Although there wasn’t much news over the weekend, we still have a tonne of links for you this morning. So get yourself a cup of coffee and settle in. Today, we get some far too early peeks at what could happen at the 2024 All-Star game; Yasiel Puig engages in a brawl; the Tigers sign a long-term prospect; and a TikToker imagines a respectable new City Connect shirt for Boston.

This morning’s saddest story is about a Jackie Robinson statue that was stolen over the weekend in Kansas. It’s really unfortunate and makes you wonder, “What kind of person does that?”

Yasiel Puig discusses the intense altercation that the former MLB player was a part of with Tim Capurso.
Before he ever makes his Major League debut, Colt Keith, a prospect, has already signed a 6-year contract with the Tigers. Written by Jason Beck.
Jayson Stark searches for the potential next unanimous selection for the Hall of Fame. (Subscription to Athletic is necessary.)

Michael Baumann searches for a suitable match for Matt Chapman.
David Schoenfield constructs a 2024 All-Star team roster that is far too early.
It’s Chris Gilligan who highlights Nolan Jones.
Words cannot express this. This is really depressing.

For the past ten years, minor league baseball clubs all around the country have adopted a practice of renaming themselves briefly after a beloved dish in the area. Taken together, these diverse food-based identities create a feast too rich and wonderful for a single meal, but one that is unquestionably admirable.

These are the tastiest aliases from the farm systems of every Major League team. Seize some napkins and begin eating.

There are a lot of Filipinos living in Norfolk, Virginia; many of them came to the city after serving in the military. The Tides responded by introducing the Lumpia, the first alternate identity in Minor League Baseball with a Filipino motif. Lumpia, a snack that resembles spring rolls, is a mainstay of Filipino cooking.

Maine Bean Suppahs (Double-A Portland Sea Dogs), the Red Sox
With players like Whoopie Pies, Clambakes, Red Snappers, and yes, Bean Suppahs, on their team, the Sea Dogs are formidable opponents in the game of alternate food identities. This name, pronounced like a Mainer would, honours group Saturday night dinners of baked beans, hot dogs with red snapper, and brown bread.

Sauerkraut Balls (Double-A Akron RubberDucks) are the guardians.
A speciality of North-east Ohio, sauerkraut balls are typically served on New Year’s Day. On the first day of 2023, the RubberDucks revealed who they were: the Sauerkraut Balls, with a deep-fried pork and sauerkraut combo that jumped joyfully into marinara sauce.

Runzas (Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers) are the Royals.
Stuffed onto a bun, runzas are a straightforward yet filling dish made of meat, cabbage, and onions. Because of their popularity in Nebraska, the Storm Chasers introduced a Runzas-themed outfit in 2018. From then on, it has become an annual custom.

Tigers: Double-A Erie SeaWolves’ Pepperoni Balls
The AL Central parent club of several Double-A Eastern League locations, including Akron, honoured a spherical deep-fried regional speciality in 2023. The SeaWolves’ Pepperoni Balls logo pays homage to a beloved Erie dish made of pizza dough, cheese, and—of course—peppered pizza.