Legends of the Deep: Sea Unicorns emerge

All's well that ends whale as Norwich unveils new aquatic identity

After a decade as the Connecticut Tigers, Norwich's New York-Penn League team has rebranded as the Norwich Sea Unicorns.

By Benjamin Hill | December 5, 2019 4:31 PM ET

The Detroit Tigers' Class A Short Season affiliate is now known as the Norwich Sea Unicorns. MiLB.com's Ben Hill has the details on this mythical seafaring New York-Penn League entity.

Benjamin Hill is a reporter for MiLB.com and writes Ben's Biz Blog. Follow Ben on Twitter @bensbiz. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

North Johnson Named New Northwest League President

MiLB veteran exec to start role in 2020

By Hallie Holton | December 5, 2019 3:39 PM ET

The Northwest League (NWL) announced that North Johnson will become the new league president at the start of 2020. The NWL conducted a nationwide search, bringing interest from over 60 well-qualified candidates. Johnson, a 42-year MiLB veteran, stood out amongst the competition with his extensive resume of leadership experience.

Hill moved to Mariners for Narvaez

Seattle picks up No. 24 Milwaukee prospect in deal for catcher

Opponents batted .253 against Adam Hill during his time with Class A Wisconsin in 2019. (Chris Mehring/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers)

By Sam Dykstra | December 5, 2019 11:44 AM ET

The Mariners acquired No. 24 Brewers prospect Adam Hill and a Draft pick in a deal that sent Major League catcher Omar Narvaez the other way on Thursday.

Sam Dykstra is a reporter for MiLB.com. Follow and interact with him on Twitter, @SamDykstraMiLB. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Orioles acquire four pitchers for Bundy

No. 21 Angels prospect Bradish included in return for right-hander

Kyle Bradish posted a 1.42 WHIP over 101 innings for Class A Advanced Inland Empire last season. (Jerry Espinoza/MiLB.com)

By Sam Dykstra | December 4, 2019 5:59 PM ET

The Orioles picked up right-handers Kyle Bradish, Isaac Mattson, Zach Peek and Kyle Brnovich on Wednesday in a deal that sent Dylan Bundy to the Los Angeles Angels.

Sam Dykstra is a reporter for MiLB.com. Follow and interact with him on Twitter, @SamDykstraMiLB. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Miracle morph into the Mighty Mussels

New Fort Myers name, logos revolve around brawny bivalves

Fort Myers' Florida State League team, formerly known as the Miracle, has rebranded as the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels.

By Benjamin Hill | December 3, 2019 11:43 AM ET

The Florida State League entity formerly known as the Fort Myers Miracle has transformed into the Mighty Mussels. Ben Hill reports on these purple-hued brawny bivalves.

Benjamin Hill is a reporter for MiLB.com and writes Ben's Biz Blog. Follow Ben on Twitter @bensbiz. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Toolshed: Assessing Class A park factors

Asheville, Great Lakes stadiums stand out in fairer leagues

Terrin Vavra had 32 extra-base hits at home for Asheville compared to only 11 on the road. (Kevin Pataky/MiLB.com)

By Sam Dykstra | December 3, 2019 10:05 AM ET

The Midwest and South Atlantic Leagues are similar in overall offensive profiles, but the factors at individual parks -- like those belonging to Asheville and Great Lakes -- certainly differ.

Sam Dykstra is a reporter for MiLB.com. Follow and interact with him on Twitter, @SamDykstraMiLB. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Gore, Patiño have Padres poised for wins

Pitching duo leads stacked San Diego system ready for impact

MacKenzie Gore reached the Texas League after posting a 1.02 ERA in the hitter-friendly Cal League. (John Moore/Amarillo Sod Poodles)

By Katie Woo | December 4, 2019 10:07 AM ET

The fast-rising San Diego system got dominant performances across every level this season with pitchers MacKenzie Gore and Luis Patino leading the way as Padres Organization All-Stars.

Katie Woo is a contributor to MiLB.com. Follow her on Twitter @katiejwoo. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Looking back at 10 best games from 2019

Relive the most memorable contests of Minor League season

By Duane Cross | December 2, 2019 12:46 PM ET

From Opening Day through the final championship game, MiLB.com chronicled the top on-field achievements throughout the 2019 season. This week we're looking back and rolling out the 10 best games as voted by our staff.

Duane Cross is a contributor to MiLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @DuaneCrossMiLB. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Keller, Hayes anchor ship for Pirates

Hurler gets big league experience; infielder wins third Gold Glove

A second-round pick in 2014, Mitch Keller has racked up 566 strikeouts in 539 1/3 Minor League innings. (Austin Friedline/Indianapolis Indians)

By Andrew Battifarano | December 2, 2019 11:02 AM ET

Led by the hard-throwing right-hander Mitch Keller and talented infielders Ke'Bryan Hayes and Oneil Cruz, the next group of Pirates look to help bolster a team on the rebuild.

Andrew Battifarano is a contributor to MiLB.com. Follow him on Twitter, @AndrewAtBatt. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Bohm, Howard form foundation for Phillies

Collection of talent contributes to 80-win campaign at Reading

Alec Bohm led the Eastern League with 119 total bases from his arrival on June 21 through the end of the year. (Kevin Pataky/MiLB.com)

By Joe Bloss | November 27, 2019 10:13 AM ET

Third baseman Alec Bohm and right-hander Spencer Howard finished 2019 with Double-A Reading, an 80-win club that received contributions from nine of the Phillies' 12 Organization All-Stars.

Joe Bloss is a contributor to MiLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @jtbloss. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.