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A special congratulations to Braves 3rd base coach Ron Washington. Known for his positive personality and precise infield drills, he just earned his first ring after 50 years in baseball. A golden year, indeed.
Is this it for the longest-tenured Yankee -- and last active pinstriper to have played in the original Yankee Stadium? Brett Gardner parted company for now, after both he and the club failed to activate separate options for 2022.
Clayton Kershaw is another franchise fixture now a free agent. After 14 seasons, 185 victories, but too many injuries in recent years, the three-time Cy Young Winner (and 2014 NL MVP) didn't receive a Qualifying Offer by the deadline.
J.D. Martinez isn't calling the movers. He chose not to opt-out of his multi-year contract with the Red Sox. Off a good, but not exceptional 2021 season, the veteran DH decided not to gamble on finding a new and better deal.
The decision belongs to Michael Conforto. His walk year with the Mets proved to be a disappointment, with the worst numbers of his career. But Sandy Alderson showed faith in the former first round draft pick and gave Conforto the QO. That guarantees the Mets a draft pick if the outfielder goes elsewhere, while the onetime Oregon State star can return to Flushing and gamble on himself -- hoping a big 2022 will bring bigger offers a year from now.

For our wayback:
From April 7th, 2011 at Citizens Bank Park: time for a pre-game spin with the Phanatic.



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