Morning Mound Visit: Maikel Franco signs with Orioles

Mark Brown | Camden Chat: The Baltimore Orioles have officially signed Maikel Franco to a one-year deal. On Sunday, it was initially reported that a deal was being finalized between the Orioles and the former Phillies and Royals third baseman. Franco will make a guaranteed $800,000 in 2021.

Adam J. Morris | Lone Star Ball: Some of MLB’s proposed rule changes are meant to address the rising tide of the three true outcomes. Last year, over a third of plate appearances ended in either a home run, walk, or strikeout. How does that compare to baseball played over the last 50 years?

Rob Mains | Baseball Prospectus $: In a continued series examining the Times Through the Order penalty, Rob Mains and Shawn Brody have now looked at the effect through history. As one would expect, pitchers have always been worse facing the lineup a third time. What’s more is that the penalty was even worse before.