ryan Helsley to Toronto.
• Cincinnati: The Reds acquired catcher Jose Trevino from the Yankees for reliever Fernando Cruz and catcher Alex Jackson.
• Pittsburgh: Andrew McCutchen is returning to the Pirates on a one-year contract.

Monday Stove

Baseball lost one of its greatest players ever when Rickey Henderson passed away over the weekend.

The Red Sox agreed to terms with starter Walker Buehler on a one-year contract worth $21.05 million.

The Mets announced that starter Sean Manaea will return to the team on a three-year deal worth $75 million.

Free agent outfielder Joc Pederson is going to get $37 million over two years to play for the Rangers. His deal includes an opt-out after the first season.

Christian Walker agreed to a three-year contract with the Astros that will pay the slugger $60 million.

The Diamondbacks will replace Walker with Josh Naylor, who was acquired from the Guardians for RHP Slade Cecconi and a Competitive Balance Round B Draft pick. Cleveland is bringing Carlos Santana back to replace Naylor.

Jack Flaherty could be the bargain of the offseason. Jeff Hoffman is another free agent who has yet to establish his market.

Eloy Jiménez has agreed to a minor league deal with the Rays.

The Rangers announced they’ve acquired left-handed pitcher Robert Garcia from the Nationals in exchange for first baseman Nathaniel Lowe.

Closer to Free

I’ll always believe Ricketts was more upset about the corked bat than anything else Sosa might have done. The outfielder’s apology seems unnecessary, but at least one of baseball’s more puzzling estrangements has ended.

Extra innings

Sosa slashed .284/.358/.569 with 545 HR in 1,811 games (7,898 PAs) with the Cubs.

pic.twitter.com/xgjRFiUJH8

— Chicago Sports Zone (@thechisports) September 12, 2023

They Said It

• “Cubs’ fans are the best in the world, and I hope that fans, the Cubs, and I can all come together again and move forward. We can’t change the past, but the future is bright. In my heart, I have always been a Cub, and I can’t wait to see Cubs fans again.” – Sosa
• “We appreciate Sammy releasing his statement and for reaching out. No one played harder or wanted to win more. Nobody’s perfect, but we never doubted his passion for the game and the Cubs. It is an understatement to say that Sammy is a fan favorite. We plan on inviting him to the 2025 Cubs Convention, and while it is short notice, we hope that he can attend. We are all ready to move forward together.” – Ricketts

Monday Walk-Up Song

I was fine without any apology from Sosa. Let Bud Selig admit his compliance first.