Wednesday bantering

Yesterday we saw the start of the World Series in a cold and unwelcoming Fenwhay Pahk. The Farrelling Red Sox downed the Dodgers by 8-4 in a game where neither Sale nor Kershaw were especially effective.

While at one point it was only 5-4 to the Sox, truth be told the Dodgers were playing catch up all night long, despite good efforts from Turner and Machado. Eduardo Nunez’s pinch hit 3 run homer was the difference in the end but the Dodgers could have conceded more; thankfully though, Yasmani Grandal wasn’t catching until the 7th....

I’m hoping the Dodgers take Game 2 otherwise it could be a long series for them.

And while the Red Sox v Dodgers match up isn’t a favourite for all of us, here is something that will help. Your guide to getting excited about this World Series.

Yesterday Tom mentioned it was 25 years ago that Joe Carter made history.

While for many of us it is the defining moment of Jays history, some argue its not even the most important post season homer. Even the players of 92 and 93 argue about what is.

In minor league news, the Vancouver Canadians have signed on with Sportsnet 650 and as part of the agreement, the C’s will have six games broadcast on Sportsnet Pacific television this coming season. Great news for those in BC and Yukon.

Full information on the deal here.

In the Arizona Fall League, good things keep happening for Vladimir Guerrero Jr, despite the Saguaros losing 7-5 to the River Rafters. Vladdy hit a 107.1 mph RBI double and later plated a run on a 109.5 mph groundout to shortstop as he finished 1-for-4 with two RBIs. He is hitting a paltry .459

In addition, Cavan Biggio had a pair of doubles and walked in his four trips to the plate.

Nate Pearson’s struggles continue as despite his 100 mph fastball, he had more issues with his command. He allowed three earned runs on four hits and three walks in three innings with three strikeouts. His ERA is now 12.27.

The Twins are close to appointing a successor to Paul Moilitor. Current Twins bench coach Derek Shelton, Cubs bench coach Brandon Hyde and Rocco Baldelli are the three finalists. Rumours abound that recently retired catcher David Ross might be a surprise finalist too.

The Mets are also down to 3 finalists for their GM opening: Rays senior vice president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom, former Brewers/Rangers general manager Doug Melvin, and agent Brodie Van Wagenen, the head of CAA Baseball.

The latter is a very unusual option as Van Wagenen has no prior experience as an executive with a Major League club. However, as an agent he has directly represented numerous Mets players including Yoenis Cespedes and Jacob deGrom. That sounds like a recipe for disaster with regard to future player relations...but the Mets are use to disasters (cough Jose Reyes cough).