Photo credit: Kelly O’Connor
The Giants and Cardinals clinched their respective divisional series’ on Tuesday night, setting up the second NLCS meeting between the two clubs since 2010. When the Giants and Cardinals last met in the 2012 National League Championship Series, the Giants took the National League crown after overcoming a 3 games to 1 series deficit. Former Red Sox shortstop Marco Scutaro played a integral role in the Giants come back, as he batted .500 in 7 games, and won the series MVP award. On the other side of the field, current Red Sox reliever Edward Mujica tossed 4 scoreless innings for the Cardinals. While the rosters are different this time around, the two teams drive to win hasn’t wavered. This postseason, the Giants entered October as the National League Wild Card winner, beating the Pirates in a one game playoff, and taking down the NL East winning Nationals. The Cardinals, on the other hand, took home the NL Central crown for the third time in the past 6 seasons.
- Since the early 2000’s the Red Sox have been known around the majors as a team that puts up consistently tough at-bats. Seemingly on a yearly basis, the Red Sox have been among the league leaders in on-base categories such as pitches per plate appearance and walk rate. Even in a lost season like 2013, Boston was still one of the best teams in the majors at reaching base. Now, as the Red Sox look to add some thunder to their lineup this winter, they also want to keep preaching patience at the plate. (Red Sox will continue to value plate discipline as they reevaluate their hitting philosophy)
- Andrew Miller wasn’t always the dominate late inning force that he was on the Red Sox, and continues to be on the Orioles. While the left hander was drafted in the first round of the 2006 draft, Miller didn’t live up to his potential as a starter in the Tigers organization. After a stop in Florida, Miller was dealt to Boston where he found his true value as a reliever. (From sky hooks to rebounds: The reclaimation of Andrew Miller)
- While free agent arms like James Shields, Jon Lester, and Max Scherzer currently dominate the headlines in Boston, perhaps the best fit for the team is on another roster. Phillies left hander Cole Hamels fits Boston’s strict financial requirements, and will come at a cost that the Sox can afford. (Why Cole Hamels is the best fit for the Red Sox)
- Former Red Sox ace Josh Beckett called it a career after the Los Angeles Dodgers were eliminated from World Series contention on Tuesday night. In time with the Marlins, Red Sox, and Dodgers the right-hander accumulated a 138-106 record, with a career ERA of 3.88. The 34 year old collected 2 World Series rings in his 14 major league seasons, and also won the 2007 ALCS MVP award. (Former Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett to retire)
- As fans, we frequently find ourselves complaining about an umpires strike zone through out the course of the season. Sometimes, the beef with the home plate ump is warranted, but often times it’s just a matter of a close call. This postseason, however, has seen some exceptionally inconsistent home plate umpiring, and the heat maps to back it up. (The strike zone has been consistently inconsistent in the MLB playoffs)
- Tweet of the day: Ditto
Go winner of the ALCS
— Matt Collins (@MattRyCollins) October 8, 2014