MLB Roundup 3/4: Maybe the Nationals won’t be signing Craig Kimbrel

Nationals ownership may be wary of signing Craig Kimbrel

On Sunday, we talked about some reports that had come out indicating the Nationals may end up being the favorites for Craig Kimbrel. They sort of were the de facto favorites, because they were the first team showing public interest in the former Red Sox closer. The winter, again just from our perspective from the outside, had been filled to that point with teams essentially coming out and publicly ruling out signing the future Hall of Famer. So, when the Nationals were reportedly showing interest it was hard not to deem them the favorites in the sweepstakes. Well, that didn’t last long. According to a report from Pete Kerzel, Nationals ownership is wary about going over the luxury tax for the third straight season. Signing Kimbrel would mean that happening. Ultimately, I still think he’s going to end up in Washington, and soon, because if anyone else was interested they’d be jumping in by now. For most teams I’d be concerned about this report, and I certainly don’t dismiss it out of hand for the Nationals. That said, this is an ownership group that has been willing to spend big money for winning for a long time now. With the Phillies, Braves and Mets making their moves for the division, I just can’t see the Nationals not going all out to stay at or near the top of the NL East.

Luke Farrell breaks jaw after getting hit by line drive

There was a scary moment out in Arizona over the weekend involving Luke Farrell, the son of former Red Sox manager John Farrell. The pitcher was claimed off waivers by the Rangers earlier in the winter, and on Saturday he was hit in the face with a line drive back to the mound. He went right down after being hit, and was eventually taken to the hospital where he was diagnosed with a broken jaw. Pitching is terrifying.