Mariners Moose Tracks, 10/13/23: Diego Castillo, Bryce Harper, and Clayton Kershaw

The League Championship Series are set.

By Anders Jorstad@AndersJorstad Oct 13, 2023, 7:00am PDT

Hello everyone! Happy Friday to you all. Let’s get to it.

In the MLB playoffs...

With a 3-1 win over Atlanta, the Phillies have advanced to their second consecutive NLCS, where they will face off against the Diamondbacks.

Former Mariners Director of Amateur Scouting Tom McNamara spoke to Fangraphs’ David Laurila about the 2012 draft for the M’s, now that more than a decade has passed.
Another round of players have elected free agency, a list that includes Mariners relievers José Rodríguez and Diego Castillo.

Jake Mintz at FOX Sports wrote about Bryce Harper’s terrific night in Game 3 of the NLDS and the beef between Harper and Orlando Arcia that bloomed during the series.
Rangers associate manager Will Venable plans to stay with the ballclub for now, even with rumors swirling that other teams may want him as a full-time skipper. Though, I wonder if his tune will change once the team’s season is officially over.
Another quick exit for the Dodgers in the playoffs, and frustrations are beginning to mount, writes Alden Gonzalez at ESPN.
Eric Stephen at True Blue LA wonders if Clayton Kershaw will throw another pitch for the Dodgers.
The Orioles are hoping to lock up several of their young studs to long term deals, says General Manager Mike Elias.

It’s not exactly baseball news, but our friend Matthew Roberson at GQ interviewed Skip Bayless and Lil Wayne about their unusual but thriving friendship.