Here is a look at some of the most recent news and notes in Major League Baseball:
Red Sox Take Commanding Lead
The World Series is in full swing and the Boston Red Sox have continued their hot play through the first two games, winning both games at home as the series now shifts to Los Angeles. In game one, the Red Sox bullpen was able to hold on for a win, 8-4, after Chris Sale only made it through 4 innings of work. In game two, David Price continued his impressive postseason as he went 6 innings, allowing 2 earned runs and striking out 5 en route to a win. Now, the Dodgers will need to rely on youngster Walker Buehler and the support of their home crowd in order to try to battle back into this series.
To DH Or Not To DH
One of the most interesting storylines for game three of the World Series will be what the Red Sox do with J.D. Martinez. The AL MVP candidate is primarily a designated hitter, but with the series shifting to Los Angeles, a National League ballpark, the Red Sox will not have the designated hitter spot at their disposal. There have been rumblings that Mookie Betts, another AL MVP candidate, could shift to second base, giving way to J.D. Martinez to play right field. While that may not be the Red Sox strongest defense, manager Alex Cora certainly does not want to see one of his best players sitting on the bench.
Manager Carousel In Full Swing
In non-World Series related news, several new managerial hires have been made over the last week. The first move made was by the Cincinnati Reds, who hired David Bell as their manager. While many of David’s relatives played for the Reds at one point or another, David’s relationship comes from managerial ties, as he managed their Double-A team for three years and Triple-A for another. His other coaching experience includes working as a third base coach for the Cubs in 2012 and on Mike Matheny’s staff with the Cardinals, most notably as a bench coach.
The Los Angeles Angels also filled their managerial spot, replacing longtime skipper Mike Scioscia with former catcher and Tigers’ manager, Brad Ausmus. Most recently, Ausmus served in the Angels’ front office in 2018 as a special assistant to the general manager.
Other notable positions that have been filled include the Minnesota Twins naming Rocco Baldelli as their new manager and the Blue Jays hiring of Charlie Montoyo to be their new skipper. For Baldelli, he has actually never managed at any level, although he does have experience in and around the game. Aside from his playing days, he most recently served as the Tampa Bay Rays field coordinator. He also spent a few seasons as the Rays’ first base coach. Montoyo was also plucked from the Rays’ organization, as he most recently served as their bench coach.
Astros Star Played With Unreal Injury
Anyone who watched the ALCS definitely knew that Jose Altuve was in pain. In fact, he was in so much pain that he actually transitioned to the team’s designated hitter, with Marwin Gonzalez taking over the responsibilities at second base. After the Astros were eliminated, it was revealed why. Altuve had surgery to repair a patella avulsion fracture in his right knee. According to Brian McTaggart, who broke the news, an avulsion fracture is when a small part of the bone attached to the knees tendon or ligament has loosened. In other words, Altuve was essentially playing on one good leg and was in considerable pain every time he had to run. It is expected that Altuve will make a full recovery by the start of spring training.
Diamondbacks Sign Eduardo Escobar
Free agency will not get started in earnest until after the World Series ends, but one player has already come off the board. Eduardo Escobar, who was acquired by the Diamondbacks in a trade with the Minnesota Twins, has agreed to a three year, $21 million deal. It is an interesting decision by Escobar, as he might have been able to sign for more on the open market, but it also might indicate his enjoyment playing with Arizona. This season he hit .272/.334/.489 with 23 home runs. While he has spent most of his time at third base, he also has some versatility to him, being able to play multiple positions.
Free Agents Getting Ready For Wild Offseason
There are certainly big names out there that are anxiously awaiting the offseason as they have the opportunity to cash in during free agency. The two most notable names this year will be Bryce Harper and Manny Machado. While neither will likely sign anytime soon after free agency opens, they will be the ones that most eyes are on. It is likely that both will sign around, if not over, a $300 million contract. The question is…for whom?
Outside of these two, there are plenty of interesting names on the market. Some of these players include Dallas Keuchel, Patrick Corbin, Craig Kimbrel, Nathan Eovaldi, Charlie Morton, Andrew Miller, Zach Britton, Nelson Cruz, Evan Gattis, Andrew McCutchen, Adam Jones, A.J. Pollock, Marwin Gonzalez, Josh Donaldson, DJ LeMahieu, and more. It is definitely going to be an exciting offseason.
Adding to the excitement are also the players that can opt out of their current deals. The most notable are Clayton Kershaw and David Price. While it is uncertain whether either of them actually will, it could completely alter the landscape of the pitching market if they do.
