MLB news from the past week.
Don Mattingly concerned about Yasiel Puig
We all love to hate on and make fun of Yasiel Puig, but death threats are nothing to laugh at. When Puig defected from Cuba in 2012, he left some angry people in his wake and his traffickers want him dead. This news is revealed in an ESPN article detailing Puig's defection.
Josh Johnson to get elbow examined
The guy can't seem to catch a break at all anymore. He's had so many problems with his arm that it should be hanging by a thread. Since the start of the 2006, Johnson has averaged 123.5 innings, 20 starts, and one trip to the disabled list per season. He may require a second Tommy John surgery and if so, his future looks incredibly bleak.
Astros call up touted prospect George Springer
Springer was the 11th overall pick in the 2011 draft, and was Baseball America's 18th best prospect prior to this year. Despite high marks across the board, his plate discipline is seen as lacking and the article compares him to Chris Young, who is now a fourth outfielder for the Mets.
Mets affiliate to host "Seinfeld night" this summer
The Mets Class A affiliate, the Brooklyn Cyclones, will host "Seinfeld Night" on July 5, with the first 2,500 fans to receive a "Magic Loogie" bobblehead. Brooklyn players will wear puffy shirts during batting practice; genuine latex salesmen who present a business card get in for free and there will be a contest to see who can "dance" like Elaine.
It's like a walking dry heave set to music!
Negro League stadium designated as a national landmark
Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, NJ has played host to many Negro League greats such as Larry Doby, Cool Papa Bell and Buck Leonard. This is the first time national landmark status has been designated to a venue intended solely for baseball.
Remember when Ike Davis was supposed to be the next big thing?
The Mets dangled Davis as trade bait during the offseason, but nobody bit until now. The Pirates sent minor-league reliever Zack Thornton and PTBNL in exchange for Davis. Amazin' Avenue has written up everything you'd need to know about the new Mets pitcher.
Martin Maldonado knocks the cover off the ball, literally
It's not exactly Benny Rodriguez, but it's something we'll probably never see again. Then again, the ball was probably made in China.