Thursday Links: Playoff stage is set

Photo credit: Kelly O’Connor

The San Fransisco Giants and Pittsburgh Pirates played the National League Wild Card game on Wednesday night. However, unlike the exciting extra innings American League Wild Card contest on Tuesday, the National League game was mostly one sided throughout. Starters Madison Bumgarner and Edison Volquez exchanged scoreless frames clubs through the first 3 innings, and it seemed as though the game set to be a pitchers duel. After the Giants loaded the bases in the 4th inning on two hits and a walk, Brandon Crawford broke the scoreless tie by crushing a grand slam to deep right field. An inning later, Brandon Belt tacked on another run to the Giants tally with an RBI single to right. However, Belt wasn’t done helping the Giants build a lead, as he drove in 2 more runs with a single in the 7th inning. Meanwhile, Madison Bumgarner stymied the Pirates offense as the right-hander allowed just 5 base runners and held Pittsburgh off the scoreboard in 9 innings of work. San Fransisco’s convincing 8-0 victory over the Pirates ensured that the team will meet the Washington Nationals in the National League Divisional Series, set to kick off on Friday.

• Although it may be hard to believe, sometimes a championship is more important to an athlete than money. While he’s made plenty of cash throughout his career, Miguel Cabrera has re-prioritized his wants as a major league athlete. Instead of taking the playoff bonus that he’s entitled to, Cabrera is focusing on winning the big game. (Miguel Cabrera rejects playoff bonus money, say ‘I just want the ring’)

• What the 2013 Red Sox had is just what the 2014 team lacked — depth. During the run to the World Series, the Red Sox were given the edge many times thanks in part to a deep roster. Role players and regulars alike provided consistent contributions up and down the line up during 2013. This season, however, Boston struggled to find the same cohesiveness in their order; which finished last in the league in multiple offensive categories. Therefore, as the team builds toward next year acquiring depth will be almost important as finding starting pitchers. (Deep Thoughts: Red Sox will look to fashion a new offense again built on depth)

• After losing out on the Houston Astros’ managerial job, Red Sox bench coach Torey Lovullo will interview for the same vacant role with the Texas Rangers. Brought onto the Red Sox staff by John Farrell prior to 2013, Lovullo has received rave reviews about his managerial potential. In the minor leagues, Lovullo spent one season managing the Pawtucket Red Sox back in 2010. (Red Sox bench coach Torey Lovullo to interview with Rangers)

• Like many of his teammates, David Ross endured a tough year. In his free agent season, the backup catcher batted below .200 and reached base at just a .260 clip. While some believe the Red Sox should look for a more offensive backup catcher this winter, others believe that another season with David Ross might go a long way. Aside from being a reliable secondary backstop, Ross’s defensive prowess could help further mold Christian Vazquez’s glove work behind the plate. (David Ross worthy of another season with Red Sox)

• Don’t freakout just yet about Jon Lester putting his Massachusetts home up for sale. While some viewed this as a surefire sign that the southpaw was moving on from Boston, a recent report suggests that the Lester family is just being proactive on the free agent’s situation. Still, the lefties return to Boston seems unlikely this winter, but until he inks his impending lucrative pact the door is always open. (The thinking behind putting Jon Lester’s house on the market)

• Tweet of the day: Royaltober? Not your best work, MLB.