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- The Tigers won 3-0 last night, advancing to the ALCS for the third consecutive year. There were those around these parts ready to write off Justin Verlander this season, but it seems reports of his death have been greatly exaggerated, as he struck out 10 in 8 shutout innings, making him only the second pitcher in baseball history to strikeout 10 while allowing 0 runs twice in the same postseason series (Sandy Koufax in the 1965 World Series being the other). Verlander also has 30 straight scoreless postseason innings against Oakland, dating to last year.
- With the Indians in need of a bit more power in their lineup, is Todd Avocado the answer?
- Potentially bad news via Indians Baseball Insiders' Tony Lastoria:
Naquin just got hurt sliding for a ball near the CF fence. Not getting up. Trainers out to see him.
- Tony Lastoria (@TonyIBI) October 11, 2013
A couple minutes later:
Naquin is up and walking off on his own power but is coming out of the game.
- Tony Lastoria (@TonyIBI) October 11, 2013
Tyler Naquin is the top Indians prospect playing in the Arizona Fall League, so it would be disappointing if he were to miss any time.
- Ever wanted to be a baseball scout? Ben Lindbergh is in class right now, and will tell you all about it. I'm bummed to find out you have to be sponsored by an MLB team in order to attend. Maybe I can get Chris Antonetti to send me in 2014.
- Rany Jazayerli previews the NLCS for Grantland: The evenly matched Dodgers and Cardinals face off
- Baltimore's young star, Manny Machado will undergo surgery on his knee, followed by 4-6 months of rehab, which puts his expected return date right around Opening Day.
- Bob Burns, a Blackfoot Indian and the father-in-law of ESPN writer Rick Reilly says Reilly misquoted him on the topic of whether or not he finds the term "Redskins" personally offensive, and that Reilly has refused to set the record straight. Instead, Burns set it straight himself. As I understand it, intentionally misquoting a source, especially as egregiously as Reilly seems to have, is a fireable offense at many media outlets. Instead, I assume Reilly will just continue to be paid millions of dollars to turn out drivel.
- In related news, the Washington Redskins have announced they will change their name.