Dback’s News:

Diamondbacks to sign Travis Snider

The Diamondbacks have agreed to a minor-league deal with outfielder Travis Snider. The major deal we have all been waiting for! It’s not evident whether it includes an invitation to MLB Spring Training. Snider, 30, has spent eight years in the big leagues, compiling nearly two thousand plate appearances along the way. The former top prospect had some productive campaigns, but never established himself as more than a part-time player. All told, he’s a .244/.311/.399 hitter in the big leagues.

Diamondbacks unveil Royal Rumble Burger available @ WWE’s Royal Rumble on Sunday.

The burger will be available for $13, and I expect a thorough write-up and review from ISH.

AZ man who shot Wilcox in 1997 over Dbacks Ballpark funding brags about it at council meeting.

Naman was found guilty of attempted first-degree murder, and wound up serving 12 years of a 15-year sentence and being released in 2010. And he showed up again in Arizona public debate Wednesday night, speaking against the proposed use of $150 million in Phoenix city funds for a renovation of Talking Stick Resort Arena.

Around Baseball:

Extending Paul Goldschmidt could be complicated for the Cardinals.

Goldschmidt has already signed what turned out to be one exceptionally team-friendly extension, and as the former union representative for the D-backs, he takes particular umbrage with team owners’ increasing reluctance toward spending in free agency. Saxon wonders whether Goldschmidt will feel obligated to push for a maximum-value contract given his views, though he emphasizes that Goldschmidt himself has declined to discuss his feelings about a new contract. Saxon further writes, there are no indications that talks between the Cardinals and Goldschmidt’s agent, Casey Close, have begun.

MLB wants players exempt from minimum wage law.

“I think that most baseball fans don’t realize that minor league baseball players are not paid at all when they go to spring training,” Broshuis said. “Each year there are thousands of minor leaguers that report to spring training, and they have to perform a month of work, seven days a week, with no pay at all.”

Halladay’s HOF plaque will have no team logo.

Roy Halladay’s Hall of Fame plaque will not bear a Blue Jays or a Phillies logo, because of how much both franchises meant to him. The late right-hander’s wife, Brandy, explained the family’s decision Wednesday after a news conference honoring the Hall’s 2019 class.

Poll Do you agree with Roy Halladay’s family’s decision not to include a team logo on his HOF plaque? This poll is closed. 66% Yes (69 votes)

33% No (34 votes) 103 votes total Vote Now

Updated team by team offseason report cards.

Considering the Dbacks just signed powerhouse outfielder Travis Snider I am willing to bet heavily that the Dbacks scored a B+ or higher. Let’s click the link and find out...

*clicks link....

GODLEY DAMNIT!

Off Topic Snake News:

Melbourne Zoo is making their fat snakes work out in a snake-gym.

Birkett noticed that a lot of the most inactive breeds of snakes were dying with large fat deposits, deposits of $32.5 million remaining on their contracts, and tumors because they led extremely sedentary lifestyles.