Managers chosen

It was going to be nearly impossible for the Nationals to find a replacement for Dusty Baker that had as much managerial experience. With that being the case, they figured they might as well just hire someone on the opposite end of the spectrum.

The Nats announced in a press release Monday that Dave Martinez will be taking the reins from Baker in what will be the 53-year-old’s first ever manager job. Martinez was given a three-year contract with a team option for a fourth year and will be introduced in a press conference on Thursday following the conclusion of the World Series.

Of course, just because Martinez hasn’t managed anywhere doesn’t mean he’s not qualified for the job. He has been the right hand man of Joe Maddon for the past 10 seasons, serving as bench coach of the Rays for seven years and bench coach of the Cubs for the past three years.

Martinez has interviewed for multiple manager gigs in the past, including with the Nationals in the 2013-14 offseason when they hired Matt Williams. Obviously, they were convinced this time around that he was ready for the opportunity.

"I am excited to bring Dave into our family," president of baseball operations and general manager Mike Rizzo said. "As we went through this process it became clear the type of manager we were looking for -- someone who is progressive, someone who can connect with and communicate well with our players, and someone who embraces the analytical side of the game. We came away from the process feeling like there was absolutely no one better suited -- who matched up to what this organization needs right now -- than Dave."

The good news for Martinez is that he will immediately inherit a loaded roster, which usually isn’t the case for a new manager. The Nationals are coming off back-to-back National League East titles and they will get virtually all of their key pieces back for next season.

The bad news for Martinez is that the Nats obviously have a fickle past with their skippers. This is their seventh manager in 14 years in Washington, with none of them lasting longer than two and a half seasons in those first 13 years. And, while the Nationals are a good bet to win a third straight division title in 2018, both Bryce Harper and Daniel Murphy are set to hit free agency next winter. If Martinez’s first managerial post isn’t an immediate success, his seat could get hot in a hurry.

Phils Show Kapler Brotherly Love

The Nationals weren’t the only NL East club to officially tap a new manager Monday, as the Phillies announced that Gabe Kapler will be taking over in their dugout.

Kapler, who was chosen over Triple-A Lehigh Valley manager Dusty Wathan and former Red Sox manager John Farrell, will be introduced in a news conference later this week. He’s the 54th manager in franchise history.

"Gabe has a track record of leadership, winning, progressive thinking and working with young players, and we fully believe that he is the right person to guide this organization into the future," Phillies general manager Matt Klentak said in a statement.

Kapler is a bit of an unorthodox choice since his coaching experience is so limited. He managed the Red Sox' Class A affiliate back in 2007 but actually resumed his playing career after that and played three more seasons in the majors. His only other coaching experience came with the Israeli national baseball team in the 2013 World Baseball Classic qualifier in September of 2012. He did some TV work after that before being hired as the Dodgers’ director of player development in November of 2014. Kapler interviewed for the team’s manager job a year after that but they chose Dave Roberts instead.

Well-versed in sabermetrics, Kapler fits what the progressive Phillies front office was looking for in that regard. He’s also considered a natural leader, which is another reason why he’s often been viewed as an interesting managerial candidate even with his lack of experience.

Kapler, who received a three-year contract, will have his work cut out for him in taking over a young Phillies team that had the third-worst record in the majors this season. For that reason, though, the front office figures to give him and the roster the time they need. It looks like a good fit.


Quick Hits: Astros manager A.J. Hinch indicated that Lance McCullers could be used in relief in Game 6 of the World Series against the Dodgers on Tuesday. McCullers is currently lined up to start a potential Game 7 on Wednesday … Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Monday that everyone on his pitching staff will be available in relief for Game 6 on Tuesday other than Clayton Kershaw and Yu Darvish. That includes Alex Wood, who started Game 4 on Saturday and thus would be on two days’ rest Tuesday … Barry Jackson and Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald have reported that the Marlins' "preferred path" to cut payroll is to trade Giancarlo Stanton, Dee Gordon and Martin Prado and they would “ideally prefer” not to deal Christian Yelich or Marcell Ozuna … Eduardo A. Encina of the Baltimore Sun has reported that the Orioles have reached out to Chris Tillman and Wade Miley about returning in 2018 … Robert Murray of FanRag Sports has reported that "there is increasing chatter" that pitching coach Rick Honeycutt will not return to the Dodgers next season … The Mets released Nori Aoki on Monday … Both Jarred Cosart and Christian Friedrich have elected free agency after being outright off the Padres’ 40-man roster … The Giants claimed Micah Johnson off waivers from the Reds … MLB.com's TR Sullivan has reported that the Rangers are working to hire Colby Lewis as a special assistant. Lewis, 38, didn’t pitch anywhere in 2017.

Astros tip the scales in their favour

What. A. Game.

To say that this World Series has been entertaining would be a massive understatement. It has been unbelievable.

The Dodgers and Astros traded blows through the first four games, each team one-upping the other with the balance of the series shifting on heroic play after heroic play.

After the Astros won Game 3, many thought that they had taken control of the series and that the Dodgers were on life support. After the Dodgers rallied against the Astros’ bullpen to take Game 4, most believed that the series had shifted in their favor. After all, they had star left-hander Clayton Kershaw taking the hill for Game 5 on Sunday night.

So with Kershaw and Astros’ left-hander Dallas Keuchel on the bump, the critical Game 5 would surely be a pitcher’s duel for the ages, right?

Kershaw opened the game by shutting the Astros down in order in the top half of the first inning. The Dodgers bats then immediately went to work against Keuchel. Chris Taylor got things started with a leadoff walk. After Corey Seager went down on strikes, Justin Turner and Enrique Hernandez drew walks to load the bases with one out.

Keuchel was able to battle back, striking out the vaunted Cody Bellinger. He wasn’t out of the woods though. Logan Forsythe ripped a two-run single into left field to get the Dodgers on the board. Forsythe then swiped second base, but pickled himself long enough there to allow Hernandez to race home from third base with the game’s third run.

Facing an early 3-0 deficit and tasked with battling Kershaw, the outlook for the Astros was very bleak from the get-go.

Keuchel rebounded to keep the Dodgers off the board for the next two innings, but they were back at it in the fourth. Forsythe smashed a one-out double to left-center and came around to score on a two-out RBI single off the bat of Austin Barnes. Charlie Culberson followed that knock with a single, which was the end of the line for Keuchel.

Kershaw meanwhile, looked absolutely dialed in. He faced the minimum nine batters through the first three innings. The only baserunner he allowed, an Evan Gattis single in the third inning, was erased on a double play.

The Astros wouldn’t be going quietly into the night however. George Springer opened the fourth inning by drawing a walk. After Alex Bregman flew out, Jose Altuve lined a single into left. Carlos Correa then broke the seal, lacing an RBI double into left to get the Astros on the board. Yulieski Gurriel then clobbered Kershaw’s next pitch for a mammoth three-run homer that tied the game at 4-4. It was the eighth home run that the left-hander has allowed this postseason, setting a new MLB record.

Armed with a new lease on life, Astros’ skipper A.J. Hinch sent Collin McHugh to the hill to start the fifth inning. The right-hander struggled to find the strike zone. Seager worked a six-pitch walk to start the inning, and Turner drew his own base on balls on five pitches. That set the stage for the rookie sensation, Bellinger. The 22-year-old smashed a 2-2 offering deep into the seats in right-center field for a go-ahead three-run homer that completely erased Gurriel’s game-changing blast from the previous half-inning.

With his home run, Bellinger is the youngest player to go deep in the World Series since Miguel Cabrera did so as a 20-year-old in 2003.

McHugh rebounded to retire the next two hitters, but the damage had been done. The Dodgers once again had a three-run advantage and still had the benefit of having Kershaw on the hill.

Kershaw set down the first two Astros’ hitters to start the home half of the fifth inning, but Springer was able to set the table again by drawing an eight-pitch walk. Bregman followed with an epic 10-pitch at-bat that resulted in another free pass. Rather than leaving Kershaw in to face the potential American League MVP as the game’s tying run, Roberts decided to summon Kenta Maeda from the bullpen.

Altuve worked the count full against Maeda, then got ahead of a slider and crushed a long, towering fly ball that hooked foul down the left field line. He didn’t miss the next one. Altuve hammered the next pitch for a game-tying three-run homer, closing the book on Kershaw and once again injecting new life into the Astros and Minute Maid Park.

It was the sixth home run that Altuve has hit at home during this postseason, tying Jayson Werth for the most in MLB history in a single postseason. In total, Altuve has swatted seven long balls this season, which is one shy of the MLB record.

For the most part, the sixth inning was uneventful, with each side trading zeroes.

Brad Peacock relieved McHugh to start the seventh inning, and he immediately put himself against the ropes by allowing a leadoff double to Turner. Hernandez then attempted to lay down a sacrifice bunt, but Peacock sprinted off the mound and fired to third base, nabbing Turner instead. Just as momentum shifted back to the Astros however, it would change again just as quickly.

Cody Bellinger crushed a screaming line drive toward George Springer in center field, putting the defender in no-man’s land. Rather than ease up and play the ball on a hop, Springer made the fateful decision to dive for the ball, coming up empty, allowing it to roll all the way to the wall in center field. Hernandez raced around to score from first base, with Bellinger checking in with a go-ahead RBI triple. To his credit, Peacock battled back nicely, striking out Logan Forsythe and getting Yasiel Puig on a fly ball to strand Bellinger at third.

If the Astros were going to win this ballgame, they would have to engineer at least a third comeback against Dodgers’ pitching.

To protect their new-found advantage, Roberts turned to right-hander Brandon Morrow. He had stated before the game that he didn’t want to use the right-hander for a third straight day (for the first time in his career), but desperate times call for desperate measures. It was Morrow’s 11th appearance in 12 games this postseason and the fifth time that he had worked in the past six days.

George Springer was there to greet him, looking to atone for his mishap that gave away the lead in the top half of the inning. He wasted no time, obliterating Morrow’s first pitch for a titanic 447 foot blast to tie the game. Alex Bregman followed by lining the next pitch into center field, bringing Altuve to the dish again. After a taking a strike, Altuve laced a double into the gap in left-center field giving the Astros their first lead of the ballgame. Altuve then advanced to third on a wild pitch. Carlos Correa followed him with a towering fly ball to left field that seemingly never came down. It traveled just 328 feet, but carried the wall and landed in the Crawford Boxes in left field to increase the Astros’ advantage to 11-7. The ball had a launch angle of 48 degrees according to Statcast, the highest on any home run hit in MLB this season.

That was all she wrote for Morrow, four batters, four earned runs, zero outs recorded.

Tony Cingrani came on in relief of him and retired all three hitters that he faced, but the damage had been done. Now it was the Dodgers’ turn to see if they had any postseason magic.

Hinch elected to stick with Peacock to start the eighth inning, given his lack of trust in the other options in his bullpen. After getting the first out though, Joc Pederson doubled off of the left field wall and Peacock then drilled Chris Taylor in the ribs, bringing the tying run to the plate with the heart of the Dodgers’ order coming up.

That’s when Hinch pulled the plug, calling for Will Harris to face Corey Seager. The star shortstop showed that the Dodgers weren’t ready to roll over just yet, lining the first pitch he saw for an RBI double into the gap in left-center field. That put the tying runs in scoring position with playoff hero Justin Turner striding to the plate. Turner hit the ball hard, but right at Josh Reddick in right field, and despite third base coach Chris Woodward appearing to send Taylor, he (probably wisely) held at third.

With Andre Ethier announced as the pinch-hitter for Enrique Hernandez, Hinch again went to his bullpen. This time it was right-hander Chris Devenski called upon to stop the bleeding. While he had been a disaster for most of the postseason (7.11 ERA), he did work a perfect inning in Game 4 on Saturday. This time, an Astros’ reliever won the battle, coaxing a weak groundout from Ethier to end the threat.

The Astros added onto their lead in the bottom of the eighth inning, when Brian McCann launched a solo homer to right off of Cingrani. That would mean the Dodgers would have to score at least three times in the ninth inning to keep the game going.

Astros’ manager A.J. Hinch said prior to the game that he likely wouldn’t use closer Ken Giles in a save situation, should one arise on Sunday. Having already used all of his trusted arms in the bullpen, it seemed likely that he would leave in Devenski to get through the ninth.

It’s never easy though.

Devenski started by committing the cardinal sin, walking the leadoff batter in Bellinger. After striking out Logan Forsythe, he served up a line drive two-run homer to Yasiel Puig that cut the lead to just one run. Austin Barnes followed with a hustle double to left center that put the tying run in scoring position. He advanced to third on a ground ball by Joc Pederson, leaving it up to Chris Taylor.

Down to their final strike and staring at a potential 3-2 deficit in the Series, Taylor delivered. He lined a sharp single right back through the box, scoring Barnes and tying the game at 12-12.

The Dodgers’ skipper wasn’t going to mess around in the night, giving the ball to his dominant closer Kenley Jansen to work through the heart of the Astros’ lineup. Jansen was able to retire Altuve and Correa without any difficulty, but Gurriel crushed a ball off of the wall in left center that wound up as a double. Jansen responded by retiring Josh Reddick to end the threat.

Bonus Baseball.

Two equally matched teams, both with high-powered offenses and over-worked bullpens, going back and forth with epic comebacks in a pivotal Game 5 of the World Series. To the winner, a commanding 3-2 lead as the series shifts back to Los Angeles on Tuesday. All to be decided on an inning by inning basis with depleted bullpens. Every pitch, every at-bat with magnified intensity and importance. This is where heroes are made.

With the heart of the Dodgers’ order coming up in the 10th inning, Hinch turned to his last semi-reliable horse in the bullpen, Joe Musgrove. The only other options available to him at the time were Ken Giles and Francisco Liriano, so it’s likely that Musgrove would be on for multiple innings if necessary. He did allow a one-out single to Andre Ethier, but nothing further came from it.

To the Astros’ half of the 10th, Roberts was clearly going to stick with Jansen. He retired the first two hitters that he faced in the frame without any trouble, but made a mistake when he clipped Brian McCann with a two-strike pitch. George Springer then worked his third walk of the game, pushing the winning run up to second base. Astros’ manager A.J. Hinch then made the decision to pinch-run Derek Fisher for McCann. In doing so, he risked losing his best defensive catcher should the game continue, but wanted to have more speed on the bases in the event Alex Bregman could come through with a single.

Well played Mr. Hinch. Bregman lined the first pitch that he saw from Jansen over the outstretched glove of Corey Seager at shortstop, allowing Fisher to race around the bases and slide in ahead of the throw with the winning run in a 13-12 victory that will be remembered for generations.

So what happens next?

The series now shifts back to Los Angeles for Game 6 on Tuesday night. If the Dodgers want to survive and advance to a do-or-die Game 7 scenario, they’ll have to get past Justin Verlander who has yet to lose a game as a member of the Astros. Opposing him will be curveball-enthusiast extraordinaire, Rich Hill who delivered a dominant performance but was pulled after just four innings in Game 2 of the Series.

While the task may look daunting for the Dodgers, remember that 13 of the 34 home teams that have taken a 3-2 series lead have gone on to lose each of the next two games when the series shifted back to the road.

Quick Hits: According to multiple reports, the Phillies have decided on their next manager, Dodgers’ director of player development Gabe Kapler. While he has no managerial experience at any level, he’s very highly regarded in the game and reportedly wow’d the Phillies’ brass during his interview, giving him the edge over Dusty Wathan and John Farrell… The Nationals have also made their decision on a successor to Dusty Baker, tabbing Cubs’ bench coach Davey Martinez as their next manager, finalizing a three-year contract… Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts confirmed Sunday that Yu Darvish would pitch in a potential Game 7 if they are able to stave off elimination in Game 6 on Tuesday… Athletics’ catcher Bruce Maxwell was arrested late Saturday for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for allegedly pulling a gun and pointing it at a female food delivery driver.

Dodgers rebound

Last night, I wrote about Dodgers first baseman Cody Bellinger‘s struggles through the first three games of the World Series. He went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts in Game 3, which ran his hitless streak up to 11 at-bats in the Fall Classic. Bellinger turned his fortune around in Game 4 on Saturday night, helping the Dodgers even the World Series at two games apiece with a 6-1 victory at Minute Maid Park.

It was a pitcher’s duel through-and-through after five innings. Both Astros starter Charlie Morton and Dodgers starter Alex Wood were trading zeroes on the scoreboard. Wood, in fact, held the Astros hitless through five. He lost it with two outs in the sixth when George Springer — facing Wood for a third time — swatted a 394-foot solo home run to left field. That was it for Wood. Brandon Morrow came in and got Alex Bregman to ground out to end the inning. Wood’s final line: 5 2/3 innings, one run, one hit, two walks, three strikeouts, 84 pitches.
The Dodgers exacted revenge on the Astros, fighting back for a run of their own in the top of the seventh. With one out against Morton, Cody Bellinger slashed a double to left field, just to the side of the Crawford Boxes. Will Harris came in to relieve Morton and got Yasiel Puig to line out to right field. Seeing light at the end of the tunnel, Harris fell behind Logan Forsythe 2-0. Forsythe then ripped a 2-1 cutter that caught too much plate into shallow left-center to bring Bellinger home, tying the game at 1-1.

In the top of the ninth, Astros manager A.J. Hinch called on struggling closer Ken Giles to start the ninth. Giles had allowed runs in five of six appearances this postseason, including two to the Dodgers in Game 2. It wasn’t exactly shocking, then, when Giles gave up a leadoff single to Corey Seager then walked Justin Turner. After a visit on the mound from pitching coach Brent Strom, Giles proceded to give up a run-scoring double to Bellinger before giving way to Joe Musgrove. Musgrove struck out Puig, then intentionally walked Forsythe to set up a double play possibility. Austin Barnes lifted a sacrifice fly to right field, plating Charlie Culberson, who pinch-ran for Justin Turner. Joc Pederson decided to break the game wide open in the next at-bat, sending an 0-1, 94 MPH fastball to right field for a three-run home run, boosting the Dodgers’ lead to 6-1. Giles ended up on the hook for three runs without recording an out.

Kenley Jansen entered in the bottom of the ninth, attempting to make up for his blown save in Game 2. He did just that. Brian McCann attempted to beat the shift with a bunt, but Seager made a nice play to record the first out. Jansen then struck out Springer. Bregman swatted a solo home run into the Crawford Boxes to make it 6-2, but it was too little, too late. Jansen got Jose Altuve to fly out to center field to end the game, evening up the series.

The final World Series game in Houston will take place on Sunday night. Game 5 will feature a rematch of the Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw and the Astros’ Dallas Keuchel. The two teams will take Monday off to return to Los Angeles for Game 6 on Tuesday and, if necessary, Game 7 on Wednesday.

Gurriel shames the Houston franchise

Yulieski Gurriel is an ass. He antics are so way off base, it's ridiculous.

Gurriel's mocking of Yu Darvish goes way beyond a 5 game 2018 league suspension.

It deserves the book to be thrown at him, by the league. A 3 game suspension now is what would have been more appropriate. Instead, he is given a 5 game suspension that will begin next season , and we still await some type of opposition to a 5 game suspension, possibly reducing it by a game or two.

Gurriel , who is a visible minority himself, makes him a selfless ass. He demeans the fine city of Houston.  Think of all the fine citizens of Houston , many of them visible minorities, many of them are probably Asian or off Asian decent, which were displaced by Hurricane Harvey, and many of them represent first responders.

Okay, I think I have sufficiently made my point.

Fall Classic

You might not have been able to guess it based on the 100-plus degree temperatures in Los Angeles, but after two baseball-less days the Fall Classic is slated to get underway in the City of Angels on Tuesday.

The pitching matchup in Game 1 of the World Series will pit two left-handed former Cy Young winners up against each other, with Dallas Keuchel taking the ball for the Astros and Clayton Kershaw toeing the slab for the Dodgers.

Kershaw will actually be starting two straight games for the Dodgers, as he helped to close out the Cubs in NLCS Game 5 last Thursday, tossing six innings of one-run ball. In three outings this postseason, the ace southpaw holds a 3.63 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 16/5 K/BB ratio over 17 1/3 innings.

The Astros’ roster has a total of 107 plate appearances versus Kershaw, and they’ve hit a combined .229/.292/.312 with zero home runs. Of the players with more than three plate appearances against the lefty, the guy that’s had the most success is – you guessed it – Jose Altuve (he’s 6-for-15 with four doubles).

The Dodgers’ roster has only 29 plate appearances against Keuchel, and Logan Forsythe has 20 of them. He’s managed seven hits – including a triple – versus the left-hander and is a safe bet to be penciled into the lineup at second base. Keuchel wasn’t great in Game 5 of the ALCS against the Yankees but overall has been excellent in three postseason outings, putting up a 2.60 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 25/5 K/BB ratio across 17 1/3 frames.

Speaking of former Cy Young winners, the Astros will send another one to the bump in Game 2 in Justin Verlander, who will oppose Rich Hill. Yu Darvish and Alex Wood are slotted in as the Dodgers’ Game 3 and 4 starters, respectively, while the Astros are expected to go with some combination of Charlie Morton and Lance McCullers. Morton earned the opportunity after he went five scoreless innings in Game 7 of the ALCS, and McCullers will get the shot after he tossed six frames of one-run ball in ALCS Game 4 and went four scoreless in relief in Game 7.

Seager “Good to Go”

The Dodgers needed only five games to dispatch of the Cubs in the NLCS, doing so without star shortstop Corey Seager. They’ll have the reigning National League Rookie of the Year back for the World Series.

Seager went through a simulated game Monday at Dodger Stadium, showing no ill effects of the lower back sprain that kept him out of the NLCS. The Dodgers won’t officially announce their World Series roster until Tuesday, but Seager said Monday that he’s “good to go.”

Seager injured his back on a slide in the NLDS-clinching Game 3 win over the Diamondbacks. The 23-year-old noted that he hasn’t tried sliding again yet in workouts, but it doesn’t appear that’s something that will keep him from being in the lineup in Game 1.

On Sunday, manager Dave Roberts left open the possibility that Seager could serve as a designated hitter for the games in Houston as a way to give his back a little more rest. That might give some starts at shortstop to Charlie Culberson, who filled in admirably for Seager in the NLCS by going 5-for-11 at the plate while playing solid defense. For what it’s worth, though, Seager said his back soreness wasn’t any more pronounced in the field or at the plate.

Seager struggled down the stretch of the regular season while battling an elbow injury, but obviously the Dodgers will be thrilled to get his bat back into the lineup.


Quick Hits: Justin Turner (general soreness) went through agility drills in the outfield at Dodger Stadium on Monday and will be ready for Game 1 of the World Series on Tuesday … The Mets officially hired former Indians pitching coach Mickey Callaway as their new manager on Monday … Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post has reported that the Nationals have requested and received permission to interview Mets hitting coach Kevin Long for their manager job. They’re also interviewing Cubs bench coach Dave Martinez this week … The Braves declined R.A. Dickey's $8 million club option for 2018. Dickey is considering retirement. The club exercised Tyler Flowers' $4 million club option for 2018 …

Pitching previews

Starting Pitching Projections Review

Top 25

1. Clayton Kershaw - Dodgers
Projection: 19-7, 2.08 ERA, 0.863 WHIP, 15 HR, 253/28 K/BB in 212 IP
2017 stats: 18-4, 2.31 ERA, 0.949 WHIP, 23 HR, 202/30 K/BB in 175 IP

It wasn’t quite the same Kershaw this year; after three straight years with sub-2.00 FIPs, he came in at 3.07 this year. He gave up as many homers in 175 innings as he did in 383 innings between 2015 & 2016.

2. Noah Syndergaard - Mets
Projection: 17-6, 2.65 ERA, 1.051 WHIP, 14 HR, 223/41 K/BB in 190 1/3 IP
2017 stats: 1-2, 2.97 ERA, 1.055 WHIP, 0 HR, 34/3 K/BB in 30 1/3 IP

3. Max Scherzer - Nationals
Projection: 17-9, 3.23 ERA, 1.071 WHIP, 28 HR, 255/47 K/BB in 214 2/3 IP
2017 stats: 16-6, 2.51 ERA, 0.902 WHIP, 22 HR, 268/55 K/BB in 200 2/3 IP

While most saw their home run totals rise this year, Scherzer’s fell from 31 to 22, albeit in 28 fewer innings.

4. Chris Sale - Red Sox
Projection: 17-8, 3.19 ERA, 1.050 WHIP, 24 HR, 224/39 K/BB in 205 2/3 IP
2017 stats: 17-8, 2.90 ERA, 0.970 WHIP, 24 HR, 308/43 K/BB in 214 1/3 IP

5. Jake Arrieta - Cubs
Projection: 16-9, 2.96 ERA, 1.050 WHIP, 17 HR, 198/53 K/BB in 201 IP
2017 stats: 14-10, 3.53 ERA, 1.218 WHIP, 23 HR, 163/55 K/BB in 168 1/3 IP

6. Madison Bumgarner - Giants
Projection: 16-11, 3.10 ERA, 1.078 WHIP, 24 HR, 224/47 K/BB in 218 IP
2017 stats: 4-9, 3.32 ERA, 1.090 WHIP, 17 HR, 101/20 K/BB in 111 IP

7. Corey Kluber - Indians
Projection: 16-10, 3.33 ERA, 1.083 WHIP, 26 HR, 231/45 K/BB in 216 IP
2017 stats: 18-4, 2.25 ERA, 0.869 WHIP, 21 HR, 265/36 K/BB in 203 2/3 IP

8. Kyle Hendricks - Cubs
Projection: 16-8, 3.02 ERA, 1.066 WHIP, 18 HR, 167/41 K/BB in 197 IP
2017 stats: 7-5, 3.03 ERA, 1.189 WHIP, 17 HR, 123/40 K/BB in 139 2/3 IP

Hendricks amassing a 3.03 ERA this year while throwing 86 mph was even more impressive than his 2.13 ERA in 2016, especially considering the decline in the Cubs’ defense. His velocity was a little better at the end of the year than at the beginning, but I’m still not going to be nearly this high on him again next spring. His margin for error is going to be razor thin unless he somehow gets more on his fastball.

9. Yu Darvish - Rangers/Dodgers
Projection: 15-8, 3.32 ERA, 1.132 WHIP, 23 HR, 244/61 K/BB in 190 IP
2017 stats: 10-12, 3.86 ERA, 1.163 WHIP, 27 HR, 209/58 K/BB in 186 2/3 IP

10. Jacob deGrom - Mets
Projection: 16-8, 3.22 ERA, 1.133 WHIP, 21 HR, 207/44 K/BB in 198 2/3 IP
2017 stats: 15-10, 3.53 ERA, 1.187 WHIP, 28 HR, 239/59 K/BB in 201 1/3 IP

11. Jon Lester - Cubs
Projection: 15-9, 3.24 ERA, 1.086 WHIP, 21 HR, 187/46 K/BB in 194 1/3 IP
2017 stats: 13-8, 4.33 ERA, 1.323 WHIP, 26 HR, 180/60 K/BB in 180 2/3 IP

12. Justin Verlander - Tigers/Astros
Projection: 16-11, 3.53 ERA, 1.136 WHIP, 30 HR, 222/48 K/BB in 214 IP
2017 stats: 15-8, 3.36 ERA, 1.175 WHIP, 27 HR, 219/72 K/BB in 206 IP

A 15-8 record because of those five late starts with the Astros. If he stayed with the Tigers, he’s probably 12-10 at best.

13. Stephen Strasburg - Nationals
Projection: 13-7, 3.17 ERA, 1.062 WHIP, 19 HR, 184/34 K/BB in 162 IP
2017 stats: 15-4, 2.52 ERA, 1.015 WHIP, 13 HR, 204/47 K/BB in 175 1/3 IP

He still couldn’t quite turn in a full season, but this is the closest that Strasburg has come to pitching to his full potential. His 2.72 FIP was best in the NL.

14. Johnny Cueto - Giants
Projection: 14-11, 3.35 ERA, 1.142 WHIP, 20 HR, 181/47 K/BB in 209 1/3 IP
2017 stats: 8-8, 4.52 ERA, 1.446 WHIP, 22 HR, 136/53 K/BB in 147 1/3 IP

15. Aaron Nola - Phillies
Projection: 13-9, 3.27 ERA, 1.139 WHIP, 18 HR, 184/40 K/BB in 181 2/3 IP
2017 stats: 12-11, 3.54 ERA, 1.208 WHIP, 18 HR, 184/49 K/BB in 168 IP

16. Masahiro Tanaka - Yankees
Projection: 13-9, 3.36 ERA, 1.121 WHIP, 24 HR, 163/31 K/BB in 184 2/3 IP
2017 stats: 13-12, 4.74 ERA, 1.239 WHIP, 35 HR, 194/41 K/BB in 178 1/3 IP

17. Carlos Carrasco - Indians
Projection: 13-10, 3.50 ERA, 1.138 WHIP, 23 HR, 184/41 K/BB in 185 1/3 IP
2017 stats: 18-6, 3.29 ERA, 1.095 WHIP, 21 HR, 226/46 K/BB in 200 IP

18. Carlos Martinez - Indians
Projection: 15-8, 3.24 ERA, 1.206 WHIP, 14 HR, 174/58 K/BB in 189 IP
2017 stats: 12-11, 3.64 ERA, 1.220 WHIP, 27 HR, 217/71 K/BB in 205 IP

Martinez’s home-run rate doubled from his career mark this year; he went from allowing 0.60 per nine innings to 1.19 in 2017. There still aren’t any real red flags here, though.

19. David Price - Red Sox
Projection: 12-9, 3.50 ERA, 1.120 WHIP, 21 HR, 165/33 K/BB in 169 2/3 IP
2017 stats: 6-3, 3.38 ERA, 1.192 WHIP, 8 HR, 76/24 K/BB in 74 2/3 IP

20. Gerrit Cole - Pirates
Projection: 13-8, 3.31 ERA, 1.149 WHIP, 14 HR, 167/43 K/BB in 174 IP
2017 stats: 12-12, 4.26 ERA, 1.251 WHIP, 31 HR, 196/55 K/BB in 203 IP

Cole is another one who had been really good at eluding the home run ball until this year. In fact, his spike was bigger than Martinez’s; he went from allowing 0.56 HR per nine innings to 1.37 this year. His strikeout and walk rates were strong, and apart from the homers, he allowed fewer hits than usual. I assume we’ll see some sort of rebound next year.

21. Jose Quintana - White Sox/Cubs
Projection: 13-11, 3.56 ERA, 1.166 WHIP, 23 HR, 183/44 K/BB in 205 IP
2017 stats: 11-11, 4.15 ERA, 1.224 WHIP, 23 HR, 207/61 K/BB in 188 2/3 IP

22. Lance McCullers - Astros
Projection: 12-7, 3.09 ERA, 1.192 WHIP, 12 HR, 180/59 K/BB in 154 1/3 IP
2017 stats: 7-4, 4.25 ERA, 1.298 WHIP, 8 HR, 132/40 K/BB in 118 2/3 IP

23. Matt Harvey - Mets
Projection: 12-9, 3.53 ERA, 1.153 WHIP, 21 HR, 165/33 K/BB in 176 IP
2017 stats: 5-7, 6.70 ERA, 1.694 WHIP, 21 HR, 67/47 K/BB in 92 2/3 IP

Is he still paying for throwing so many innings in 2015? We’ll never know whether that’s really the case, but things seem awfully bleak at the moment. The Mets will tender him a contract and sign him for about $5.5 million, but if he doesn’t show something in spring training, they could cut him and owe him just a quarter of the amount.

24. James Paxton - Mariners
Projection: 13-8, 3.45 ERA, 1.197 WHIP, 19 HR, 180/51 K/BB in 174 2/3 IP
2017 stats: 12-5, 2.98 ERA, 1.103 WHIP, 9 HR, 156/37 K/BB in 136 IP

25. Cole Hamels - Rangers
Projection: 15-10, 3.72 ERA, 1.211 WHIP, 25 HR, 198/58 K/BB in 205 2/3 IP
2017 stats: 11-6, 4.20 ERA, 1.203 WHIP, 18 HR, 105/53 K/BB in 148 IP  

The 6.4 K/9 IP is going to scare off a bunch of people next year. Hamels fanned 200 in 200 2/3 innings in 2016, so the decline was really sudden. His velocity drop wasn’t all that severe, but if he loses more off his fastball next year, things could get ugly in a hurry.
27. Rick Porcello - Red Sox
Projection: 15-11, 3.87 ERA, 1.150 WHIP, 28 HR, 175/38 K/BB in 214 IP
2017 stats: 11-17, 4.65 ERA, 1.397 WHIP, 38 HR, 181/48 K/BB in 203 1/3 IP

28. Chris Archer - Rays
Projection: 13-10, 3.57 ERA, 1.227 WHIP, 22 HR, 198/58 K/BB in 186 2/3 IP
2017 stats: 10-12, 4.07 ERA, 1.259 WHIP, 27 HR, 249/60 K/BB in 201 IP

29. Julio Teheran - Braves
Projection: 13-11, 3.75 ERA, 1.155 WHIP, 28 HR, 175/45 K/BB in 206 IP
2017 stats: 11-13, 4.49 ERA, 1.370 WHIP, 31 HR, 151/72 K/BB in 188 1/3 IP

30. Rich Hill - Cubs
Projection: 10-6, 3.16 ERA, 1.106 WHIP, 13 HR, 147/41 K/BB in 128 1/3 IP
2017 stats: 12-8, 3.32 ERA, 1.091 WHIP, 18 HR, 166/49 K/BB in 135 2/3 IP

34. Marcus Stroman - Blue Jays
Projection: 14-10, 3.64 ERA, 1.204 WHIP, 19 HR, 159/45 K/BB in 197 2/3 IP
2017 stats: 13-9, 3.09 ERA, 1.308 WHIP, 21 HR, 164/62 K/BB in 201 IP

Stroman’s 3.09 ERA this year came with slightly worse peripherals than his 4.37 ERA in 2016. I still feel pretty good about him going forward, but because his ERA was so good this year, he probably won’t be much of a value pick next spring.

38. Dallas Keuchel - Astros
Projection: 14-9, 3.66 ERA, 1.206 WHIP, 19 HR, 161/47 K/BB in 194 IP
2017 stats: 14-5, 2.90 ERA, 1.119 WHIP, 15 HR, 125/47 K/BB in 145 2/3 IP

43. Alex Cobb - Rays
Projection: 12-9, 3.61 ERA, 1.204 WHIP, 18 HR, 161/53 K/BB in 184 1/3 IP
2017 stats: 12-10, 3.66 ERA, 1.221 WHIP, 22 HR, 128/44 K/BB in 179 1/3 IP

45. Matt Moore - Giants
Projection: 12-11, 3.67 ERA, 1.233 WHIP, 23 HR, 183/62 K/BB in 189 IP
2017 stats: 6-15, 5.52 ERA, 1.532 WHIP, 27 HR, 148/67 K/BB in 174 1/3 IP

Matt Less.

47. Zack Greinke - Rays
Projection: 12-12, 3.90 ERA, 1.210 WHIP, 26 HR, 182/45 K/BB in 203 1/3 IP
2017 stats: 17-7, 3.20 ERA, 1.072 WHIP, 25 HR, 215/45 K/BB in 202 1/3 IP

The lesson here is never to assume you have Greinke figured out. I didn’t expect much of a rebound with his velocity and strikeout rate dipping. Well, the velocity continued to drop, yet he came up with his second biggest strikeout rate ever. Greinke’s ERA has started with a different number each of the last four years (2.71, 1.66, 4.37, 3.20).

49. Danny Duffy - Royals
Projection: 11-10, 3.89 ERA, 1.199 WHIP, 24 HR, 173/50 K/BB in 176 IP
2017 stats: 9-10, 3.81 ERA, 1.257 WHIP, 13 HR, 130/41 K/BB in 146 1/3 IP

58. Robbie Ray - Diamondbacks
Projection: 11-11, 3.86 ERA, 1.291 WHIP, 24 HR, 215/67 K/BB in 191 1/3 IP
2017 stats: 15-5, 2.89 ERA, 1.154 WHIP, 23 HR, 218/71 K/BB in 162 IP

61. Michael Wacha - Cardinals
Projection: 12-9, 3.74 ERA, 1.242 WHIP, 18 HR, 147/49 K/BB in 170 2/3 IP
2017 stats: 12-9, 4.13 ERA, 1.358 WHIP, 17 HR, 158/55 K/BB in 165 2/3 IP

67. Jharel Cotton - Athletics
Projection: 10-10, 3.90 ERA, 1.212 WHIP, 25 HR, 161/44 K/BB in 168 1/3 IP
2017 stats: 9-10, 5.58 ERA, 1.442 WHIP, 28 HR, 105/53 K/BB in 129 IP

I was high on Cotton going in, but it seems his fastball just isn’t good enough, at least not as a starter. Maybe he’d get a velocity boost in relief.

71. Tyler Glasnow - Pirates
Projection: 11-9, 3.73 ERA, 1.341 WHIP, 16 HR, 182/79 K/BB in 164 IP
2017 stats: 2-7, 7.69 ERA, 2.016 WHIP, 13 HR, 56/44 K/BB in 62 IP

Big yikes. Glasnow was lights out in Triple-A after losing his spot in the Pirates’ rotation, but when he rejoined the team in September, he just couldn’t throw strikes. Spring training will determine whether he’s worth taking a chance on next year. His ceiling remains sky-high.

74. Alex Wood - Dodgers
Projection: 9-7, 3.57 ERA, 1.238 WHIP, 14 HR, 136/45 K/BB in 141 1/3 IP
2017 stats: 16-3, 2.72 ERA, 1.057 WHIP, 15 HR, 151/38 K/BB in 152 1/3 IP

78. Sonny Gray - Athletics/Yankees
Projection: 11-10, 3.86 ERA, 1.277 WHIP, 18 HR, 141/52 K/BB in 174 2/3 IP
2017 stats: 10-12, 3.55 ERA, 1.207 WHIP, 19 HR, 153/57 K/BB in 162 1/3 IP

82. Lance Lynn - Cardinals
Projection: 11-9, 3.79 ERA, 1.323 WHIP, 16 HR, 157/64 K/BB in 178 1/3 IP
2017 stats: 11-8, 3.43 ERA, 1.229 WHIP, 27 HR, 153/78 K/BB in 186 1/3 IP

83. Hyun-Jin Ryu - Dodgers
Projection: 9-7, 3.66 ERA, 1.221 WHIP, 14 HR, 109/31 K/BB in 132 2/3 IP
2017 stats: 5-9, 3.77 ERA, 1.366 WHIP, 22 HR, 116/45 K/BB in 126 2/3 IP

84. Mike Leake - Cardinals/Mariners
Projection: 12-12, 3.94 ERA, 1.237 WHIP, 22 HR, 130/40 K/BB in 194 IP
2017 stats: 10-13, 3.92 ERA, 1.280 WHIP, 20 HR, 130/37 K/BB in 186 IP

When Leake ended May with a 2.24 ERA, it didn’t seem likely that this would go down as one of my best projections. It actually took a late rally; Leake had a 4.21 ERA for the Cardinals before he went 3-1 with a 2.53 ERA in his five starts for the Mariners.

85. Gio Gonzalez - Nationals
Projection: 11-10, 3.94 ERA, 1.290 WHIP, 18 HR, 159/59 K/BB in 171 1/3 IP
2017 stats: 15-9, 2.96 ERA, 1.179 WHIP, 21 HR, 188/79 K/BB in 201 IP

93. Zach Davies - Brewers
Projection: 11-12, 4.18 ERA, 1.233 WHIP, 25 HR, 157/47 K/BB in 187 1/3 IP
2017 stats: 17-9, 3.90 ERA, 1.354 WHIP, 20 HR, 124/55 K/BB in 191 1/3 IP

Way under in wins and WHIP. Way over in strikeouts. Somewhat over in ERA. Davies was about as effective as expected, but this looks like it should be a projection for a totally different pitcher.

97. Dylan Bundy - Orioles
Projection: 9-9, 4.21 ERA, 1.269 WHIP, 22 HR, 149/48 K/BB in 147 1/3 IP
2017 stats: 13-9, 4.24 ERA, 1.196 WHIP, 26 HR, 152/51 K/BB in 169 2/3 IP

98. Dan Straily - Marlins
Projection: 11-12, 4.23 ERA, 1.270 WHIP, 26 HR, 164/62 K/BB in 187 1/3 IP
2017 stats: 10-9, 4.26 ERA, 1.299 WHIP, 31 HR, 170/60 K/BB in 181 2/3 IP

102. Jhoulys Chacin - Padres
Projection: 10-11, 3.95 ERA, 1.306 WHIP, 19 HR, 148/61 K/BB in 180 IP
2017 stats: 13-10, 3.89 ERA, 1.270 WHIP, 19 HR, 153/72 K/BB in 180 1/3 IP

A sneaky good season from Chacin. He worked for $1.75 million for the Padres this year. I wouldn’t want to give him a multiyear deal as a free agent this winter, but he should be in line for a rather nice salary on a one-year deal.

104. Luke Weaver - Cardinals
Projection: 8-7, 3.97 ERA, 1.227 WHIP, 18 HR, 115/31 K/BB in 133 2/3 IP
2017 stats: 7-2, 3.88 ERA, 1.260 WHIP, 7 HR, 72/17 K/BB in 60 1/3 IP

107. Trevor Bauer - Indians
Projection: 11-12, 4.33 ERA, 1.301 WHIP, 26 HR, 175/67 K/BB in 191 1/3 IP
2017 stats: 17-9, 4.19 ERA, 1.367 WHIP, 25 HR, 196/60 K/BB in 176 1/3 IP

114. Luis Severino - Yankees
Projection: 9-10, 4.25 ERA, 1.285 WHIP, 24 HR, 150/50 K/BB in 167 1/3 IP
2017 stats: 14-6, 2.98 ERA, 1.040 WHIP, 21 HR, 230/51 K/BB in 193 1/3 IP

122. Jose Berrios - Twins
Projection: 8-9, 4.21 ERA, 1.303 WHIP, 21 HR, 143/48 K/BB in 147 1/3 IP
2017 stats: 14-8, 3.89 ERA, 1.229 WHIP, 15 HR, 139/48 K/BB in 145 2/3 IP

135. Ervin Santana - Twins
Projection: 10-13, 4.41 ERA, 1.312 WHIP, 28 HR, 157/55 K/BB in 193 2/3 IP
2017 stats: 16-8, 3.28 ERA, 1.126 WHIP, 31 HR, 167/61 K/BB in 211 1/3 IP

140. CC Sabathia - Yankees
Projection: 9-11, 4.39 ERA, 1.304 WHIP, 25 HR, 130/56 K/BB in 168 IP
2017 stats: 14-5, 3.69 ERA, 1.271 WHIP, 21 HR, 120/50 K/BB in 148 2/3 IP

I wouldn’t have imagined back in 2014 that Sabathia would still be a quality pitcher in 2017. That said, while he just posted his best ERA since 2012, his 4.49 FIP wasn’t so impressive. He’s not someone who typically outpitches his FIP, either; in fact, his career ERA and FIP are both right at 3.70.

146. Jimmy Nelson - Brewers
Projection: 9-12, 4.40 ERA, 1.343 WHIP, 22 HR, 152/61 K/BB in 172 IP
2017 stats: 12-6, 3.49 ERA, 1.249 WHIP, 16 HR, 199/48 K/BB in 175 1/3 IP

177. Chase Anderson - Brewers
Projection: 7-11, 4.65 ERA, 1.327 WHIP, 25 HR, 121/45 K/BB in 153 IP
2017 stats: 12-4, 2.74 ERA, 1.090 WHIP, 14 HR, 133/41 K/BB in 141 1/3 IP

An extra two mph on his fastball did wonders for Anderson.

185. Mike Clevinger - Indians
Projection: 5-6, 4.52 ERA, 1.375 WHIP, 14 HR, 88/37 K/BB in 91 2/3 IP
2017 stats: 12-6, 3.11 ERA, 1.249 WHIP, 13 HR, 137/60 K/BB in 121 2/3 IP

188. German Marquez - Rockies
Projection: 5-5, 4.39 ERA, 1.360 WHIP, 13 HR, 79/26 K/BB in 96 1/3 IP
2017 stats: 11-7, 4.39 ERA, 1.377 WHIP, 25 HR, 147/49 K/BB in 162 IP

289. Brad Peacock - Astros
Projection: 5-8, 4.77 ERA, 1.438 WHIP, 16 HR, 95/43 K/BB in 105 2/3 IP
2017 stats: 13-2, 3.00 ERA, 1.189 WHIP, 10 HR, 161/57 K/BB in 132 IP

301. Matt Garza - Brewers
Projection: 6-10, 4.83 ERA, 1.404 WHIP, 19 HR, 93/42 K/BB in 130 1/3 IP
2017 stats: 6-9, 4.94 ERA, 1.448 WHIP, 17 HR, 79/45 K/BB in 114 2/3 IP

Because I have to wrap this up on a good one, of course.

Gentleman Joe out as Yankee manager

 Joe is not returning.  He has parted company with th New York Yankees.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi will not be returning to the team next season.
Girardi led the Yankees to the World Series in 2009, and took them within one game of returning this season before falling to the Astros in Game 7 of the ALCS. The decision appeared to come from the Yankees side.
“With a heavy heart, I come to you because the Yankees have decided not to bring me back,” Girardi said in a statement released by his agent. “I’d like to thank the Steinbrenner family for believing in me and giving me this wonderful opportunity.”
Girardi’s four-year contract was up after this month, and despite this season’s success his future was undecided. Yankees GM Brian Cashman’s contract is also expiring, but he is fully expected to return.
The Yankees confirmed the news after days of meetings with Girardi and Cashman.
“I want to thank Joe for his 10 years of hard work and service to this organization,” Cashman said in a statement. “Everything this organization does is done with careful and thorough consideration, and we’ve decided to pursue alternatives for the managerial position.
“As Hal Steinbrenner and I mentioned to Joe directly this week, he has been a tremendous Yankee on the field and away from it, as a player, coach and manager. He has a tireless work ethic, and put his heart into every game he managed over the last decade. He should take great pride in our accomplishments during his tenure, and I wish Joe and his family nothing but success and happiness in the future.”
Girardi, the former Yankees catcher, had been on board since 2008 and finishes his run with a 910-710 record as Yankees manager.
“I would like to thank Brian Cashman and his staff for hiring me and always trying to improve the team. I would like to thank my coaches and support staff for their dedication to always trying to make the players better and get the most out of them,” said Girardi, who thanked countless members of the organization in his goodbye address.

Girardi came under harsh criticism during Game 2 of the ALDS after he opted not to challenge a play that likely cost the Yankees a win against the Indians. The team rallied to advance by winning the final three games and advancing to the ALCS.
“Finally, I’d like to thanks the Fans for their great support as a Player, Coach and Manager and the lasting memories of their passion and excitement during the Playoff Games, especially the final six games which will remain in my heart forever,” he concluded.
The Yankees will now be late entrants into the process of finding a new manager. The Tigers landed Ron Gardenhire, the Red Sox will get Alex Cora when the World Series is over and the Mets lured Mickey Callaway from the Indians.

The Nationals and Phillies still have openings, and the Yankees could make it three clubs looking for a manager.
Since Cashman has a history of hiring people he is familiar with, the names of Kevin Long and Rob Thomson may prove to be in play.
Long was the Yankees’ hitting coach from 2007-2014 when he was fired with a year left on his contract. He has been the Mets’ hitting coach since 2015. He interviewed for the job Callaway got and is a candidate for the Nationals’ opening.
Thomson has been in the Yankees’ organization for 28 years and has been Girardi’s bench coach for the past four seasons after serving as the third-base coach for six years.
Another name to consider should there be an opening is Pete Mackanin, who was a pro scout for the Yankees in 2013 before coaching third base for the 2014 Phillies. In 2015 Mackanin took over when Ryne Sandberg was fired.

A year later the interim tag was removed and Mackanin signed a three-year deal. This past September the Phillies informed Mackanin he wouldn’t return to the dugout. Instead he was shifted to the front office with one year remaining on his contract.

We are all tied up in knots

If this wasn’t the best game of the 2017 World Series, we’re all in for a real treat.

In a contest that featured a little bit of everything, the Astros were able to hold off the Dodgers in a 7-6 victory on Wednesday in extra-innings to tie the series at a game apiece.

In all honesty, this one didn’t look like it was going to be all that memorable, although that’s not to say that it wasn’t a well-played game. But when Corey Seager hit a two-run homer off of Justin Verlander to give the Dodgers a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the sixth inning, there was certainly more than a few folks who thought the dominant Los Angeles bullpen would be able to take care of business.

But in the top of the eighth inning -- and really from that point on -- things got real fun, especially if you didn’t have a rooting interest in the game.

Carlos Correa knocked in Alex Bregman with a single up the middle off of closer Kenley Jansen to cut the lead to one. An inning later, on an 0-2 pitch, Marwin Gonzalez hit an opposite-field blast to tie the game at 3-3. It was the first time Gonzalez had hit a homer to left-center as a left-handed hitter in his career. And it came on a two-strike pitch off of one of the best relievers in baseball.

An inning later, the Astros superstar combo of Jose Altuve-Carlos Correa went back-to-back with homers that put Houston up 5-3 in the top of the tenth. In the bottom of the tenth, Yasiel Puig homered to pull the Dodgers within one, and then Enrique Hernandez had a terrific at-bat that ended with a game-tying single.

And the offense wasn’t done. After Cameron Maybin nailed a single to center, George Springer rocked a two-run blast that gave the Astros a 7-5 lead. The Dodgers weren’t done either, as Charlie Culberson -- yes, Charlie Culberson -- hit a two-out homer to bring Los Angeles within a run. Ultimately, Chris Devenski was able to get Yasiel Puig swinging on a 3-2 change with two outs to give the Astros the crucial victory.

Simply put, this was one of the most exciting games of the 2017 season. There were eight homers hit on the night, which is the most in a World Series game. There was clutch hitting with a sprinkle of quality pitching as well, and it showed that these two teams are more evenly matched than you might have anticipated after Game 1. Houston now has home-field advantage, but the Dodgers have been one of the few teams that have played well on the road in these playoffs.

Game 3 of the series takes place on Friday in Houston.

Astros set Game 3 and 4 starters.

The Astros have decided on their starters for their first two home games of the World Series, and while it’s not a huge surprise who is starting, the order might be.

AJ Hinch announced that he’ll start Lance McCullers in Game 3, and Charlie Morton in Game 4.

The only reason it could be considered an upset that McCullers is starting on Friday rather than Saturday is that Morton has been the Game 3 starter for the Astros in every other series. However, after pitching well in Game 4, and dominating the Yankees with his curveball in Game 7 of the ALCS, it does make sense that McCullers would get the ball earlier, and giving him a chance to pitch two or more times in the series.

Morton has pitched well, too, but there’s very little doubt that McCullers offers more upside, and Houston would probably feel much more comfortable with him on the mound than Morton, even after the latter pitched well in the winner-take-all game against New York. With the Astros able to win Game 2 on Wednesday, there’s a very good chance we’ll see at least one -- possibly both -- of these hurlers multiple times in this series.

McCullers will go up against Yu Darvish in Game 3, while Morton is scheduled to take on Alex Wood in Game 4. Dallas Keuchel will very likely get a rematch with Clayton Kershaw in Game 5, assuming neither pitches before.

Quick hits: Red Sox 2B Dustin Pedroia  underwent surgery to repair cartilage in his left knee Wednesday, and will likely be out until the end of May in the 2018 season. …Rangers RHP Matt Bush underwent an arthroscopic acromioclavicular joint resection in his right shoulder. He’s expected to be ready by Spring Training ... The Phillies are zeroing in on Dusty Wathan to manage Philadelphia in 2018. He spent 2017 as the manager of Triple-A Lehigh Valley, and has been coaching in the Philadelphia system since 2008. The Mets outrighted five players from the 40-man roster, including RHP Erik Goeddel, 2B Phillip Evans, RHP Tyler Pill, OF Wulimer Becerra, and OF Travis Taijeron.

A move to third ?

CLEVELAND: The early and disappointing end to the Indians’ 2017 post­season run left them with several weeks before they have to make some crucial decisions about the major-league roster.
But some top prospects are already getting some additional work in the Arizona Fall League. That includes top prospect catcher Francisco Mejia.
The Indians liked the defensive advancements Mejia made in 2017, though he’s still considered an offense-first catcher. Although he continues to progress behind the plate, the Indians are using the Fall League to see how Mejia takes to some exposure at third base.
“We’ll see how that goes, and that can help shape our plans in spring training,” president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said in an end-of-the-season news conference last week. “It’s important not to lose sight of the developmental year Francisco had as a catcher. He did an extraordinary job at continuing his development, both offensively but more specifically defensively, the way he led the staff, some of the nuances of catching.”
Mejia is off to a hot start offensively in the Fall League, hitting .375 in his first four games. He also hit .297 with an .835 OPS in 92 games with the RubberDucks after impressing coaches last spring.
Mejia is still considered one of the better catching prospects in baseball. But with the Indians having both Roberto Perez and Yan Gomes signed to long-term deals, Mejia taking to third base could accelerate the timing of his arrival as a major leaguer.
“We talk about it all the time: The more versatility guys can have, the better,” Antonetti said. “If he can be an option for us not only behind the plate, but at another position, that’s a huge asset.”
Always be consistent
The saga of Danny Salazar’s unfulfilled potential due to injuries continued in 2017. Salazar didn’t look like his normal self to begin the year and then dealt with shoulder and elbow issues. During stretches, he looked as dominant as ever, which included his final start of the season.
But it was difficult for the Indians to utilize Salazar in anything more than a bullpen role in the American League Division Series. Concerns about his health led to him throwing only 1⅔ innings.
When healthy, Salazar has been an All-Star, a strikeout machine capable of holding his own even on a staff with Corey Kluber and Carlos Carrasco. But the Indians haven’t seen that side often enough as he’s struggled to stay on the mound. That consistency is something the club wants to see.
“We have to find a way, and Danny included, to get him more consistent,” manager Terry Francona said. “That’s such a big word in our game. And he’s had times, you look he made the All-Star team … And again, he’s still very young and with young players, young pitchers especially, we’ve seen it with Carrasco or look at Kluber, you can’t give up on good, young pitching or they’ll be pitching good for somebody else.”

Moving up?
Indians pitching coach Mickey Callaway is one of the more sought-after managerial candidates around the league.
According to multiple reports, Callaway has garnered heavy interest from both the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Mets and could interview with both this week.
Callaway is one of the more well-respected pitching coaches in the game, lauded for his work with Ubaldo Jimenez and others.
This time of year can be bittersweet for teams, proud to see coaches getting promotions but sad to see valuable members leaving the organization.
“The pride always wins out,” Francona said. “It never fails, guys deserve a chance because of the work they do, and then it’s on us to find the next best person. And, yeah, it hurts when you lose guys, but believe me, the pride wins out, because they deserve that.”

More post game fodder

After the Dodgers took Game 1 of the NLCS from the Cubs behind five strong innings from ace Clayton Kershaw and tremendous work out of the bullpen, the Cubs couldn’t stand to let Sunday’s game slip by and fall behind 2-0 in the series.

Both starting pitchers came to play, trading zeroes back and forth through the first four innings. The Cubs finally broke through in the fifth inning, where Addison Russell clubbed a Rich Hill offering over the wall in left field to give the Cubs a 1-0 advantage.

It wouldn’t last long.

The Dodgers struck back off of Jon Lester in the home half of the fifth inning. Charlie Culberson, who’s only on the roster for his defensive prowess in place of the injured Corey Seager, led off the frame with a double. The Dodgers then opted to pinch-hit for Rich Hill, despite him pitching very well and having thrown only 79 pitches in the game, with Curtis Granderson. That move did not pay off, as Granderson fouled out to third base. Culberson advanced to third on a ground out by Chris Taylor, bringing postseason star Justin Turner to the dish. Turner battled Lester to a 2-2 count before lining a game-tying single into right field.

Hill had been terrific over his five innings of work, allowing just one run (the Russell homer) on three hits and a walk while punching out eight. The Dodgers then turned to right-hander Brandon Morrow to give them a lift, and the 33-year-old hurler obliged. Morrow retired all six hitters that he faced, two of them via strikeout, keeping the score knotted at 1-1 heading to the eighth.

The Cubs bullpen did some heavy lifting of their own to keep the game tied. Carl Edwards came on for Lester after Turner’s single in the fifth, getting the final out and avoiding any further damage. He stayed in the game to work a scoreless sixth inning, striking out three in 1 ⅓ innings. Pedro Strop followed him with a scoreless seventh inning and Brian Duensing was able to navigate his way through the eighth without any trouble.

The Dodgers went back to their bullpen in the eighth, using right-hander Josh Fields to get the first out, then turning to southpaw Tony Watson to get the next two hitters.

That meant that this game would be decided in the ninth inning or later.

The Dodgers weren’t messing around and sent out All-Star closer Kenley Jansen to start the ninth inning in a tied game. Jansen threw 17 pitches during a four-out save on Saturday, striking out all four hitters that he faced. He was dominant again in this outing, striking out two in a scoreless inning of work, though he did hit Anthony Rizzo.

Cubs’ manager Joe Maddon on the other hand, decided to go a different direction in the ninth inning rather than giving the ball to closer Wade Davis. Duensing was left in to start the inning and promptly issued a four-pitch walk to Yasiel Puig. Culberson then laid down a successful sacrifice bunt, putting the potential winning run in scoring position with one out. Duensing bounced back to whiff pinch-hitter Kyle Farmer before getting replaced by veteran right-hander John Lackey.

The 38-year-old hurler had never worked back-to-back games in his career and had thrown 27 pitches while recording the final five outs in Saturday’s Game 1 loss. Chris Taylor worked a six-pitch walk, once again setting the stage for the Dodgers’ hottest hitter, Turner.

After taking Lackey’s first offering for a ball, Turner clobbered the next pitch over the wall in center field for a walk-off three-run homer. He’s now hitting a mighty impressive .429/.500/.714 with a pair of homers and 10 RBI in the postseason.

When asked about the decision to go to Duensing and Lackey in the ninth inning, rather than Davis, Cubs' manager Joe Maddon stated "I really needed him for the save tonight. He had limited pitches."

Sounds eerily similar to the rhetoric spewed by Orioles' manager Buck Showalter after his decision to not use Zach Britton while Ubaldo Jimenez gave away their postseason life a season ago.

The series will now shift back to Chicago on Tuesday with the defending World Champions facing a 2-0 deficit. The Dodgers will send Yu Darvish to the mound, looking to take a commanding 3-0 lead in the series. The Cubs will counter with right-hander Kyle Hendricks, who was hit hard in a rain-shortened start against the Nationals in Game 5 of the NLDS.

Elsewhere, in New York...

In American League action, the ALCS will shift back to New York on Monday with the Yankees looking to battle back from their own 2-0 deficit.

For the Yankees, it’ll be veteran left-hander CC Sabathia taking the hill, fresh off of his out-dueling of Corey Kluber in the decisive Game 5 of the ALDS. In that game, the southpaw racked up nine strikeouts over his 4 ⅓ innings before turning the ball over to the Yankees’ bullpen.

Sabathia has pitched well historically against the current Astros’ roster. As a club, they are hitting just .193/.273/.375 with 24 strikeouts in 88 at-bats against him. Evan Gattis is expected to start behind the plate for the Astros on Monday. He’s 1-for-3 lifetime with a home run off of Sabathia.

He’ll be opposed by Astros’ right-hander Charlie Morton He wasn’t at his best in his lone postseason start, allowing a pair of runs over 4 ⅓ innings against the Red Sox in Game 4 of the ALDS.

Several Yankee hitters have had tremendous success in their careers off of Morton, but none jump off the page the way that Todd Frazier does. The veteran third baseman has slashed .389/.421/.944 with two doubles, a triple, two homers and six RBI in 19 plate appearances against him.

 He missed the entire 2017 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery... Jake Marisnick (thumb) played catch for the first time on Sunday since undergoing surgery to repair his fractured thumb. There's still a chance he could return in time for the World Series should the Astros advance past the Yankees... Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports that Alex Cora is viewed as the "top candidate" for the Red Sox' managerial vacancy... The Red Sox have also requested permission from the Diamondbacks to interview bench coach Ron Gardenhire... According to John Perrotto of FanRag Sports, Fredi Gonzalez is "considered the favorite" to become the Tigers next manager.