Hello everyone! The playoffs roll along, and so do the links.
In playoff news...
- The Atlanta pitching staff shined once again in a 2-0 shutout win over the Miami Marlins, putting the Braves in the driver’s seat in the series.
- With their backs to the wall, the A’s bats came out hot late in the game to lead Oakland to a 9-7 win over the Astros.
- The Rays slugged a trio of homers in their second win over the Yankees in the series.
- San Diego fell just short in their comeback attempt against the Dodgers, allowing Los Angeles to advance to 2-0 in the series.
In Mariners news...
- It’s great to see Jonatan Clase back in action! It’ll be refreshing to hear some prospect news this fall.
Mariners prospects are getting set to play their first fall league game this Friday. Jonatan Clase, who hasn’t been in a pro batting cage in eight months, says it feels good to be back and is looking forward to the games. pic.twitter.com/DkSvNHpl6F
— Lookout Landing (@LookoutLanding) October 7, 2020
- Shannon Drayer caught up with Kyle Lewis following the outfielder’s terrific rookie campaign.
- In a disappointing move, the Mariners have reportedly cut ties with bullpen coach Brian DeLunas.
Some Mariners news.
— Corey Brock (@CoreyBrockMLB) October 8, 2020
Also, if you haven’t yet, check out our real time updates. The tab is located at the bottom of the app. pic.twitter.com/jlIf6GDVtS
Around the league...
- What a wild trend (this was tweeted before yesterday’s games).
There is a very simple rule for winning playoff baseball in 2020: outhomer your opponent. Teams that hit the most home runs in a game are now 18-0 this postseason.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 7, 2020
- David Waldstein at The New York Times wrote about what it’s like to be Dusty Baker, the man in charge of a team of villains.
- Jay Jaffe at Fangraphs remembers the legendary career of Bob Gibson.
- So the change begins.
With the expiration of the governing agreement between MLB and Minor League Baseball, MLB announces it is moving the minor league offices into its New York headquarters. MLB also now is referring to minor league teams as "licensed affiliates."
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) October 7, 2020
- Stephanie Apstein at Sports Illustrated criticized Major League Baseball’s decision to allow fans into games in Arlington.
- Cleveland manager Terry Francona apparently underwent several surgeries during the 2020 season and hopes to get back to full strength in 2021.
Anders’ picks...
- Over at Sports Illustrated, Michael Rosenberg penned a sobering take on the health consequences of playing football through the lens of the 1989 USC team.