We took the first couple of rounds of the MLB Postseason off from GameChats, but decided we’d open up the chat window in case anyone is interested in hanging out during the World Series.
MLB prefers that teams not make any major announcements during the World Series, but I guess roster moves by teams that were eliminated from the Postseason pretty much by the end of April are OK because the Twins made such an announcement today. They outrighted Esmerling Vasquez, P.J. Walters, Kyle Waldrop, Jeff Manship, Luis Perdomo and Matt Carson, removing them from their 40-man roster. In addition, Carlos Gutierrez (a 2008 first-round draft pick) was claimed on waivers by the Cubs.
In addition, the Twins announced they had elected not to exercise their $6 million option for Matt Capps’ services in 2013, instead paying him a $250,000 buy-out. Not exactly shocking news, but I also wouldn’t be shocked if the Twins at least talk to Capps’ agent about an invitation to Spring Training at a far lower price tag. Speaking of underperforming pitchers, Nick Blackburn reportedly will be getting his throwing elbow examined and could be looking at arthroscopic surgery on the elbow for the second time in three years.
Finally, former Twins catcher Mike “Naked Batting Practice” Redmond is being mentioned as a possible candidate to replace Ozzie Guillen as manager of the Miami Marlins. The Marlins have reportedly requested permission from the Blue Jays to discuss their opening with Redmond, who’s been managing the past couple of years at the Class A level (Lansing in 2011 and Dunedin in 2012) for Toronto. I’m not sure Redmond is qualified to manage at the Big League level yet, but perhaps the most important qualification the Marlins are looking for in a new manager is, “not anything like Ozzie Guillen,” and if that’s the case, NBP certainly qualifies. Redmond was a member of the 2003 Marlins World Series Champions.
Now on with Game 1 of the World Series… I wonder if Justin Verlander is excited to have Delmon Young playing left field behind him tonight.
| TIGERS |
@ |
GIANTS |
| Jackson, A, CF | Pagan, CF | |
| Infante, 2B | Scutaro, 2B | |
| Cabrera, Mi, 3B | Sandoval, P, 3B | |
| Fielder, 1B | Posey, C | |
| Young, D, LF | Pence, RF | |
| Peralta, Jh, SS | Belt, 1B | |
| Garcia, A, RF | Blanco, LF | |
| Avila, C | Crawford, SS | |
| _ Verlander, P | _ Zito, P |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
| Detroit | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 0 |
| San Francisco | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | x | 8 | 11 | 0 |
Well that didn’t exactly go the way most people thought it would. Justin Verlander was human. Barry Zito was very effective. Tim Lincecum was perfect in relief. And Pablo Sandoval was unfrigginbelievable. 3 home runs in his first three plate appearances, 2 of them off of Verlander.
The Tigers suddenly are facing a pretty important Game 2 on the road.