MLB Roundup 12/29: Lefty relievers are on the move

We’ve been off for a few days as well all take some time to celebrate the holiday season and just generally unwind. As such, this roundup will cover the last few days we’ve had off, not that MLB has been hopping with news over the last week or so.

Some lefty relievers found new teams

The Red Sox still have some work to do, and the biggest move that everyone is waiting for is them bringing in a big bat. Many, including myself, assume said big bat will be J.D. Martinez. Still, there is also a chance they decide they need a new left-handed reliever for their bullpen. If that’s the case, a couple of names can be crossed off the list. Boone Logan, who was a personal favorite of mine, has reportedly agreed to terms with the Brewers. Logan is far from a sure thing and goes through long stretches of poor command, but he also has legitimate strikeout stuff and can be dominant at times. Meanwhile, Zach Duke has signed with the Twins. Duke isn’t that far removed from being one of the more underrated left-handed relievers in the game and a legitimate back-end arm, though he’s had some arm troubles and is coming off a really rough season. Tony Watson remains the top lefty reliever remaining on a list that is quickly decreasing in length.

Miguel Sano accused of assault

Now, for some actual serious news. Miguel Sano, the young power-hitting third baseman for the Twins, was accused of assault by Betsy Bissen, a photographer for a local Minnesota publication. The alleged assault took place in 2015 at an off-field event. This is obviously a very serious allegation and both the team and the league are taking it seriously. It should also be noted that Sano’s name has also recently been floated in trade talks, though those apparently aren’t related to this story. There will be more developments on this story after the team’s and league’s investigations are finished.

• The Marlins are now open to trade talks involving Christian Yelich and J.T. Realmuto. No one is surprised by this, and Miami is going to be an absolute train wreck in 2018.
• Zach Britton tore his ACL in an off-field incident recently and will miss much of the first half of the season. Apparently, the Orioles are considering making him a starter again when he does return. I.....I don’t get it.