Thursday Links: A Giant Dynasty

Major League Baseball crowned a new champion on Wednesday night, as the San Francisco Giants defeated the Kansas City Royals in Game 7 of the World Series. After being shutout in game six of the series, the Giants offense started clicking in the early stages of game 7. San Francisco loaded the bases with nobody out in the second inning, and then scored two runs on the strength of two sacrifice flies by Michael Morse and Brandon Crawford. However, Kansas City was quick to respond to the Giants early lead in the home half of the second inning, as they knotted the score at two. Alex Gordon grooved a Tim Hudson offering into left field to account for the Royals first run, while Omar Infante pushed across the tying run on a sacrifice fly. It didn’t take long for Kansas City to retake the lead however, as Michael Morse collected his second RBI of the game and broke the 2 run tie. Already facing a one run deficit, life only got harder for the Royals in the fifth inning when the Giants summoned Madison Bumgarner from the bullpen. Perhaps predictably, Bumgarner picked up right where he left off during his game 5 complete game shutout. The Giants left-hander tossed five innings and allowed just two base runners, while punching out four batters over the course of his outing. In the ninth, with the Giants still clinging to a 3-2 lead, Bumgarner quickly collected the first two outs of the inning. Down the their last out, Royals outfielder Alex Gordon whacked a single into left field, and advanced to third on an error by left fielder Gregor Blanco. However, after a six pitch battle against Royals catcher Salvatore Perez, Pablo Sandoval squeezed a popup in foul territory and the celebration ensued. The Giants now join the Red Sox as the only team with three World Series’ since the start of 2000. To no one’s surprise, Madison Bumgarner was named the World Series MVP after allowing just one run in three starts and 21 innings pitched during the fall classic.

• While just about everyone on the Giants pitching staff made a contribution at one point of another this October, San Francisco’s World Series title would not have been remotely possible without the historic effort from Madison Bumgarner. Now boasting a career record of 4-0 in the World Series and a overall postseason ERA of 0.25, the Giants left-hander virtually threw the Giants on his back en route to their third World Series of the decade. (Giants win World Series with a 1-man rotation)

• After leaving the Tampa Bay Rays earlier this month, it didn’t take long for Joe Maddon to find himself a new home. Although the deal is not yet official, the 60-year old is reportedly closing in on a pact with the Chicago Cubs. Maddon will likely displace current Cubs manager Rick Renteria, and join the team just in time to enjoy the fruits of the Cubs farm system. (Joe Maddon expected to join Cubs)

• Andrew Miller’s first go around in the free agent market couldn’t have come at a better time for the left-hander. After a dominate 2014 season in which Miller tossed over 60 frames and posted a 103/17 strike out to walk ratio, the 29-year old is set to cash in big time this winter. While the Red Sox will try to bring back the southpaw, Miller will have plenty of potential suitor’s vying for his services. (Andrew Miller hitting free agency at the perfect time)

• While Jake Peavy probably isn’t thinking about it right now, the veteran right-hander is set to hit the free agent market in a couple weeks. Prior to the Giants World Series title, Peavy did give some thought to where he might like to pitch next season, which included the idea of following Jon Lester where ever he goes. Early speculation has painted the Cubs as the heavy favorite to sign Lester, so Peavy might not be far behind. (Cubs could pursue Jon Lester, Jake Peavy in package deal)

• To no one’s surprise, Pablo Sandoval and Chase Headley are firmly entrenched atop the Red Sox early offseason wishlist. While both are logical fits to fill Boston’s third base vacancy, the future projections and contract requirements seem to lean in favor of Headley. (Red Sox to pursue Chase Headley, Pablo Sandoval for third base)

• Tweet of the day: Look on the bright side…