Adam Wainwright wins 2020 Roberto Clemente Award
The longtime St. Louis Cardinals pitcher won the Roberto Clemente Award for his community involvement and philanthropy. From building Haiti’s Ferrier Village Secondary School to teaming up his Big League Impact foundation with Garth Brooks’ Teammates for Kids Foundation along with Kyle Gibson. Wainwright and Co. raised money from more than 150 big leaguers. The effort provided more than four million meals to prevent childhood hunger during the coronavirus pandemic and nearly eight million meals in all.
“This is the greatest honor of my entire career and probably will be when I lay my head down to rest for the final time,” Wainwright stated.
The 39-year-old right-hander is currently a free agent after spending a whopping 15 years with the Cardinals. As a three-time All-Star with a 167-98 record and a career 3.38 ERA, wherever Waino ends up next season, the community and organization will be lucky to have him.
Dick Allen passes away
A man who was larger than life passed away on Monday. As one of the greatest, Allen began his Major League career in 1963 and played through the 1977 season. After winning the 1964 National League Rookie of the Year and finishing seventh for the NL MVP, he quickly became a hero in Philadelphia.
The Phillies released a statement on his passing yesterday:
“The Phillies are heartbroken over the passing today of our dear friend and co-worker, Dick Allen. Dick will be remembered as not just one of the greatest and most popular players in our franchise’s history, but also as a courageous warrior who had to overcome far too many obstacles to reach the level he did. Dick’s iconic status will resonate for generations of baseball fans to come as one of the all-time greats to play America’s Pastime. He is now reunited with his beloved daughter, Terri. The Phillies extend their condolences to Dick’s widow, Willa, his family, friends and all his fans from coast to coast.”
Allen played for the Phillies (1963-69), St. Louis Cardinals (1970), Los Angeles Dodgers (1971), Chicago White Sox (1972-74), returned to the Phillies (1975-76), and Oakland A’s (1977). He earned the title of All-Star 7x (1965-67, 1970, 1972-74), AL MVP (1972), NL Rookie of the Year (1964), AL home run leader 2x (1972, 1974), and AL RBI leader (1972).
He passed away at the age of 78 in Wampum, Pennsylvania, the town where he was born and raised. Dugout Dish will be covering his fully story in the latest Swinging Into History.
Korean SS Ha-seong Kim posted and added to market
Move over shortstops, there is a new sheriff in town and his name is Ha-seong Kim. Now I know the infield market is strong, but with this man it is that much stronger. Per MLB.com, Kim has been posted by the Kiwoom Heroes and MLB teams will face a January 1, 2021 deadline to sign him.
Finishing his 2020 season, he posted career highs with a .921 OPS and 30 home runs. At the age of 25, he became the youngest player among the top 10 home run hitters within the KBO this year.
While it has been stated the Texas Rangers and San Francisco Giants have laid eyes on him, I believe the St. Louis Cardinals could benefit from signing him. Per scouting reports, many believe Kim would be best fit with a team that could utilize him at second and/or third base. Hmm, I wonder what team could use a second baseman right now?
Of course, I know as well as the next person – the Cards aren’t looking to make big expensive moves and in order to sign Kim, the team must pay a release fee to his previous team, the Heroes. Per MLB Network’s Jon Morosi’s own report: KBO team would receive a payment equal to 20 percent of the first $25 million, 17.5 percent of the next $25 million, and 15 percent on all amounts above $50 million.
Yeah, the Cardinals are out.
White Sox make moves
Before the clock struck midnight EST, it was reported that the Chicago White Sox have acquired veteran RHP Lance Lynn, 33, from the Texas Rangers for two pitching prospects. The clubs have not confirmed the deal, per Scott Merkin. In a recent report by Merkin, RHP Dane Dunning and LHP Avery Weems are headed to Texas.
Per Baseball-Reference, Lynn finished the 2020 season with a 6-3 win-loss record, 2.2 WAR, and a 3.32 ERA in 13 starts and 84.0 IP. Lynn found himself with 89 strikeouts and a WHIP of 1.060. In his career, he is 104-71 with a 3.57 career ERA in over 1426.2 IP – which includes 1,415 strikeouts and 529 walks.
It should be noted, new White Sox manager Tony La Russa and Lynn were teamed up for 18 games in 2011 with the St. Louis Cardinals. For the White Sox, the decision will either puzzle or excite many fans of the team. After all, Lynn finished sixth in the 2020 American League Cy Young voting and finished fifth in his 2019 season.
On top of adding Lynn to the White Sox roster, the Chicago team has agreed to terms with free-agent outfielder Adam Eaton, 32, on a one-year, $7 million contract. The Sox have not announced the deal – including a second-year club option for $8.5 million or a $1 million buyout – pending physical.
Eaton will be reuniting with the White Sox, patrolling his old haunts in the outfield. The veteran outfielder played for the Chicago team from 2014-16 before being traded to the Nationals as a part of the trade that brought Dunning, Lucas Gioltio, and Reynaldo López to the South Side.
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