Friday Links: World Series shifts to San Fran

After splitting the first two games of the World Series at Kauffman Stadium, the Kansas City Royals and the San Francisco Giants will resume the fall classic tonight at AT&T Park. The scheduled pitching match-up for tonight is set to feature two veterans, who are both starting their first ever World Series game. For the visiting Kansas City Royals, Jeremy Guthrie will get the ball for just his second start of the postseason. In the 35-year old’s first and only playoff start, the right-hander tossed five solid innings against the Baltimore Orioles, and allowed just one run on three hits. Having pitched mainly in the American League during his career, Guthrie doesn’t have a long history against the Giants. However, he has started three games against his World Series foes, and holds a bloated 6.14 ERA in 14.2 innings. Small sample size aside, Guthrie’s sub-2.00 ERA over the last month probably offers a better indicator of how he will pitch tonight. Also making his World Series debut in Game 3, is Giants veteran right-hander Tim Hudson. In his first season as a member of the Giants, Hudson went par the course in regards to his career norms, posting a 3.57 ERA in over 30 starts while tossing just shy of 200 innings. In the playoffs this season, the 39-year old holds an ERA close to 7.00, and opposing batters have posted a .308/.372/.538 slash against him. While his numbers this postseason aren’t pretty, he has enjoyed a modest career against Kansas City. In eleven career starts, the veteran has amassed 67.2 innings pitched and holds an ERA of 4.12.

• How annoying is it when you’re at a ball game and the guy five seats down from you desperately wants a hot dog? Don’t you wish the vendor would just toss the guy his food, instead of having 15 people hand it down? Well this is kinda like that. Except it’s a bag of peanuts, and the guy isn’t just five seats down — he’s not even on the same level. (Get a load of the arm on this World Series peanut guy)

• A trio of Red Sox have been named finalist for Gold Glove awards at their respective positions. While some may have thought that Jackie Bradley’s abysmal rookie campaign would overshadow his Gold Glove candidacy, the 24-year old is well in the hunt for the distinction. Of course, defense is only half the battle, Bradley will still need hone in his offensive skills if he wants to stick around in the majors. (Jackie Bradley Jr.’s quest to polish golden credentials)

• The Red Sox officially announced the hiring of Chili Davis as the teams hitting coach for the 2015 season. Davis will be joined by Victor Rodriguez, who served in the same position last year aside the recently retired Greg Colbrunn. The 54-year old returns to the Red Sox organization after having spent time as hitting coach with the Oakland Athletics, where he became familiar with current Red Sox outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. (Red Sox hire Chili Davis as hitting coach)

• While much has been made about the Red Sox need for an ace, no attention has been given to the fairly strong secondary starting pitching market. While an arm like Brandon McCarthy may be the steadiest of the lot, names like Francisco Liriano and Justin Masterson evoke some intrigue. Obviously Boston must attend to the vacant one and two spots in their rotation, but they also must fill a lower spot with an steady, affordable arm. (Taking a look at the second-tier free agent starting pitchers)

• Shortly following the departure of Rays’ General Manager Andrew Friedman, Tampa Bay lost another piece to their winning puzzle. After managing the team for nine seasons, Rays manager Joe Maddon opted out of the final year of his contract with the team. Maddon was in line for a lengthy extension with the team, but after negotiations broke down the two sides agreed to part ways. (Rays manager Joe Maddon exercises opt-out clause, leaving team)

• Tweet of the day: “I’m kinda tired, think I’ll go home now” -Forrest Gump