Baseball hit a pause over the weekend, as the San Francisco Giants and Kansas City Royals prepared for game one of the World Series, set to take place on Tuesday night. While this week’s meeting against the two teams will mark their first time together as World Series foes, they aren’t exactly strangers on the baseball diamond. Although we didn’t know it at the time, Kansas City and San Fran played a World Series primer in August during the regular season. The Royals swept the Giants in three games at Kauffman Stadium, winning each game by at least three runs. Despite the sweep, Giants ace Madison Bumgarner managed to toss an 8 inning, 4 run contest, while Tim Hudson allowed just three runs in 6 innings of work. The Royals arms held the Giants bats in check over the three games, a managed to limit San Francisco to six runs over the entire series. Of course, these three regular season games hardly hold any barring on the outcome of the World Series, but the white-hot Kansas City Royals have destiny and momentum on their side. Conversely, the Giants have the talent and playoff pedigree on the roster to make for a hard fought series.
- The Red Sox officially hired former big leaguer Chili Davis as their hitting coach over the weekend. Davis beat out notable candidates like former Red Sox third baseman Bill Mueller, and ex-catcher Rich Gedman. For the past three seasons Davis has been the hitting coach for the Oakland Athletics, before that he spent time on the Pawtucket Red Sox coaching staff. (Source: Red Sox hire Chili Davis to become hitting coach)
- The playoffs can made cities do crazy things. I mean, how many times have Boston fans seen Boston beers get “banned” from bars in the opposing team’s city during a playoff/championship series? So it shouldn’t come as a shock that multiple radio stations in San Francisco have put a temporary ban on a popular radio hit. (San Francisco radio stations ban Lorde hit ‘Royals’ until World Series concludes)
- It’s hard to believe that the Giants have made it this far in the playoffs, and still have yet to use a two time NL Cy Young award winner. Now pitching out of the bullpen, Lincecum hasn’t thrown a pitch since late September, but has been keeping up with his normal routine for when his moment comes this October. Giants manager Bruce Bochy hinted that the right-hander will see action in the World Series later this week. (Tim Lincecum waits his turn, still yet to pitch)
- After being summoned from triple-A Pawtucket last season, Christian Vazquez was quick to display polished defensive skills and a promising approach at the plate. Although he’s not yet a finished product at the major league level, the catcher’s brief major league stint garnered high praise from one of the games all time greatest backstops. (Christian Vazquez’ defense, demeanor bode well for his Red Sox future)
- Although the memory is still fresh in the minds of Red Sox’ fans, the historic 2004 comeback against the New York Yankees marked its 10 year anniversary over the weekend. From Robert’s ninth inning steal of second, to David Ortiz’ back-to-back walk-offs, to Schilling’s bloody sock in New York, the curse breaking squad left a lasting impression on one of sports’ most passionate fan bases. (Roberts’ steal set amazing 2004 playoff run in motion)
- Tweet of the day: Probably the only one who truly believed, despite facing a 0-3 deficit.
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