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It’s crunch time in the takeover of MiLB by MLB, with sweeping changes to Class A leagues, unresolved transitions for the Pioneer and NY-Penn Leagues, and plenty of new affiliations—but still no final list of the 120 teams comprising the future of Minor League Baseball.
It’s never been a secret that MLB’s takeover of Minor League Baseball would involve plenty of change. In some ways, there’s been less change than many pundits predicted, and most of the discussed league realignments are focused on the Class A leagues, driven by a variety of factors. After talking on background with several MiLB owners and MiLB/MLB C suite execs about what they’re expecting and been told, we can pass along many details about the upcoming 2021 season and beyond. Nothing is finalized, of course, and changes can be made in a final agreement. Here’s what we’re looking at today in terms of Class A alignments:
LOW A
California League (8 teams)
Florida State League (10 teams)
Sally League (12 teams)
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HIGH A
Midwest League
Northwest League
Carolina League
New Mid-Atlantic League
The California League would remain at eight teams, while the Florida State League would cut back to 10 teams and the Sally League to 12 teams. It’s less clear how the new High-A circuits would be arranged, save a cutback to the Northwest League to six teams, and there may be teams moving between the Low-A Sally League and the High-A Carolina League and a new Mid-Atlantic League. In particular, the Carolina League may end up being a real Carolina League.
Why move the Cal League to Low A from High A? Purely to make the numbers across all of Minor League Baseball. There’s only room for six teams when all the other High-A slots are filled, so the decision was made to shift the Northwest League—which will be filled by affiliates of West Coast MLB teams—to High A. This is also the rationale for moving the Midwest League to High A and the Florida State League to Low A.
We will also see some gymnastics in the High-A level, partly to address travel and partly to address existing ownership situations and affiliations. Some teams, like the Chicago White Sox and the Baltimore Orioles, want to maintain their existing affiliation structures; the White Sox, in fact, will likely see no changes to its full-season affiliates.
There should be less change on the Triple-A and Double-A fronts. Three Triple-A teams—San Antonio, Fresno and Wichita—have been designated to move from Triple-A to Double-A’s Texas League or (in the case of Fresno) to what will be the Low-A Cal League. Taking their place: St. Paul, where the Minnesota Twins could affiliate with the St. Paul Saints; Sugar Land and Jacksonville, which will become the Miami Marlins’ top affiliate. Miami is one of the winners in the realignment, with a Triple-A affiliate just up the coast and the addition of Pensacola as a Double-A affiliate. Texas and Houston are also winners, with league alignments designed to protect their investments in High-A and Low-A markets.
We’ve seen the Appalachian League transitioning to summer-collegiate playin partnership with USA Baseball under a proposed three-year agreement, and a similar proposal was made to owners in the Short Season A NY-Penn League, where Prep Baseball Report would administer the league. Prep Baseball Report runs high-school and 13-and-under tournaments in the region, but the aim here is for college seniors to be routed to the NY-Penn League, with juniors routed to the Cape Cod League (which is pretty much how it happens now anyway), and freshmen and sophomore routed to the Appalachian League. Unlike the Appalachian League, which involves a three-year commitment from MLB and USA Baseball, the NY-Penn League commitment from MLB and Prep Baseball Report involves five years.
But MLB did not go to any great efforts to make this an attractive offer. Subsidies to Appalachian League teams are expected to continue, but none were presented to NY-Penn League owners. (Other affiliated teams not in the NY-Penn League but ultimately contracted may be invited into the NY-Penn League effort as well.) MLB is talking a shorter 76-game season, cutting team revenues by at least a quarter million annually. A short-season league would become a really short-season league.
Which is why a new NY-Penn League is not a sure thing. Some teams in the NY-Penn League will be moved to a new Mid-Atlantic League or the Carolina League, and one, Brooklyn, is expected to shift to the Class AA Eastern League. Given the geography, we expect a few teams at some point to explore other options, including moves to an independent league like the Atlantic League or the Frontier League (probably not until 2022 until the earliest, however), or shifting to other summer-collegiate leagues that may be a better geographic fit. Indeed, things are also unsettled on the independent-baseball front as well in terms of season launches, league lineups and season schedules. With the 2020 MiLB season not expected to start until the beginning of May, it will be interesting to see if the Atlantic League sticks to its traditional 140-game schedule beginning in April. There are several summer-collegiate leagues operating in the NY-Penn League footprint. Alternately, it’s likely that a few current NY-Penn League teams could end up folding, with other operators looking at entering those markets.
Options, alas, are not being presented to the eight teams of the Rookie Pioneer League. Owners there have proposed running the Pioneer League as an independent league with hard age caps, focusing on undrafted players who are still considered prospects—those players who in the past would have been drafted in the 25th round and assigned to the Pioneer League. That’s received a chilly reception in MLB offices, and there’s been no proposal from MLB to help with any transition to summer collegiate, either. Despite MLB’s promises to take care of every current MiLB team, that promise apparently doesn’t extend to Ogden, Colorado Springs or Billings.
One thing that’s hindered talks: MLB still declines to release a list of the chosen 120 teams. Realistically, there aren’t open slots for 120 teams: by the time you remove the MiLB teams either owned by MLB teams or operating with significant, publicized or unpublicized investments by MLB teams, the number is far closer to 90 open slots, even though some of those teams with MLB ties are likely to go away as well. And that’s not even counting the several MiLB teams whose ownership groups include individual investors who are also investors in MLB teams—the sort of relationships that have affected affiliate agreements in the past. Add in the two or three independent markets that will become affiliated markets. Right now there are 130 owners who think their teams will survive the upcoming contraction; we expect plenty of shock and surprise when that’s not the case.
As of now nothing is finalized, including the new licensing terms MLB will be imposing, as the old MiLB franchise system is abandoned. While there has been some talk between MLB and team owners about these terms, a final agreement has not been presented.
With all this recent activity, there are still many details to be finalized. No one is expecting schedules any time soon, and insiders don’t expect to see them until the end of the year. This means that the sales season that usually begins before the end of the prior season won’t realistically begin until January. That delay affects teams on a wide range of transactions, ranging from season-ticket sales and renewals to sponsorship and promo deals: hard to set a promo date when you don’t have a date, much less a length of a season, a final list of opponents or a starting date for the season. And the delays affect other entities doing business with MiLB teams. One prominent entertainment vendor told us he’s had no bookings yet for 2021—and normally he’d have several in hand this time of year. Like everyone else, the success of his business will depend on decisions made in MLB’s New York offices.
As we noted, nothing laid out here is final, and there may be tweaks along the way. But with the information presented to owners, we can see what sort of operating environment MLB is envisioning for Minor League Baseball and the new summer-collegiate leagues: an environment where MLB still keeps control of player development, without the cost of paying the salaries of a full farm system.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to clarify the potential relationship between the Twins and the St. Paul Saints.
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Hidden in plain sight, every MLB team’s website links to a list of its player’s walk-up and warmup song choices. The lists feature rosters updated for 2017, but some of the information appears to be outdated as not all of the songs named are the players’ actual songs for this season. But because these lists exist on official team websites and appear to represent the most recent and most comprehensive effort at documenting every MLB player’s associated music, I seized my discovery of said lists as an excuse to comb through every one compiling a master ranking of the best songs used to accompany baseball players.
Again: Some of these are likely now inaccurate. But as best as I can figure out, all the players listed have used song in question at some point. I included a couple not named on the MLB.com master list that I confirmed with my own ears by hearing them at ballparks.
This ranking is based on a variety of criteria, including the quality of the song itself and the originality of the choice. I leaned toward song choices that I find especially entertaining, as baseball is for entertainment. I mostly ignored the songs and artists picked most frequently, because way too many guys use Drake, Sweet Home Alabama, AC/DC, Daddy Yankee, Jason Aldean, and someone named Brantley Gilbert. It seems like every team has a guy using the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Can’t Stop.
If this list appears biased toward songs I personally enjoy, that’s OK: It so happens my opinions are the correct ones.
EXPLICIT CONTENT WARNING: Many of the following videos include explicit lyrics and/or suggestive imagery. The video for song No. 59, the one chosen by Padres’ infielder Allen Cordoba, probably should not be watched in any sort of workplace.
73. Chad Qualls: Killing in the Name Of
Chad Qualls will not do what you tell him. Presumably he’s done warming up by the time that part comes on, and I’m not sure the Rockies would abide that. Somewhat predictably, a bunch of guys use Rage Against the Machine songs. Ol’ Chad Qualls here stands in for all of them. Most of their songs open pretty triumphantly, so they’re always a solid if easy choice.
72. Scott Kazmir: Kashmir
A handful of guys use it, but Kazmir gets the nod for the name connection, and Zeppelin needs to be on the list somewhere.
71. Cameron Maybin: Look Alive
70. Shin-Soo Choo: Regulate
Oh hell yes, Shin-Soo Choo.
69. Alex Colome: Tiempos
I had never heard this song before but it makes me want to break stuff. Colome’s a really good closer, which adds some weight.
68. Howie Kendrick: Dey Know
Good horn sample to herald a forthcoming Howie Kendrick at-bat.
67. Brad Miller: Tha Crossroads
The first of three Bone Thugs-N-Harmony songs on this list. Apparently they’re enjoying a revival among baseball player. At the outset of compiling this, I would’ve guessed Miller would land higher. But choosing Bone Thugs’ biggest hit counts as a mark against him.
66. Chase d’Arnaud: Pony
Late-90s R&B seems to be huge among baseball players right now. I’m very much for it.
65. Nick Hundley: Shine
Here for its randomness.
64. Chris Carter: Mr. Carter
63. Zac Curtis: God’s Gonna Cut You Down
This song was huge among big-league relievers for a couple years and still shows up as the warmup jam for a few bullpen arms. It remains a badass choice, even if it’s a bit overused by now. I remember lefty Joe Beimel as a pioneer of its usage.
62. A.J. Ramos: Power
Might be a better choice for teammate Giancarlo Stanton.
61. Juan Lagares: Hot in Herre
I aspire to someday Ted be as good as Nelly at randomly inserting my name into the middle of sentences.
60. Mallex Smith: Head Bussa
Mallex Smith probably heard himself described as “scrappy” a thousand times before deciding to go with a Lil Scrappy banger.
59. Allen Cordoba: Fever
Really, don’t click on the video if anyone can see your computer screen. It’s pretty much all butts.
58. Ryon Healy: No Diggity
I always link No Diggity with two other bumping ’90s R&B jams. All three land somewhere on this list. I’ll tell you when we get there.
57. Francisco Cervelli: That’s Amore
Points for creativity, singability.
56. Andrew Bailey: Sweet Dreams
Pretty bleak, Andrew Bailey. Industrial rock and alternative metal are fairly common, but this is especially plodding and ominous.
55. Brandon Finnegan: Bump In The Trunk
Yes!
54. Adrian Gonzalez: El Mariachi Loco
53. Chad Pinder: Whoomp! (There it is)
Also a song used by multiple dudes. Still funny.
52. Nori Aoki: Johnny B. Goode
51. Chris Hatcher: Let Me Clear My Throat
Fun fact: About a decade ago, I wrote a list of recommended unused closer songs. This was on it, and it’s good someone’s going with it. Turns the ballpark into a party.
50. Brandon Belt: All I Do Is Win
Hard to believe there aren’t 30 players using this.
49. Tyler Glasnow: Smooth Operator
Came out four years before Tyler Glasnow was born.
48. Evan Scribner: Epic Sax Guy
47. Michael Martinez: Te De Campana
I was not familiar with this song, but Michael Martinez’s awesome hair implies good taste in music. This is a jam.
46. Josh Phegley: My Brain is Hanging Upside Down
There are so few punk songs in use. Last year, Phegley used the Mighty Mighty Bosstones’ The Impression That I Get. He’s turning in his plaid blazer for a leather jacket, apparently.
45. Wade Davis: Ackrite
44. Byron Buxton: Return of the Mack
No. 2 in the aforementioned No Diggity trio.
43. Clay Buchholz: Hold The Line
I want so badly for Clay Buchholz to be a huge Toto fan.
42. Randal Grichuk: Here Comes The Boom
Somehow, Randal Grichuk is the only dude on the Cardinals using Nelly. Embarrassing. Every guy on the Cardinals should use Nelly.
41. Mike Fiers: Saw (theme)
40. George Springer: Bouncin’ Back
Funky as heck.
39. Kelvin Herrera: El Abayarde
38. Matt Garza: All Eyez On Me
37. Carlos Carrasco: Summer of ’69
Bryan Adams. Nice.
36. Jesse Hahn: Monstar’s Anthem
Were the Monstars quietly the greatest rap supergroup ever assembled? Discuss.
35. Derek Holland: Dark Knight Rises
A few guys go with movie and/or TV themes. They all have the capacity to make a player entering a baseball game seem far more epic an event than it actually is. For it.
34. Austin Romine: Bad Boys
33. Adam Eaton: This Is How We Do It
The third and best entry in the No Diggity group.
32. Derek Law: I Fought The Law
Oh, I get it! More guys should use The Clash. If there’s ever again a player named Rudy, he needs to use Rudie Can’t Fail or get DFA’d immediately.
31. Joaquin Benoit: Fireball
Benoit throws pretty hard, so “Fireball” seems appropriate. Plus this song makes my hips shimmy involuntarily.
30. Tom Koehler: Still Fly
Tom Koehler seems pretty cool. We need to bring back the use of “fly.”
29. Miguel Gonzalez: El Hijo Del Pueblo
28. Brent Suter: Jurassic Park (theme)
27. Dillon Gee: Nuthin’ But A G Thang
Obviously.
26. Trevor Cahill: White Rabbit
Not the direction I would’ve guessed for Trevor Cahill. Pretty trippy.
25. Clayton Richard: Ignition (remix)
Bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce.
24. Zach Davies: It’s Tricky
23. Didi Gregorius: Notorious B.I.G.
“Notorious” sounds just like “Gregorius.” It plays.
22. Todd Frazier: Fly Me To The Moon
Frazier reps New Jersey so hard.
21. Cory Gearrin: Welcome To the Terrordome
20. Trevor Plouffe: Shine On You Crazy Diamond
I assume this isn’t the case, but it’d be pretty good if Trevor Plouffe made the whole stadium wait 26 minutes for the PA to play all parts of Shine On You Crazy Diamond in their entirety before every one of his at-bats. Probably Rob Manfred wouldn’t go for that.
19. John Lackey: Friends in Low Places
Is this song annoying? Yeah, it’s pretty annoying. But it’s so good for John Lackey, a guy who seems like he’s probably thrown down at a honky-tonk more than once.
18. Felix Hernandez: Down With The King
Being nicknamed “King Felix” opens up a lot of options. This is a good one.
17. Zack Greinke: Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Maybe shouldn’t have signed with the Diamondbacks.
16. Jacob May: Beware
Big Pun? Let’s hang out, Jacob May.
15. Bryce Harper: Feelin’ Good
Very few guys in the Majors could pull off Michael Buble songs. Harper is one of them.
14. Noah Syndergaard: Game of Thrones
When you look like Noah Syndergaard and throw like Noah Syndergaard, there’s really no wrong direction you could take with your warmup music. This works, but so would Why Can’t We Be Friends?
13. Robbie Ross: Man of Constant Sorrow
Now Fenway Park’s a hoedown.
12. Dustin Pedroia: Real (Expletive) G’s
You might not associate Dustin Pedroia with classic gangsta rap, but Pedroia plays with a chip on his shoulder that makes a diss track seem appropriate.
11. Kendrys Morales: In The Summertime
He’s not trying to be ironic or anything. Kendrys Morales just digs this song:
10. Andrew Miller: Beat It
Michael Jackson songs are generally underused. Miller is good enough to pull off just enough anything.
9. Henry Owens: Fame
Funky, freaky. Owens is in Class AAA right now, denying Red Sox fans their Bowie.
8. Sonny Gray: Stacy’s Mom
What?
7. Taylor Jungmann: YMCA
It’d be silly enough on it’s own, but wait: Jungmann, there’s no need to feel down, I said, Jungmann, pick yourself off the ground. Overplayed in stadiums, certainly, but completely underused as a funny warmup choice. <
6. Wilmer Flores: I’ll Be There For You
True story: Long before Flores became a fan favorite in New York, he learned English by watching every episode of Friends.
5. Joe Biagini: One
As in “is the loneliest number.” It’s so sad! Last year, Biagini used Tears Of A Clown. Joe Biagini rules. All relievers should emulate Joe Biagini. Shoutout to disco John Lennon in the pink scarf really owning those backup vocals and handclaps in the video.
4. Kyle Schwarber: Thuggish Ruggish Bone
Schwarber’s an Ohio native, so he’s got a good claim to using Bone Thugs. But also — and I have no idea what this is the case — if someone came up to me and asked, “which player is baseball’s most ‘ruggish bone?'” I’d almost certainly say Schwarber. I don’t know what ruggish means but I believe it describes Kyle Schwarber.
3. Jake Lamb: Shoop
Girls, what’s my weakness? Late ’90s R&B.
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2. Francisco Lindor: The Humpty Dance
Easily the best development of the 2017 season to date is that Francisco Lindor, budding megastar, is using The Humpty Dance. Damn near looptid.
1. Yoenis Cespedes: Circle of Life (intro)
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The main thing about Cespedes is that it feels like he’s about to hit a home run literally every time he walks to the plate. The opening notes of The Lion King make the perfect accompaniment: recognizable, dramatic, and full of wonder. It’s funny and beautiful and spectacular.