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Jeffrey Flanagan opens up the mailbag to answer questions about arrivals and eventual departures:
Gordon is without a doubt a Royals Hall of Famer. His six American League Gold Glove Awards alone merit that (at least in my mind, and I am a voter). As to Gordon possibly retiring after 2019, his final season of a four-year, $72 million contract, he spoke openly to me about the possibility late in the season.
”[Baseball] is a grind. I miss my kids and family,” Gordon said. “... Who knows? I may want to play longer. Or I may just want to be with my family. It’s the family decision I think about most. [Retirement] crosses your mind.”
Gordon will be 35 when his contract ends. But he also seemed to be rejuvenated late this past season. Gordon had a .788 OPS over the final 33 games and he also captured his sixth Gold Glove Award. He stays in tremendous shape. I could see him playing another year or two beyond 2019, if he continues his offensive resurgence.
Someone felt like Alcides Escobar should have received some fanfare as his era in Kansas City possibly ended. Never mind that he got his fanfare when they all walked off the field in 2017, when it was presumed he was going to leave town the first time.
The Royals have apparently signed an international free agent from El Salvador, Juan Jose Martinez. (via @KCRoyalsReddit) https://t.co/PoWNlK56tm
— Royals Review (@royalsreview) December 26, 2018
Joe Posnanski writes about how the no unanimous vote-getter thing should end with regards to the Hall of Fame, and Mariano Rivera is as good a time as any. [Article is at the Athletic, which is subscription-based. I get $10 if you sign up here, where you’ll also get at 25% discount.]
American explorer Colin O’Brady completed the first unaided, solo traverse of Antarctica.
Jay Jaffe outlines Curt Schilling’s Hall of Fame case.
These shows/movies achieved the hallowed status of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, garnering universal acclaim.
These are apparently the best trailers of the year (read for #15).
Japan will resume commercial whaling.
Mandy gets a bunch of mentions in this year-end run-down of highlights and lowlights of the cinematic year 2018.
Welcome to Marwen and Mortal Engines had disastrous weekends.
If you’re in LA at any point between now and 1/3, have I got the thing you need to do right here.
The song of the day is “Back Door Santa” by Clarence Carter: