Author: Mr HoangAnh

Henry Cavill is a name synonymous with strength, resilience, and heroism on screen, but his journey to becoming the iconic Superman was shaped by the unwavering love and support of his parents, Marianne and Colin Cavill.

From his humble beginnings to his rise to superstardom, Cavill has spoken openly about the positive influence of his parents on his life and career.

In this article, we delve into the remarkable story of how Henry Cavill’s parents’ unconditional love changed his fate, exploring the ways in which their support helped him overcome challenges and emerge as a true superhero both on and off screen.

Strong Foundation: The Power of Belonging and Support

Growing up in a big, close-knit family of five boys, Henry Cavill likely received a strong sense of belonging and support from his parents and siblings. The importance of family and the bonds of brotherhood would have provided Cavill with a solid foundation of emotional security and stability, serving as a buffer against the challenges he faced throughout his life.

The power of belonging and support cannot be overstated. Knowing that he had a loving family to lean on would have given Cavill the confidence and resilience to face any obstacle that came his way. Whether it was pursuing his dreams of becoming an actor or navigating the complexities of fame and celebrity, Cavill’s strong family ties would have provided him with the strength and support he needed to persevere in the face of adversity.

Values Instilled: Grounded by Strong Principles and Work Ethic

Henry Cavill has credited his parents with keeping him grounded, emphasizing the importance of humility, integrity, and hard work. From an early age, Cavill would have been instilled with the values of resilience, perseverance, and determination, which are crucial for overcoming obstacles and achieving success.

The values instilled by his parents would have provided Cavill with a strong moral compass and a sense of purpose, guiding him through the ups and downs of life and career.

Whether it was facing rejection, navigating the competitive world of acting, or dealing with the pressures of fame, Cavill’s grounding in strong principles and work ethic would have helped him stay true to himself and emerge stronger and more resilient than ever.

Encouragement for Passions: Nurturing Talent and Ambition

During his school years, Henry Cavill participated in both sports and drama, showcasing his diverse talents and interests. Supportive parents likely played a crucial role in nurturing Cavill’s passions and giving him the confidence to pursue his acting dreams, even when faced with setbacks and challenges.

The encouragement and support of his parents would have provided Cavill with the belief in himself and his abilities, empowering him to chase his dreams with unwavering determination and conviction.

Whether it was auditioning for roles, honing his craft, or overcoming rejection, Cavill knew that he had his parents’ love and support behind him, giving him the strength and resilience to keep pushing forward in pursuit of his goals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Henry Cavill’s journey from orphan to Superman is a testament to the transformative power of love, support, and unwavering belief in oneself. From his humble beginnings to his rise to superstardom, Cavill’s parents played a pivotal role in shaping him into the man and actor he is today.

From providing a strong foundation of belonging and support to instilling values of resilience and work ethic, Cavill’s parents’ unconditional love changed his fate and propelled him to success.

As fans, we can draw inspiration from Cavill’s remarkable journey and the profound influence of his parents’ love and support on shaping a true superhero both on and off screen.

From orphan to Superman, Henry Cavill’s story is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and unwavering determination in overcoming challenges and achieving greatness.

Michelle Yeoh is one of the most accomplished actors of Asian origin in Hollywood.

The actress gained a whole new generation of fans with her appearance in last year’s Everything Everywhere All At Once. Michelle Yeoh won the Academy Award for Best Actress, making her the first Asian and Malaysian to win in the category.

Michelle Yeoh recently starred in Netflix’s The Witcher prequel miniseries The Witcher: Blood Origins. While the show is currently yet to see its fourth season starring Liam Hemsworth after the departure of Henry Cavill, Michelle Yeoh came in support of Hemwsorth which might irk some Cavill fans.

Also read: “We were much more…”: Michelle Yeoh’s $214 Million Movie Had a Big Hand in Choreographing Emily Rudd’s Fight Sequences in One Piece

Henry Cavill

2022 was a sad year for Henry Cavill. First, he was seen donning the red capes again when he featured in a cameo appearance in Dwayne Johnson’s Black Adam. The cameo appearance was followed by an announcement by Henry Cavill that he would be returning to the role of Superman in a Man of Steel sequel.

Days after that news, Cavill revealed in an Instagram post that he was departing his role as Geralt of Rivia in the Netflix original series The Witcher. The actor played the titular role in three seasons of the show, which he had claimed that he was a huge fan of. While no reason was given for his departure, he passed down his medallion and swords to actor Liam Hemsworth.

Liam Hemsworth

Cavill’s statement on Instagram read,
“My journey as Geralt of Rivia has been filled with both monsters and adventures and alas, I will be laying down my medallion and my swords for Season 4. In my stead, the fantastic Mr. Liam Hemsworth will be taking up the mantle of the White Wolf. As with the greatest of literary characters, I pass the torch with reverence for the time spent embodying Geralt and enthusiasm to see Liam’s take on this most fascinating and nuanced of men.”

Cavill ended his statement giving all the luck to Liam Hemsworth. It was rumored that Cavill left the role as the quality of the show was deteriorating and he wanted to dedicate more time to Superman. Unfortunately, his role as Clark Kent was also bid adieu as James Gunn took over the franchise and decided to reboot it with a younger cast.

Also read: “I feel like I’ve been in rehearsal for the last 40 years”: Michelle Yeoh’s Oscar-Winning Role Gave Her a Grueling Outlook on Her Career

Michelle Yeoh

Many fans of The Witcher series were not happy with the departure of Henry Cavill from the iconic role. They were reportedly even more disappointed with the choice of his replacement, Liam Hemsworth. Hemsworth has not had a great track record when it comes to being a charismatic leading man. He has starred in The Hunger Games and The Expendables franchises.

However, actress Michelle Yeoh was more supportive of the Empire State star. Yeoh stars as Scian, a member of the Ghost Clan in the prequel miniseries The Witcher: Blood Origins. The events take place 1,200 years before the events of The Witcher and hence, Michelle Yeoh’s character does not cross paths with Geralt, who will be played by Hemsworth in the upcoming fourth season of the show.

When asked about the decision to cast Hemsworth in the shoes of Henry Cavill, Michelle Yeoh was diplomatic in her response to E! News,
“I think Henry did such an amazing job. Let’s see what Liam has to bring, right? That’s how it is.”
The nonchalant and diplomatic response has the potential to irk fans who are not happy with the casting of Liam Hemsworth.

Thanks for your feedback!

Henry Cavill, the charismatic actor known for portraying the iconic Superman and Geralt of Rivia in “The Witcher,” is not just a powerhouse on screen; he’s also an avid reader with a penchant for fantasy, gaming, and historical biographies.

In this exploration, we uncover Henry Cavill’s favorite books, offering readers a glimpse into the literary tastes of the Man of Steel.

High Fantasy Adventures: The Witcher and Beyond

One cannot delve into Henry Cavill’s favorite books without exploring the realm of high fantasy, a genre that holds a special place in his heart.

1. The Witcher series by Andrzej Sapkowski:

“Blood of Elves” and “Time of Contempt” are specific favorites.
Cavill’s portrayal of Geralt of Rivia in the Netflix adaptation showcases his deep connection to Sapkowski’s source material.

2. The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson:

Cavill has openly praised “The Way of Kings,” the first book in this epic fantasy series.

Sanderson’s intricate world-building and compelling characters align with Cavill’s appreciation for immersive storytelling.

3. Other High Fantasy Mentions:

J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings”: While not explicitly mentioned as a favorite, Cavill’s interest in high fantasy likely includes this classic.
George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire”: Another epic fantasy series that has captivated readers and viewers alike.

Beyond Fiction: Non-Fiction and Historical Biographies

While Cavill is drawn to fantastical worlds, his literary interests extend beyond fiction, encompassing historical biographies and non-fiction explorations.

1. Historical Biographies:

Specific titles are not mentioned, but Cavill’s interest in history suggests a potential fondness for biographies that offer insights into historical figures and events.

Gaming Worlds and Beyond: Books on Chess and Video Game Novels

In addition to his love for fantasy literature, Cavill’s passion for gaming is evident in his reading choices.

1. Chess:

While specific titles aren’t highlighted, Cavill’s interest in chess suggests a possible exploration of books on chess strategy and history.

2. Gaming Novels:

“World of Warcraft” and “Warhammer 40,000”: Cavill has expressed an interest in novels based on these popular video game franchises, showcasing a connection between his gaming and literary preferences.

Exploring Further: Uncovering Henry Cavill’s Reading List

While the mentioned books provide a glimpse into Henry Cavill’s literary tastes, it’s essential to acknowledge that his reading list is likely more extensive. To explore further:

1. Interviews and Online Interactions:

Check out interviews and online interactions where Cavill discusses his favorite books. Insights from these discussions can offer additional recommendations.

2. Video Recommendations:

Look for videos titled “Henry Cavill’s reading list” or “Books recommended by Henry Cavill.” These videos may provide curated lists and insights into his literary preferences.

3. Social Media Presence:

Follow Henry Cavill on social media platforms for potential book mentions. Celebrities often share their current reads or favorites with their audience.

As with any reader, Henry Cavill’s book preferences may evolve over time, influenced by new discoveries and interests. Exploring his literary tastes provides fans with an opportunity to connect with the actor on a different level and discover captivating stories that have left an impact on the Man of Steel himself.

Conclusion: Navigating Literary Worlds with Henry Cavill

In the superhero domain, few names echo as strongly as Superman.

Behind the iconic cape, Henry Cavill commands attention. Renowned for his portrayal of the Man of Steel, the 40-year-old grasps that, for Superman, public scrutiny rivals Kryptonite’s potency.

In an industry blending fame and fandom, Cavill strikes a delicate balance as a cinematic superhero. He adeptly acknowledged both the immense perks and potential pitfalls.

Henry Cavill Acknowledged A Peril More Lethal To Superman Than Kryptonite

Man of Steel star, Henry Cavill

In embodying the iconic Superman, Henry Cavill wisely recognized a danger surpassing the notorious Kryptonite. He delved into a world where threats extended beyond mere physical vulnerabilities.

The narrative unfolded in Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice, suggesting that all Batman needed to defeat Superman was a mirror.

The on-screen Superman sheds light on the Man of Steel’s internal struggles. According to him, Superman’s morality and inner conflicts positioned him as his formidable adversary. Cavill shared with The Guardian,

“People think Kryptonite can beat him. No. The only thing that can really beat Superman is Superman. His own noggin messing with him. His own moral choices. When you have that to start with, the storytelling can delve into something rich.”

Expressing gratitude for the role, Cavill’s enthusiasm echoed in his remarks,

“Come on, it’s Superman! You can’t be pissed off at the idea of playing Superman for the rest of your life.”
With a touch of humor, he quipped, “Oh sorry, I’m just the grandaddy of all superheroes. It’s such a pain.”

Unlike the fictional substance-threatening Superman, the peril here was real and nuanced, the unrelenting gaze of public expectation. Cavill’s recognition of this subtler threat added complexity to the challenges faced by those portraying superheroes.

However, the actor also unveiled the dual nature of being Superman: a blessing and a curse.

Henry Cavill Discussed The Dual Nature Of Being Superman: Both Blessing And Curse

Henry Cavill as Superman

In a candid discussion, the Justice League performer explored the intricate balance of portraying Superman. A superhero who is both a blessing and a curse.

The dichotomy surfaced as he shared the upsides and downsides of donning the iconic cape. Cavill acknowledged the blessing, of more attention, yet accompanied by the curse of maintaining a superhero physique at all times, even off-camera.

He revealed in the same interview, “There’s a blessing in being Superman. You get more attention.”

However, he humorously highlighted the curse, stating,
“You get more attention. But there’s also a curse, which is that you’d better fucking look like Superman any time you need to get your kit off.”
Cavill’s reflections uncovered the nuanced reality of embodying a cinematic superhero. Where the thrill of the role intertwines with the weight of public expectations.

By embracing both dimensions, Cavill offered a revealing glimpse into the intricate dynamics of portraying one of pop culture’s most revered characters.

Thanks for your feedback!

Words by: Catherine Lewis

Since Disney’s acquisition of Fox in 2019, which gave Marvel their access back to the X-Men characters after selling the rights back in the 90s, fans have all been eagerly anticipating the announcement of Marvel’s “first” X-Men project, which will likely see new iterations of fan favourite characters gracing our screens.

While we’re still yet to hear anything official, you can always rely on the fanbase to produce the stuff of dreams, simultaneously scratching that itch but also leaving us all craving more of that juicy content. Well, this incredible fan creation is no exception.

Over on Instagram, a fan artist who goes by the username britedit has mocked up an amazing image of what it’d look like if we had the Man of Steel, Henry Cavill, take on the role of Cyclops.

It’s been a hot topic of discussion lately amongst fans, who’ve been debating over which character the actor would be most suited for, with favourites being Wolverine or the beam-shooting mutant himself, but this artwork surely has the potential to bring more people over to Team Cyclops.

While we’re all here thinking about Henry, let’s take a look at some behind the scenes of his other project, Netflix’s The Witcher.

The artist has produced two equally stellar versions of the hero – one kitted out in Cyclops’ iconic full body suit, and another with his hair out, as a throwback to his 90s costume, while also being more recognisable as the mutant we know from the movies. Both edits are super realistic, and you could be forgiven for thinking that they were actually leaked photos of the actor from an upcoming film.

Of course, other Instagram users are blown away with the work. “Wow… Never thought about him as Cyclops but that would be incredible! Because he’ll have part of his face always covered, so you wouldn’t just see Superman! That’s great,” wrote griemreaper. “Perfect casting choice! Great stuff!” added johnlv1127.

For now, there’s still nothing confirmed about who we might see cast as Cyclops going forward. Based on Tye Sheridan’s comments on his potential recasting last year, it seems quite unlikely that he’ll be staying in the role, as he’s happy to see a new actor take on the character.

It’s even been rumoured lately that Henry Cavill has met with Marvel over a new role, so perhaps this mockup is closer to reality than we might know. Regardless, I think we can all agree that no matter the casting choices, none of us can wait for some new X-Men content in our lives.

The New York Yankees’ spring of good vibes is quickly turning into a bad dream.

Star slugger Aaron Judge told reporters in Tampa that he had an MRI on his abs Monday — a day after manager Aaron Boone said ace Gerrit Cole would have the same test on his pitching elbow.

Judge said that while he still hopes to play on Opening Day, “there’s no real need to push it,” and he won’t swing a bat until later in the week, according to MLB.com.

On Monday, Boone said that Judge would likely be in Wednesday’s lineup. That clearly doesn’t seem to be the case now.

Judge was pulled after just two at-bats in Sunday’s game. He appeared to wince after taking a swing in his second at-bat. After that game, Boone said that it had been planned that Judge would only take two at-bats. On Monday, Boone described Judge as simply “mid-spring beat up.”

Judge has only had 14 at-bats this spring, hitting .143.

Judge missed two months last season after tearing a ligament in his right big toe crashing into a wall at Dodger Stadium, an injury that virtually tanked the Yankees’ playoff hopes. He has had issues with his midsection in the past, suffering a Grade 2 right oblique strain in Sepember 2016, ending his season. In 2019, he dealt with a left oblique strain that held him out two months.

As for Cole, the Yankees haven’t revealed the results of his MRI and Boone said the Yankees may not reveal them until Wednesday. Boone said that the right-hander and 2023 American League Cy Young Award winner was having difficulty recovering between throwing sessions this spring. He’s started just one spring training game and the rest of his work has come in live batting practices.

How concerned should New York be?

The Yankees can’t afford to lose Judge or Cole for any significant amount of time. While it appears Judge’s MRI turned out OK — considering he says he’ll begin swinging again soon — the fact that his status for the start of the season is in question has to worry the Yankees.

Opening Day is in Houston on March 28.

The addition of star Juan Soto would soften the blow of losing Judge. But the Yankees had been envisioning putting Judge behind Soto in the lineup for at least 150 games this year. Plus, the rest of the Yankees’ lineup if dotted with question marks. Can DJ LeMahieu and Giancarlo Stanton stay healthy and return to the MVP-caliber versions of themselves? Can Anthony Rizzo shake off the concussion that marred his 2023 campaign? Can Anthony Volpe improve at the plate in his second year in the majors? Will Alex Verdugo be able to handle the spacious left field at Yankee Stadium while performing in his walk year?

If Judge must miss time, the Yankees would likely slide Trent Grisham into center field full-time until Judge can return. The lefty-hitting Grisham is considered one of the best defensive center fielders in the game but his offensive production has tailed off with a combined 84 OPS+ over his previous two seasons, both with the San Diego Padres.

Gerrit Cole and Aaron Judge had MRIs and J.D. Davis just got blindsided — what is going on??

Also, we have our Yankees and Reds season previews and Ken has more on a Twins pitcher making a comeback. I’m Levi Weaver here with Ken Rosenthal — welcome to the Windup!

Injury scares derail Yankees’ narrative

Until yesterday, the theme for the Yankees’ season preview would have been, “They got Juan Soto and revamped the bullpen.” But now a cloud is hanging over the whole thing while we wait to hear news on Gerrit Cole, who underwent an MRI to examine his elbow and Aaron Judge, who had an MRI of his own on his abs.

Judge’s results haven’t been officially announced, but it doesn’t seem like a worst-case scenario since he’s expected to start swinging the bat again “soon.” His Opening Day availability, however, is in question. Cole’s results may not be back before tomorrow, but for better or worse, they’ll have a massive impact on the Yankees’ outlook for the 2024 season. If he’s fine, they have the reigning Cy Young Award winner heading up a rotation that includes Marcus Stroman, Carlos Rodón, Nestor Cortes and Clarke Schmidt. If the news is bad, it’s those four plus … Luke Weaver? Will Warren? Someone else?

Of note: Jordan Montgomery and Blake Snell are still free agents.

It would be a devastating blow to lose an irreplaceable star in The Bronx, something that hasn’t happened since all the way back in … last year, when Aaron Judge missed nearly two months after a collision with an outfield wall. Judge’s return, plus the addition of Juan Soto, a solid second year from Anthony Volpe and a (hopefully?) healthy trio of Giancarlo Stanton, Anthony Rizzo and DJ LeMahieu (not to mention a second-half Jasson Domínguez, as he returns from Tommy John surgery) would almost certainly help Aaron Boone’s case in his final year under contract as manager.

But for the time being, we’re all holding our breath while we wait for news about the team’s two biggest stars.

Key departures: RHP Domingo Germán, C Kyle Higashioka, INF/OF Isiah Kiner-Falefa, RHP Michael King, RHP Keynan Middleton, RHP Frankie Montas, RHP Luis Severino, LHP Wandy Peralta

Key arrivals: LHP Caleb Ferguson, LHP Victor González, OF Trent Grisham, RHP Cody Poteet, OF Juan Soto, RHP Marcus Stroman, OF Alex Verdugo

Prospect corner: Even while recovering from elbow surgery, Domínguez heads up Keith Law’s Top 20 list, which details a farm system loaded at the lower levels, even if the upper levels are perhaps a bit sparse.

Ken’s Notebook: Paddack’s relief stints made an impression

From my latest column:

The Division Series was over. The Houston Astros had defeated the Minnesota Twins, three games to one. And as the Astros packed up, preparing to leave Target Field, manager Dusty Baker approached his Twins counterpart, Rocco Baldelli, and said something to the effect of, “Man, Paddack.”

Baker wasn’t the only Astros person impressed by Twins right-hander Chris Paddack, who threw 3 2/3 scoreless relief innings in the series, including 2 1/3 in the finale. Paddack, after entering in the fourth inning of a game the Twins lost, 3-2, ended his outing in breathtaking fashion, striking out Yordan Alvarez swinging and Kyle Tucker looking, then retiring José Abreu on a foul pop.

“Everything was exploding out of his hand,” said Alex Bregman, who struck out twice against Paddack in the series.

“He was filthy. He was legit,” said Alex Cintrón, one of the Astros’ hitting coaches. “It was surprising, shocking how good he was, coming back from the surgery, coming out of the pen.”

Paddack, 28, was a starter in 65 of his 66 career appearances before undergoing his second major elbow reconstruction in May 2022. He returned for two relief outings at the end of last season before excelling in the playoffs. This season, he again will be a starter, helping fill a void created by the free-agent departures of Sonny Gray and Kenta Maeda.

His comeback last season, topped off by pitching in his home state of Texas before 45 friends and family members in Game 1 of the DS, “That’s just stuff you can’t write up,” Paddack said. He did not pitch in the Twins’ wild-card series triumph over the Toronto Blue Jays. Against the Astros, he gained not only confidence, but also a fresh outlook.

“I never thought in a million years I’d be comfortable out there,” Paddack said. “Being a starter, we have our special routines, superstitions, brushing our teeth this way, doing bands that way. But coming out of the bullpen changed my career.”

Paddack was a revelation when he produced a 3.33 ERA in 26 starts as a rookie for the San Diego Padres in 2019. But he struggled to a combined 4.95 ERA in 2020 and ’21, then was traded to the Twins with reliever Emilio Pagán as part of a five-player deal in which the Padres acquired reliever Taylor Rogers and outfielder Brent Rooker on the eve of Opening Day 2022.

“I fell in a hole, was searching a little bit the past couple of seasons,” Paddack said. “There was a lot going through my head. There was doubt in some games more than others. I started overanalyzing, started giving too much credit to hitters, forgetting what Chris Paddack does best.”

And in the bullpen?

“You have seven minutes to get ready. And you’re thrown to the wolves: ‘I want you to go get Alvarez out,’” Paddack said. “There’s no searching or saving pitches. You’ve got to throw your best stuff.”

Will the Reds youth movement continue?

There’s more to the Reds than Elly De La Cruz (but he’s still pretty exciting). (Andy Lyons / Getty Images)

ZiPS projected record: 79-83
2023 record: 82-80

The 2023 Reds were one of the more fun stories in the league, as their posse of prospects began to jell at the big-league level. Chief among them, from an excitement level, was Elly De La Cruz, whose Baseball Savant page looks like an election map with all the deep red and blue. He does the exciting things well — he’s the fastest player in the game, throws harder than any other infielder and hits mega-bombs — but his xWOBA (expected weighted on-base average) is one of seven categories in which he ranks in the 30th percentile or lower.

This year, I’ll be watching De La Cruz to see how his second season goes. But there’s more to the Reds than that. For the first time since 2007, there’s no Joey Votto. They also beefed up their starting rotation, bringing in Frankie Montas and swingman Nick Martinez, then — in a move that surprised me, given their roster full of good young infielders — signed Jeimer Candelario. Add Brent Suter and Emilio Pagán to the bullpen, and it was a sneaky good offseason in Cincinnati.

So, why are they projected to have a worse record than last year? Well, they probably overperformed their young talent last year. But check out this list of young position players: Spencer Steer, Matt McLain, Jonathan India, TJ Friedl, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Jake Fraley and Will Benson. You want pitchers? Hunter Greene, Graham Ashcraft, Nick Lodolo and Andrew Abbott. If all (or even most) of those guys start to hit their relative ceilings as they mature, I wouldn’t be surprised if they do it again this year.

Key departures: OF Harrison Bader, C Curt Casali, RHP Derek Law, INF/OF Nick Senzel, 1B/DH Joey Votto

Key arrivals: 1B/3B Jeimer Candelario, INF/OF Josh Harrison, RHP Nick Martinez, RHP Frankie Montas, RHP Emilio Pagán, LHP Brent Suter

Prospect corner: The farm system took a pretty big hit when Noelvi Marte — who topped Keith Law’s Top 20 Reds prospects list — was suspended 80 games for a positive PED test last week. Still, the top of the list is strong, with Cam Collier and three others making Law’s Top 100 list, including RHP Rhett Lowder, who is at No. 60 on the overall list despite not having yet thrown a pitch in pro ball.

Missed yesterday’s previews? We started with the Dodgers and Marlins. Tomorrow we’ll look at the Cubs and Orioles.

What is going on with the Giants and J.D. Davis?

Ever since the Giants signed Matt Chapman, the question has been: “So what happens to J.D. Davis?” The writing on the wall seemed to indicate that he would probably be traded.

But I guess the wall had some fine print in ink that only showed up under a black light. What many of us learned yesterday was that there’s a clause in the new collective bargaining agreement that allows teams to go all the way through the arbitration process, and once a number has been decided on by the arbiter (that’s an important part of the sentence), the team can release the player, paying him only 30 days of termination pay.

That wasn’t unheard of in the “old days,” but one of the big wins the MLBPA got in this particular CBA was that arbitration salaries would be guaranteed. One tiny little caveat: not if that number is arrived at in a hearing.

In Davis’ case, that means that he woke up on Monday morning with a job and a salary of $6.9 million. By the end of the day, he was due a check for $1.1 million and he was unemployed.

The “loophole” shines an interesting light on how teams could exploit the system in the future. As Andrew Baggarly points out, negotiations between the Giants and Davis’ agent were shockingly terse, and it’s not unfair to wonder if the team viewed a hearing as the preferable outcome, knowing that even if they lost (which they did), an arbiter’s decision would give them the option to cut bait with Davis at a fraction of the price should they succeed in signing Chapman (which they did).

Check back in the 2026-27 offseason (when the current CBA expires and a new one must be negotiated) to see if this becomes a sticking point with the MLBPA.

Handshakes and High Fives

For the first time since injuring his knee in the WBC last year, Edwin Díaz took the mound in game action. He struck out the side.

Good news for Sonny Gray, who threw his first bullpen just one week after a hamstring strain and could be back for Opening Day. Bad news for Lucas Giolito, who will undergo elbow surgery.

Opening Day stateside won’t happen until March 28. But on March 20, the Dodgers and Padres will open the season in Seoul, South Korea, with Tyler Glasnow and Yu Darvish as the starting pitchers. Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Joe Musgrove will take the ball the next day.

Eno Sarris has a fascinating data dive on statistical trends among players in their final year before free agency.

Jim Bowden has offseason grades, takeaways and predictions for all 30 teams.

As the New York Yankees await word on Gerrit Cole’s elbow, they got some encouraging news about Aaron Judge after he didn’t play in either of the team’s split-squad spring training game on Monday.

Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Judge told reporters he’s “pretty sure” he will be ready for Opening Day after undergoing an MRI on his abdominal area that came back clean.

Judge was removed from Sunday’s spring game against the Atlanta Braves after two at-bats. The move sparked some concern from Yankees fans because he was the only starter taken out at that point.

The five-time All-Star said his early departure was “planned” because Yankees manager Aaron Boone asked him prior to the game if he was “cool” with two at-bats so Trent Grisham could get in the game.

Boone told reporters on Monday that Judge was “a little mid-spring beat up with all the work they do in the cage and the back fields.”

The initial concern was Judge’s toe injury, which happened in a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers last season, may have been causing problems. He told reporters last month the toe will likely require “constant maintenance” for the rest of his career.

Judge said he’s unlikely to take swings with a bat until later this week because “there’s no real need to push it” right now.

The Yankees announced on Monday that Cole, the reigning AL Cy Young winner, had an MRI on his right elbow because he was experiencing difficulty bouncing back between starts. The team has yet to provide any follow-up information about the results.

Judge hit .267/.406/.613 with 37 homers and 75 RBI in 367 at-bats last season. He missed 56 games in 2023 after only sitting out 19 games in the previous two seasons combined.

If the Yankees want to take things slow to ensure Judge is ready for the start of the regular season, they have time on their side. They don’t open the 2024 campaign until March 28 against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park.

MLB rumors: Giants hurt future star chances with lame J.D. Davis move

The San Francisco Giants have struggled to attract marquee free agents in recent years. The reasoning is manifold — better offers from better teams, unfair stigma around the city, and other various knocks on the franchise. Now, however, the front office has added fuel to the fire.

San Francisco recently waived J.D. Davis after losing their arbitration battle. Davis filed at $6.9 million and won; the Giants filed at $6.55 million. Rather than stomaching the extra $350K, the Giants cut Davis loose. He is now set to receive only 30 days of prorated salary as termination pay, which equals a shade over $1 million.

That feels like a scummy move to punish a player for winning a very narrow arbitration battle. Why else would the Giants go through all the trouble of pushing for $6.55 million in the first place? Davis was notably the only San Francisco player to not settle outside of court.

There is a pervasive sense that the Giants are shooting themselves in the foot here. Star free agents probably aren’t thrilled by the prospect of joining a team so thoroughly dedicated to penny-pinching.

San Francisco president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi addressed those concerns with The Mercury News.

“Everything we’ve done in this case is well within our rights as a team. I think that’s recognized; it’s very cut-and-dry in the CBA… We try to reach an agreement with all of our arbitration-eligible players, him included. Sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn’t.

We certainly made offers to all of our players, offers that could have been accepted. We negotiate all those deals in good faith because no matter what might happen we always prefer to get our cases done than go to hearing.”

Talk about a non-answer, man. The idea that $350K was enough to draw such a hard line in the sand is laughable, especially when the Giants have spent $149 million on outside free agents. It’s not like the Giants don’t have the capital to keep Davis around. The Matt Chapman move obviously complicates the matter, but why not trade Davis — who would surely have suitors — instead of pulling the rug out from under him?

The Giants are in need of serious image repair. That much is clear.

Gerrit Cole, New York Yankees / Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

MLB rumors: Marlins ace Jesus Luzardo would ‘be interested’ in Red Sox

The Miami Marlins floated 26-year-old ace Jesus Luzardo to prospective trade partners in the offseason. While nothing has come to fruition yet, there are still teams in need of help on the mound. Few more gravely than the Boston Red Sox.

Even with Brayan Bello locked up long term, the Red Sox pitching staff is in dire straits right now. Lucas Giolito is slated to miss significant time, chopping off the head of the proverbial dragon. Boston hasn’t done much scrambling for solutions under new GM Craig Breslow, who continues to operate with a maddening patience that mostly equates to inaction.

If there was ever a prime target for Boston, it’s Luzardo. He’s on a similar developmental timeline as Bello and, most importantly, he’s under contract through the 2026 season. That is three years of guaranteed team control, with plenty of time to work out an extension. And, to add to the case in favor of trading for Luzardo, he would be greatly intrigued by the idea of pitching in Boston.

The Boston Globe’s Julian McWilliams went on WEEI’s Play Tessie podcast to touch on the possibility of bringing Luzardo to Fenway.

“I covered Jesús when he was in Oakland and trust me, he would be interested in pitching in Boston. I talked to him when he was here the last time he pitched and he was like ‘Dude I’ve never pitched in a place like this. It was an amazing experience. The mound is just different.’”

The ball is essentially in Boston’s court here. The Marlins would require a haul to part with such a gifted young arm — Luzardo’s base salary is a mere $5.5 million next season — but he’s clearly available. If the Red Sox put together a compelling package, Luzardo is well within reach. He would help in the present, while also setting up Boston for a more prosperous future. The fact that he loves Fenway so much is an added bonus.

MLB rumors: Yankees’ Gerrit Cole plan probably doesn’t include Blake Snell

Those who root for the New York Yankees were left in a state of panic on Monday when it was announced that Gerrit Cole will undergo an MRI on his pitching elbow. The outcome of that MRI is unknown, but more reporting from SNY’s Andy Martino reveals that it is “precautionary,” and there is optimism that Cole isn’t dealing with a serious ailment.

Even so, the loss of Cole for any serious amount of time would be catastrophic for a weak Yankees rotation. Unless Carlos Rodon is prepared to turn back the clock (he’s not), the Yankees will be relying far too heavily on the likes of Marcus Stroman and Clarke Schmidt to save a sinking ship.

According to FanSided’s Robert Murray, the Yankees probably won’t sign Blake Snell or Jordan Montgomery out of desperation. Those negotiations appear to have died long ago. Both could require salary in the range of $30 million annually, especially Snell, who the Yankees spoke with in the early months of free agency.

While that is a fair price for a two-time Cy Young winner, the Yankees would need to pay 110 percent tax on any salary over the $297 million payroll mark. That means Snell would essentially cost north of $60 million. It’s only natural for ownership to balk at such a proposition.

That doesn’t mean the Yankees shouldn’t still do it. The best teams spend money — just ask the Los Angeles Dodgers. It’s the surest way to guarantee a competitive roster, and man, would it be a lot easier to feel good about the Yankees’ pitching depth with a second Cy Young winner in the mix.

There is no outright replacement for Cole, arguably the best pitcher in baseball, but Jon Heyman of the New York Post at least believes New York should consider some sort of addition.

“If the Yankees needed a starter or two before Gerrit Cole felt a twinge in his right elbow, how much do you think they need it now? When Yankees manager Aaron Boone announced Monday that the best pitcher in baseball would need to undergo an MRI on his golden elbow, that was the scary moment of spring. Even if they are acting calmly, it should have sent off alarm bells.”

He mentions Dylan Cease and Jesus Luzardo as less expensive alternatives to Snell or Montgomery. Both would require a significant return package involving high-level prospects, but the Yankees would maintain multiple years of affordable team control over both. Cease ($8 million) and Luzardo ($5.5 million) would not break the bank financially.

Whether the Yankees actually listen to Heyman’s advice is another matter entirely. Right now, all signs point to New York operating with patience. If they do sign and trade for a pitcher, it probably won’t be one that costs $30 million.

Aaron Judge was reportedly “mid-spring beat up” yesterday, and that has now turned into an upcoming MRI on his abs. He had been struggling a bit and not playing as much and will now undergo a prodecure to see what exactly is going on.

There isn’t a ton of concern, even if Aaron Judge isn’t expected to swing a bat for a little while. He’s taking a little break, believing there’s no need to push things too far when it’s just Spring Training.

Aaron Judge Injury Update: Yankees slugger shut down for one week following MRI, hopeful for Opening Day start

New York Yankees beat reporter Hoch reported on X, formerly known as Twitter:

“Aaron Judge says he underwent an MRI on his abs yesterday. He said that he will not swing a bat again until later in the week. Said ‘there’s no real need to push it,’ and his goal is to play Opening Day.”

 

Judge aims to play on Opening Day and doesn’t believe this minor setback will cost him that status. They’re doing the MRI to find out if there’s anything wrong, but he anticipates being back swinging sooner rather than later.

Aaron Judge not expecting to miss time with injury update

Aaron Judge has suffered quite a few injuries over the years. He has been banged up quite often, and the team has learned to exert caution with him. That appears to be what they’re doing now.

Aaron Judge to be shut down one week

Judge was out of the lineup because he needed a little extra rest and since it’s Spring Training, there’s no need to force him into the lineup. Now, they’re going to be overly cautious and give him an extended break and check to see what’s ailing him.

He is still confident that he will be on the field for Opening Day, which is good news. Gerrit Cole’s status is up in the air for that game, and the Yankees need all hands on deck right now.

Judge is their leader and their best player, although Juan Soto has been excellent, so they can ill-afford another extended absence by the superstar.

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